Legal Question about Exhibits/Events

My wife and I were looking at holding a free public event for the local community for reptile education and awareness, but we had a few questions. Here in Arizona, is a license/permit required to hold an event like this? The legal pages we are looking at are really convoluted and misdirecting, so we are on the fence right now. Some sites talk about needing some sort of zoo license, but most of them seem to be talking about large mammals, with nothing referring to reptiles/arachnids/etc. They also refer to businesses doing this and requiring some sort of licensing, but we aren't a business at all, just some herp fans trying to help the community. The last thing we would want to do is host an event and have a legal ban-hammer dropped on us. Does anyone have any helpful information or leads we could look into? Much appreciated!

You really should find someone local who holds similar events, or actually communicate with an official in writing as to what you are required to have. State regulations aren't your only worry - city, county, etc., have to be taken into account also. At the very least, I would expect some kind of insurance to cover a "wild animal attack". :rolleye2:

There are a few similar organizations that we will be speaking with today about what they are required to have for their events. Insurance is something I won't be surprised if it is required.

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Originally Posted by Diasnis

There are a few similar organizations that we will be speaking with today about what they are required to have for their events. Insurance is something I won't be surprised if it is required.

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Good luck! :)

Have you spoken with the AHA yet? I'd think they would be a great place to start.

We spoke with someone here who does various events of his own (Ken the Bug Guy), and he reaffirmed what we had read/interpreted, that since we don't house any of our animals in separate "business" areas, nor are we a business to begin with, about the only thing we may want to do is have liability insurance, but nothing else is legally required of us. Horray!