Reptile & Amphibian Forums

On my website, we have listed our rescues. Not all of them have pictures yet but a few of them do.

We have rescued a few Iguanas, a 6' Redtail, a 9' Burm, 3' Redtail, 3' Ball Python coming in this week, 2' Savannah Monitor and my friends have rescued a few Bearded Dragons.
They can all be found on our Success Stories Page

Our website is www.pnwreptilerescue.com also check out www.beautifuldragons.com

We are a non-profit. We have received 0 in donations and are running strictly on our own funds.
We don't have any available adoptions right now.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions on how to run a successful rescue without donations!!

Thanks

Lenae and Brian Hammel
PNW Reptile Rescue

You can't be a 501C3 unless at least 1/3 of your funds comes from public donations. In-kind donations could. Say table at reptile show is $60 and they give it to you free. That is a $60 donations. I get the most donations at reptile shows or other large gatherings, such as the Jr WOman's craft show. Don't laugh, I think we reached people we don't often see, like little old ladies who buy iguanas for young men, etc. The elderly lady crowd noted the pictures of the teeth and stitches.

I also display at dog expos.

I don't allow touching any more because of the lack of affordable insurance.

Cindy

Hi folks –

I see you say in your post that ”We are a non-profit.” And at the top of your home page you prominently state ”We are a non-profit organization”.

Through this usage you seem to be implying that you have received a particular status under the U.S. tax code Section 501(c)(3) as an incorporated organization which exists for educational or charitable reasons. Among the many benefits accruing to you would be that your organization is exempt from paying federal income tax and that donations to you are deductible for your donors. Is this true for you?

I understand if you are like most of us - the money one spends on one’s hobby will NEVER exceed any income one receives in its pursuit. If some variation on THAT statement is what you are really saying, perhaps you might consider rewording your description to more accurately reflect your status so that potential supporters are not confused.

Good luck in your endeavor.

-Joan

It is possible to be a non-profit incorporated and NOT a 501C3 charity. He can put non-profit but not a 501C3 tax deductable organizations. There are alot of home based rescues in this category.

Cindy

Of course, their corporate status (if any) under state law is entirely separate from any federal tax-exempt classification, 501(c)(3) or otherwise. But in reading what they have pointed us toward, I (or any potential supporter/contributor) can not determine anything, really, about how they are legally constituted. For instance, they refer us to another entity which states, “The Pacific NW Reptile Rescue is associated with Beautiful Dragons Reptile Rescue.

People naturally tend to infer certain things when they see the term “non-profit.” I am not implying anything nefarious. But I wonder if PNWRR is (innocently) implying something which really does not exist – namely legal non-profit status. Neither you nor I can say. THEY could clear this point up, however.

-Joan

Alright well we are definitely not doing anything Tax wise.. and the reason we are associated with Beautiful Dragons is because those are my BEST friends and they help us out.

All the money and things that we use are baught BY us we have had NO donations..... just animals and one came with a cage....

What should I word it as then?

And the only reason I posted was simply for people to see our website and our rescues.

We are based out of our home, our pocket is where the money comes from... and have had NO donations

Lenae

You are doing a great job relocating animals, but are you "rescuing" them? With the exception of "the giant"[burmese], how many animals were saved from death's grip? You have simply acted as a broker. What are you doing to ensure that these animals aren't again on your doorstep in need of "rescueing"? "Loving, wonderful homes" does not even in the least imply educated, committed, or solvent. As for your plea for donations, I agree with the other posts that your status is misleading or at best undefined.

To properly become a rescue organization, I suggest looking into a wildlife rehabilitation permit through your states wildlife and fisheries department. Obtain funding and appropriate "not for profit" status and don't plan on being self funding or funded through "adoption fees." If you want to be a panderer of animals maybe you should just open a pet store yourself (dig). Instead, do things to educate people before they make ill-planned decisions about reptiles. Be active and educate yourself before biting off more than you can chew.

