Help & Advice Frequently Asked Questions Non native species and pets FAQ Answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about non native species and pets. Jump to... I have found a terrapin in my local waterway. What do I do? The RSPCA have asked me to contact you about the amphibian/reptile I have found in my garden/home/workplace. Can you identify it for me and/or collect? I would like to rehome my pet reptile/amphibian. Can you help? My pet reptile/amphibian is unwell. Can you give me some advice? Do you give husbandry advice for keeping pet/exotic species? I have just returned from an overseas holiday and found a creature in my luggage. What do I do? I have found a terrapin in my local waterway. What do I do? Terrapins are a non-native species in the UK. You can find information on what to do if you find a terrapin on the relevant Government website. England & Wales Scotland Ireland Please report sightings. National and international strategies dealing with non-native species rely on, amongst other options, detection and surveillance. We recommend entering these on our record pool and also Turtle Tally Back to top The RSPCA have asked me to contact you about the amphibian/reptile I have found in my garden/home/workplace. Can you identify it for me and/or collect? Amphibian and Reptile Conservation works with native amphibians and reptiles only. If it is one of our native amphibians or reptiles we will be able to identify it and advise accordingly. Please also check our reptile and amphibian species profile galleries and the Snakes in Gardens section. ARC does not have the capacity to provide a collection or removal service. We would always ask that before you call upon the resources of other organisations to collect an exotic species, you should ask around your neighbourhood to find out if there is a concerned owner missing their pet so that they can be reunited. Throughout the Trust, we have varying levels of knowledge on exotic or pet species and as such, we are not always able to identify the exact species of your visitor. A photograph or detailed description is necessary in order to give appropriate advice. You may find our non-native snakes gallery containing the most commonly kept species of snake useful. If you have been referred to us from the RSPCA emergency line to obtain an identification, and your visitor is a pet species, you should then call them back with your reference number to arrange a collection. We do understand that RSPCA resources can be very stretched and a response doesn’t always happen quickly. You may also contact Chris Newman of the Federation of British Herpetologists on the numbers below. Chris will liaise with the nearest retailer or private keeper with serious experience of reptiles and amphibians to investigate and if appropriate remove the animal. Landline: 023 8044 0999 Mobile: 07897 692060 IMPORTANT NOTE: Please do NOT contact Chris if you are a keeper yourself and are trying to rehome surplus or unwanted animals. Back to top I would like to rehome my pet reptile/amphibian. Can you help? Amphibian and Reptile Conservation works with native herpetofauna only. The Trust is not set up to accommodate or rehome any pet species of amphibian or reptile. If you find yourself in a position that means you are no longer able to care for your pet and would like to find a suitable and caring home, we recommend that you get in touch with one of the organisations below Federation of British Herpetologists National Centre for Reptile Welfare Please bear in mind that the National Centre for Reptile Welfare and Federation of British Herpetologists rely on volunteers. You may wish to consider donating to contribute toward their expenses when re-homing your pet. Back to top My pet reptile/amphibian is unwell. Can you give me some advice? Amphibian and Reptile Conservation is unable to give veterinary advice if your pet becomes unwell. You should contact your local veterinary practice. If they are unable to provide care for your exotic pet, they should be able to recommend a practice that does. Alternatively, you could ask the shop where you bought your pet from. Back to top Do you give husbandry advice for keeping pet/exotic species? Amphibian and Reptile Conservation works with native species only and is unable to provide husbandry advice for pet keepers. We recommend that you use the following links to find the appropriate care sheets and information for your pet Tortoises, Turtles and Terrapins Salamanders & Axolotls Reptiles Reptiles & Amphibians (See the Caresheets tab) Back to top I have just returned from an overseas holiday and found a creature in my luggage. What do I do? From time to time, ARC is contacted by people returning from holiday to find a little stowaway in their suitcase. It is important to keep the animal contained until an identification is sought. If it is safe and easy to do so, you may transfer it to an escape proof container with air holes. A small lizard once escaped can prove impossible to relocate! If this isn’t possible, keep the suitcase or bag zipped up until you find the correct help. See our Stowaways page for more information. Back to top Manage Cookie Preferences