Adoption

Our Adoption Process. Go through this before reaching out Adopting from us is not an overnight process. There are multiple steps and a lot of information we need to convey to you so you are fully set up for success when you get your new family member home. We will always be here for you every step of the way, but let's first go through what will happen. Initial Contact During this step, you will speak with an adoption coordinator. They will go over our expectations and answer any questions you have about what will be happening, so please do not hesitate to ask! Our adoption coordinator will review a lot of information that may seem overwhelming at first, but you are NOT alone on this journey. Learning about the Available Animals After you talk to our adoption coordinator, they may recommend a specific animal based on your conversation. The wonderful part of working with our coordinators is that they are in touch with the fosters and can provide information about each foster's temperament and behavior. You may have seen an animal on our pages that interests you. If so, please let the coordinator know. Also, understand that because of the communication we have between coordinators and fosters, we may have information indicating it would not be the best match. For example, we have found that some of our animals do better with adults, while others prefer being around kids. Again, we want to set you up for total success by matching the best animal to your family and needs. You are not on this journey alone! At this time, you will most likely be asked to fill out the Adoption Contract. Enclosure and Lights Once you have an idea of the animal that best suits you and your situation, our coordinator will guide you through the enclosure process. We have recommended sizes and brands of the actual enclosure that your animal will be sleeping in. There are specific reasons why we provide these recommendations. Some of our animals are very large, so they need a large enclosure. The enclosure MUST be front-opening. Animals do better with front-opening enclosures, where, when you go to get them out, you come in at their level, and they can get excited. We never recommend a top-opening enclosure because animals get very scared when something comes over them. People are much larger than reptiles, and we want to prevent the possibility of you getting bitten or them getting overly stressed out. The actual enclosure is not the only thing you will purchase or discuss during this step. There are also lights, which are extremely important. You will need to get a basking lamp and a linear UVB lamp. We have information in a different section on why the linear UVB is required for the reptile's health; we also have information about the brands you can choose from. It may seem like a very picky step to only accept these brands, but please trust us that we are getting you the best brand for your family member. There are people researching how well UVB lights work, and unfortunately, only 2 brands consistently deliver what is needed. You will also be getting additional items that make up the enclosure, like the basking platform, and other things that make their home fun for them (and, of course, you). Pictures and Feeding Once your enclosure is set up, you will need to take pictures of the enclosure and the temperatures so we can make sure everything is correct. This will help you be successful when your new animal comes home! During this step, our coordinator will also talk to you about what kind of foods you will want to feed your chosen reptile, and what you need to avoid. As with lights and enclosures, there is a lot of misinformation out there, and we want to avoid your having to find a vet because your reptile gets sick from eating something it shouldn't have. Supplements needed will also be discussed during this step, so you know which vitamins to purchase and how or when to use them. Setting a Pickup Time Once you have reached this step in the process, have been fully approved, and are ready for your new family member, you will be put in touch with the person fostering your animal to set up a mutually convenient time and location for pickup. We know you are excited and want your family member as quickly as possible after waiting this long and going through every step, and we want to make that happen, but fosters may have jobs or other commitments that make same-day pickup impossible. Please understand that we are all volunteers doing our best for the animals, and for you. Pickup and What's Next Once the day, time, and location have been decided, make sure you have a carrier to take your new family member home. Our fosters will bring the new family member in their personal carriers to meet you, but we do not provide these to new families because we have so many animals going to homes. You have your new family member at home now and realize that you have questions, guess what? We are STILL here for you, and we WANT to hear from you! We LOVE updates on the antics of the animals that we have fostered. We WANT to answer your questions or talk about something you've seen and didn't know about. We consider you part of our North Texas Reptile Rescue family, and we are not going anywhere. We are here to help make this successful for you in the long term.