Don’t Let It Loose

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Goldfish

There are many good reasons to never let non-native plants or animals loose in Nova Scotia. It’s not just that they can suffer and die because they lack the ability to survive in the wild or our climate. They can also outcompete our native species for food and space. That causes threats for our native species, our ecosystems, and the activities we enjoy. But there are ways that you can help reduce that risk.

Don’t Let It Loose

Whether it is a pet, fish, live bait, livestock, or a plant from your garden or aquarium, don’t let any non-native species loose in our wild spaces, intentionally or accidentally. Instead:

  • Rehome your pets to ensure their health and safety and that of our ecosystems
  • Properly dispose of non-native plants
  • Only buy native plants for your aquarium or garden


Wondering how you can safely dispose of invasive plants or properly rehome your pet? Visit Habitattitude or the SPCA for more information.

Join the Don’t Let It Loose Retail Partner Program

Are you a pet industry retailer committed to protecting native species?

Join us as a Don’t Let it Loose program partner.

This awareness program is a unique collaboration between the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council and Invasives Canada. It recognizes and promotes pet, pond, and aquarium stores that partner with us to help stop the spread of invasive plants, pets, and other animals.

As a Don’t Let It Loose retail partner, you will receive training and information on preventing invasive species from getting loose into the wild that you can share with staff and customers. We will also promote your store as a community leader in protecting our land and waters from these species.

Want to know more about the Don’t Let it Loose partner program and how participating can benefit your store? Email us for more information.

Our retail partners – Nova Scotia

Here are the retailers who are helping us reduce the spread of invasive species as Don’t Let It Loose partners.

Invasive Species in Nova Scotia

Yellow iris

Yellow Iris

VASCULAR PLANT Iris pseudacorus | Other Names: Yellow Flag Iris Description This perennial wetland plant has three drooping petal flowers that are bright yellow, but sometimes have brown spots or

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Red Eared Sliders

Red-eared Sliders

REPTILE Trachemys scripta elegans Description Red-eared Sliders have brown to olive green coloured shells, with a slight keel running down the center. Green-black stripes run along the body. Sliders are

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Carolina Fanwort

Carolina Fanwort

VASCULAR PLANT Cabomba caroliniana Description Bottom-rooted, submersed aquatic plant. Stems usually 1-2 m but up to 10 m long. Underwater leaves opposite, fan-like and finely divided; floating leaves small, oblong,

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Chain Pickerel

Chain Pickerel

FRESHWATER FISH Esox niger | Other Names: Pickerel, Water Wolf, Pike Description Long, narrow, torpedo-shaped, green body with a darker back and white belly. Adults have chain-like pattern on sides;

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Resources

DLIL Poster

DLIL Poster 2023

DLIL Implementation Guide

DLIL Implementation Guide

DLIL Goldfish

DLIL Goldfish

DLIL Rack Card
For Anglers

DLIL Rack Card For Anglers

DLIL Rack Cards
For Retailers

DLIL Rack Cards For Retailers

DLIL Rack Cards
For Pet Owners

DLIL Rack Cards For Pet Owners

Disinfecting your Aquarium Rack Card

How to Dispose of Moss Balls Rack Card

Decontamination Card