please note: we do not ship animals
Thinking of Adopting?
Unlike dogs and cats, reptiles require specialized care and may not be suitable for everyone. The animals we have taken in have all either been abused in some way or given up because they were no longer wanted. These animals deserve the chance to live a long healthy life in a forever home. Therefore, all of our volunteers are dedicated to making sure these animals go to just right home, who is ready, willing and able to properly care for them for life.
ADOPTION PROCESS...
- Fill out an adoption application completely, your answers should include brands and as much info as possible.
- We will take a few days to check your application before we contact you to move forward.
- You will then be asked for photos of your current animals and enclosures and/or photos of the enclosure you plan to use for the new animal. This is how we do our virtual house checks now. It is important for us to see how you keep your current animals. No one will be approved without this step. This does not mean you need to set up an enclosure before applying, but it will be required before you pickup an animal.
- Based on photos and application answers, you will be approved or denied.
- If approved, you MUST have a proper set up ready before taking home an animal.
- At adoption, you will need to sign the adoption contract which includes a NO BREEDING and NO SELLING clause.
- There is an adoption fee to help with our expenses. The fee is listed on each animal's bio below.
- We are happy to adopt out of state but you MUST drive here to get the animal, no animals are ever shipped.
PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER FOR EMAILS FROM THE RESCUE! EMAILS WILL ALWAYS COME FROM FRESHSTARTRESCUEINC@GMAIL.COM
Sponsor one of our Adoptables
Choose the Sponsor Me button beside the animal. You can choose your monthly donation amount. Some of the animals who have been here a long time, have their own care fund. Other animals (such newer residents) will have a link to our General Adoptable Animal Fund. You will be sponsoring an 'adoptable', not a specific animal. When you click on the link it will tell you if its for that specific animal or for our general care fund. Your sponsorship continues monthly until you cancel it. Or use the button here to make a one-time donation to be used for all the rescue animal care needs.
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Forms You May Need |
available animals
no animals will be shipped
Click on the species below to see which animals are available
If you need an enclosure please ask if we have any available. We often have extra 40g tanks in the shed available for a discount. We do not adopt bearded dragons with 40g tanks but they can be good for ball pythons, corn snakes and leopard geckos. These tanks are used and may have some cosmetic flaws but no cracks. Lids may not be ORIGINAL and may or may not be snake proof.
Iguanas
Little Red
Male Red Iguana Little Red is a red morph green iguana. He is definitely all male with LOTS of male attitude. But with patience and handling this young man should grow up to be a beautiful companion. Little Red came to us with most of his spikes missing at the top except for the one. We don't know what happened to them but they show no signs of growing back.
All iguanas - All are used to living in a cage of at least 4 x 4 x 8 ft tall with high humidity. Similar conditions must be met in order to be considered for adoption. All iguanas are healthy as far as we know but due to prior care issues, they may develop problems as they age. Birth date: Approx. 2016, here since 2017 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Wild Man
Male Green Iguana This poor baby was wild caught in Florida and brought up here to be used for a purpose that would have resulted in death. A concerned family member turned him in to us. He has no handling experience and is pretty good with his tail. But he is also young and with the right person he might be tamed down into a pet.
All iguanas - All are used to living in a cage of at least 4 x 4 x 8 ft tall with high humidity. Similar conditions must be met in order to be considered for adoption. All iguanas are healthy as far as we know but due to prior care issues, they may develop problems as they age. Birth date: Approx 2018 or 2019, here since 9/2019 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Grinch
Male Green Iguana Grinch is a young iguana but definitely male. He came to us with his friends when his parents went overseas. He is bright green and if he likes you, he'll let you pet him with no issue. Some people he just doesn't like. He is an amazing eater and growing like crazy. He has grown into a gorgeous male iguana but is very particular about who he will allow to touch him.
All iguanas - All are used to living in a cage of at least 4 x 4 x 8 ft tall with high humidity. Similar conditions must be met in order to be considered for adoption. All iguanas are healthy as far as we know but due to prior care issues, they may develop problems as they age. Birth date: Approx 2019, here since 2/2021 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Odin
Male Green Iguana Odin is about 3 years old. He has gotten larger since coming here and has calmed down. He doesn't want cuddles yet but at least he doesn't run from us anymore when we enter his enclosure. He loves sitting outside on his shelf.
