How to legally set up a reptile rescue?

All Reptiles Legislation
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Hi, so apologies in advance as I’m not really sure what category this fits best in so if this is incorrect my full apologies!

So, to start I live in upstate New York. I’ve been keeping reptiles since late 2022 but have been in love with them and have researched everything I can about every species through any means available ever since I was a toddler.

So, since I know I’ll be asked, I know what I’m getting into. I’ve even researched ad nauseam the actual logistics of opening a rescue out of my house- I’m getting ready to move into a house that would give me more than enough space to accomodate this. It’s something I’m prepared to do and have the experience to back it up.

But, that being said, I know nothing about laws and legislation around this. I’ve researched a lot to try and figure it out but I cannot find any info on starting reptile rescues- it’s all cat and dog rescues (which I’m not even slightly qualified to do lol). If anyone could point me towards any resources where I could learn more about the legal and admin process of this all I’d appreciate it heaps- I wanna give back to the reptile community (more specifically the reptiles themselves) and I’m prepared to do so.

I’m going to be applying for and taking the government test to become a licensed wild snake rehabber- tests are in April of 2026 so I have some waiting before I can even think about taking that test (but do know that is on my list of things to do!)

Thanks heaps!

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So you’re going to have enough space to properly quarantine everything from your personal collection without any cross-contamination, I assume. Often times rescue means dealing with contagious pathogens, parasites, etc. You’ll need to be well versed in all of those and what is required to kill them/prevent spread, especially if you have your own collection. Do make sure you have at least $5k-$10k to invest in startup costs and a veterinary fund.

As for resources, I did a bit of looking around and found a few. First is this article, which can help you understand what it takes to get started: Establishing A Herp Rescue/Shelter Organization
There is also this site that looks to have useful information on setting up a rescue in regards to the required documents and structure: How to Start an Animal Rescue: Get 501c3 Status and More

In regards to laws, it looks like all rescue organizations in the state of New York need to be registered with the Department of Agriculture and Markets, as well as be licensed. You may be able to reach out to them if you have further questions. All of that information can be found here: Shelter and Rescue Registration | Agriculture and Markets

I’m going to be real with you here, since you made another thread about wanting to breed BPs: do one thing and stick to that before you even consider adding more, do not try to do breeding, rescue, and rehab all at the same time. Unless you have staff outside of yourself, you will have problems. Burnout is a really big issue in both rescue and wildlife rehab, no person is capable of doing it all without a significant support system. Also, @armiyana mentioned it in your breeding thread, but often times the kind of people who look to adopt do not look very highly upon breeders and you will have quite a bit of trouble establishing yourself if you do both, moreso if you’re breeding ball pythons because of the optics. Optics are incredibly important if you plan to set up as a non-profit, as well.

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Thanks heaps for all the info, yes I would have the space for proper quarantining away from my private collection as I’m very paranoid about potential diseases spreading lol. For ball python breeding as I’ve stated I really don’t plan on it being a huge thing- while I do plan to do snake breeding as a full time career I plan to do that with hognoses.

I’m aware of optic issues around breeders, for me personally I’m being very careful not to overextend myself. A rescue may be something I pursue in anywhere from 1-10 years, it’ll depend on a lot and it’s something I’m in no rush at all to do.

If people look down upon me for breeding, it’ll be my job to prove myself through my animal care and dedication to safe and ethical care practices. Thanks again, these are great resources and I really appreciate it! I’m going to be reading up and keeping all this info in my back pocket for if/when I need it

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No one here, including me, is looking down upon you for wanting to breed your animals. We are just doing what is our ethical obligation on this forum to educate ourselves and others regarding the health and welfare of the reptiles that depend on us. No judgement whatsoever

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Oh sorry I realise how that statement may have come across- not at all saying you guys are looking down on me as I’m fully aware you’re not, this is a reptile marketplace forum lol. I more meant “people” as a general term! My bad, could’ve phrased that better

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