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 [email protected]
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
Baby Red
Red Iguana This little red iguana was found in a state park and captured by the park rangers. She is young and possibly female. She eats a ton and is growing fast. She is scared of handling but lets us come into the enclosure to feed and clean.
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. 2022, here since 2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Fresh Start Rescue Inc has taken all of our iguanas off the website except for one new juvenile. While we are still full and unable to accept more, all of our iguanas are adult males who have been here for several years. They are not cuddly, tame, or handled.
We would still love to find these iguanas an amazing home where they could be spoiled and live out their years as the king of their own space so if you have a proper enclosure for a large iguana who does not want much interaction, and may never want much interaction, please contact us and we can discuss the animals we have.
We would still love to find these iguanas an amazing home where they could be spoiled and live out their years as the king of their own space so if you have a proper enclosure for a large iguana who does not want much interaction, and may never want much interaction, please contact us and we can discuss the animals we have.
Geckos
Lily
Leopard Gecko Lily is a gorgeous female leopard gecko who really could use a little more weight. She gets super excited for food but she has trouble seeing it so she needs an owner with patience. She also gets a bit squirmy with handling. Her age is unknown but she is at least 4 years old.
Birth date: Unknown, here since 3/2024 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Dandy
Leopard Gecko Dandy is a female leopard gecko who was returned to us. She originally came in back in January of 2023. She spent about a year with us before she was adopted to a family. They unfortunately decided this pet did not fit into their lifestyle. Dandy came back a few months later and quite a bit heavier! She ate very well while she was gone and is now on a diet. Her age is unknown, she is at least over 3 years old.
Birth date: Unknown, here since 5/2024 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Mushu
Leopard Gecko Mushu is a male leopard gecko. He is a bit shy and likes to hide until the lights go out. He does get very excited for food, and needs some practice with handling.
Birth date: 2019, here since 4/2024 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Dottie
Leopard Gecko Dottie is a female leopard gecko. While she does at times go off food, she usually has a great appetite and loves pretty much any insect. She loves to dig and find new places to hide in her enclosure. 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 |
Dottie 2
Leopard Gecko Dottie is a female leopard gecko who was returned to us because her family had to relocate overseas. She originally came in to us in 2021 as the result of a hoarding case in another state. She was adopted out and spent several years being loved and spoiled by her family. She would love to find another home to love her just as much.
Birth date: Unknown, here since 4/2024 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 several tests come back negative, you can assume they are actually negative.
NEW QUARANTINE PROTOCOLS****** In addition to testing all bearded dragons for ADV, we have implemented a longer 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 longer 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.
Curlew
Bearded Dragon Curlew came to us as a stray found running loose in someone's yard. He has some old scars on his head that don't seem to bother him. He is all male and refuses to accept the sight of any other dragon in his territory! He's a great eater although a bit messy. He's full of energy but does well with handling.
Curlew did test negative for ADV in June 2024. He will need to be tested again. Birthdate: Unknown, here since 5/2024 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Ramsey - PENDING ADOPTION
Bearded Dragon Ramsey was another bearded dragon found running loose. She is female, loves her food and does well with handling. She has a ton of energy and just wants to get out and explore!
Ramsey is positive for ADV but shows no signs of illness. Birthdate: Unknown, here since 4/2024 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Demarest
Bearded Dragon Demarest was found running loose as a stray. Shee had a bit of an adventure while out and now part of her foot is missing. She doesn't even notice and gets around just fine. She eats well and thinks all things entering her enclosure should be food. But once she's out she will let you hold her for a few minutes and then she wants to go explore. She would do well being spoiled as the queen of her own territory.
Demarest did test negative for ADV in June 2024 and will need to be tested again. Birthdate: Unknown, here since 5/2024 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 will not chase his insects but he really loves them when you help him catch them. 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 |
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 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 highly food motivated!
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 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, male bearded dragon. 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
PLEASE CHECK BACK LATER
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 was not too fond of us when he first got here but he has settled in well and doesn't mind handling now. He's still a bit squirmy but doesn't run or get aggressive. But he is beautiful and used to a varied healthy diet, he loves food!
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 |
Boom Boom
Red Tegu Boom Boom came in to us back in 2020 as a baby. He was adopted out and then recently returned to us when his owner had to move. He is as feisty as they come! He needs an experienced owner who is willing to work with him.
Birth date: 2020, here since 5/2024 Adoption Fee: $100 Location: North Carolina |
Pythons
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 |
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
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 |
Colubrids
PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON
Turtles/Tortoises
Norri
Russian Tortoise Norri is a female Russian tortoise who was found as a stray. She is rather shy and has spent much of her time here buried in the dirt. Russian tortoises are very good at digging out of outdoor enclosures and they can often winter over here in coastal NC. Unfortunately that means every year we get some brought to us who are found wandering in the wild.
Birthdate: Unknown, here since 5/2024 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Rocky
Red-Footed Tortoise Rocky is a male red-footed tortoise. He has a beautiful shell but he is extremely small for 3 years old. He and his brother, Smooth, were turned in together. We're hoping some natural sunlight will help them grow. Since they are said to be 3 years old, we just do not know if they are ever going to be full size. Rocky is the outgoing one for sure.
Birthdate: 2021, here since 6/2024 Adoption Fee: $100 Location: North Carolina |
Smooth
Red-Footed Tortoise Smooth is a male red-footed tortoise. He has a beautiful shell and is also 3 years old but he is even smaller than Rocky. He and his brother, Rocky, were turned in together. We're hoping some natural sunlight will help them grow. Since they are said to be 3 years old, we just do not know if they are ever going to be full size. Smooth is super shy.
Birthdate: 2021, here since 6/2024 Adoption Fee: $100 Location: North Carolina |
Amphibians/Invertebrates
PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON