Hi,

I'm sorry, but I don't know of anywhere that has an opening for an iguana. Iguanas are the species most often turned into rescue, and the species LEAST adopted from rescue. This leaves reptile rescues with a major problem. At the time I was placing iguanas, it often took 18-24 months to find an appropriate home for an iguana. This is not acceptable, as I often receive several calls or e-mails per week from folks needing to place them. Having seen the results of a "rescuer" who didn't say no (with the iguanas ultimately suffering for it), I have refused to do so, as I will not allow myself to fall into a cycle of neglecting the animals to whom I am dedicated. 

Your best bet is to find the time and space for your iguana. This may not be easy, and I understand that for some folks, it may not be possible at all. 

 The alternatives are:

1) Place a newspaper ad and screen prospective adopters.

2) Give it to a friend/family member.

3) Put flyers up at your local vets/pet stores.

4) Humane euthanasia (done by a vet, not at home.)

5) Retain your iguana until I can place it.

Consider that in options 1-3, the person who adopts may decide that they, too, don't have time/space/money for the iguana, and it may end up being neglected, turned loose, or killed violently. Also realize that simply letting your iguana "loose" in the wild is illegal, unethical, and could potentially cause serious damage to wildlife in your area. Further, you could be the cause for local ordinances being passed that would penalize good reptile owners for your misjudgement. Option 4 is never pleasant, but could certainly end up being a better alternative than the above.
 

Option five is recently added, as I have found a new avenue with which to find them homes. If you are intent on adopting your iguana out, please e-mail me (no phone calls, please) with the following information:

1) Iguanas size, age, and gender (if known)

2) Current diet (be specific - don't tell me "veggies". I need to know WHAT veggies, how much, and how often.)

3) Current caging situation

4) Disposition  - is it tame, or does it bite and whip?

5) Health issues - anything and everything you can tell me about its physical and mental state

6) A digital picture to post, along with the name of the iguana (if it has one).

Please realize that even with this new avenue of finding homes, it may still take a while, especially if your iguana has behavior or medical issues.

PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE OF MY TIME - IF YOU FIND IT A HOME BEFORE I DO, LET ME KNOW, PLEASE!

While I am not requiring a donation for this service, I certainly accept them to help defray my time and efforts to assist you.

It is with great regret that I make these suggestions to folks who normally wouldn't even consider euthanasia; in fact, I have had many nasty responses to doing so. I'm sorry to have to be so blunt, but it's the only way I can stress to iguana owners the dire position that reptile rescues are in with regards to iguanas. Moreover, the fate of the countless iguanas whose owners seek to find them "better homes" is almost never the outcome that the owners claim to want for them.  I hope you give this serious thought and that you are able to make the best decision for you and your pet. 

Good luck,

Bonnie J. Keller
VA Reptile Rescue, Inc.
804-272-5324
http://www.vareptilerescue.org

PS - you are welcome to try other rescues.. there is a list of a few on my list of other reptile rescues,  and there are comprehensive lists at www.anapsid.org, as well as www.vaherper.com.