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Association of Protecting Exotic Species CIC
Association of Protecting Exotic Species CIC
Shelter & Rescue, Pet Shop, Pet Care Clinic & more.
Our Mission | APES CIC – Protecting Exotic Pets in the UK

Rescue • Rehabilitate • Rehome

When an exotic pet has nowhere else to turn, we act fast—then provide the specialist care and thoughtful rehoming every animal deserves.

Rescue

We respond when exotic pets are abandoned, at risk or in distress, bringing animals to safety with trained volunteers and appropriate transport.

Rehabilitate

We deliver species‑appropriate housing, nutrition and veterinary care to help animals recover and thrive in calm, enriched environments.

Rehome

We match animals with responsible, educated adopters who pass care knowledge checks and home assessments—plus we provide aftercare.

See Animals for Adoption

Support for Owners—Prevent Surrender

Many challenges come from gaps in information, not lack of love. We help owners succeed before small issues become crises.

  • One‑to‑one advice (phone / email / chat)
  • Care sheets & webinars
  • Home‑setup checklists
  • Behaviour & enrichment tips
  • Signposting to low‑cost veterinary support

Request Support   Download Care Sheets

Advisor helping an owner adjust heat and humidity in a vivarium

The Need—Facts at a Glance

~16,000
calls about exotic pets in distress to UK hotlines in a typical year
4,000+
exotic animals rescued annually by national officers
~1.8m
reptiles / amphibians / invertebrates kept as pets in UK homes
+24%
sector‑wide rise in pets relinquished during recent economic pressures

Numbers fluctuate each year; what doesn’t change is our commitment to be there when animals and owners need us most.

Why Your Donation Matters

Impact & Outcomes

Your support turns compassion into measurable change.

Animals helped this year

312

Owner support cases resolved

547

Education sessions delivered

38

Adoption success rate at 6 months: 94%

Read Our Latest Impact Update

How You Can Help

Donate

Fund rescues, vet care, housing and education.

Donate

Adopt

Give a rehabilitated animal a responsible home.

Adopt
Coming Soon

Foster

Provide temporary care during recovery.

Coming Soon

Volunteer

Join our welfare, education or fundraising teams.

Volunteer
Coming Soon

Fundraise

Create a birthday fundraiser or challenge.

Coming Soon
Coming Soon

Partner

Schools, vets, and businesses welcome.

Coming Soon
Rehabilitated bearded dragon in an enriched enclosure

Bearded Dragon • From Abandoned to Thriving

Found cold and underweight, this bearded dragon recovered with specialist care and now thrives in a knowledgeable home.
Corn snake being gently handled by its owner

Corn Snake • Small Changes, Big Difference

With simple heating adjustments and diet advice, a struggling owner kept their corn snake—and avoided surrender.

FAQs

Do you accept every species?
We prioritise species we can care for safely and lawfully. Some invasive species cannot be rehomed by rescues; we’ll advise case‑by‑case.
Can you help me keep my pet?
Yes—contact us for advice. Prevention is a key part of our mission.
How do you screen adopters?
Home checks, care knowledge verification and ongoing support. We aim for the best possible welfare outcomes.
Where do donations go?
Directly to animal care, rescue logistics, owner support and education. We are volunteer‑run.
Are donations tax‑efficient?
If eligible, please add Gift Aid at checkout.