Since 2010, ISAN has worked with western state governments and independent pet stores to publicize options for pet owners who are no longer able or willing to care for their exotic pets. If you are looking for options now, please visit our Don’t Let It Loose website to locate the help you need.

Why releasing a pet into the wild is never the right thing

Most pets released to the wild do not survive, and many suffer before they die. Pets are usually unable to find food or shelter in the wild and they are often an easy meal for another creature. If it does manage to survive, your pet becomes an invasive species that native wildlife may not have the defenses to compete against. Invasive species cause harm to the environment and the economy.

Don’tLetitLoose.com

What to do if you can no longer care for a pet

It’s simple. If you have a pet you can no longer care for, you need to find it a new home – and never, ever, release your pet to the wild. If you are not able to place your pet with another caring owner, your best course is to contact an animal shelter, agency or even a pet store near you. The knowledgeable personnel in these places can help you find the right place for your pet. Use the resources on Don’t Let It Loose to locate the help you need!

Webinar: Lessons Learned on Pet Rehoming Efforts in the US

Other Outreach Resources:

Forest Pest Program

Forest Pest Program

Invasive pest insects are a significant threat to our urban and wild forests. Spongy moths, Asian long-horned beetles, murder hornets, spotted lanternflies and many other species have the potential to devastate our plant and natural resources. Just one species, the...

read more
Non-Motorized Boater Outreach

Non-Motorized Boater Outreach

The non-motorized boater outreach project seeks to engage non-motorized boaters through a combination of mass market outreach and one-on-one interactions with boaters. ISAN focuses on several regions to tackle this work: the Greater Yellowstone Area, the Grand Canyon,...

read more
Boot Cleaning Stations

Boot Cleaning Stations

The Invasive Species Action Network has designed boot cleaning stations that are an easy way to encourage cleaning and get the cleaning job done. There are two different designs of cleaning stations - a tub-style and hose style - which can be incorporated into fly...

read more

Are you ready to help prevent the spread of invasive species?

Take the Pledge!

Invasive Species Prevention Pledge

14 + 9 =

Invasive species pose one of the greatest threats to biodiversity today, but preventing their spread is easy. This pledge provides the on-ramp for people everywhere to be part of the solution in preventing the spread of invasive species.

- Leah Elwell, Fmr. Executive Director