Rehoming
Project Northwoods adopts and rescues a number of different species into our Nature Center. Once adopted, Project Northwoods is their forever home. They are not returned nor are they otherwise sold or adopted to another person.
Deciding to rehome your animal is a difficult decision and one that cannot be taken lightly. The decision should be made as a family and thought about thoroughly; please do not make a rash decision and not let other family members know of your plan to rehome the animal. Once an animal is rehomed to Project Northwoods, it remains with us. If you are not 100% sure of your decision, please consider our fostering program (see below) until you are sure.
Typically, animals that are to be rehomed to Project Northwoods are brought to our facilities. This gives you a chance to see our set up. In some circumstances we can travel to your location or meet partway, but this must be discussed thoroughly when you contact us to rehome your animal.
Although it is not necessary to include any enclosure or supplies with your surrendered animal, it is appreciated as our Nature Center is nonprofit and does not charge admission to visitors. Donations are also greatly appreciated but there is no fee to surrender an animal to us.
Deciding to rehome your animal is a difficult decision and one that cannot be taken lightly. The decision should be made as a family and thought about thoroughly; please do not make a rash decision and not let other family members know of your plan to rehome the animal. Once an animal is rehomed to Project Northwoods, it remains with us. If you are not 100% sure of your decision, please consider our fostering program (see below) until you are sure.
Typically, animals that are to be rehomed to Project Northwoods are brought to our facilities. This gives you a chance to see our set up. In some circumstances we can travel to your location or meet partway, but this must be discussed thoroughly when you contact us to rehome your animal.
Although it is not necessary to include any enclosure or supplies with your surrendered animal, it is appreciated as our Nature Center is nonprofit and does not charge admission to visitors. Donations are also greatly appreciated but there is no fee to surrender an animal to us.
Fostering
We also offer a fostering program, which provides an option for families in hard times, traveling for a long period of time, away at school/military or other unpredictable circumstances. In our fostering program animals are cared for by Project Northwoods for a set period of time and are then returned to the family. If the family is ultimately unable to take them back, they remain at Project Northwoods and become an adoptee. For this program, donations, either monetary or in the form of supplies/food, are greatly appreciated while your animal is with us.
Animal Intakes
What we accept:
Animals we cannot accept
- Invertebrates: scorpions, insects, spiders, millipedes, centipedes, etc.
- Reptiles (lizards, snakes, crocodilians, turtles, tortoises)
- Amphibians (salamanders, frogs, toads, caecilians)
- Birds except roosters
- Fishes
- Small mammals (hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, mice, rats, degus, chinchillas, rabbits, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, etc.)
- Any other animal please inquire.
Animals we cannot accept
- Hooved animals (pigs, goats, llamas, horses, cows, etc.)
- Dogs and cats
- Wildlife (raccoons, squirrels, wild rabbits, chipmunks, wild birds, etc.) [Please seek the help of a wildlife rehabilitator: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/directory.html]
- Roosters
Requested Background Information
The following information is asked when your pet comes to Project Northwoods so we can best care for that animal:
Please note that we only ask these questions so we can best welcome and care for your surrendered pet. Please answer honestly as we are not here to judge the answers of any of the questions.
- Name of the animal
- Estimated age of the animal
- How long have you owned the animal?
- Where did you get the animal from (wild caught, pet store, ordered online, a friend, etc.)
- Any behavioral issues (does it bite, fight with other animals or children, etc. on a regular basis)
- Any health issues
- Any medications taken currently or in the past?
- Any story/history you want to share about the animal
- Would you like to receive updates on your surrender?
- Would you like to be tagged in FB posts about your animal?
Please note that we only ask these questions so we can best welcome and care for your surrendered pet. Please answer honestly as we are not here to judge the answers of any of the questions.
Donating Supplies
We are able to accept animals within or without their supplies. However, if you are surrendering your animal and no longer need the enclosure, lights, extra food, etc., we are grateful for the donation. Also, this often helps the animal to settle in better as it is familiar with its enclosure and we can keep it on the same food until it is adjusted. We may in the future move it to a larger enclosure or enhance its diet, but it can be stressful on animals to be moved.
Transporting Animals
Transporting by vehicle
It often is not safe to transport an animal in its normal enclosure. At the very least, remove any cage furniture, empty and remove food and water bowls. Remove any bedding that could result in injury if it shifts (gravel or rocks) or that could be messy during transport.
For many animals it is best to put them in a small carrier or in a cardboard box or tote that has air holes. This keeps them from shifting around too much as you travel and gives them some comfort.
Transporting by shipping
If you are considering shipping any type of animal, contact us directly to discuss this option. It may be an option, but only when temperatures are right and only through certain transportation companies.
It often is not safe to transport an animal in its normal enclosure. At the very least, remove any cage furniture, empty and remove food and water bowls. Remove any bedding that could result in injury if it shifts (gravel or rocks) or that could be messy during transport.
For many animals it is best to put them in a small carrier or in a cardboard box or tote that has air holes. This keeps them from shifting around too much as you travel and gives them some comfort.
Transporting by shipping
If you are considering shipping any type of animal, contact us directly to discuss this option. It may be an option, but only when temperatures are right and only through certain transportation companies.