The Healthy Trade Institute’s newest program is officially up and running! And honestly, adopting a cold-blooded companion has never been easier.
Our Nationwide Adoption Storefront has plenty of healthy bearded dragons, ball pythons, geckos, amphibians, and more, all looking for new homes. Keep reading to find out how you can join the herp-parent community!
HTI’s Five-Step Adoption Process
Choosing to adopt a reptile or amphibian isn’t a split-second decision. These pets require significantly more specialized care than your more commonly adopted cats or dogs. But caring for a herp is a deeply rewarding experience. (Not that we’re biased or anything.)
After careful consideration, follow these five steps to become a herp parent:
Step 1: Apply For Adoption
Fill out the application form on our website so that our team can get to know you better. We want to ensure that each of our rescues is going to a responsible, caring owner.
Step 2: Await Approval
After applying, our team will reach back out to you with our decision. Please give us one to two weeks to review and process your application.
Step 3: Find the Herp for You
Our Adoption Storefront shows all of the animals we currently have available. When you find one that you’d like to adopt, click “Inquire about this Animal” to let us know you’re interested.
Step 4: Get Matched Appropriately
Different breeds require varying levels of care and expertise. For this reason, the HTI will classify all potential adopters into four experience categories:
- Novice – This would be your first reptile or amphibian.
- Intermediate – You have at least 1.5 years of experience with one or two species.
- Expert – You have over five years of experience with at least three species.
- Diamond – You can care for animals with a variety of special health needs.
Regardless of your experience level, we have an incredible variety of reptiles and amphibians for you to choose from.
Step 5: Adopt your Herp
Upon matching with your perfect herp, you can send the adoption and shipping fees to the HTI by paying the PayPal invoice sent by our team. At that point, your new pet will be safely on their way to you! All of our adoptions are shipped overnight according to the Redline Shipping standards.
What Makes Our Program Different?
Every pet at the HTI has a verified health history with over $200 in expert veterinary care already taken care of. In our collaboration with the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM), we can expertly care for every herp in our care. Every reptile and amphibian on our Adoption Storefront has been tested for harmful pathogens and received an in-depth health check.
How Your Donations Keep Our Program Running
By adopting your next pet from the HTI, you’re supporting our efforts to restructure the larger herp trade. And even if you’re not quite ready to take on the role of reptile-parent, you can still contribute to our mission.
Every dollar you donate goes right back into caring for our animals. Adopt, donate, or learn more to join our Healthier Trade today!