gecko header
Frequently Asked Questions


HOME  ABOUT US  AVAILBLE PETS  HAPPY TAILS  FAQ'S  DONATE  CLASSROOM

Do you ship animals?

No, we do not ship any of our animals. You must be willing to drive to our location in Mobile, AL. If you can’t make the travel, look for a reputable reptile rescue closer to your home.

How much do you charge?

Our adoption vary from species to species, and we try to keep them as reasonable as possible. Adoption fees will be doubled for anyone calling between the hours of 10pm and 7am.

How much is your shipping fee?

There is none, we don’t ship animals.

Why do you have to charge at all, weren’t these animals rescues?

Yes, the majority of these animals were rescues or owner surrenders. The adoption fee, while never enough to recoup our costs helps in the ongoing needs, including but not limited to vet care, of these specialized animals.

What kind of supplies will I need?

Supplies needed will vary from animal to animal. Lights, enclosures, substrates, food, hiding spots and basking or perching spots are usually required for all of our rescues, and you will be responsible for having all of this in place prior to taking possession of the animal.

How much will all that stuff cost?

It will not be cheap. You can expect to spend a minimum of $100 on your “creature’s comforts”. To get approximate prices, visit your local pet store and make sure an exotic pet is right for you.

I’m ready, how do I go about adopting one?

Email us for a current application (we are working on getting it up onto the internet). We will attempt to contact everyone who submits an application to us. Filling out the application does not mean that you will be approved. Please do not ask us if we ship.

What kind of animals do you take?

We currently take exotic snakes of all kinds, most exotic lizards, arachnids, amphibians, birds, ferrets, sugar gliders, chinchillas, etc. If in doubt, email or call us and we’ll let you know. In many cases, even if we can’t take your animal in, we will attempt to place it for you.

Do you charge to take an animal?

No, we don’t charge, but will accept any supplies that you wish to turn over with your animal.

Where do you keep all these animals?

Most of these animals live here in our home while awaiting adoption. We also use several foster homes.

Is my animal going to get good care?

Yes! We keep each animal in an appropriate sized enclosure, with safe substrate, proper lighting and heating, a constant supply of clean water, and a safe hidey hole. We supply a well rounded, animal specific diet for each animal in our care. When needed, we medicate any sick animals under the care of our vets, Dr. Linda Knight and Dr. Chris Barr.

How can I contact you to surrender an animal?

You can reach us through email at this link or call us between the hours of 8am and 8pm at 251-662-7847. You may bring it to us, or we will arrange to pick it up from you.

I have an animal I no longer want, can I trade you for something else?

No. We are not retailers and do not trade. If you no longer want or can care for your animal, please don’t use it as a leverage device for a new pet.

Do you take local species?

No. We highly recommend that you return all native species back into their home environment. If they are injured, (and you are local to Mobile, AL), contact the Environmental Studies Center at (251) 221-5000.

Why can’t I just let it go? It’s a wild animal isn’t it?

Simply put, DON’T!! Except in the rare case that you have been keeping a local species (see above question) releasing your pet can cause many problems. The animal is most likely captive bred, and has no idea of how to protect itself in the wild. Even if it did, this is not its home environment and it will most likely meet death quickly. In the event it lives, it could upset the natural flora and fauna. There is no need to release an exotic pet into the wild when there are organizations willing and able to take it from you and help place it in a new loving home.

I feel bad surrendering to a rescue. Wouldn’t it be better to just find the animal a good home myself?

That is entirely up to you. By surrendering your pet, you are in no way being a irresponsible or bad pet owner. In fact, the opposite is true. You are showing that the needs of your pet come first. We take pride in the care we lavish on all animals in our home, and will find a suitable home for each, or keep them ourselves.

Does a reptile really need a vet?

Yes. Reptiles can get sick just like any other animal. Mites, intestinal parasites and respiratory tract infections are commonly seen in animals lacking vet care. You may also encounter more serious problems like calcium deficiency, bone disease or pneumonia. All of these problems are easily prevented with proper care, and most are treatable with vet care.

Is there a vet that treats reptiles?

Doctors Linda Knight and Chris Barr of Animal Care Center in Mobile treat all exotic pets. Dr. Ed Peitrzk of University Animal Hospital also does exotic care.

HOME  ABOUT US  AVAILBLE PETS  HAPPY TAILS  FAQ'S  DONATE  CLASSROOM