Most people opt for a dog or cat when considering bringing a pet into their home. While that’s true, reptiles are some of the most fascinating creatures, and as long as you know how to take care of them, they can make excellent pets which is why we have a list of the best reptile rescues in North Carolina for you right here.
While you can search for reptile stores or go shopping at a pet store, when you adopt reptiles from rescues, you’re not promoting unethical breeding and are giving a reptile a fresh start in a loving home.
Other articles you would like: Best Horse Rescues In The USA and Best Rabbit Rescues In The Bay Area.
Why Do Reptiles End Up at Rescues?
Unfortunately, reptiles end up in rescues, for similar reasons other animals do. Below are the most common reasons you’ll see adoptable reptiles at various rescues:
- Owners can no longer afford to care for them
- Owners underestimate the knowledge required to care for them properly
- The reptiles were wild and needed rehabilitation
- The reptiles were neglected either involuntarily or on purpose
Reptiles are incredibly fantastic creatures, but most people don’t realize how much work it takes to give them the ideal home they need to thrive.
More often than not, people rescue reptiles because owners don’t know how to care for them. Rescues exist to give these animals a fresh start and educate people.
What Types of Reptiles Are Commonly in Reptile Rescues?
The types of reptiles that end up in rescues will vary from location to location and the capabilities of the staff at each rescue.
North Carolina has various native and non-native reptiles roaming about, so the list of what types end up in reptile rescues is extensive. Here are just a handful of reptiles you might see in the rescues throughout North Carolina:
- Geckos
- Bearded Dragons
- Ocelotes
- Lizards
- Turtles
- Tortoises
- Snakes
While this list is very vague, you’ll be able to check the rescues’ websites or get in touch with someone at the rescue to determine the specific type of snake, lizard, or reptile you’re interested in adopting.
The Best Reptile Rescues in North Carolina
For those who are ready to bring a new pet into their home, a rescue reptile is an excellent option if you have the knowledge and experience.
Whether you’re looking to adopt a beautiful snake, lizard, or another type of reptile, these are the best reptile rescues in North Carolina.
1. BeWild Reptile Rescue
BeWild Reptile Rescue is one of the best North Carolina has to offer. This non-profit organization focuses on caring for neglected, sick, and displaced reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and more.
They’ve taken in over 400 animals since starting the organization in 2018, whether its owner surrenders or people find these animals roaming around.
A few things that make BeWild one of the best rescues in the state include their staff’s extensive knowledge of the reptiles, the medical care they provide, and the empathy they share with surrenders.
The staff welcomes volunteers if you want to participate to gain more knowledge before adoption, but this isn’t a requirement for adoption. On their website, they have comprehensive guides to caring for specific species.
They also offer education and have an extensive adoption selection process. They have an application you can fill out online but be warned that just because you fill it out doesn’t mean you’ll be accepted.
Some of the reptiles you can apply to adopt from BeWild include Ball Pythons, geckos, Garter snakes, and bearded dragons. They update their websites often so you can regularly see which are still available.
BeWild Reptile Rescue Details:
- Location: Durham
- Phone Number: 919-442-8238
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: BeWild Reptile Rescue
2. Piedmont Reptile Rescue
Another great reptile rescue in North Carolina is Piedmont Reptile Rescue. This rescue takes in reptiles and other small animals to ensure they find loving homes.
Some of the reptiles you’ll be able to apply to adopt from here include Candino Ball Pythons, Pastel Ball Pythons, several types of Boas, and other snakes.
They also have a smaller selection of geckos and Bearded Dragons, but if you’re on the hunt for a new snake, then this rescue tends to have a more extensive selection.
The rescue thrives on donations to keep them up and running, and you can donate money, supplies, or your time.
Piedmont Reptile Rescue takes excellent care of all its reptiles and won’t place them up for adoption until they’re in good health.
You can apply to adopt, but they are very transparent that many of their reptiles don’t come with background information, which can be challenging for some people. They cannot be held responsible for the behaviors of the reptiles.
