LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Many families across the Las Vegas Valley have surrendered or abandoned their pets in these tough economic times, and since the pandemic, the Animal Foundation has tackled a rise in the intake of exotic pets.
“It’s kind of a microcosm of the same reasons that we see other animals come into the shelter: somebody gets evicted from their apartment, and maybe they have a tank of tropical fish. Those fish end up coming here. That’s how we get stray fish,” said CEO Hilarie Grey, who notes that many families having to move cannot afford the pet fees attached to rising rent.
A tarantula named “Crawlina” was featured on Instagram, recently; FOX5 learned from the City of Las Vegas that her family was evicted, and had left several tarantulas and fish behind in their apartment.
The animals range from your typical pet store variety small mammals, from rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets, farm animals from chickens, ducks to pigs, and more atypical fare such as peacocks.
Reptiles such as tegus, iguanas, turtles, tortoises and even rattlesnakes end up at the Animal Foundation, trafficked in the illegal reptile trade. In 2021, Metro Police busted a man selling turtles on the Las Vegas Strip, and 80 of them ended up in the Animal Foundation and were eventually adopted.
Other times, families have good intentions adopting an animal, but end up with a large problem, especially if the animal outgrows a home.
“People buy baby pot-bellied pigs, because they’re very small, and they think that they’re going to stay that small. Then they become very large, and you actually have to be zoned for that kind of animal,” Grey said.
Many of these exotic animals are far less maintenance than a dog or cat, and specialists can walk families through the various specimens up for adoption and teach them what’s needed for daily care.
“They can be your best friend. They’re handleable. They’re personable, and they all have their own quirks. It’s wonderful to work with a variety of different species, and I think it’s important for people to give themselves and their families that kind of exposure,” said CJ Sacks, holding a turtle that is up for adoption.
“All these animals deserve loving homes. They all deserve safe, high standard care,” Sacks said.
The Animal Foundation is always looking for donations for exotic pets, and is in need of aquariums, terrariums, and other supplies.
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