Chicagoland Exotic Animal Rescue

RESCUE

REHABILITATE

REHOME

EDUCATE

CLEAR’s mission is to rescue and rehabilitate abandoned and stray bird, reptile, and fish species that are commonly found in the pet trade, and rehome them to a household that will be the very best fit for their needs. CLEAR also strives to educate the community about the unique care needs of these uncommon pets.

   
   
   

Our History

CLEAR was first conceptualized by Jessica Katz during her graduate program at Regis University. After procuring a Bachelor’s Degree in animal science and wildlife biology, Jessica received a Master’s Degree in nonprofit management in 2012. Beginning with her first job in pet care at age 16, Jessica saw that there was a gap in the culture of how people cared for birds, reptiles, and fish: dogs and cats have multitudes of local and nationally-based rescue organizations, while exotic animals were often abandoned, illegally released, or relinquished to the few exotic animal organizations that were already at or beyond capacity. After rescuing her first parakeet from the woods in Michigan in 2015, an opportunity to facilitate change and promote a different kind of pet care culture presented itself. Several like-minded individuals came together in August of 2021 to form CLEAR’s founding board.

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    Adoptables

     

    Luna

    Luna is our sun, moon, and stars! This sweetie came to us after one of her family members developed a

    Gladys

    Gladys may not have been born on the Fourth of July like the song, but she was found in Ukrainian

    Charlie

    Charlie is SO PRETTY! This handsome young boy was caught in Andersonville as a stray and we don't know how

    Bluey Tuesday

    Tuesday, Bluey Tuesdayyyyyyyy 🎼 This sweet boy was found as an emaciated stray in June, and he's been doing so

    Qbert

      Qbert the Cuban Tree Frog is only the size of a quarter, but they inspire big feels in our hearts!

    Pepper

    Pepper is peppy as can be! This formerly stray lady is a Quadruple B- Bossy Blue Budgie Babe- and we wouldn't

    Cello

      Cello is A BABY. Found outside in Edgewater in 2024, we could tell that this little lady is only

    Ube

      Ube has been on some adventures recently, and we wish she could tell us all about them. Found outside

    Gwen

      Gwen is the bravest Ball Python you'll ever meet. This hefty lady spent the first 18 years of her

    Kate, Sprout, & Olive

    Gouldian Finches are the greatest! Kale (left, female), Sprout (center, male), and Olive (right, female) spark joy in everyone they

    Our Board

     
    Jessica Katz
    Founder and Executive Director
    Krysten Baretto
    Board President
    Laura Koch
    Treasurer
    Lynn Hill
    Secretary
    Frieden Johnson
    Member at Large
    Anne Franco
    Member at Large