All iguanas - All are used to living in a cage of at least 4 x 4 x 8 ft tall with high humidity. Similar conditions must be met in order to be considered for adoption. All iguanas are healthy as far as we know but due to prior care issues, they may develop problems as they age. Birth date: 2018, here since 2/2019 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Geckos
Lemonade
Leopard Gecko Lemonade came to us because she would not eat for her owners. I think she was just on a little diet! She is a thick girl and has started eating again. She doesn't love being picked up but will likely settle down with consistent handling. She is a beautiful young gecko in great health.
Birth date: 2023, here since 3/2024 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Spot
Leopard Gecko SPECIAL NEEDS Spot came to us with a severe infection in both eyes and mouth. He was super skinny and could not eat on his own. Its taken months to clear up all his medical issues and get him on solid food again. Because his eyes were infected for so long he will need continued daily care with eye drops for quite some time (possibly forever). He can eat solid foods, he's still very skinny but he's gaining weight. With special care, he will continue to improve.
Birth date: 2016, here since 11/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Dottie
Leopard Gecko Dottie is about 1 to 2 years old. She isn't a big eater but doesn't seem to have any health issues that would cause a lack of appetite. We're still working on figuring out her favorite insect. She isn't used to much handling, so she's squirmy but she will get more used to it.
Birth date: 2022, here since 10/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Copper
Leopard Gecko Copper is about 1 to 2 years old. She came in with an eye infection and not eating on her own. Her eyes are open and cleared up now, and she loves her insects! She will continue to get healthier with proper care and make someone a wonderful pet. She is working on handling as she wasn't used to it from her previous home.
Birth date: 2022, here since 10/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Marmalade
Leopard Gecko Marmalade was more of a spicy jalapeno jelly when he got here! He does have MBD deformities in his spine and legs but he gets around with no issue. He doesn't want to be held, but doesn't really get mad anymore, just squirmy. It may take him some time to settle in at a new home. He loves all food and waits at the door for you!
Birth date: 2021, here since 3/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Levi
Male Leopard Gecko Levi is about 2 years old and a male leopard gecko. He is a feisty one and does not love being held. He will likely calm down with time and patience. He is a big boy and does love food but will go on a diet occasionally.
Birth date: Approx 2022, here since 10/2022 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Bearded Dragons
HEALTH WARNING***** As of 2023, all bearded dragons are being tested for Atadenovirus (ADV) upon intake. This is, unfortunately, common in captive bearded dragons now, but it is still contagious to any beardie that may be negative. This disease can cause liver damage over the years and a shortened lifespan, however some dragons can also live a full life without ever developing issues. Some owners do have positive beardies in their homes with negative beardies but it requires very strict precautions to make sure the virus does not spread. We cannot guarantee positive beardies won't develop health issues related to the virus or from having a compromised immune system. ***** All bearded dragons who have tested negative are not guaranteed to be negative. It is possible that the beardie was not shedding the virus in the sample tested. For a true negative, the beardie will need to be tested 2-3 times over the span of a few months. If all tests come back negative, you can safely assume they are actually negative.
NEW QUARANTINE PROTOCOLS****** In addition to testing all bearded dragons for ADV, we have implemented a 60 day quarantine. Please keep an eye on available dates when applying for a dragon. Applications are accepted while in quarantine but no animal will leave before their available date.
NEW QUARANTINE PROTOCOLS****** In addition to testing all bearded dragons for ADV, we have implemented a 60 day quarantine. Please keep an eye on available dates when applying for a dragon. Applications are accepted while in quarantine but no animal will leave before their available date.
Ruby
Female Bearded Dragon Ruby came from a family and is used to children. She has been very calm here and loves her bugs. She is still a young adult and ready for a new adventure with a new family.
Ruby has tested negative for ADV so far but will be retested. Birthdate: 2021, here since 3/2024 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Zeke
Male Bearded Dragon Zeke had to come to us when his family was moving to a place that did not allow reptiles. He is about 5 years old and in great health. He's calm and loves his food.
Zeke has tested negative for ADV so far but will be retested. Birthdate: 2019, here since 2/2024 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Monchi
Male Bearded Dragon Monchi came to us from a family who had taken him in just so he wouldn't be released into the wild by a neighbor. His age is unknown but he looks on the older side to us. He has some odd movements and some shaking occasionally. Blood and fecal tests are normal and his issues are likely neurological.
Monchi is positive for ADV and his health issues may or may be a result of the virus. Birthdate: Unknown, here since 1/2024 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Derp
Female Bearded Dragon Derp is a younger adult bearded dragon. She has rubbed her chin glass surfing because she is mad she can see other animals so she would do better in a home where she can be queen. She doesn't mind handling but would love to get down and run around.
