J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue: Other Animals Grant Report

How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?

With the generous support of the Petfinder Foundation's Other Animals Grant, J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue was able to provide care for 37 animals surrendered during our Exotic Pet Surrender Events held in Kaukauna, Stevens Point, and Kimberly, Wisconsin.

The grant funding helped cover the intake, housing, and veterinary care for a diverse group of animals, including fish, lizards, snakes, and birds.

These animals were surrendered by owners who could no longer care for them, and without this program and the support of this grant, many may have faced uncertain or unsafe outcomes.

Three of the surrendered animals arrived in need of immediate veterinary care, which included emergency exams, diagnostic testing, and medication. The cost of this care exceeded $800, a significant but necessary investment to ensure these animals had a second chance.

The grant helped offset these medical costs as well as general intake expenses such as proper habitat setup (tanks, cages, heat lamps), species-appropriate food and supplements, and enrichment and wellness supplies.

All 37 animals were stabilized, provided with appropriate care, and entered into our adoption program. Many have already found new, loving homes. This grant made it possible for us to say yes to every animal in need at these events—regardless of species or condition—ensuring no animal was turned away due to cost.

Thanks to the Petfinder Foundation, these unique and often misunderstood animals received the second chance they deserved. This grant directly contributed to their recovery, rehabilitation, and rehoming—and helped ease the burden on local pet owners who had nowhere else to turn.

How many pets did this grant help?

37

Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.

When Greedo the Quaker parakeet arrived at our Exotic Pet Surrender Event in Stevens Point, he had already endured more than most animals his size ever should. Mauled by a dog, Greedo had lost many of his feathers and bore the physical and emotional scars of his ordeal.

But thanks to the Petfinder Foundation’s Other Animals Grant, Greedo’s story didn’t end there.

In Wisconsin, Quaker parakeets are considered NR-40 Prohibited Invasive Species, meaning they cannot be legally kept or rehomed through traditional means. Our surrender events offer a rare and essential opportunity for people to safely and responsibly surrender these birds—without fear of judgment, fines, or punishment.

Greedo came to us frightened, ragged, and unsure. But with patience, warmth, and expert care, his spirit has begun to shine again. Though his feathers may be a bit patchy, his personality is as colorful as ever. He’s cheeky, curious, and loves chattering away to anyone who’ll listen. Greedo has even developed a habit of playfully bobbing his head whenever someone walks by—his own way of saying hello.

He’s still recovering, and our veterinary team is monitoring him closely before he’s cleared for adoption, but we have no doubt that this quirky little bird will soon find a forever home where he can truly thrive.

Greedo’s journey is a beautiful reminder of why these events—and grants like this one—are so important. Because of the support from the Petfinder Foundation, animals like Greedo get the medical care, safety, and second chances they so deserve.