Honoring Veterans With Discounted Adoption Fees
A New Libertyland Program Made Possible by a Grant From the New England Herpetological Society
At Libertyland, our mission is built on three pillars: education, rehabilitation, and adoption. Every axolotl who enters our care deserves stability, evidence‑based husbandry, and a path toward a safe, permanent home. Every person who interacts with our rescue deserves clarity, compassion, and support.
Today, we’re proud to introduce a new initiative that reflects both sides of that mission: our Veterans Discounted Adoption Fees (VDAF) Program, made possible by a grant from the New England Herpetological Society.
This program is designed to reduce financial barriers for U.S. veterans interested in adopting axolotls from Libertyland. It’s a meaningful expansion of our community support work, and one that aligns with both research and lived experience.
Why This Program Matters
Veterans in our community have given so much, and many continue to navigate challenges long after their service ends. Stable routines, grounding daily tasks, and low‑sensory companionship can make a real difference. Axolotls offer exactly that. Their predictable care schedules, calm presence, and quiet interactions can support emotional regulation and create a sense of structure in the home.
In our grant proposal to the New England Herpetological Society, we highlighted the growing evidence that aquatic‑based therapeutic interventions can support emotional regulation, routine‑building, and PTSD symptom management in military populations. As noted in the proposal, “aquatic environments support sensory regulation, which can help stabilize emotional responses,” and “animal‑assisted interactions are widely used in veteran mental‑health programs to support emotional and cognitive functioning.” These findings reinforce what we’ve seen firsthand: axolotl care can be grounding, steadying, and deeply meaningful.
Why This Program Matters to Our Team
This initiative also carries personal significance for our leadership. One of our board officers is a veteran, and his service and ongoing commitment to our rescue helped shape our understanding of how impactful aquatic animal care can be for veterans. His perspective strengthened our resolve to make adoption more accessible for those who have served.
How the Program Works
All standard adoption fees at Libertyland are now $100. Through this program, veterans will pay no more than $50 to adopt an axolotl, with opportunities for fees as low as $0 based on need and circumstances. This flexible structure allows us to meet adopters where they are while ensuring every axolotl receives the same high‑quality care and preparation before placement.
Veterans also receive access to our ongoing support resources, including:
Species‑specific care guidance
Habitat reviews
Post‑adoption check‑ins
Help selecting an axolotl that fits their lifestyle and experience
Our goal is not just to place axolotls in homes, but to ensure every adoption is successful, sustainable, and supported.
Made Possible by a Grant From the NEHS
This program exists because the New England Herpetological Society believes in accessible, ethical, community‑centered rescue work. Their grant allows us to reduce adoption fees without compromising the quality of care, supplies, or support we provide. We’re deeply grateful for their partnership and their investment in expanding our community impact.
A Community Effort
Libertyland is built on collaboration: adopters, volunteers, donors, educators, and supporters who believe in giving axolotls a second chance. This program is another step toward expanding our community impact and ensuring that veterans feel welcomed, supported, and valued here.
If you’re a veteran interested in adopting, or if you know someone who might benefit from this program, we’re here to help you find the right match.
Learn More or Get Started
To view available axolotls or learn more about the Veterans Discounted Adoption Fees Program, visit our website or reach out to our team. We’re honored to support the veterans in our community and grateful to NEHS for helping make this possible.