They will provide you with educational information, but they tend to approve adoptions for those who have at least some experience with the specific type of reptile you’re interested in adopting.
Piedmont Reptile Rescue Details:
- Location: Burlington
- Phone Number: 336-212-0556
- Website: Piedmont Reptile Rescue
3. Fresh Start Rescue Inc.
Fresh Start Rescue Inc. is a rescue for reptiles that functions in North Carolina and New Hampshire.
This rescue is near the coast of North Carolina, and all the staff who spend their time there are passionate about caring for reptiles and giving them a loving home.
They take in injured, unwanted, and homeless reptiles and will nurse them back to health if need be before placing them up for adoption on their website.
The animal lovers at this rescue don’t discriminate against certain reptiles and are willing to foster, nurse back to health, and rehome all types of reptiles.
If you’re interested in adopting a reptile from Fresh Start, you’ll need to fill out an online application. Remember that you’ll need to drive to pick up your reptile as they don’t ship any of their animals.
They’re very selective and require photos of your home, enclosures, and experience you have with the specific reptile you’re interested in adopting to ensure they aren’t neglected or end up back at a rescue.
Some of the reptiles you can adopt from them include Boas, Bearded Dragons, different kinds of geckos, turtles, tortoises, and more.
Fresh Start Rescue Inc. Details:
- Location: Wallace
- Phone Number: 910-470-6299
- Website: Fresh Start Rescue Inc.
4. Exotic Pet Rescue
Exotic Pet Rescue is located in Concord, North Carolina. The rescue focuses on taking in any exotic animals that have been neglected, sick, or surrendered before attempting to find them their new forever home.
While they take in exotic animals of all kinds, they are also known for reducing reptiles.
The owner of the rescue is incredibly passionate about animal care and is more than willing to offer any guidance and education to whoever needs it when adopting a reptile from them.
Something that sets Exotic Pet Rescue apart from the others on this list is that the owner keeps many of the animals.
There is plenty that is available for adoption but knowing that the owner is happy to adopt some of the animals themself is a testament to how much they care about the reptiles and other creatures.
For those who are interested in adopting from Exotic Pet Rescue, there’s a contact form on their website. You can also reach out via phone or email.
The application process is more technical than some of the other rescues, but don’t let that deter you. The owner is meticulous in choosing only those who can adequately care for the reptiles.
Exotic Pet Rescue Details:
- Location: Concord
- Phone Number: 980-621-6359
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Exotic Pet Rescue
5. Reptile Rescue of the Carolinas
Reptile Rescue of the Carolinas has been a prominent rescue since its opening in 2011.
The staff who work at the rescue are all knowledgeable about reptiles and the care they need, and many have medical training to rehabilitate reptiles that might be able to be released back into the wild.
One thing that sets this rescue apart from the others is its intention of releasing many reptiles back into the wild. Unfortunately, this isn’t possible for invasive species and those who will not thrive. That’s where their adoption efforts come into play.
You’ll find various snakes, lizards, and other reptiles up for adoption. Unlike other rescues, you’ll need to attend one of their educational and adoption events or reach out to them personally to see which reptiles are available.
They ensure they offer education on caring for the reptiles before you’re allowed to bring them home. Even after you take your new reptile pet home, you can reach out to them for guidance whenever you need it.
Reptile Rescue of the Carolinas Details:
- Location: Pikeville
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Reptile Rescue of the Carolinas
Conclusion For “Best Reptile Rescues in North Carolina”
When it comes to adopting a new pet, looking into rescue is a great way to give an animal another chance at a loving home.
North Carolina has a decent amount of reptile rescues if you’re ready to welcome a new snake, lizard, turtle, or other reptiles into your home.
Regardless of the species you’re interested in, you’ll find plenty of reptile adoption options from rescues throughout the state. When you’re ready, consider the five best reptile rescues in North Carolina to give these animals a new start.
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