I'd probably have to lock myself away for a while to cool off if I knew someone was getting into my snakes, and it would be a -very- real possibility that I'd make it clear that they were not welcome in my home anymore. Admittedly, I'm very protective of my snakes, it's hard for me to let some people hold them who don't have respect for the animals as my pets (rather than a novelty item, as they are to some). I've given permission to one other person in my house to get a particular snake out, and that's only after he checks to see when the last feeding day was. He's an ex of mine so he has the general idea of how to handle the snakes, and the one snake I've given permission for is a doll. Other than my current boyfriend, I just don't trust anyone else to not hurt, lose, scare, or otherwise compromise my animals. -I- alone am responsible for their care and well being, and it's a serious matter for me personally (as it is to many keepers here, I'm sure).

In the end, you're not being "anal," you're being totally reasonable. It would be totally unacceptable for people to go through your personal things, why would getting your pets out without permission be ok?