Derp is positive for ADV but shows no signs of illness. Birthdate: 2023, here since 2/2024 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Stray Fayetteville
Male Bearded Dragon This guy was picked up by animal control in Fayetteville. He came in with no history but looks like a young adult. He eats well but really does not like seeing other dragons. He's a little timid with handling but he's still trying to settle in, he should do well in a home with no other dragons.
Fayetteville is positive for ADV but shows no signs of illness. Birthdate: Unknown, here since 11/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Stray Onslow
Bearded Dragon This little one came to us from animal control in Onslow County, She was found running around in someone's yard. During her quarantine she laid a ton of eggs! She has since started putting weight back on and is doing well. She's a little spicy but we have no idea what her life was like before here.
She is positive for ADV but shows no signs of illness. Birthdate: Unknown, here since 9/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Coconut
Bearded Dragon Coconut is a very small 4 year old bearded dragon. He was not kept with the correct lighting so his growth was stunted. He is a bit shy and not used to handling but he's not super spicy, just scared.
Coconut is positive for ADV but shows no signs of illness. Birthdate: 2019, here since 9/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Stray Greenville
Bearded Dragon This very young and super spicy dragon was found running around in Greenville and brought to us by the family who found it. So far we eat fine and love to make a mess, but don't allow touching.
Stray Greenville is positive for ADV but shows no signs of illness. Birthdate: Unknown, likely 2022-2023, here since 9/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Dexter
Bearded Dragon Dexter is a young, possibly male bearded dragon. He's less than a year so sex is still not for sure. He needs a lot of work with handling and socialization. He's won't aggressively come after you (usually lol) but will run and try to avoid holding. When picked up he will flatten and open his mouth. With age and work, he should calm down like most beardies.
Dexter is positive for ADV but shows no sign of illness currently. Birthdate: Early 2022, here since 10/2022 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Chameleons
Lettuce
Female Veiled Chameleon We are already the 3rd home for these young female chameleons. Lettuce is the larger and older one. She is also the one that prefers no human interaction. Both of these girls are healthy and love their food. All chameleons can come with setups (or at least most of their setup) as needed. Chameleons need advanced level care and are not suitable as pets for children. We don't mind first time owners but you must do your research first and understand the care requirements of these amazing animals.
Birthdate: 2023, here since 1/2024 Adoption Fee: $50 (plus $50 for setup) Location: North Carolina |
Green Bean
Female Veiled Chameleon We are already the 3rd home for these young female chameleons. Green Bean is a bit younger. She doesn't want to be held but will eat from your hand. Both of these girls are healthy and love their food. All chameleons can come with setups (or at least most of their setup) as needed. Chameleons need advanced level care and are not suitable as pets for children. We don't mind first time owners but you must do your research first and understand the care requirements of these amazing animals.
Birthdate: 2023, here since 1/2024 Adoption Fee: $50 (plus $50 for setup) Location: North Carolina |
Other Lizards
Hydro
Chinese Water Dragon SPECIAL NEEDS Hydro is a special needs Chinese Water Dragon. He is unable to climb much so he needs a large enclosure with more floor space and a large water feature. He loves to soak in his water. He will eat insects from the tongs or out of a bowl but he usually does not hunt for them. He gets around just fine and can be very shy at first.
Birth date: Approx 2019, here since 12/2022 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Stolas
Blue Tongue Skink Stolas is a very healthy male Merauke blue tongue skink. He does not want to be handled, he really just wants you to leave a food offering and go away LOL. But he is beautiful and used to a varied healthy diet.
Birth date: 2020, here since 1/2024 Adoption Fee: $75 Location: North Carolina |
Monte
Red Tegu Monte came to us as a transfer from another rescue. He was taken from a hoarding case. His age is unknown but he does look rather young. He is still super feisty and ready to eat whatever enters his enclosure! He will need someone with experience and a lot of room. He came in as a possible male, so far I'm not convinced
Birth date: Unknown, here since 12/2023 Adoption Fee: $100 Location: North Carolina |
Tay-goo
Savannah Monitor Tay-goo was found in a dumpster still in his tank. Thankfully the trash collector looked before putting it into the back of the truck! He was taken to animal control where everyone kept asking if it was a tegu - so they named him tay-goo lol. He is an adult and eats well on an insect diet with the occasional insect reptilink. He's not bad at handling, although certainly not used to it. Savannah monitors need a very large enclosure to dig and explore. They also need a very strict diet.
Birth date: Unknown, here since 9/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Pythons
Otis
Ball Python This little one is an adorable ball python that was left behind in a rental home. We don't have an age on him but he is young and still growing. He is always up for a meal and doesn't mind handling.
Birth date: Approx 2017, here since 6/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Lillith
Ball Python Lillith is an absolutely huge ball python who should be roughly 5 years old. She is very opinionated and has a mind of her own. She is not aggressive but she will vocalize her thoughts occasionally. She needs some help getting comfortable with handling. She definitely loves her food and will eat F/T with no problem.
Birth date: Approx 2017, here since 6/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Cinder
Ball Python Cinder was well-taken care of by his previous family and is roughly 8 years old. He handles well and happily eats F/T rats. His sex is unconfirmed but thought to be male. As with all animals, this is a pet only and he would make a really great pet for first time owners or families.
Birth date: Approx 2015, here since 9/20223 Adoption Fee: $100 Location: North Carolina |
Celeste 2
Ball Python Celeste is a beautiful snake who just really loves food. Whether that food is F/T rats or your arm, she's really not picky. Celeste is going to need an experienced owner. Sex is unconfirmed. She is always out and about exploring her enclosure and really needs a larger enclosure to accommodate how active she is.
Birth date: Approx 2015, here since 9/20223 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Darrell
Ball Python Darrell is roughly 8 years old. He loves his F/T rats but isn't really a fan of handling. He may relax with time but may just prefer to be a more hands-off companion.
Birth date: Approx 2015, here since 9/20223 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Bogart
Ball Python Bogart is a mature 15 years old. He had one owner his whole life and now he's looking for that second special home. He handles well, he is very sweet. He was being fed live but is slowly starting to accept F/T.
Birth date: Approx 2008, here since 8/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Nagini
Ball Python Nagini is about 3 years old and can be a little spicy when he wants to be. He would be best with an experienced owner. He is used to eating live but we are working on switching him over to F/T. Unsexed.
Birth date: Approx 2023, here since 9/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Orion
Ball Python Orion came to us with no information. He was abandoned in a home along with some other animals. He is not sexed, a little shy but handles well, and is happily eating frozen small rats. He can occasionally think hands are food because he really does love his food!
Birth date: Unknown, here since 3/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Dr. Hiss
Ball Python Dr. Hiss is an unsexed ball python. Super shy, even for a ball python. He came to us after being surrendered to a county animal shelter. Dr. Hiss was eating well on F/T medium rats for months but has recently gone on a winter diet.
Birth date: 2019, here since 3/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Ball 5
Ball Python Ball 5 is unnamed and unsexed. He is a very sweet snake that can be a bit picky on what's for dinner. He went through a frozen chick phase but now seems to be doing fine on F/T rats. He came in with several other ball pythons who were left behind in a rental. We held them longer than 30 days because most were covered in a few layers of shed. They are all shedding well now. We have no age or health history, but this one is an adult size. He can be a bit shy, but handles very well.
Birth date: Unknown, here since 7/2022 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Apollo
Male Ball Python Apollo and Athena were brought to us in 2020. They both have 'bubbles' of fluid under their skin. Apollo is by far the worst. These snakes have seen the vet. We've tried antibiotics and experimental remedies. We drain the bubbles but they just come back again. It is clear watery liquid. It does not bother the snakes, and has not affected their appetite or movement at all. They aren't great at striking their prey sometimes but they do love to eat. They have gained weight while here and are normal in every other way.
Update: Apollo had a lot of fluid but now it takes a lot longer for the fluid to build up. We're hoping they go away completely but it may be something he needs drained once or twice a year for life. Birth date: 3/2019, here since 12/2020 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Athena
Female Ball Python Apollo and Athena were brought to us in 2020. They both have 'bubbles' of fluid under their skin. Athena has a much smaller area of fluid than her brother Apollo. These snakes have seen the vet. We've tried antibiotics and experimental remedies. We drain the bubbles but they just come back again. It is clear watery liquid. It does not bother the snakes, and has not affected their appetite or movement at all. They aren't great at striking their prey sometimes but they do love to eat. They have gained weight while here and are normal in every other way. Athena's bubbles have not gotten worse, they may have actually shrunk slightly since she has been here.
