Adoption Application Copyright 1995 Melissa Kaplan 1. Do you live in a: House? Apartment/condo? Mobile home? With parents or relatives? Dorm? Other? 2. If you rent, will your landlord object to your having a reptile? (Note: failure to disclose that you have a reptile may result in your being evicted.) Yes No Don't Know 3. How long have you lived at your present address? 4. Are you planning to move in the next 6 months? If you move, what are you planning to do with your animal? 5. Have you adopted an animal before? If yes, what is the current status of that animal? 6. If you must give up this animal, what do you plan to do? 7. Have you ever brought any of your own animals to a shelter or rescue society? If yes, what were the circumstances: 8. Have you owned or cared for reptiles or amphibians before? If yes, what kind (species name): 9. If you no longer have these animals, please explain how long you had them and why you no longer have them: 10. Do you already have a veterinarian who is experienced in evaluating and treating reptiles and amphibians? If yes, please give the name and phone number: 11. If your new animal gets lost, what steps will you take to find it? 12. How much do you anticipate spending yearly to provide the appropriate food, medical care, permits (if required in your area) and supplies? 13. What types of supplies and food do you think you will need for the animal you wish to adopt? 14. How much do you think it will cost for you to acquire the necessary supplies and food? 15. How many adults in your household? Number of Children? How old are the children? 16. Do all family members favor getting this type of animal? 17. Which member(s) of your household will be primarily responsible for the feeding, cleaning, handling (if appropriate) and general care of this animal? 18. If you are interested in adopting a particular species or type of reptile or amphibian, please tell us what you already know or have learned about the needs and disposition of this type of animal? 19. Many reptiles live longer than 15 years; some tortoises may live more than 100 years. Are you ready to take responsibility for the animal you adopt for its entire life? What provisions will you make to assure it is taken care of after you or the primary care-giver dies or is no longer able to care for it? 20. What books or other materials have you read about the animal you wish to adopt? What books relating to this animal(s), or to reptile or amphibian care do you presently own? 21. Do you belong to a herpetology society If so, which one(s): 22. If you want to adopt an iguana: Have you ever had one before? If so, what happened to it? (Be honest if it died - this is not necessarily a disqualifier given the poor information out there.) Are you prepared to provide suitable housing for one? This means at least a dedicated room or room-sized enclosure. If you have not already done so, please read my Iguana Care, Feeding and Socialization and Iguana Behavior, Breeding & Reproduction articles to get some idea of proper care, housing, and behavioral issues. And you may want to take a look at the Iguana Teeth page and illustrations. 23. What other types of animals do you have? 24. What will you do about care for your reptile or amphibian when you have to travel on business or vacations? 25. Please put down any other pertinent information you think will help me get to know you better as a prospective 'parent.'