How do I make money with my pets?

[ChuckeyReptiles]

Im a 16 year old guy ...I have a 4 ft long ball python ....iv bewn thinking about getting paid for letting people take pictures with it......a LOT of people come up to me during summer to take pictures but I never ask for money........I also have other snakes and lizards like a leopard gecko & a corn snake ....like any teen ager I want to make a lil money for my self and buy rats for the snake ....how do I stary this ????

Here are some pitcures

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[satomi325]

Ask for a donation. The donation goes back into the care of the animals. That way it doesn't sound so abrasive as a mandatory fee. People might stop wanting to take pictures if you demand a fee. Especially if this is all casual encounters and in a non-professional setting.

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[leylaraks]

Good luck with that. I'm a professional belly dancer who performs with her snakes... Here's the thing...how exactly will that conversation go? "Can we take a pic with your snake?" "Sure...for $5." Don't expect people to take you up on that.

I never ask for cash when out with my girls. If someone asks for a pic with me and my snakes, I pose for one. Because I am a performer and that is part of being a performer (plus, I am being paid by the venue and usually people will willingly tip you if you pose for pics...but again, I also dance...you wouldn't necessarily be providing service beyond snake-pimping). I also take the opportunity to talk to people about snakes and dispel myths. Because you end up being an ambassador for snakes.

Also, I need to mention to need to be insured when you start charging for services. Because if your snake were to strike at someone, you are now liable. My insurance runs me about $300 a year.

Your best bet is to contact local photographers as a prop source. But be aware, that usually only works with magazine photographers and they usually already have a hook up.

Just enjoy your pets.


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[bcr229]

Your best bet is to contact local photographers as a prop source. But be aware, that usually only works with magazine photographers and they usually already have a hook up.

Actually you'd be surprised how many don't. We've gotten quite a few requests for snakes (and guns) as props, mainly because of the pictures my husband has posted of our stuff.

The only reason the photographers are willing to deal with us is we run everything under our regular business, with insurance, signed releases, etc. They're nervous about using animals from a private person, and it'll be a no-go for the OP since he's 16 so legally he can't even be held to a contract.

[Darkbird]

Short answer for you is you can't. As has already been mentioned, people who just come up to you on the street aren't likely to pay. I have seen a booth set up for allowing people to get their picture taken with an animal, but that will require equipment and a venue. And insurance, of course. You can try the donation thing and see how it goes, but don't hold your breath.

[John1982]

How's that diadophis doin for ya?

[ZacharyPoller]

No way you can make money my advice get a job at a pet shop or somewhere you will make more money then 5$ donation for snake pictures..

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[Marrissa]

Or you're sixteen so go get a real job. You'll have a lot more money then than chump change from pictures. I personally could not work for Petco or Petsmart ever because I have too many opinions on the animals they get and how they keep them (bone thin ball pythons with stuck shed, or the employee that likes to tell me what I can and can't have in my 75 gal when she knows nothing about fish). Anyways go get a weekend job or something, or take people up on yard work, pet sit, babysit, do odd jobs for people. When I was in highschool until I got a job, I took care of all the horses, goats, ducks, chickens and did house chores to earn 20 a week.

[Kodieh]

Not to mention that that leopard gecko is suffering from severe MBD in its front legs. They aren't supposed to bow like a bull dog.

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[satomi325]

They aren't supposed to bow like a bull dog.

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Quality Bulldogs aren't suppose to have bowed legs either...