Q #1:  Why can't I find an address or location on your web page?

A #1:    We operate out of foster homes, and for the privacy and protection of our volunteers and their families we do not publish their home addresses.  Our foster homes are not open to the public and we schedule visits for rescue business by appointment only.   We also don't give out this information because we would have six iguanas at our door every morning.  Feel free to email us if you need a mailing address.


Q #2:  I live hours away from Cincinnati.  Will someone meet me halfway or pick up my pet reptile?

A #2:    Sorry, if we did this for all those who request it we would spend all of our time driving.  We can't ask our volunteers to spend their time and money picking up other people's unwanted pets.


Q #3:  Why do you ask for an intake donation?  What if I can't afford to give a donation? 

A #3:    Providing quality food, medical care, heat and habitats for reptiles is expensive.  We operate on donations alone and it is how we can survive and continue to provide care for reptiles in need.  Responsible owners should provide something to care for their pet so we ask for a donation to help provide that care.  We can and will waive those donations on a case-by-case basis if you truly cannot afford to give anything. 


Q #4:  What is an appropriate donation for my pet reptile?

A #4:    That's up to you.  Whatever you can afford is appreciated.  You know how much it costs to feed and care for your animal.  A donation should fit accordingly to provide care for at least a couple of months.  Some give the minimum amount, others donate $100 or more.  Your generosity is appreciated, helps reptiles in need, and is tax deductible. 


Q #5:  I want my pet to go to a zoo.  Can you get my reptile in a zoo? 

A #5:    We do better than that.  While we do place some reptiles in zoos and for display, the zoos have to be looking for that particular species of animal.  They don't just take anything and don't have extra open cages sitting around for unwanted pets.  Most often the placement we find for your pet reptile will give more space, one-on-one interaction, personalized care, and be a more active and fulfilling home than a zoo can provide.


Q #6:  I need help finding a new home for my pet reptile, but I don't want them to go just anywhere.  Will you point me to some good homes?

A #6:    Sorry, we don't provide owner assistance for relocating unwanted pets.  You will have to bring your reptile to us and we will find a great home. 


Q #7:  I need to sell my pet reptile.  Will you buy my pet or help me find someone who will?

A #7:    No.  We don't buy reptiles and we don't offer consignment services or sales assistance.


Q #8:  Why don't you take unwanted pet iguanas?  It's a reptile.  What's up with that?

A #8:    We simply cannot handle or accommodate all the unwanted iguanas out there.  Last time we were accepting them we were up to 36 at one time.  We don't have the resources or time to take the majority of these lizards and care for them.  They are very hard to place and sit here for a long time.  They are tedious to keep, feed, clean and need all of the above often.  And there are just so darned many of them.    


Q #9: Why don't you take unwanted pond sliders?  It's a reptile.  What's up with that?

A #9:    Red eared pond sliders and yellow bellied pond sliders can grow to over 15 inches in shell size and require a large pond habitat (aquariums are not sufficient).  This makes them hard to place.  They live over 70 years.    They require large ponds and we cannot overcrowd ours to take in the extremely large number of unwanted turtles out there.  Think again before purchasing that cute little turtle for a child as a pet, or as a souvenir from a beach vendor on vacation, or because of a children's movie.   


Q #10:  Do you take other animals besides reptiles?  What about mammals, spiders, insects, or fish?

A #10:    We take reptiles and amphibians.   Sometimes we have volunteers who are willing to take pet tarantulas, scorpions, hermit crabs, and other invertebrates.  Never hurts to ask but as a rule herptiles only.  We cannot take fish... our reptiles will eat them.   We do not take or accept wild birds or mammals, only wild reptiles and amphibians and only from Ohio.


Q #11:  I want to know where my reptile goes.  Will you give me the new owner’s info or the name of the institution or sanctuary where placed or adopted?

A #11:    If the new owners wish and allow us to give out their information we will do so.  We don't disclose all the organizations we work with, such as which alligator sanctuaries we took particular alligators to, because they do not want to spend their time talking with former pet owners about their surrendered pet.  Most of the animals these sanctuaries receive are former pets.  They want to care for these animals, not spend their time talking on the phone to ex-owners or giving tours and trying to find a specific pet.  If we do give you this information upon request, please do not harass them


Q #12:  I picked up a turtle hit by a car in northern Kentucky and can't find a KY wildlife rehabilitator.  Can you take an injured reptile I found in another state?

A #12:    Yes!  ARR has wildlife rehabilitators in northern Kentucky.  We have wildlife rehabilitators licensed in both Ohio and Kentucky.



Q #14:  Can we tour your facilities and see your animals?

A #14:    The Division of Wildlife does not allow us to give tours as we have sick and injured wildlife in rehabilitation.  We do outside events and presentations and would be happy to bring some of our reptiles to you.  Our foster homes are not open to the public and we schedule visits for rescue business by appointment only.  We are working on a obtaining a public facility and after that anyone is welcome to come visit us.  If you are bringing in your pet, you will get to see our rescued reptiles in foster care and their setups that we have at the time of your intake appointment at the location we send you to.  If you choose not to leave your pet after you meet us, you are under no obligation to do so.  Multiple visits are not necessary.


