How to adopt a reptile
or exotic pet
Did you know you can adopt rescue reptiles and other exotic pets? This guide explains how our adoption process for snakes, lizards, bearded dragons and other reptiles works, what specialist care to prepare for, and how we match animals with suitable homes.
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Reptile and exotic pet adoption process
Find a rescue reptile or exotic pet
Use our Find a Pet search to browse reptiles and exotic pets looking for homes. Whether you’re hoping to rehome a snake, lizard or gecko, you can filter by location and species to find the right match.
Each profile explains the animal’s background, needs and ideal home. Taking time to read each one carefully will help you decide who would best suit your lifestyle.
Apply to rehome a reptile
Once you’ve found an animal you’d like to adopt, complete our online application form.
This helps our teams understand your experience and home setup. Reptiles and exotic pets often have specialist needs, so we’ll look carefully at whether the species you’ve chosen fits your home and routine.
If your first choice isn’t quite right, we’ll help you explore other options.
Meet and get to know each other
If your application is suitable, our team may invite you to meet the animal at the centre or talk through their needs in more detail.
This is your opportunity to understand their behaviour and any specialist care requirements. Depending on the species, we may also want to discuss your existing setup before moving to the next step.
Prepare your home
Before you rehome a reptile, it’s important to prepare the right environment.
Our teams can advise on enclosure size, temperature, lighting, humidity, diet and enrichment. This is a key part of the process, as many reptiles need very specific conditions to stay healthy. For example, if you’re looking to rehome a snake, you’ll need a secure enclosure and confidence with handling, whereas if you’re rehoming a lizard or gecko, their needs may be quite different, with specific habitat requirements.
Taking time to prepare the setup properly helps the animal settle in safely and comfortably.
Complete the adoption
Once everything is agreed, we’ll guide you through the final paperwork and adoption fee.
Your reptile or exotic pet will be health checked and prepared for rehoming, according to their needs. You’ll receive advice on housing, feeding and ongoing care, and our teams can offer support and guidance after adoption if you need it.
Find a pet
Meet our rescue reptiles
Before you apply
What we need from you
Reptiles and exotic pets can have very specialist care needs, so it’s important to think carefully about whether your home and routine can support them. We’ll consider your experience, your planned setup and the species you’re interested in.
Some reptiles live for many years and need controlled environments, specialist heating and lighting, and species-specific diets. Adoption is a long-term commitment.
Before you apply to rehome a reptile or exotic pet, we ask that you:
- Are aged 18 or over
- Have permission from your landlord if you rent
- Can provide a safe and suitable enclosure
- Can meet the animal’s needs for heat, light, humidity and diet
- Are willing to learn about the species’ specific welfare needs
- Understand the long-term commitment involved in caring for them
If the animal you apply for isn’t the right match, we’ll help you explore others who may suit you better.
Reptile and exotic pet adoption fees
If you’re wondering how much it costs to rescue a snake, lizard, dragon or terrapin from the RSPCA, adoption fees vary by centre and by species. The fee helps cover the cost of preparing each animal for rehoming and supporting their care while they’re with us.
Adoption fees also help support our rescue work and allow us to help more animals in need.
Your fee contributes towards:
Health checks
Veterinary treatment where needed
Ongoing care while the animal is with us
Preparation for rehoming
Specialist husbandry support where appropriate
Frequently asked questions
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Possibly. Some species may be more suitable than others for first-time owners, but reptiles and exotics often have specialist needs. We’ll help you understand what’s involved and whether the animal is a good fit for your experience and setup.
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Usually no, but it depends on the species. Most common pet reptiles don’t require a licence, but some exotic animals may be subject to specific legal requirements. We’ll advise you if there are any restrictions for the animal you’re interested in.
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Sometimes, but not always. Housing reptiles together depends on the species, enclosure size and individual temperaments. Some reptiles should be kept alone. Our teams will explain what’s appropriate for the animal you’re interested in.
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You don’t always need a finished setup before applying, but you should be prepared to show how you’ll meet the animal’s needs before adoption is completed.
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Yes. Our teams can explain the essentials, including environment, feeding and handling, so you understand what the animal needs before bringing them home.
