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.
- 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 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. You will be sponsoring them by name. Other animals (such brand new 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
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 |
Dimitri
Male Green Iguana This little cutie came to us at a few months old. He is all boy and doesn't trust humans. But he is young enough to work with and looks healthy. He is not aggressive, he just runs if you try to talk to him. He is in one of our medium cages right now but he's definitely ready for his adult enclosure.
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: 2020, here since 12/2020 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
Calypso
Crested Gecko Calypso is a male crested gecko who is about 6 years old. He can be rather picky with his food and he does have MBD in the spine and tail. He does not love to be handled but that may change with patience.
Calypso can come with his glass enclosure for an extra $50. Birth date: 2018, here since 2/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Peridot
Crested Gecko Peridot is a beautiful female crested gecko who is a bit shy. Her true age is unknown but she is at least 3 years old and was well taken care of by her previous owner. She eats well and is healthy.
Peridot can come with her original glass enclosure for an extra $50. Birth date: 2018, here since 5/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Cricket
Leopard Gecko Cricket is about 2 years old and came in when her owner went overseas. He has been very well taken care of and handles well. He's always up for a meal of any kind of insect.
Birth date: 2021, here since 9/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Pancake
Leopard Gecko Pancake is supposed to be very young, her owner didn't have her long. She has a little trouble seeing her prey but she does love her food as you can tell by her size. She handles fine and is ready for a wonderful new forever home.
Birth date: 2022, here since 9/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Marmalade
Leopard Gecko Marmalade is more of a spicy jalapeno jelly! He does have MBD deformities in his spine and legs but he gets around with no issue. If he doesn't want to be held, he will open his mouth and get nippy. He is about 1.5 years old and needs an experienced owner.
Birth date: 2021, here since 3/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Dandy
Leopard Gecko Dandy is a very large female who came in with Bipity Boop when their owner went off to college. Her actual age is unknown but she is at least 3 years old. She eats great and can be a bit on the shy side.
Birth date: Approx 2013, here since 1/2023 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.
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.
Spike
Male Bearded Dragon SPECIAL NEEDS Spike is a young bearded dragon about 2 years old who has neurological issues. He cannot hunt or chase insects and sometimes won't even tong feed (you have make him eat). He plays in his salad and we have no been able to confirm if he is actually eating any of it, but if he is its not enough to gain weight. He doesn't really understand the concept of eating or drinking which means he needs someone who is going to hand feed him every single day so he does not starve to death. He is active and friendly.
Spike needs daily hand feeding. A friend of the rescue has pledged to donate a 48" Carolina Customs enclosure to Spike's new owner. Spike is positive for ADV. Birthdate: 2020, here since 8/2022 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Lil Man
Male Bearded Dragon SPECIAL NEEDS Lil Man is about 5 years old and a male bearded dragon. He is blind. He is very calm and very sweet. He can find his salad by smell and will usually eat it well. He must be tong fed the insects since he cannot see to hunt them. He prefers dubia roaches to worms since the roaches move more. He also needs attention to his drinking as he generally won't use the water bowl. He will come with his little squirt bottle to help him drink.
Lil Man is going to need extra attention to make sure he eats enough but he deserves a home that is going to love him and make him happy and comfortable. Lil Man is positive for ADV. Birthdate: 2018, here since 2/2022 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 bit 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 |
Baby Beardie
Bearded Dragon This baby is super tiny and unsexed. He was brought to us by the pet store because he was injured. His tail was broken and has healed well, he got the all clear from the vet on his injuries. The tail will be a little shorter than normal but may not be noticeable when he gets bigger. He loves his bugs and is growing fast!
Baby Beardie is positive for ADV. Unfortunately for babies this could cause him a failure to thrive and become an adult. So far he is doing great and we have no reason to believe he won't continue grow up to be a wonderful beardie. Birthdate: Unknown, here since 6/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Rigby
Female Bearded Dragon Rigby is an older female bearded dragon. She underwent a longer quarantine because she has been brumating and its hard to evaluate a sleeping lizard! Rigby was adopted out by us about 3 years ago, very well taken care of but then returned when life changed for her owner. She's still pretty inactive, she will only eat her insects and won't even look at a vegetable.