Q #15:  Will you turn me in to the authorities if I bring a reptile to you I shouldn't have?

A #15:    We are not law enforcement and our goal is to help the reptile.  We will not turn you in or report you to anyone for surrendering an animal.  Ohio law requires us to keep records of all intakes, and Ohio law requires we allow Ohio agencies access to those records upon request.  Please provide correct and accurate information. 


Q #16:  Can you give me legal advice about my pet reptile or interpret the law as it applies to me?

A #16:    We are not attorneys and cannot offer legal advice or legal interpretations.  We can quote, point you towards, and show you what the law says word-for-word but it is up to you or your attorney to determine what it means for you and your pet.


Q #17:  Are you able to take my venomous snake or dangerous reptile?

A #17:    We are experienced, permitted, and equipped to take large and dangerous reptiles such as venomous snakes, crocodilians, and giant constrictors.  We still take in restricted snakes.  Contact us to see if we have space for your pet reptile.


Q #18:  My pet is sick.  Can I bring it to you for care and have it returned to me later?  

A #18:    No.  We don't provide medical or veterinary care for your personal pet.  We can take your sick reptile and we will be happy to provide the necessary care and find a new home.  If you prefer to keep your pet, we recommend seeking professional veterinary care for your sick reptile.  We can help point you to an exotic veterinarian if you need a reference.


Q #19:  Can you tell me why my adoption application was denied?

A #19:    It wasn't denied. We just don't think you are quite ready yet. Contact us and we will be happy to discuss your application with you. As a rule you will probably have already heard from us with recommendations to improve your ability to care for the reptile you want. We prefer to work with new owners and educate about what you need and help you do it right.


Q #20:  Will my pet be housed in the same cage with other reptiles?

A #20:    Usually not.  We prefer to house all reptiles in separate enclosures to reduce the risk of disease transmission, reduce injuries from cagemates, and give each reptile some space and time to settle in and feel comfortable while under our care.  Exceptions include pets that were already previously housed together with the former owner (if appropriate), species that do better in groups, and our communal ponds for turtles and crocodilians.


Q #21:  Can I visit my pet after I give it to you?

A #21:    We would love to have all the previous owners come visit, socialize with, and even provide some care for their former pets. However, this is not practical given that we operate out of foster homes. Once we have a facility open to the public we will be happy to accommodate that request in a reasonable manner.


Q #22:  Does Arrowhead have any paid employees?

A #22:    We are a 100% volunteer organization and do not have any paid employees. 


Q #23:  Does ARR accept alligators and crocodiles?

A #23:   Yes!  ARR accepts alligators in Indiana only. You must transport your alligator or crocodile to our foster home in Indiana. 

Q #24:  Is Arrowhead tax exempt?  Are my donations tax deductible?

A #24:    Yes!  Arrowhead Reptile Rescue is recognized by the US Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3 non-profit tax exempt organization.  Your donations and contributions are tax deductible. 


Q #25:  Why did Arrowhead stop accepting pond sliders?

A #25:     The Ohio Division of Wildlife enacted new rules in 2014 for wildlife rehabilitators prohibiting them from dealing with both injured native wildlife and native pet reptiles as well. This includes pond sliders, some map and painted turtles, and most species that are native to the state of Ohio. Due to these Ohio Division of Wildlife regulations and policies, we are no longer accepting pond slider turtles.  Unfortunately we were forced to choose between helping injured wildlife for rehabilitation back to the wild, or rescuing native pet reptiles for adoption to new homes. Since most injured wild reptiles that come to us are hurt by human beings and their vehicles, construction, habitat destruction, and other man-made factors, we chose to continue helping those reptiles. We regret that state laws and rules impede on our ability to help reptiles in need.   









Q #100:  I found an injured wild animal.  Can I keep it at home and take care of it?

A #100:    No. It is illegal to try to care for injured wild animals in Ohio (also Ky and IN). Wildlife rehabilitators have specialized training to handle wildlife injuries and illness, and have partnerships with veterinarians to help provide that appropriate and proper medical care. Think of wildlife as Ohio's private animals, and the state only wants their wildlife treated and cared for by trained professionals. You might be a nurse, or an EMT, or love animals, or be an animal rescuer or shelter volunteer, but if you are not a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian, then please keep your hands off the injured wildlife.   It is only acceptable to pick up injured wildlife you find to transport to an appropriate wildlife rehabilitator.


Q #101:  I found a box turtle and it seems very friendly.  Can I keep it as a pet?

A #101:    No. Eastern box turtles are a protected native species in Ohio (also KY and IN). It is illegal to buy, sell, trade, possess, pick one up, transport, obtain, keep, injure, or harm an eastern box turtle in any manner.  Box turtles may not have fangs and claws to show you when they are upset, but rest assured the wild turtle is terrified and not happy to see you.


