Adoptable Animals
Adoption Process
Please read all adoption requirements and policies prior to submitting adoption application.
Step 1
Apply to adopt and get preliminary approval.
Step 2
Send us a photo of the finished enclosure.
Step 3
Schedule a time and place to pick them up!
1. Age Requirement
Adopters must be 18 years or older to adopt.
2. Enclosure Requirements
Bearded Dragons – 120 gallons
Leopard Geckos – 40 gallons
Ball Pythons – 120 gallons for full sized adults (if unsure, feel free to ask)
Other – Feel free to reach out!
3. Research Prior to Applying
While we are happy to help and offer suggestions, adopters are expected to have already researched tank requirements, diet, lifespan, safe substrates, temperatures, humidity, and UVB requirements.
4. No Shipping Policy
We do not ship animals.
5. Veterinary Care
Regular vet care is required. Adopters should research and find a qualified exotic vet in their area prior to adopting. Click here for a list of exotic vets in Wisconsin
6. Denied Applications
Denied applications are generally not reconsidered, especially if we feel the adopter is negligibly unprepared or had planned to provide inadequate care.
7. Large Collections
While we value experience, we do not encourage large collections and may deny adoptions if an animal would not receive adequate individualized care.
8. AI Responses
While we understand that AI can be used as a writing aid and research tool, the obvious use of AI may disqualify your application. We want to hear from you, not a chatbot, to ensure that you’re qualified.
Available for adoption:
Interested in a species we don’t currently have available? Email us at info@herphabitat.org. There are a number of species that we do not accept, but may connect qualified adopters with the private owners that are seeking to rehome healthy animals.
Disclaimer: Herp Habitat does not assume ownership, custody, or control of these animals and is not a party to any screening, approval, agreement, or transfer between private individuals.
Interested in adopting an animal you may have seen on our social media but do not see available for adoption? They may have been deemed not yet ready for adoption. Feel free to reach out for more info or apply to get pre-approved.
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At Herp Habitat, our priority is placing animals in homes where they can thrive. To ensure this, all adoption requests are carefully reviewed. Please take a moment to read through our guidelines below. By submitting an application, you agree to these terms.
1. Our right to decline applications
We reserve the right to deny any adoption application at our discretion. This includes applications we determine may present potential risks to the animal’s well being, even if all answers appear technically correct. Our decision making is always centered around the best interests of the animal.
2. Reevaluation of approved applications
Even after an application has been approved, we reserve the right to reverse that decision at any point prior to the transfer of ownership. As long as we maintain legal ownership of the animal, we are committed to placing them in the best possible homes to ensure they live full, healthy lives.
3. Adoption hold period
After an adoption application is approved, they will be placed on hold for one month. After one month, the adoption hold will be lifted. If you have a valid reason for requiring more than one month, please let us know and we are happy to extend the adoption hold.
4. Non discrimination policy
We do not and will never discriminate based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. Our only concern is the quality of care that the animal will receive.
5. Multiple yellow flags
We may deny an application based on a pattern of concerns, what we refer to as “multiple yellow flags”. Examples include vague or evasive answers, visible disinterest, signs of hostility, attempts to rush the process, or behavior that gives us reason to believe the animal may not be properly cared for.
6. Our opposition to “collections”
We prioritize individualized care and quality of life for every animal. Because of this, we typically do not adopt out to large reptile collections. High volume environments can compromise care and lead to issues in the event that a change in life circumstances makes you unable to care for your animals.
7. Resubmitting after a denial
If your application is denied, you may be invited to submit a revised application. However, please note that reversing a denial is uncommon and not guaranteed. We reserve the right to maintain a denied status even after resubmission.
8. Purpose of adoption fees
Adoption fees are not for profit. They exist to deter scammers, resellers, and those who may not be ready for the financial responsibility of pet ownership.
9. Fraudulent or harmful information
If we discover any intentionally falsified, misleading, or harmful information in your application, you will be permanently banned from adopting through us. We may also share this information with other rescues or animal welfare organizations to protect animals across the community.