Rigby tested negative for ADV in March 2023 but this does not mean she is guaranteed not to have the disease. She may not have had any virus in that sample. She would need to be tested again to confirm results. Birthdate: 2017, here since 12/2022 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Killian
Baby Bearded Dragon Killian is a baby bearded dragon that was left behind in a home and brought in from animal control. He is unsexed due to his size and does have MBD. However he eats like a champ both salad and insects. He gets around fine, he's growing and he wants a loving home. His deformities will never get better and he may always be small due to the MBD.
Killian has tested positive for ADV already. Unfortunately for babies this could cause him a failure to thrive and become an adult. So far he is doing great and we have no reason to believe he won't continue to improve. Birthdate: 2022, here since 1/2023 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 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 SOON
Other Lizards
Hydro
Chinese Water Dragon 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 |
Rex - PENDING ADOPTION
Nile Monitor Rex has been with us for a while now. He's wild and crazy and all about his food! Usually once out he is not aggressive while handling but he is not going to sit and cuddle! As far as we were told, he was surrendered because the owner lost their home. He is in great health, he does have a well-healed scar on this side. We have kept him for over a year and enjoy having him, but we have decided to put him up for adoption because we could really use the space. However, he will only go to an experienced owner with a properly sized enclosure.
Birth date: Approx 2019, here since 12/2021 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Pythons
Skeletor
Ball Python Skeletor is a very pretty ball python who handles well. He grew up with kids handling him and he should be about 6 years old. He never turns down a meal of F/T rats.
Birth date: Approx 2017, here since 7/2023 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 |
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 was being fed live but has so far been receptive to F/T.
Birth date: Approx 2008, here since 8/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Duke
Coastal Carpet Python Duke is a very small coastal carpet python. His age is unknown. He is okay with handling at times but can definitely get spicy. He loves his F/T rats. He will only go to a home with experience with carpet pythons.
Birth date: Unknown, here since 7/2023 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.
Birth date: Unknown, here since 3/2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Celeste
Ball Python Celeste came to us with no information. She was abandoned in a home along with some other animals. She is not sexed, a little shy but handles well, and is happily eating frozen small rats.
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. But loves his food, he is eating well on frozen medium rats. He came to us after being surrendered to a county animal shelter.
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.
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: The bubbles are starting to get smaller as these snakes get older. Apollo had a lot of fluid but now it takes a lot longer for the fluid to build up and its much less than it used to be. There is a chance as he continues to grow that these bubbles may go away completely. 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. Even Apollo's has started getting smaller. We're now thinking that as they get larger, these bubbles may disappear completely. Birth date: 3/2019, here since 12/2020 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
Pecan
Male Ball Python Almond and Pecan were brought to us by a good Samaritan who found them left behind in a rental home. Thankfully she also found their food still in the freezer so she took them in, gave them a meal and found us. Pecan needs a little help with handling but we have no idea how old they are or what their life was like before. Both are eating F/T and have plenty of growing left to do. Pecan is believed to be male.
Birth date: Approx 2020 or 2021, here since 1/2022 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
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Colubrids
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Turtles/Tortoises
No name
Russian Tortoise This little one was another lost pet who was found and brought to the rescue. It's very sad when we cannot find the owners of these animals but Russian tortoises can usually survive our winters so these tortoises may have been wandering for a long time before being found. This tortoise is active and loves her food.
Birth date: Unknown, here since 2023 Adoption Fee: $50 Location: North Carolina |
If you're looking for a Sulcata tortoise, please contact us directly.
Sulcata tortoises get very large, they can be destructive to your home or property, and they will outlive you. Our goal is to make sure that anyone adopting a Sulcata tortoise from us is prepared and properly set up for this lifelong companion. We will require fencing sunken into the ground to prevent escape and a very large yard.
Sulcata tortoises get very large, they can be destructive to your home or property, and they will outlive you. Our goal is to make sure that anyone adopting a Sulcata tortoise from us is prepared and properly set up for this lifelong companion. We will require fencing sunken into the ground to prevent escape and a very large yard.
Amphibians/Invertebrates
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