Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument (1) for pulling ticks out of the skin of animals or humans, comprising: a longitudinal grip piece (2, 21) for gripping the instrument (1) and an end piece (4), which is at least partially flattened, has, at least in part, a first slot (22), and which is provided for griping the tick. Said end piece (4) terminates in an essentially fork-like shape having at least two prongs (6) between which a space (10) for grasping a tick is formed. The invention is characterized in that the grip piece (2, 21) has a second slot (24) that permits the space (10) between the prongs (6) of the end piece to be varied.