If it's too good to be true....

[wolfy-hound]

Wow this has really helped me understand the ball python market. But I do have a concern, and it might be the reason why ASPCA and humane societies dont do reptile adoptions, kinda like houston spca uses a herp center to take in reptiles. My question is this.

A friend and I have stated a reptile rescue group, and we have been debating for about a month month now what a rehoming fee should be. At first we are talking $35 for a female spider, strick on not selling for breeding, how ever we understand this is not stoppable,and the chance of a breeder seeing it that low or some one that tthinks they can flip it and make money. Obviously we are unable to spay or nuetur the animals. We are putting together an application and interview program. for adoptees. We have brainstormed even providing propper enclosuers and other equipment needed as well as 4 feedings worth of food and upping the fee to maybe $85

It's going to be nearly impossible to enforce a "no breeding" rule. And honestly, why would you? If it's a healthy animal, and they have a market for the babies, why would you insist it remain only a pet? I've never quite understood it. I mean, I understand if it's a mutt dog of unknown origin(unknown genetics) and no real value to any pups produced, etc. But it's a python, and if it's a spider, it'll look like a spider and be a spider. There's not a ton of unknowns to a BP.

I would definitely think about providing a proper set up with each reptile you "adopt out". Put together what a person needs, add up the $$ amount you spend on it and add that to the adoption fee, or outright sell the set-up and include the animal as a "free adoption". You'll be certain they start out with the right set-up, they'll value the animal if they've spent a little money on it and the reputation of your rescue as someone who makes CERTAIN the animals are taken care of even after you adopt them will be worth it.