Q #102:  I found a box turtle that was obviously a pet.  Should I keep it or pick it up?

A #102:    No. Box turtles can live over 100 years, and it is not unrealistic that any given turtle could have been picked up and kept as a pet and released a number of times in a century.  We have seen turtles with names carved in them, painted shells, even a bow tied to them.  Please don't continue this cycle. We recommend leaving wildlife in nature where you find them.  IN ADDITION, BOX TURTLES ARE QUITE CALM AND EASY GOING AND WE HEAR ALL THE TIME THAT WILD BOX TURTLES "MUST BE A PET BECAUSE THEY ARE SO FRIENDLY".  This is not true.  They just don't have fangs and claws.  Please leave wild turtles in the wild where they belong. 


Q #103:  I found a red eared slider turtle in the wild.  Does it have to be euthanized?

A #103:    Not necessarily. If you find a red eared slider uninjured in the wild in Ohio, please leave it where you found it. No action is required.  If you find a red eared slider that is severely injured in Ohio, it cannot be rehabilitated and released. Injured red eared slider from the wild cannot be rehabilitated and must be euthanized. Please call the Ohio Division of Wildlife at 1-800-WILDLIFE for direction or suggestions if you find an injured wild red eared slider as we do not accept them for euthanasia. 


Q #104:  I think I found an alligator snapping turtle. What should I do with it?

A #104:    No, you didn't. These are common snapping turtles in Ohio. We don't have alligator snapping turtles here. They are very similar in appearance, especially young turtles.   We recommend leaving wildlife in nature where you find them.


Q #105:  I found a snake and it is rattling its tail and making a buzzing noise. Is this a rattlesnake?

A #105:    In Ohio, probably not. Many species of snakes will shake their tail when threatened or angry, including milk snakes, rat snakes, and yes even rattlesnakes. The rattlesnake just happens to have a rattle on its tail. Other non-venomous snakes often produce a buzzing sound when vibrating their tail against something. In Ohio we only have two species of rattlesnake and they are both endangered and extremely rare with very low population numbers.


Q #106:  There is a huge snapping turtle (or snake) scaring residents and neighborhood children. What can we do?

A #106:    Keep in mind we moved into their home, not the other way around. They belong where they are; humans don't take animal habitat into consideration when deciding where to build homes and businesses. If there is a reptile causing you grief or headaches, we request you simply relocate them within a mile or so to the nearest suitable habitat. If the animal is in your home or building, a nuisance wildlife removal service is who you need to call.






Q #200:  I heard that turtles under 4" were illegal to sell in the U.S. ?  How come people are selling turtle hatchlings at the beach?  (Or mall, flea market, pet store, fair, carnival)?   

A #200:    It is illegal to sell turtles under 4" in size in the United States. But no one, including the federal health officials who enacted the ban in 1975, enforce it or seem to care. To this day you can go buy hatchling quarter-sized turtles just about anywhere. Everyone knows it happens. Everyone lets it happen.  No one wants to do anything about it.  


Q #201:  Do turtles really carry Salmonella?  Can my pet turtle make me sick?

A #201:    Many reptiles, including turtles, can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and many others. As a rule these organisms usually do not make the reptile sick, show any signs of presence, and do not require the animal be treated for illness. Some can, in rare cases, make people sick.  These same organisms can also be obtained from eggs, chicken, produce, and a number of items we come into contact with every day.  We highly recommend always washing your hands after handling any animal, practice good hygiene and cleanliness, and use common sense.  It is generally not recommended to keep reptiles as pets for children under 5 years of age as they stick things in their mouth a lot and don't always remember to use good hygiene, or those with immune system disorders or problems.


Q #202:  I was told my pet reptile won't outgrow the cage.  Is it true that some reptiles only grow as big as their enclosure?

A #202:    FALSE. If you feed it right and provide the proper environment, it will grow. If you are keeping your pet reptile in a cage that is too small, not feeding it correctly, and not providing the right conditions, it will not grow and eventually die.


Q #203:  I was told my pet alligator won't get big if I don't feed it often and keep it cold.  Is this true?

A #203:    Intentionally neglecting an animal's proper care and needs is animal cruelty.  Not feeding an alligator the proper amount of food and not providing an alligator the proper temperatures will result in a sick, malnourished, deformed, stunted animal.  Refusing to feed your pet enough and willfully not giving it the correct environment is classic animal cruelty and a horrible way for any living animal to barely survive.


Q #204:  I am finding a lot of conflicting information on the internet. How can I tell what is correct and what is wrong?

A #204:    Look at the source. Scientific studies done by professional researchers, care sheets provided by proven breeders and herp keepers, and information from reputable organizations will often be more reliable. Joe's comment on AskJeeves might not be reliable. Bob's reptile page might not have all the most current information or be accurate. Find good sources and lots of them to compare information.