Watch above: After receiving too many reptiles, the Edmonton Humane Society has been forced to close its doors temporarily to owner-surrendered reptiles. Kendra Slugoski reports.
EDMONTON – After more reptiles than usual have turned up at the shelter, the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) closed its doors to owner-surrendered reptiles on Thursday.
“Reptiles require specialized knowledge and care and are not for everyone,” said Anthea Smith, the EHS’ acting director of animal health.
“For this reason, they come into our care and are sometimes difficult to adopt out.”
Snakes also have unique diets and can live up to 20 years, which can make them challenging pets.
But, the shelter is hoping there are some warm hearts out there looking to provide a forever home for some cold-blooded pets.
“Reptiles are so interesting. They’re fascinating and they’re kind of a different switch than a fluffy kitten or a puppy. And they don’t take a lot of requirements to take care of, you just have to do a little research,” said Chantel Noordhof with the EHS.
“They don’t ask for much. They just ask for a little attention, just to be fed, make sure they have fresh water. Normally they don’t bug you for much.”
The EHS is also urging families who are considering a pet to think of adopting one so that additional space can be freed up for other homeless, abused, and/or neglected animals waiting to be admitted.
Click here to watch a special preview from Global Edmonton reporter Kendra Slugoski.
The shelter is also still temporarily not accepting owner-surrendered cats.
However, the EHS never closes its doors to stray animals brought in from outside Edmonton.
Currently, there are about 400 cats, nine reptiles, five snakes, one leopard gecko, and one emerald swift lizard at the shelter.
Staff explain that reptiles take up a lot of space and all their heat lamps keep blowing the breakers.
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