what is a release zero retailer?

Release Zero Retailers help consumers prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. They provide educational materials on Illinois’ invasive species regulations, non-invasive pet and plant alternatives to known or potential invasive species, and handling and disposal recommendation for plants, animals and water. Some have also agreed to be a part of our re-home network.
Below you will find a list of Release Zero Retailers that are participating in this program.
This list is not an endorsement of any organization, and does not guarantee they will have the stated information at the time of your visit or will be able to accept your pet. However, we want to acknowledge their efforts to Be A Hero and Fight the Spread of Aquatic Invaders.  ​

Take the training!

We are offering a free, online training meant for aquarium store retailers to complete as part of the Release Zero Retailers program. It will familiarize you with aquatic invasive species in your trade, and provide you with resources to help both you and your customers prevent their spread. Follow the instructions below to start today!
  1. Click bit.ly/RetailerTraining to find the training in the University of Illinois Extension online course platform.
  2. You will be asked to login to the Learn @ Illinois Extension site. Towards the bottom of the page is a Create Account button. Click that button to begin the account creation process.
  3. When you complete the account creation process you will get an email asking you to confirm your account by clicking on a link that is in the email.
  4. After you click the link, you will go to a page that acknowledges your account is confirmed and you should click the Continue button.
  5. You will go directly to the enrollment page. Click the Enroll Me button.
  6. You will be taken to the course main page and the course will appear in your dashboard.

release zero retailers

Birds and Beasts Pet Shop​
35 Berkshire Dr., Crystal Lake, IL 60014
(815) 477-7387

Provides information on:
Illinois regulations; alternatives to invasive species; proper handling and disposal

​Part of re-home network. Only healthy pets accepted. Accepts fish, reptiles and amphibians.
Chris' Tropical Treasures
24 E. North Ave., Northlake, IL 60164
(708) 562-1901
​
Provides information on:
Illinois regulations; alternatives to invasive species; proper handling and disposal

​Part of Re-Home Network. Accepts fish.
Park Pet Shop
10429 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60655
(773) 779-2011

Provides information on:
Illinois regulations; alternatives to invasive species; proper handling and disposal

Part of Re-Home Network. ​Accepts fish, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians.
Oak Park Natural Pet & Fish
23 N. Harlem Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 660-9500

​Provides information on:
Illinois regulations; alternatives to invasive species; proper handling and disposal
Old Orchard Aquarium
9235 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 675-3474

​​Provides information on:
Illinois regulations; alternatives to invasive species; proper handling and disposal

Part of Re-Home Network. Accepts fish.
Page last updated on October 20, 2021