Exotic & specialty animals
Reptiles, constrictors, venomous species and unusual pets
Exotic animals are a specialist field. Identification errors are common and consequential, so we treat every unidentified reptile or arachnid as potentially dangerous until a qualified handler says otherwise.
Not sure what kind of animal or help is needed? Report it anyway.
Safety comes before rescue — always.
- If someone has been bitten by a snake or spider, call 911 immediately. Do not wait to identify the species.
- Do not apply a tourniquet, ice, cutting or suction to a snakebite. Keep the person calm, still and below heart level where possible.
- If a large constrictor is on a person, call 911 — this is a rescue that requires multiple trained people.
- Assume any unidentified snake may be venomous and keep everyone at least 10 feet away.
While you wait
Do
- Move people and pets out of the room or area and close the door behind you.
- Watch from a safe distance so responders know where the animal actually went.
- Photograph from far away using zoom — never move closer for a better picture.
- Note the size, color, pattern and behavior, and whether the animal appears to be someone's escaped pet.
- For a loose pet reptile indoors, lower the room's noise and light and give it a dark hiding spot to settle in.
- Report the sighting so a permitted handler or partner can be assigned.
Don't
- Don't attempt to catch, pin, hook, bag or kill any snake.
- Don't handle a tarantula or scorpion — many defensive responses cause injury without a bite.
- Don't rely on an internet identification to decide whether an animal is safe.
- Don't release an exotic pet outdoors under any circumstances; it is illegal and ecologically harmful.
- Don't transport an exotic animal in an unsecured container or a car cabin.
- Don't assume a calm animal is safe — reptiles change state fast when temperature or handling changes.
What we can and cannot do
Permitted handlers only
Exotic and venomous response is restricted to handlers with documented training and, where required, permits. We route rather than improvise.
Restricted species
State and federal restrictions vary. Some animals must legally go to an agency or authorized facility, not an ordinary rescue or foster.
Owner reunification
Many exotic calls are escaped pets. We work to reunite when ownership can be reasonably established.
Placement
Placement of exotic animals requires appropriate housing and expertise, so it may take longer and may involve a specialist partner.
We will not claim exotic or venomous handling authority we have not verified. Any specialist capability, permit or partner relationship appears on our transparency page only after an administrator has verified the documentation.