Snake in the Grass

Policy (Mon, Aug 15, 2005)

1. Mission Statement

We are dedicated to helping snakes, by

Rescuing snakes from dangerous situations
Caring for snakes whose owners are unable to
Finding good homes for the snakes in our care

We do not support the killing of snakes, except in cases where the snake suffers from an incurable degenerative disease (especially those that are contagious) and poses the threat of contamination to other snakes.

Wherever possible, we feed snakes on dead food that has been killed humanely. We feed snakes live food only when it is impossible to feed the snake any other way.

We have no affiliation with any animal rights group, animal shelter, political party, or other organization. While we are working towards the same goals, we are an independent society.

2. General Policy

2.1. Venomous Snakes

We do not, under any circumstances, take in or adopt out any venomous snake, whether front- or rear-fanged. We also do not take in or adopt out venomous snakes that have had their venom glands surgically cut, etc.

We are, however, willing to provide phone numbers for other organizations that might be able to help you.

2.2. Refusal

We reserve the right to refuse to adopt out a snake if, in our opinion, the snake would not be well cared for, or if the snake might be placed in a potentially abusive or otherwise problematic situation.

3. Rescue

When you surrender a snake to us, we will ask you to fill out a form and provide contact information, and information on the snake itself. We also reserve the right to ask for identification (such as a drivers license).

We are able to pick up snakes, or they may be dropped off with us.

4. Adoptions

If you would like to adopt a snake, we welcome the chance for you to come down and look at the snakes that are available. We also provide information on how to keep your new pet, what it eats, etc. We will also give you the records of any medical treatments, feedings, and sheddings the snake has had while with us. We require that you have your cage and food supply ready before you bring home your new snake.

When you come in to adopt your snake, be aware that we have an adoption fee and that you will need to present identification and fill out an adoption form. Please be aware that, if you are renting, you will require written permission from your landlord and you will need to provide their address and telephone number so that we can contact them to verify that you are allowed to keep a pet snake in your home. People under 19 years of age are required to bring a parent/guardian along in order to sign the forms (and, if renting, must still have written permission from the landlord as described above).

If, for whatever reason, you are no longer able to care for a snake which you adopted, the snake must be returned to Snake in the Grass.

5. Donations

We will gladly accept donations of aquaria (including lid), cages, or any equipment which may be used to house snakes. We will also gladly take gently-used fish aquaria as well. We do not accept hot rocks, nor do we accept corn, paper, pine, cedar or other wood bedding. We do accept old towels and cloths for use as bedding and for cleaning cages. Flat, heavy-bottom water bowls (such as bowls intended for pet dogs) are also a wonderful donation.

6. Care and Feeding

While a snake is in our care, we will ensure the following:

Each snake will be housed separately, in an enclosure which provides a reasonable size and environment for the snake (for example, arboreal snakes will be provided with appropriate branches). All enclosures will be monitored and maintained at an appropriate temperature and humidity for the snake.
Fecal samples will be taken from all snakes at least once each year in order to ensure that they remain healthy and free of disease or parasites.
1. Incoming snakes will be kept in quarantine until they are known to be free of parasites and diseases (such as cryptosporidium).
2. Sick snakes will be treated for any illness.
3. A snake will be euthanized only if it has an incurable degenerative disease.
Each snake will be fed food appropriate for its size and species, at appropriate intervals.
1. If possible, snakes will be fed on humanely-killed dead food.
2. Snakes will be fed live food only as a last resort.
3. All food will be obtained from reputable suppliers in order to ensure that it is healthy and free of parasites that might infect the snakes.