Part of the PHS mission is to help lost reptiles! Here is what you can do if you find a reptile on the loose!
1. Get the reptile to a safe place.
If the reptile is an animal you would feel comfortable touching (i.e. a tortoise, turtle, bearded dragon, etc.) and it is in the road or any other place where it could get injured, move it out of that area. Proceed with caution with an animal you do not know, however, because anything with a mouth could bite.
2. Ask around your neighborhood.
Go up to the houses around the area where you found that reptile and ask if anyone is missing their pet. It is best to do this the same day that you find the reptile.
If you have access to Nextdoor or any other neighborhood communication app, make a post on there and see if anyone comes forward.
3. Put up found pet flyers.
If no one can identify the pet when you ask around the neighborhood, make a flyer that includes a picture of the reptile, any identifying information about that pet, and your contact information. Place them around your neighborhood in a wider area and see if anyone comes forward within the next couple of days.
If the Lost Reptile is injured:
- See if you can find its owner as quickly as possible.
- If you cannot find its owner, contact an emergency vet and see if they can take care of the lost animal.
PHS cannot take in severely injured animals. We do not have an on-site veterinarian to provide them with the immediate care that they need.
Please click on the link below to view the Exotic Animal Veterinarian resources available to you:
Exotic Animal Veterinarian Resources
*If you are in possession of a lost reptile, and are unable to provide it the care you would like to give it, please contact the PHS Keepers at (480) 825-2705 to schedule a date and time to bring out the found reptile to PHS (bringing a found reptile to PHS will be dependent on its species and available space at the sanctuary).
