Founded by Shelly and Matt Raven in August 2021, Raven’s Reptile Rescue UK rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes small to medium-sized reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
Based in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, this home-run rescue became a registered charity in 2025 (charity number 1211962). What began with Arty, a leopard gecko needing a new home, has grown into a rescue and sanctuary offering animals a second chance and lifelong care when needed.
Animals the rescue helps
Raven’s welcomes enquiries about a range of animals, including:
- Geckos, including leopard geckos and crested geckos.
- Snakes, including royal pythons, corn snakes, king snakes and hognose snakes.
- Bearded dragons and other small to medium-sized lizards.
- Tortoises, including Hermann’s tortoises.
- Amphibians, including Pacman frogs.
- Invertebrates, including tarantulas.
The rescue supports owners across Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire and Rutland. For people farther afield, meeting halfway may be possible by arrangement.
Reptile surrender, rescue and adoption
Shelly and Matt understand the bond between people and their pets, as well as the changes in circumstances that can make rehoming necessary.
Every animal arriving at Raven’s is quarantined and assessed. This helps the team understand their health, care requirements and personality before looking for a suitable adopter. During their stay, animals receive an appropriate environment, nutritious food and regular health checks.
If the rescue cannot take an animal in, the team can suggest other rescues that may have space. They also help with grass snake relocation and rescuing animals discovered as unexpected stowaways.
For anyone considering adoption, Raven’s focuses on finding the right home for each individual, however long that takes.
Lifelong sanctuary for animals with additional needs
Some animals cannot be rehomed because of disabilities, health conditions or ongoing care requirements. Raven’s provides these residents with a permanent home and care adapted to their needs.
Residents include blind bearded dragon Hades, corn snake Sid, who is blind in one eye, and Pacman frogs Gardulla and Ziro, who need additional support following metabolic bone disease. Their stories reflect the rescue’s commitment to animals who need more than a temporary place to stay.
Advice and responsible animal care
Alongside rescue and rehoming, Shelly and Matt offer general advice about keeping reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, including their environments and care needs. Raising awareness of responsible ownership is an important part of their work.
Support Raven’s Reptile Rescue
Shelly and Matt both work full-time and use their own earnings, including overtime, to help fund the rescue. Donations contribute towards caring for the animals.
Supporters can help through one-off or regular donations, the rescue’s Amazon.co.uk list or Easyfundraising. Donations of suitable equipment, enclosures and decorations are also welcome—please contact the team first to discuss what they can use.
For surrender enquiries, adoption information or ways to support the rescue, visit Raven’s Reptile Rescue UK’s website or email ravensreptilerescueuk@outlook.com.
1 Review on “Raven’s Reptile Rescue UK”
I honestly couldn’t recommend Ravens Reptile Rescue enough. 💚
If you ever unfortunately find yourself in the heartbreaking position of having to rehome your reptile, please consider reaching out to them.
We were absolutely dreading having to rehome our beloved bearded dragon, Floki. It wasn’t a decision we took lightly, and we had so many worries about handing him over. But from the moment we arrived, Shelly and Matt completely put our minds at ease.
There was absolutely no judgement, just genuine understanding and compassion for everyone involved, both us as a family and, most importantly, Floki. You can immediately tell how much they truly care about the reptiles that come into their rescue.
Seeing Shelly get Floki out and interact with him straight away was so lovely and reassuring. I think we ended up standing on the doorstep chatting for over half an hour! By the time we left, we both felt completely differently from when we arrived. All that dread and worry had been replaced with the feeling that he was exactly where he needed to be.
What has meant even more is that the care didn’t stop once we left. I’ve messaged since to see how Floki is settling in and just to have a little catch up, and they’ve never made me feel like I’m bothering them or simply brushed me aside.
Rehoming an animal you love is incredibly difficult, but Shelly and Matt made a heartbreaking situation so much easier for us. I genuinely believe they will make sure Floki finds the best, most loving home possible.
Thank you, Ravens Reptile Rescue, for looking after our boy and for giving us the reassurance that we made the right decision🦎💚