Adopting From Arrowhead

 

If you are interested in adopting, please email adoptioncoordinator@arrowheadreptilerescue.org for an application to adopt.  Be sure to read this entire page as it contains our adoption procedures.

 

We make every effort to find donated animals loving homes. If you are interested in adopting from us, please read this entire page. We follow these procedures strictly and without exception.



 
Reptiles In Need Of Good Homes
 

Available for Adoption:

lizards

Snakes

Turtles & Torts


Professional & Medical
Not adopted as pets

 

REQUIREMENTS TO ADOPT:
You must be able to provide adequate housing, nutrition, and medical care for a reptile. We prefer that you have some experience with reptiles, but we will consider willing learners if we feel you will follow it through. You must meet our conditions for providing a good home; we determine whether or not you meet our conditions by using the information given on your adoption application and your submitted photographs. In general, you must be willing to pick up the animal in person.

WE DO NOT SHIP!

ADOPTION PROCEDURE:
First, browse the lists above to find a specific reptile you want to adopt. You should check back regularly if you don't see what you want, as our site is updated frequently. 

Once you find a reptile you want to adopt and that you can properly care for, you will need to submit an adoption application (email us for an application). When submitting an adoption application, we also require you send in pictures of your cage and habitat.   Please ensure that your photos show the entire setup, including all cage furnishings and equipment.  

We receive a lot of applications.  It can take up to a week or more for us to respond, depending on current case load and schedule. We do our best to make this process as speedy as we can, but please be patient as we only have the reptile's best interests at heart.  Feel free to submit an application even if you don't see the species of reptile you want, and we will keep your application active for one year.  There is no charge or fee to submit an application.
 

We adopt by appointment only!

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ADOPTION APPROVAL:
Applications for ALLIGATORS AND CROCODILES are only considered if submitted by a trained professional who intends to use the animal for education or display purposes. 

Apps for
MEDICAL CASES will only be accepted and considered if submitted by a professional with the ability to provide specialized care (ie: veterinarians, vet assistants or techs, wildlife rehabilitators, zookeepers, etc).

Only AZA accredited institutions will be considered for information about a
venomous reptile adoption.

We prefer to adopt aquatic turtles to those who have ponds and water gardens.  Only the very largest aquariums are suitable for long-term housing for most aquatic turtles.  Outdoor ponds must be secure and contained.  For turtles that are not native to your area, you must be prepared to house them indoors for at least a portion of the year.  

Applicants interested in large tortoises must have a large, fenced area outdoors for roaming and grazing.  Depending on your location and climate, you will likely also have to provide suitable indoor housing for part of the year.  

Extremely large (+10') and/or overly aggressive snakes will only be adopted to experienced herp keepers with appropriately sized enclosures. 

Iguanas, most monitors, many pythons and tortoises, as well as other large reptiles need big enclosures.  As a rule, aquariums are not acceptable housing for large reptiles.

Amphibians must have a proper terrarium environment to thrive.  A 5-gallon tank with gravel in the bottom is not suitable amphibian habitat. 

 

Native turtles over 4" and native snakes over 18" require permits in the state of Ohio.  It is your responsibility to adhere to any requirements and obtain a permit from the Division of Wildlife ($25).    

The nominal adoption fees that we collect are one of our few income sources. These monies are necessary to cover the costs of feeding, supplies, and care of the animals.  We do not charge an adoption fee for direct owner to owner transfers, but donations are gladly accepted.  

We will adopt out captive reptiles only. Wild animals are not available for adoption.


To receive an application, or if you need more information
about adopting after reading this entire page, 
Feel free to contact our
adoption coordinator.