Zoodude

Hi all, I foster for a rescue in California. All of this is done out of two homes, mine and the founders. All expensis are out of our own pockets and we work directly with the best vet around Dr. Tom Greek(no we do not get any kick back for saying that, we just think he is the best). We are a state recognized rescue through the Humane Society. We take in unwanted, abused and sick reptiles that people find or can not take care of any longer. We do adopt out our reptiles to homes that pass our background check. All adoption fees go directly to medical bills, food and caging. Our adoption contract gives us the right to check up on the reptile at any given time to asure that they are properly taken care of, if not we have the right to remove them. We work with local animal controls and do educational shows at schools in our area. We are here for the reptiles in need. We ask for donations in the form of caging and food for the reptiles and any we get is very appriciated. Thanks to all who have given the reptiles great homes. If we can help answere any questions or be of help to any reptiles out there and there owners please let us know as well.

Thank you,

We too are recognized through the humane society (actually 3 humane societies) And we will have detailed care sheets for EVERYONE and a process of choosing homes when that time comes. I am not dumb, I have educated myself on animals. And I know that all the animals we have rescued would have ended up somewhere where they would have not been cared for properly if we wouldn't have accepted them and put them in good homes.

Thanks again Reptile HOuse, let us know if we can ever help in the Washington Oregon area!

Lenae

Okay EXCUSE me I did not post here to simply be chewed out by you people. I simply posted because of this. and just for your INFORMATION we have an adoption agreement and application but since the animals have simply ONLY gone to friends WHOM ARE EDUCATED so are we, then I haven't used it yet.

Why don't you just forget my posting and let me continue on my way without bullying someone trying to RESCUE unwanted reptiles rather than them go to someone who won't care properly for them!

Thanks a lot for your very rude imput! You would think someone who cares about reptiles would be supportive of this!
Lenae

I am terribly sorry to have come across as rude. Late night posts sometimes lack tact.

I did not intend to discourage you in any way. I support your efforts entirely. Taking in and finding new homes for unwanted pets is a thankless effort which I have done myself numerous times. You obviously have a passion for your hobby. I didn't mean to degrade your efforts or your passion.

I am impressed with your animal shelter(s) recognitions. That is an important part of being an honest to goodness rescue organization.

Any animosity expressed in my previous post was misdirected; my negative feelings are not for you, but for the people who do not educate themselves enough before they bring a pet into their home.

Education is the key! That is why I encouraged you to be active. Arrange demonstrations at schools and other venues where you can inform people about the nature and care of reptiles.

Encourage people to buy and read books about animals before they buy the animal. If people can't afford $12 to buy a book about their potential pet, then they can't afford the pet.

Stress to people the longevity that reptiles have with record ages. You might be surprised to find how many folks are taken-aback by the fact that Ball pythons can live over 45 years. That's a hell of a committment. How about some tortoises living over 100? That is a multi-generational pet, and people buying those animals need to be thinking about where it is going when they die.

But you know this already.

I wish you luck, and deep pockets,
-----
Zoodude

1.1 Acrantophis dumerli
0.1 Python molurus bivittatus
0.0.1 Morelia veridis
1.1 Elaphe (panthertophis?) obsoleta lindheimeri
0.2 Bogertophis subocularis
1.0 Pogona henrylawsoni
0.1 Geochelone carbonaria
3.2.1 Phelsuma laticaudal laticauda
1.5.1 Eublepharus macularius
0.0.1 Lampropeltis gutulus hobrooki
2.1.12 Elaphe guttata guttata

i myself have taken in the unwanted and help them get thier health back, if someone bothers you just remeber there is always a sour grape in the bunch,the animals is the only thing you need to worry about and the homes they recieve,if thier was more people like you in this world the animals would be better off than in the hand of a inexperienced owner and someone who wanted the then cool pet to have,i recently rescued 3 tokay geckos,the most untamed reptiles i think next to nile monitors, and they will probly never be adopted out due to thier aggressive behavior so they will live thier lives with me who will care for them regardless of thier tempermant,people need to realize that not all reptiles are friendly but have to bond with them to aquire that relationship where trust is no.1,keep up the work and if all else fails remeber at least the animals appreciate what you do for them.....good luck and keep it up

kali
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1.3 Leopard Gecko's
1.0 mali uromastyx
0.0.3 tokay's(adults unsexed)

Here's what I don't understand...

You "rescued" a Burm from a humane society. Is this similar to the species specific dog groups who make the mad dash to the humane society as soon as they hear one of "their breed" is up for adoption? And then they claim to have "rescued" this poor animal.

You purchased a common boa for $70. Not a whole lot of rescuing going on there.

I'm starting to despise the word rescue. It implies a lot of things - but seldom is it true.

