Adoptions

MHS Adoption Program

The MHS Adoption program was started in 1982 when the Minnesota Zoo agreed to use the society as a referral agent for unwanted amphibians and reptiles. Our goal is to place these animals with experienced MHS members. The first year, twenty-five animals found new homes. The first Iguana appeared in October 1983; the second in April of 1985. Our largest number received in a month was eighty-two in the summer of 2002. In 2002, 275 animals were placed.

MHS accepts unwanted reptiles or amphibians of any kind or in any condition. We charge $25 for some of the more difficult to place animals such as Iguanas, Burmese pythons, Crocodilians, Red-Eared Sliders etc. Smaller and easier to place species are taken at no charge.

MHS will guarantee one of two things. Either we will find a good home (that means someone who has the backing of the society, the proper caging, equipment and knowledge), or the animal may be humanely euthanized. Due to the volume of animals we receive, we cannot guarantee placement. However, few animals have ever been euthanized and only Iguanas have been put down due to lack of space.

Intake Procedure

We receive animals only one day a month except in emergencies which are dealt with on a case by case basis. If you have such an emergency, feel free to contact the Adoption Chair in advance. Our regular intake day is the Thursday preceding the meeting date (see dates below).

Animals should be placed in a container where they can remain safe and secure for 24 hours (a cardboard box, plastic bin or laundry bag will work, depending on the size and type of animal) and delivered to the Adoption Chair between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. in NE Minneapolis.

Contact the Adoption Chair for directions and address on the intake day only (unless a prearranged date has been set).

After animals are dropped off, they are held until the next day in a temperature controlled room and brought to the MHS meeting. If any animal is not adopted, we have some temporary foster care available.

When animals are surrendered, a release is signed, and the owner forfeits all rights regarding the animals and all future information including placement is privileged and remains confidential.

Please mention if you have supplies or caging to donate, as well.

If you understand these procedures, there is no need to contact the Adoption Chair before the intake day.

Adoption Chair Contact Information
Sarah Richard, Adoption Chair
Email realsarah@aol.com
612-781-9544

Please refer also to the MHS Adoption Policy.

2008 Intake Dates
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008

Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)

Click here to read the Adoption Policy

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