Feeling overwhelmed by a pet is not unusual: a move, an allergy, a vet bill. What decides the animal's future is what you do next. Spain's Law 7/2023 bans abandoning a companion animal, and some species cannot be given away, sold or released at all: those on the Spanish Catalogue of Invasive Alien Species (red-eared slider, monk or Quaker parakeet, rose-ringed parakeet, ball python…) and reptiles that weigh more than 2 kg as adults (iguanas, tegus, boas). The legal route goes through whoever gave you the animal, a rescue organisation or your regional wildlife service.
In short
- Do not release it. A domestic rabbit will not survive outdoors, and releasing a red-eared slider or a parakeet is also an offence: they are on the Invasive Species Catalogue (RD 630/2013). For those species you cannot sell or give the animal away either, not even with a contract.
- Call whoever gave you the animal first. If you adopted it from a shelter, ask them before anyone else: many adoption contracts say the animal goes back to them if you cannot keep it, and it is usually the fastest route.
- If that fails, look for a rescue organisation nearby. Ideally a registered organisation (with a tax ID and listed in your region's register). Many have waiting lists or ask for a donation: contact them early, not on the last day.
- Invasive species: voluntary handover to the authorities. For species on the catalogue, the law says the authorities must make a voluntary handover possible. Ask your regional wildlife service; in Catalonia, the Agents Rurals (112) or, for reptiles, the CRARC in Masquefa (93 772 63 96).
- Large or dangerous animals: do not handle them. If it is a large reptile or an animal that could hurt someone, do not try to move it yourself: call 112 or your regional wildlife service and explain which species it is.
In this guide
Rabbits: the easiest case… and the most abandoned
It is the most common rehoming among exotic pets: unwanted litters, allergies, moves. A rabbit is a companion animal and Law 7/2023 bans abandoning it: leaving it in a park or in the countryside is abandonment and can be fined.
Rabbit rescues are often short of space: contact several, send photos and its history, and start today, not when you cannot cope any more.
Birds: watch out for monk and rose-ringed parakeets
Budgies, canaries, lovebirds and cockatiels can be rehomed normally, ideally through a bird rescue and with a contract.
The monk parakeet (also sold as Quaker) and the rose-ringed parakeet are different: they are on the Spanish Catalogue of Invasive Alien Species, which bans owning, selling and giving them away, even for free (RD 630/2013, art. 7). People who already had one before the species was listed may keep it if they reported it to their autonomous community, but may not breed, sell or give it away. If you cannot keep it, ask your regional wildlife service for a voluntary handover (in Catalonia, Agents Rurals, 112).
If your parrot belongs to a CITES-protected species (African grey, cockatoos, macaws…), it can only be rehomed with its paperwork in order.
Turtles and reptiles: never into the park pond
Releasing a red-eared slider is the most common «ending» and the worst: it is banned, it harms native terrapins and the animal usually dies. You cannot give it to a friend either: giving it away is just as banned. The same applies to the ball python, which is also on the catalogue.
Reptiles that weigh more than 2 kg as adults (iguanas, tegus, boas, large pythons) are not allowed as pets until the positive list is approved (Law 7/2023, second transitional provision). If you have one and cannot keep it, ask your regional wildlife service; in Catalonia, the CRARC in Masquefa (93 772 63 96) takes in exotic reptiles: call before you go.
If your tortoise or terrapin is a protected native species (Hermann's or spur-thighed tortoise, European or Spanish pond turtle), keeping and rehoming it depends on proof of origin: check with your regional wildlife service first.
What to prepare for the handover
- Photos and a description of the animal (age, personality, who it gets on with).
- The invoice, certificate of origin or CITES papers, if you have them.
- Its vet records and vaccinations.
- Your DNI or NIE: the organisation or the authorities record who hands the animal over.
- Some leeway: if it can stay with you a few more days while the collection is arranged, everything is easier for the animal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I post on Mizuu that I am giving my rabbit away?
No. On Mizuu, animals for adoption are listed by verified shelters and organisations, not by private individuals. What you can do is use this guide to find an organisation near you and get everything ready for the handover.
What if I rehome it myself, without an organisation?
With a dog, cat or rabbit, it is best done with a contract and after checking the new family can care for it. With species on the Invasive Species Catalogue or reptiles over 2 kg it is not possible: they cannot be given away or sold.
I have had a red-eared slider for years. Will they take it away?
If you had it before the species was listed and reported it to your autonomous community, you can keep it as long as you meet their conditions (for example identification or neutering), but you may not breed, sell or give it away. If you cannot care for it, ask your regional wildlife service for a voluntary handover; releasing it is an offence.
Will the shelter charge me to take it back?
It depends on the organisation. If they gave it to you, they usually take it back at no cost; other organisations may ask for a donation to cover costs. Be wary of anyone who asks for money without explaining what for or giving you anything in writing.
It is urgent: I am moving out in a few days
Call the organisation that gave you the animal and those near you today, and if it is an invasive species or a large reptile, your regional wildlife service (in Catalonia, 112). Do not leave it with a stranger from social media without a contract or any checks.
Who wrote this
Written by the Mizuu editorial team from the legislation and official websites linked here. It does not replace advice from your vet or your town council. Published on 21 October 2026.
This guide is for information only. If your pet is injured, call an emergency vet.
Official sources
- Law 7/2023 on the protection of the rights and welfare of animals (BOE, in Spanish)
- Royal Decree 630/2013, Spanish Catalogue of Invasive Alien Species (BOE, consolidated text, in Spanish)
- Order TED/1096/2026 updating the catalogue (BOE, 19 Oct 2026, in Spanish)
- Invasive alien species catalogue — MITECO (in Spanish)
- CRARC — Amphibian and Reptile Recovery Centre of Catalonia
