Hi,

I've started two different rescue efforts in two different states. Here's what I did both times:

1) Make a flyer detailing which types of animals you'll take, and how to contact you. Be sure to include any fees that you request for either incoming or outgoing animals. (You don't have to be specific, just mention if fees are applicable.)

2) Put those flyers up in every pet store, vet office, etc. Anything animal-related is a must place. Then also hit any other places that will let you put them up - convenience stores, community bulletin boards, etc.

3) Make a point of meeting the reptile vets nearest you, even if that's an hour or three away. They will be more likely to refer people to you if they've met you in person.

Slowly, you WILL start getting calls. Now, here's what I recommend you do BEFORE you get started (words of wisdom, learned from hindsight):

A) Decide how much space/time/money you're able to put into this. Don't think, "Oh, I'll put whatever is needed" because then you've set no limits, and you'll be more likely to let yourself get overwhelmed. Decide up front, "OK, I have 5 cages available of 55 gallons or smaller, so I can take in no more than 5 reptiles that would fit in those cages" or something similar. As you get more space (as in, you move to a larger house, not as in you sell all your furniture to make room for more cages - don't laugh, I did that once...) you can start taking in more/bigger animals. Just don't try to squish a 5' iguana into a 55 gallon tank because the owner threatened to release it into the wild.

B) Start looking for help immediately. Look for other folks who can help you, even if it's just an hour a week. It adds up!

C) Practice saying the word "no". Practice at least an hour a week for 6 months before you start taking in reptiles. (OK, I'm exaggerating here, but seriously, you have to be able to turn away animals you're not prepared for.) Refer to letter A above.

D) Make sure that you are following the best practices of the herp industry. I swear I still know people who insist on feeding their iguanas monkey chow and dog food, despite all the literature to the contrary. If you look like an uneducated idiot, people will spread that word, and you won't be able to help the animals you love.

E) Have people/places that you can count on for quick education about new species. My saving grace was that I'm a computer geek, and have been online since 1992 (yes, there was an internet back then). I've learned a lot this way, and continue to do so when new animals come in. I don't have to know everything, but I do have to know where I can learn what I need.

Good luck!!
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Bonnie Keller
VA Reptile Rescue
www.vareptilerescue.org

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