Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys,
About six months ago I started a reptile rescue organization in my area. I really believe that the key to making rescue a success is getting the entire reptile community involved in rescue. But in order to do that, I want to know what YOU think about REPTILE RESCUE. Please give me your ideas as members in the reptile community...

What would you like to see from reptile rescues in your area, and in general?

What should rescues be doing that they aren't doing already?

How much do you know about rescues in your area (I was in the hobby for years before I knew anything about one in my area).

Any other ideas that you have for rescue operators? Thanks, your ideas are much appreciated!

Jesse
Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary

The one bad thing we rescues face is the animals we deal with on a general whole are totally disposable. I am not sure what people want from rescue but what I provide is

Healthy animals that all come with vet checks including fecal exams and basic bloodwork.

Tempermentally stable animals. I will not even dream of adopting out a reptile that is nasty. It is not a good practice.

As much history as available. Unfortunatly I work with AC and many of my animals are confiscations. I dont know the history on everything. When I do I turn over what ever I have.

Animals that are feeding. I make sure each snake goes thru several feedings and at least one PROPER AND COMPLETE shed. You can usually judge a snakes health by their sheds. I will hold off until I am sure that there is a full shed before they leave me.

Clean animals and conditions. Sure cleaning up after 40 or so reptiles isnt easy. For breeders they tend to stay in certain species. But handling a room that contains everything from Alligators to iguanas to boids to monitors to turtles and torts, they all have certain needs. MAking sure they are met is important.

References. When someone looks to adopt from me, I offer them MANY respectable references. I have vets, humane societies, previous adoptors, animal control agencies and officers, herp society board members, other rescues, who will all vouch for me.

The ability to offer follow up assistance and care. Someone who will be there when there are problems. I do that. I am always available. I make sure my adoptors have a vet in place. If not I find them one.

These are the big things to me. These are what I feel are important things. One day I hope to have my husband build me a grand house with two reptile rooms. One for my own collection (which one day I will actually have) and one for the rescue. Til then, Im just glad that he has no clue what we all have in the house.

Good luck.
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Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!

A clean healthy animal, Physical condition isn't a biggy.. and if there are any problems (MBD surivor, old age, scars, persistent swellings, etc), none that are contagious
(I'd be happy to take in a sick animal, but most of us have medium to large collections.. and if it spread...)

I've never worked with a reptile rescue though I've adopted a number of animals and I've worked with my society with ill herps and such.. Myself personally, All I want is a new herp who has a good chance of survival and nothing that could potentially damage my own collection.
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2.4.1 Leos
1.1.13(eggs) Beardie
2.0 Burm
0.1 Common Boa
0.0.1 Sand Fish
0.2 Desert Tortoise hatchlings
Wish for: Candoia Sp, Frilled D, BTS

good information, husbandry practices should be up to date. Everyone should get some info on the herp they are adopting.

Communication, someone to talk to about the history and husbandry of the animal you are keeping.

Records, for snakes feeding, shedding, defecation, and vet records. For lizards shedding and vet records.

Resources, contact info of vets, breeders, other hobbyists, ANYONE who can help.

Pictures, pictures of the animal is important IMO.

Temperment of animals, animals are of a docile temperment, if not they are clearly labeled as not.

Healthy, a healthy animal with a good chance of recovery and survival in the new care.

Clean, a nice clean well run reptile rescue that is not dirty and unhealthy.
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0.1 "Tremper" looking Albino Leopard gecko (Lex)
0.0.1 tiger crested gecko (peachs)
0.1 Red blood python (Rhianon)
0.0.1 ball pythons (FELIX!!!!!)
2.1 Feral cats that we adopted (Fuzzy, Bear, and Tony)

My image Gallery
"scientia est vox"

Thanks, great suggestions. We're in the process of making our website as informational as possible, but much of it is still in the works. We also the best to give out histories, but people have to understand histories can be limited when some reptiles are annonymous drop-offs. One of the hardest things with a rescue is that there are a million things to do BEFORE you even get to taking care of the reptiles.

Thanks again for the feedback! Stop by the site any time as it's always being updated.
Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary

Reliable places to buy SUPPLIES and food. If you can get a list of good pet stores in your area it would help a LOT.
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0.1 "Tremper" looking Albino Leopard gecko (Lex)
0.0.1 tiger crested gecko (peachs)
0.1 Red blood python (Rhianon)
0.0.1 ball pythons (FELIX!!!!!)
2.1 Feral cats that we adopted (Fuzzy, Bear, and Tony)

My image Gallery
"scientia est vox"

Hello,
I am the founder of The Reptile Rescuers. I have been a state licensed and recognized reptile rescue for almost 14 years now.
I have been serving WFG for about 6 years now also.
One thing I would like to mention is giving potential adoptees references about you is great, but don't forget that it is more important to screen the potential home for the animals very carefully.
If anyone would like some tips or any rescue info, please contact me.
I enjoy hearing from all rescues, and have always found them to be a great group of people.

Amy