CONSIDERING ADOPTING A REPTILE OR AMPHIBIAN?
Looking to help out a rescued reptile in need? SDHS receives many different reptiles available for adoption every month.
Before you head out to buy a brand new pet, we get an assortment of lizards, snakes, and other reptiles in from people who can no longer care for them. Our species list can vary, but at this time we do have a number of ball pythons, corn snakes, bearded dragons and leopard geckos looking for a new caring owner. If you or anyone you may know is looking for a new reptile pet, please consider a rescue animal.
To begin please complete this questionnaire so we can add you to our system and get to know more about your experience and herp interests: Adoption Interest Questionnaire
For more information on available animals please leave a message at 619-760-0578 or email us at adoptions@sdherpsociety.org. A team member will get back to you as soon as we are able to help make arrangements.
*Please note we do make sure new owners are prepared to properly care for any animal they are considering. Please do your “homework” and have the proper setup and husbandry preparation ready for the species you are interested in.
Prior to picking up the animal, please download and print this adoption form. Fill out the first page and bring it with you when you pick up the animal.
We are also always looking for foster homes as well! If you have space available and the appropriate care & setup we are always grateful to have help and assistance for housing our rescue animals, you can complete this Foster Interest Form or email us at adoptions@sdherpsociety.org.
We receive no monies from government agencies or grants to pay for the cost of housing, feeding and medical treatment of the animals we take in. Many animals arrive in dire need of medical care. Please consider sponsoring a species with a recurring monthly donation by clicking on the Donation link below. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
SDHS ADOPTION SUCCESS STORIES
Adoption Win: Mango
Species: Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)
Rescued From: Owner surrender due to relocation
Adopted: November 2025
Their Story
Mango came to SDHS after her previous owner had to move unexpectedly and could not bring her along. When she arrived, she was slightly underweight and living in an enclosure without proper UVB lighting. Our rescue team evaluated her health, adjusted her diet, and ensured she had appropriate lighting and supplementation while she was in foster care. Within a few weeks, Mango showed strong appetite improvement and brighter coloration.
Life Now
Today, Mango is thriving in her new home with a spacious enclosure, proper heat gradient, and daily enrichment. Her adopter reports that she enjoys basking in the mornings and has become very interactive, often glass surfing when she sees familiar faces. She is maintaining a healthy weight and has developed a calm, curious temperament.
From the Adopter
“Adopting Mango through SDHS was such a positive experience. The team made sure we understood proper lighting, diet, and supplementation before bringing her home. She has quickly become part of our family, and we’re so grateful for the guidance and support we received.”
SDHS Impact
Mango’s story is one of many successful reptile adoptions made possible through the San Diego Herpetological Society’s rescue and education efforts. By supporting responsible husbandry and carefully matching animals with prepared adopters, SDHS helps ensure reptiles receive safe, knowledgeable, and long-term homes.