Care guides

Know the animal before you meet the animal.

Each guide is written by rescue volunteers who see what goes wrong. Read the one for your species before you apply — the rescue will ask.

• Small mammalsRabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats — small bodies, surprisingly big needs.Beginner to intermediate
• ReptilesTortoises, lizards, snakes — get the heat and humidity right or nothing else matters.Beginner to advanced
• AmphibiansFrogs, toads, axolotls — permeable skin, picky parameters, a hands-off pet.Intermediate to advanced
• BirdsParrots, finches, canaries — intelligent, vocal, and often longer-lived than you think.Beginner to intermediate
• Exotics & othersHedgehogs, sugar gliders, and other unusuals — research the species before the application.Advanced care