Once in awhile a family is unable to keep their pet due to unforeseen circumstances, other times an animal has come from a bad situation and just needs a loving forever home. Whatever the situation, we at the Madison Area Herpetological Society are here to help. Our love for reptiles and amphibians goes far beyond just love of our own animals, but to also help these animals find a happy home.
If you are unable to keep your pet and would like to reach out to us regarding relinquishments, please fill out the RELINQUISMENT FORM and email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. There is a $30 relinquishment fee PER ANIMAL, or otherwise determined on a case by case basis, that will be collected at the time of relinquishment. We will work with you to schedule a time to drop the animal off with us.
If you are interested in adopting an animal, let us know. You do not NEED to be a member of MAHS to adopt an animal, although it is highly recommended as members will be considered first. This gives you access to continued knowledge and a resource to ask anything you need to best take care of your new pet. Members in good standing, however, will get preference in adoptions if multiple people apply. The first thing you need to do if you want to adopt an animal is fill out an adoption application, which can be found here MAHS Adoption Application and email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to be approved as an adopter.
Our animals available for adoption can be found on our facebook page here: Adoptable Animals
Unfortunately, due to space, husbandry, and longevity aspects of caring for these species, we are not able to accept iguanas, sliders, or other aquatic turtles, although there always may be exceptions. Other large snakes, lizards, or tortoises may also oftentimes be difficult for us to accept depending on foster, enclosure, and/or space availability. If you have one of these animals in need of relinquishment, we will do our best to point you in a direction that can help! We can often connect you with our membership and other organizations and individuals we work with that may be able to take in your pet. If we do not have a contact with another rescue, we will utilize our presence on social media!
Friends of Scales Reptile Rescue
We also partner with one of the best reptile rescues in the United States, Friends of Scales Reptile Rescue. You can find their website >HERE< and their Facebook page >HERE<. If they have an animal you’d like to adopt, you can find their adoption form on their website and fill it out. They will contact you to follow up. Animals can be brought to the MAHS Monthly Meetings for pick up.
