J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR) will begin accepting applications on Saturday, August 22, for its upcoming Clear the Shelters Adoption Event, where adoption fees will be waived for approved applicants.
The special event will be held:
Saturday, August 29, 2026
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue
976 American Drive, Suite 1
Neenah, WI 54956
JRAAR is encouraging anyone who has been considering adding an exotic pet to their family to apply early. The rescue currently has fish, reptiles, birds, small mammals, invertebrates and other exotic pets waiting for homes.
"We have been absolutely flooded with surrenders, while at the same time our adoption numbers are way down," said John Moyles, Founder of J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue. "When animals aren't leaving for new homes, we quickly run out of space for the next pet that needs us. Clear the Shelters gives people a chance to open their homes to an animal in need while helping us create room to continue saying yes when someone has nowhere else to turn."
Beginning Saturday, August 22, prospective adopters can submit an application to be considered for waived adoption fees during the August 29 event.
An approved adoption application and appointment are required for all placements. Some animals may require additional visits or other steps before going home.
Applying does not guarantee placement, and JRAAR will continue matching animals with homes based on the individual needs of each pet.
Prospective adopters can view animals currently looking for homes at:
Applications can be submitted beginning August 22 at:
https://www.jraar.org/adoption
During the August 29 Clear the Shelters event, adoption fees will be waived for approved placements.
Instead of an adoption fee, JRAAR will encourage adopters and community members to make a donation to help provide food, clean habitats, veterinary care, supplies and daily care for the animals that remain at the rescue.
"We don't want cost to be the reason the right family doesn't come forward," Moyles said. "But even with waived fees, every animal still receives the same careful placement process. Our goal isn't simply to move animals out the door. It's to find safe, appropriate and permanent homes."
Community members who are not ready to bring home a pet can still participate by donating, sharing the event or helping spread the word about the animals waiting for homes.
The event is part of Clear the Shelters, a nationwide effort encouraging communities to support shelters and rescues and help homeless pets find permanent homes.
Facebook Event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/3024578777874178
J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue is a Wisconsin-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit exotic pet rescue dedicated to providing alternatives to the release of unwanted exotic pets, educating the public about responsible pet ownership and invasive species prevention, and helping animals find appropriate new homes.