Thinking about setting your pet “free” in nature? Think again. Whether it’s a fish, a frog, a turtle, or even aquatic plants from your aquarium, releasing pets or dumping aquarium contents into local waterways is harmful to the environment and illegal in many areas.
Why You Should Never Let Your Pet, or Plants, Loose
1. Pets and Aquarium Species Can Become Invasive
Fish, turtles, snails, and aquarium plants can all survive in the wild, and once they do, they can take over. Many introduced species outcompete native wildlife for food and habitat, and some become invasive, spreading aggressively and harming ecosystems. Goldfish, red-eared slider turtles, and aquatic plants like Eurasian milfoil, parrot’s feather and Brazilian elodea are just a few examples that exist in our region.
2. Your Pet Might Suffer or Die
Releasing your pet into the wild isn’t an act of kindness. Most pets are not adapted to survive local climates, predators, or lack of food. Many die shortly after release.
3. Disease and Parasite Risks
Released pets and dumped aquarium water can introduce diseases, parasites, and invasive hitchhikers like snails or aquatic plants into local waterways; putting native species at risk.
There’s a Better Option: Don’t Let It Loose
If you can no longer care for your pet, or your aquarium plants: DON’T LET THEM LOOSE. Many local pet stores and aquarium shops will take back unwanted animals and plants. Contact the place where you purchased them, check local rescue organizations, or explore rehoming options online.
Never dump aquarium water, plants, or animals into storm drains, lakes, rivers, or wetlands.
Help Protect Local Ecosystems
Whether it’s a fish, a frog, or a fern:
Don’t Let It Loose- Return, Rehome, or Surrender Your Pet or Aquarium Plants.
By making the responsible choice, you’re helping protect Canada’s natural waterways and wildlife from invasive species.