A vet reference is usually required for adoption. Even if the person has never had a reptile, and their vet doesn't see reptiles, I ask for a vet reference, then call to see if the dog, cat, rabbit, ect., (if this is what a person has or has had in the past) is UTD (up to date) on shots, if the animals come in for annual check-ups, ect.

In-area home checks would be a must for crocodilians, I would think. For homes outside of your area, perhaps you could find other rescues or herp societies willing to do home checks?

Do you ever consider euthanasia? When a traditional companion animal shelter is full, they euthanize the least adoptable first. It's hard to think about, but in some cases euthanasia is a far better alternative than the "homes" that some of the animlas were living in.

Katrina