Aquarium and Pet Rehoming Network

AISC 'Don't Let It Loose' Pet Rehoming Network

The 'Don't Let It Loose' campaign creates awareness that releasing pets, plants, live food, or aquarium water is not only damaging to our environment and economy, but it is also illegal. Some of the most serious invasive species were originally sold as pets or plants for aquariums and water gardens. For example, there are over 100 populations of goldfish and koi fish within Alberta. Cities like Calgary and Canmore have also had issues with pet rabbits being released and becoming established in urbanized areas.

The AISC is working to connect Albertans with unwanted pets to better rehoming resources through our 'Don't Let It Loose' Pet Rehoming Network. This program also provides rescue and rehoming organizations with training materials and educational resources for staff and customers.

If you are a rehoming/rescue organization or work in the aquarium and pet industry and would like to participate or know more information about the 'Don't Let It Loose' Pet Rehoming Network, please email ais@abinvasives.ca.

Never release your plants and animals into the wild or dump aquariums or water garden debris into rivers, streams, lakes, or storm sewers!

Unwanted pets can be disposed of humanely by returning them to pet stores, donating to schools, science centers, zoos, community organizations, or given away. If all else fails, have a qualified veterinarian euthanize the animal in a humane manner; it’s far kinder than letting it starve to death in the wild or destroy the homes of native animals and plants.

Make sure to bury your fish after it passes away, as flushing it down the toilet can lead to the spread of unwanted diseases. Dry and freeze unwanted aquatic plant material and add it to non-composted trash.