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How do you all start a rescue?
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by SnakeEyes2006 on April 10, 2007
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I mean do you have a bussiness licence? and what kind of one? ect, ect? please some one serious respond...
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RE: How do you all start a rescue?
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by GREGLONGHURST on April 11, 2007
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One would need a license to possess venomous reptiles if that is required in your state, and here in Florida, a separate license is required if you have more than ten animals, I believe. Any other licenses would depend upon local laws.
Let your local police or sheriff & animal control people know you are willing to go out on their snake calls for them. They will more than likely be happy to put your name & number on file. Bear in mind that most calls will come between bed time & wake-up time, & that most calls will be for the more common non-venomous stuff.
I do not charge for snake calls. If one is a long drive away, I'll mention that a donation toward gas would be appreciated, but getting the snake out of the house or yard safely is the prime concern.
~~Greg~~
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RE: How do you all start a rescue?
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by snakeguy101 on April 11, 2007
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Once you have the person on the phone, tell them to never let their eyes off of the snake until you get there, there have been too many calls where I drive a long ways and they can't find the snake. Be prepared for calls claiming to have a six foot water moccasin that turns out to be a garden hose too. Never expect too much in return, this is more a volunteer effort than a job.
hope this helps,
~Chris~
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RE: How do you all start a rescue?
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by Rob_Carmichael on April 11, 2007
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All excellent advice. Just beware, once word gets around that you run a reputable rescue (and I have seem some truly horrible rescues and some incredibly wonderful rescues), you may re-think your great idea. You could realistically get swamped with calls, and at all hours of the day, and one of the important items you need to consider is how this venture will be funded and how much time do you have to put into it. Realize this, many of the herps that will come to you will need veterinary attention, special needs, special set ups, etc. and that can drain resources in a hurry. We require a fee to take in any unwanted herp (ranges from $50-$150) and anyone adopting from us also pays a fee. There are fees for us to come and rescue or pick up herps; everything has a fee but people are very understanding of this. This way, we are able to recoup much of our costs. Like Chris said, keep the right frame of mind. Although some rescues will be great and some very exciting, some will make you scratch your head and find a fully enclosed room to shout your brains out (like "why in the heck did I just drive three hours each way to rescue a hose!")....that's just part of the gig when you do this sort of thing. Make sure you have some good networks set up for people who can eventually take some of your surplus herps off your hand.
Make sure your facility is ready for occupants and be prepared for all kinds: iguanas, monitors, crocodilians, and various large constrictors such as boas/burms/etc - these are the most common rescue herps you'll probably deal with. And, plan on some venomous too if its legal in your area. Pay attention to good quarantine protocols and by all means, if you have your own personal herp collection, keep them far away from your rescue facility.
Another important component is to have some sort of outreach education where you can visit schools, scout groups, civic events, etc. You may have to offer free programs at first but once you've made a name for yourself, you can certainly charge a fee. We have some schools and groups that don't blink an eye for me to charge them $1500 for me to come out for a 45 minute presentation. This will help give you a reputable name in your area and should lead to some additional funding too.
Above all, make sure you work closely with your local and state DNR and other law enforcement offices who can tell you what you need in terms of permits, licenses, etc. You don't want to break the law. Good luck.
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
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RE: How do you all start a rescue?
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by SnakeEyes2006 on April 11, 2007
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Wow! Greg, Chris, Rob.. Thanks for your replies, I was afraid of getting flamed for my question, but as you all proved this site is for people like us looking for information, and for the ones who have the answers to the questions, I do have the room to start a rescue, and also have family and friends who will help with all of these, I do have experience with gators/crocs, iguanas, snakes, turtles, and the common garden hose (ha ha) anyways thanks, I will keep you all posted on what I find out from my local Police, DNR... Shawn Smith
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RE: How do you all start a rescue?
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by GREGLONGHURST on April 11, 2007
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Um, I think Rob meant $150 for a presentation, not $1500. If not, I'll have to re-assess the whole situation.
Not sure why you expected flames. It was a good question that merited good answers. I hope we helped you.
~~Greg~~
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RE: How do you all start a rescue?
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by snakeguy101 on April 11, 2007
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i got a $40 donation today for a snake call, just a black racer, quick cash! rescues have their perks...
~Chris~
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RE: How do you all start a rescue?
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by SnakeEyes2006 on April 12, 2007
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Well it's just that I have been on other forums, when you start asking to many questions, you get the " what are you ignorant? or what are you trying to make money? and so on and so on" so I was expecting the worse, but instead you guys/girls showed me that this site is beyond all that, you all are here to help, I like this site even though it is for the "EXPERTS" I do get real feedback, I know I am NO expert at all things venomous, but I have had some experience, and I am here wanting to learn more, and I can see that you all are here willing to teach me and others, I now thank you all for being able to take the time to answer my and others questions.....THANK YOU.....
Shawn Smith
P.S. My cuz and I have already handed in a VCR tape to the local school with our Burm, ball collection and explaining how they eat and kill, the school liked it so much they want us for next year, and want us to sign a $$ contract with them, and they want a video of all that we can film of West Virginia Native Reptiles,Amphibians... So far I have 2 Common Snappers, 1 Bull frog, 2 American Toads, 2 Queen Snakes, 4 Northern Brown Water Snakes, 1 Red Belly Snake,7 Spotted salamanders, 3 other unidintified salamanders, I need more, if anyone close to me has any thing that I can come and film in a natural setting it would greatly be appreciated...? Shawn
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RE: How do you all start a rescue?
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by Rob_Carmichael on April 12, 2007
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Hey Greg,
No, that wasn't a typo....I do get upwards of $1500 for an educational presentation but I wouldn't say that's the norm. My normal fees are in the $300-500 range (still not a bad penny for an hour's work) unless they are large auditorial-style presentations.
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RE: How do you all start a rescue?
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by SnakeEyes2006 on April 13, 2007
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That would be great!!, Do you or should I say should you have insurance to do shows? and how would you obtain it?
Shawn
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