Update: Athena's bubbles are almost gone. They were not as bad as Apollo but there has been very little fluid buildup lately. We're now thinking that as they get larger, these bubbles could disappear completely. Athena has become a champion eater! Birth date: 3/2019, here since 12/2020 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
BC
Male Ball Python BC and CB were tank mates for a long time. They are both about 4 years old. BC is the male. They have been raised on live rats but are currently taking frozen. They are currently housed separately and will not be adopted out together.
Birth date: Approx 2018, here since 1/2022 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
CB
Female Ball Python BC and CB were tank mates for a long time. They are both about 4 years old. CB is the female. They have been raised on live rats but are currently taking frozen. They are currently housed separately and will not be adopted out together.
Birth date: Approx 2018, here since 1/2022 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Splotch
Ball Python This little one came to us from one of the local animal control departments. So we have no age or history. We also have not sexed it. Splotch never turns down a meal and handles well.
Birth date: Unknown, here since 2/2022 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Bubbles
Male Ball Python Bubbles is a normal male ball python. He came to us emaciated with a mouth infection but little history information. After some assist feedings he finally started eating on his own and now eats great. He has doubled in size since coming here and still growing.
Birth date: Possibly 2018 or older, here since 9/2020 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Eugene
Ball Python Eugene came in as a female ball python but we believe he may be male. He is about 2 years old. He handles well and eating F/T chicks. He has occasionally taken a rat but definitely enjoys chicks more.
Birth date: 2021, here since 3/2022 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Boa Constrictors
2016 Female
Boa Constrictor We had a collection of 6 boas surrendered and none of them had names. They are labeled with their year of birth and sex. Please note that sex is unconfirmed. None of them have been aggressive with us, they all seem to be very healthy, and all of them eat well on F/T rats. This one is said to be female and is the oldest of the bunch.
Birth date: 2016, here since 12/2023 Adoption Fee: $100 Location: North Carolina |
2019 Female 1
Boa Constrictor We had a collection of 6 boas surrendered and none of them had names. They are labeled with their year of birth and sex. Please note that sex is unconfirmed. None of them have been aggressive with us, they all seem to be very healthy, and all of them eat well on F/T rats. This one is said to be female and one of 4 siblings from the same 2019 clutch.
Birth date: 2019, here since 12/2023 Adoption Fee: $100 Location: North Carolina |
2019 Female 2
Boa Constrictor We had a collection of 6 boas surrendered and none of them had names. They are labeled with their year of birth and sex. Please note that sex is unconfirmed. None of them have been aggressive with us, they all seem to be very healthy, and all of them eat well on F/T rats. This one is said to be female and one of 4 siblings from the same 2019 clutch.
Birth date: 2019, here since 12/2023 Adoption Fee: $100 Location: North Carolina |
Rosie - 2019 Female 3
Boa Constrictor We had a collection of 6 boas surrendered and none of them had names. They are labeled with their year of birth and sex. Please note that sex is unconfirmed. None of them have been aggressive with us, they all seem to be very healthy, and all of them eat well on F/T rats. This one is said to be female and one of 4 siblings from the same 2019 clutch. One of our volunteers named her Rosie.
Birth date: 2019, here since 12/2023 Adoption Fee: $100 Location: North Carolina |
2019 Female 4
Boa Constrictor We had a collection of 6 boas surrendered and none of them had names. They are labeled with their year of birth and sex. Please note that sex is unconfirmed. None of them have been aggressive with us, they all seem to be very healthy, and all of them eat well on F/T rats. This one is said to be female and one of 4 siblings from the same 2019 clutch.
Birth date: 2019, here since 12/2023 Adoption Fee: $100 Location: North Carolina |
Colubrids
PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON
Turtles/Tortoises
Greesha
Russian Tortoise Greesha has been here since early 2023. He was finally adopted out right before winter and came back a month later with a pretty significant respiratory infection. It cleared up well with medication and has been fine since. We have no way to know if that RI was a one-time thing or if he will end up getting sick every winter. Occasionally tortoises can have recurring illnesses like that. He is also a bit small for a Russian but has lots of personality to make up for it. He will bully other tortoises so he is best kept by himself.
Birthdate: 2007, here since 5/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Kibo
Redfoot Tortoise Kibo is said to be about 7 or 8 years old but he is about half the size he should be. He loves all food and he is enjoying the outdoors here as the weather is warming up. He is not likely to get much bigger at his age but he will require an outdoor enclosure for summer and an indoor enclosure for winter.
Birthdate: 2000 ish, here since 3/2024 Adoption Fee: $100 Location: North Carolina |
Amphibians/Invertebrates
PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON