Resources
If you can no longer care for a pet, these resources will help you find a place for it.
If you’d like to learn more about how pets can become invasive species, click on the additional resources below to learn more about the importance of keeping exotic species out of the wild.
FAQs
Answers to your most commonly asked questions about pets becoming invasive species.
Can pets really be invasive species?
Some pets when released into the wild can become invasive species. So, if the conditions are right, pets like goldfish, some reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates like snails or crayfish can become invasive species. If someone is dumping an aquarium, then everything in the aquarium goes. It’s not just the fish, but the snails, water plants, and anything else in the tank. All this stuff has the potential to become an invasive species.
What does it mean to be an invasive species?
There are legal and scientific definitions to describe invasive species, but the key ideas here are that non-native species (plants, animals or microscopic creatures) get introduced to a new area (or habitat), become established (aka happy and healthy), and cause harm to either the habitat, harm to other native creatures, or harm to human health.
How do invasive species harm habitat?
When an invasive species does things like burrowing into banks of a river and causing them to collapse, growing so thick that no other species can live there, or changing the water chemistry of a pond, then these things can change the habitat.
What does it mean for an invasive species to harm native species?
When an invasive species takes available food, prime habitat or literally eats anything it can get in its mouth, these vital changes can affect native species survival.
It is awfully cold here, can a released pet actually become an invasive species?
Many states have identified different species that are of concern and have restricted their sale, possession and sometimes transport. Check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency to find out what species are regulated and how they are being regulated. Chances are many of these species are on this list for their potential to harm.
How can I keep track of invasive species?
Many states have identified different species that are of concern and have restricted their sale, possession and sometimes transport. Check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency to find out what species are regulated and how they are being regulated. Chances are many of these species are on this list for their potential to harm.
The Invasive Species Action Network (ISAN) is dedicated to reducing the human-caused spread of invasive species.
We provide solutions to invasive species problems by working with the public, private industry and government entities. With your help and support, together we can make a real difference, we believe we can stop the spread of invasive species.
Bullfrogs sure are bad invasive species! Learn about what they sound like, what they look like, and why you should keep your eye out for them. And if you’ve got a bullfrog, learn why you don’t let it loose. Thanks for watching!
HabitattitudeTM seeks to inspire and empower people to explore the connection between responsible pet ownership and environmental stewardship. Visit their website for information broken down by interest: aquarium fish, reptiles, amphibians, even water gardening