Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi. I have been entertaining the idea of starting some sort of organization local to me in Central California related to removing problem reptiles, More specifically Rattle Snakes I have contacted my county offices and was informed I would need to obtain a business license from each of the 6 cities in the county and file for a FBN or Fictitious Business Name License, They also informed me that our county has not yet adopted a county business license law and therefore no license is needed so long as work is performed in the unincorporated parts of the county. Can anyone give me any further info pertinent to doing such a thing in N. California? I believe my biggest concern and where my info lacks is in regards to the State and Federal requirements I may have to face before starting such an Organization. Thank you in advance for any help you can give
My Research and Collection

You are on the right track in figuring out what you need to do on the business end of things. Being that every city, county and state have their own regulations, you will need to stay on that track for your area. But there are a number of other things to consider. You will also need to get a permit from California Fish & Game to catch and relocate native species. They may also require to you consult with biologists regarding where these snakes can be released to. Even if they don't require it, it is a good idea to talk to some biologists, either from the state or from your nearest university, so that you don't subject the snakes to a prolonged deaths. The subject of relocation is still a heavily debated one, but the general consensus at this point is that a snake relocated, or trans-located, over a mile away from the capture sight does not stand a good chance of finding adequate shelter and/or food. This increases the closer you get to the cooler, hibernation time of year. Also, there is the concern of potential disease/parasite transmission into different populations. Because of this, your state may not allow you relocate a snake outside of it's natural home range.
Aside from the biological implications, you also have to consider liability insurance. All it takes is one stupid mistake to cost you your car, home, life, etc…. I’m not so much talking about you being bitten because your not likely going to sue yourself (though that could be a costly mistake as well), but in the event someone else gets bitten, or injured, or if you step on their precious petunia’s and cause emotional distress (I know it seems funny, but worse things have happened). Also, you need to check with your car insurance because if you are using your vehicle for “business” use, you will likely be bumped to a different class.
These are just a few things I can recall right of the top of my head and 1 am. I don’t say these things to discourage you, although I must admit that it is discouraging at times. But once you get it all figured out and all your snakes in a row, it can be quite rewarding (though not very profitable).

Best of luck to you in your endeavors.

1st of all thanks for the reply. I actually have all my I’s dotted and T’s crossed so far. My county said I had to file a fictitious Business Name so I did that yesterday and paid them all my money then they told me to go to the planners office and the planner said I could not do it. He said my house is not zoned properly. I explained to them I am not working out of my house necessarily and the only reason I put the address is because they require a physical address and they said it didn’t matter, I can not do it. I explained to them that they took my money then told me no and I would like my money back but they said sorry its not refundable. What can ya do! Anyway I have not given up this is simply one of the hurdles I have to get through.
My Research and Collection