Rescues and wildlife

For animals that are not yours.

Use rescue services for stray, escaped, abandoned or unwanted exotic animals, uninvited reptiles or inverts, wildlife cases and public-sector animal welfare concerns.

Request rescue support Owner surrender Dog or cat help page

Stay safe

If there is immediate danger, injury or public safety risk, contact the appropriate emergency service first.

Record location

Share the exact location, access notes, and whether the animal is contained or loose.

Take photos safely

Photos help identification. Do not put yourself at risk to take them.

Send details once

Use the ticket route so the team receives routed, readable information.

Important: APES does not intake dogs or cats

APES rescue services focus on exotic and wildlife cases. If you need help rehoming a dog or cat, please use the Dog & Cat Rehoming page for official shelters, rescues and APES rehoming links.

Open Dog & Cat Rehoming

Fast rescue route

Help me choose the right rescue route

Pick the closest match. This tool does not submit a request; it points you to the quickest next step.

This is not my petStray, escaped, abandoned or unwanted exotic animal. Wildlife injured / at riskSeek appropriate emergency or wildlife support first where needed. Public sector / corporate casePolice, councils, landlords, housing associations or other rescues. This is my petIf you can no longer safely care, use the surrender route.

Rescue service

For exotic animals found in homes, businesses, woods, parks or public places.

Wildlife support

APES can assess some injured wildlife cases and advise or signpost safely.

Public-sector support

Rescues, police, councils, housing associations and landlords can contact APES with case details.

Animals APES may be able to assist with

Commonly kept invertebrates
King, corn, garter, milk, beauty, royal python and hognose snakes
Tortoises including Hermann’s, spur-thighed, Horsfield and Chinese star by assessment
Bearded dragons, geckos, plated lizards and skinks
Rabbits, hamsters, rats and chinchillas

What should I send in the first message?

Species (if known), exact location, whether the animal is contained or loose, photos where safe, and any risks to the public.

Will APES always be able to take the animal?

Not always. APES will assess welfare urgency, legal status, safe handling requirements and available capacity.

Corporate and public sector cases

Police, councils, housing associations, landlords and other organisations now have a dedicated APES route with guidance on case details, risk information, suitable referrals and next steps.

Open corporate and public sector page Open a ticket