Adopt a Hermit Crab the Right Way
The LHCOS adoption program is designed to ensure every hermit crab is placed into a properly prepared home that meets established care standards.
Approval is based on demonstrated readiness—not intent.
This is not a beginner program. Applicants must be willing to review and apply required care standards independently.
Before You Apply
To be considered for adoption, you must:
- Meet all minimum habitat and care requirements
- Review and apply the required educational resources
- Be able to make necessary corrections without step-by-step coaching
- Must be 18 years or older
We do not provide individualized setup guidance through the application process. Applicants who do not meet requirements will be directed to appropriate resources. It is the applicant’s responsibility to review and apply this information.
If you are not prepared to review and apply the required information independently, you will not be approved.
Why We Require Applications
Our adoption program is designed to protect the long-term welfare of hermit crabs.
These animals require specific care standards that are often misunderstood or overlooked. Without proper conditions, hermit crabs experience physical stress, failed molts, and early death.
For this reason, all applicants are required to complete an application and demonstrate that they meet our care standards.
Approval is based on readiness—not intention.
This ensures that every adoption is a responsible placement, not a risk to the animal.
Application Status Inquiries
All application status updates must be handled through the adoption email system.
Do not use the website contact form, social media, or personal messages to request updates. These channels are not monitored for application status and inquiries submitted through them will not receive a response.
If you need to follow up on your application, reply directly to your existing email thread from the Adoption Team. This ensures your application history remains complete and allows us to assist you efficiently.
Failure to follow this process may result in delays in processing your application.
How Matching Works
Approved adopters and owners use the adoption maps to identify potential matches based on location.
The Adoption Team does not match participants.
To request a connection:
- Submit the map number(s) of the potential match
- Include your Adopter Number for verification
We will facilitate introductions after verification.
This Program Is Not For:
- Selling hermit crabs
- Immediate or urgent placement needs
- Large-scale rescue intake
- Application follow-ups outside the email system
These requests will not be processed.
Placing Hermit Crabs for Adoption:
- Adoptions must be free
- Shipping costs are the responsibility of the current owner
- Supplies may be offered separately but are not required for adoption
We do not support the sale of hermit crabs.
Failure to follow through on arrangements may result in removal from the program.
We are unable to assist with large-scale rescue placements.
Donating Supplies
If you have supplies you no longer need, we strongly encourage donating them to the Claws in the Classroom program rather than selling them.
Claws in the Classroom supports educators who are committed to maintaining proper, science-based hermit crab care in classroom environments. Donated supplies help ensure these habitats meet required standards and directly benefit the animals.
Commonly needed items include:
- Glass tanks and lids
- Heat pads
- Substrate materials
- Food and feeding supplies
- Extra shells and enrichment items
Donating your supplies helps reduce waste and supports responsible care within the community.
If you are interested in donating, please contact the Claws in the Classroom Team for next steps.
Becoming an Approved Hermit Crab Adopter
Apply to become an LHCOS-approved adopter, foster, or transport assistant for hermit crab adoptions and rescues.
Adopter – Hermit crabs adopted will remain in your permanent care.
Foster – Hermit crabs will remain in your care temporarily until a permanent home is found.
Transport Assistant – You are willing to assist with transporting hermit crabs by meeting for pickup or delivery as part of an adoption or foster arrangement.
Submitting this form is the first step in the approval process. After your initial application is reviewed, you will receive a more detailed questionnaire requiring specific information about your crabitat, care practices, and supporting photos to verify that all requirements are met prior to approval.
Please note that LHCOS is operated by volunteers. While we strive to review applications promptly, processing times may vary—especially during periods of increased demand, such as after Crab Con.
Once the final questionnaire has been submitted, please allow approximately 4–6 weeks to receive an update on your approval status.
Applicants who do not meet requirements will be directed to appropriate resources. It is the applicant’s responsibility to review and apply this information.
Approval is not guaranteed.
Applications are evaluated based on care standards, demonstrated knowledge, and the ability to responsibly maintain additional animals.
We reserve the right to deny any application if placement is not in the best interest of the animals.
Review all Required Reading Resources
Adoption
Join Our Community
While not required for participation in the adoption program, we strongly encourage applicants to join our Facebook group.
Our group provides access to ongoing discussions, shared experiences, and additional guidance grounded in the same science-based care standards used throughout our program. It’s also the fastest way to stay informed, ask general questions, and learn from other experienced keepers.
Being part of the community can help reinforce what you’ve learned and support you in maintaining proper care long-term.
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