If you want to see what happens when your little "rescue" turns into a lifestyle - go here: http://www.coloradoreptilerescue.org

The director of CoRR has quit her day job - and now runs the shelter full time. Yes, the shelter. It is no longer a "rescue", it is no longer "home". It is a shelter for reptiles. Most people equate it with "The Humane Society for Reptiles". It is an incredible operation that takes much more dedication than most people will ever have...........

Where is all this hostility coming from? Not all of us can turn to rescue/adoption full time.

"Breed rescues" fullful a needed roll in the comunity. I pull turtles from a local shelter - their chances of adoption at the shelter would be slim to none if they weren't pulled by a reptile society. Some of them are victims of abuse, abandoment, appartment evictions, owner death, hoarder cases, ect. What is wrong with pulling from shelters? They often can't spot respiratory problems or other illnesses in reptiles. Would you feel better if this group called themselves "adoptions" instead?

What do you consider a "true" rescue?

Katrina

Where is all this hostility coming from? Not all of us can turn to rescue/adoption full time.

--No hostility here... I'm just asking people to state what they are truly doing. Some people have a difficult time with the truth.

"Breed rescues" fullful a needed roll in the comunity.

I disagree, respectfully. "Breed rescues" fullfil a person's dream to "save" every animal of their particular liking, and ignore the rest.

"I pull turtles from a local shelter - their chances of adoption at the shelter would be slim to none if they weren't pulled by a reptile society. Some of them are victims of abuse, abandoment, appartment evictions, owner death, hoarder cases, ect. What is wrong with pulling from shelters? They often can't spot respiratory problems or other illnesses in reptiles. Would you feel better if this group called themselves "adoptions" instead?"

Like I said... Just asking people to call it what it is. Where exactly was the "rescue"? What did you rescue? What is the desire to make yourself look like a super hero?

What do you consider a "true" rescue?

Actually, like I said earlier - I despise the word rescue. There are a few categories I see fit.

1. Owner drops off animal. This is called an "owner surrender".
2. Rescue group takes posession of animal from humane society or animal control. This is called a "transfer".
3. Individual finds reptile wandering through their neighborhood, and drops it off at a rescue. This is called a "stray".

I understand if you do not like my opinion. But that's all it is - an opinion. I believe we are still entitled to that... And when it comes to the world of shelters, rescues, etc... I have some pretty strong opinions. Take it with a grain of salt, and ignore it if you don't like it.

What happens when you get an owner that doesn't want an animal any longer, has it in filthy, inhumane conditions, and either can't or won't take it to a place where it can be cared for properly? What convenient category do you place this?

Perhaps we should just start using the phrase reptile humane society - that would be more appropriate to describe the variety of scenarios that many groups encounter.

Katrina

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Actually, like I said earlier - I despise the word rescue. There are a few categories I see fit.

1. Owner drops off animal. This is called an "owner surrender".
2. Rescue group takes posession of animal from humane society or animal control. This is called a "transfer".
3. Individual finds reptile wandering through their neighborhood, and drops it off at a rescue. This is called a "stray".

I understand if you do not like my opinion. But that's all it is - an opinion. I believe we are still entitled to that... And when it comes to the world of shelters, rescues, etc... I have some pretty strong opinions. Take it with a grain of salt, and ignore it if you don't like it.

I can see where this is going. Anyone that has become recognized in their community as a "sincere" reptile enthusiast is going to end up with some "rescues". Especially if you work with animals the average couldn't manage. I have recieved animals from DNR just because the agents had no other solution. I cannot consider myself a rescue. Anyone trying to run a rescue out of pocket must have some serious resources. What is unfortunate, is the need. The EZ, no hassle, shipped to your door trade of these animals. I hold more responsibility for my frustration to the merchants that are willing to profit from animals that most would have no chance of being succesful with. Twenty years ago it was not this easy. Fewer animals ended up in the hands of people that were not sincere enthusiasts. It required more effort and it filtered some of the problems. Make purchasing these animals more difficult and the really interested might not loose the privelage.

Sorry for the long post. I am interested in this topic. I wanted to add my change.

I agree with you on this. How many iguanas would be for adoption if they sold for $250 instead of $25? What if you had to get a permit BEFORE you bought a reptile (or any animal for that matter)?

Katrina