About Arrowhead

Arrowhead Reptile Rescue was started in 1991 and is a network of rehabilitators and foster homes located in the Greater Cincinnati area. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue of displaced reptiles and to herpetological education. Arrowhead is supported solely through donations and private contributions, and we are run by a small staff of volunteers. We are fully licensed and approved by the Division of Wildlife for education (Permit No 119) and reptile rehabilitation (Permit No 53110R).

Our mission is to help unwanted, sick, or injured reptiles. Any species of reptile or amphibian is a candidate for help at Arrowhead.  We focus our efforts on wildlife rehabilitation, but we also assist some captive pet reptiles.  Arrowhead has helped over 1600 reptiles to date.   We have returned hundreds of native reptiles back to the wild.

Veiled chameleon  (Chamelo calyptratus)

Our second, yet equal objective is to provide accurate information about reptiles to the general public.  We regularly give educational shows to elementary and grade schools, youth organizations, and any other person or organization who requests such a presentation for the sole purpose of education.

We work in cooperation with zoos, aquariums, museums, park districts, nature centers, law enforcement agencies, animal shelters and humane societies from all over the US. We also work with the American Red Cross and the United Animal Nations as volunteers for the Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS). In the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation, we will shelter and/or provide care for stranded or displaced reptiles.

Lincoln Elementary School    (May 2001)

One of our most frequent activities is wildlife rehabilitation.  Injured or sick wild-caught animals are released back into the wild after rehabilitation (if appropriate). Animals that are unreleasable into the wild or require long term care usually become permanently established in a rehabilitation or education program.

We also help arrange for the placement of captive pet reptiles into suitable homes. We make every effort to ensure that the new home and reptile pet will be compatible.  We have numerous foster homes that can take in a limited number of unwanted pets, and we help coordinate direct transfers from owner to owner when we cannot take in an animal ourselves.  

"Tank"  African sulcata tortoise  (Geochelone sulcata)

 

All incoming reptiles are scanned for a microchip or tag. Lost or stolen reptiles are returned to the owners. We also offer microchipping (PIT tagging) for any reptile adopted from Arrowhead or for personal pets.

We pride ourselves in offering the animals in our care the very best habitats and diets possible. All cages are secure and fully automated. Cage environments are duplicated to the fullest extent that we can achieve. Food items are always fresh, feeding is constantly supervised, and vitamin and mineral supplements are used accordingly. Wild reptiles are never housed with captive animals, and we follow all recommended quarantine protocols.

Veterinary and medical treatments are given when necessary. Our veterinarian, Dr. R.D. Dahlhausen, specializes in reptiles and exotics, and we have in-house veterinary technicians. We provide neonatal care and intensive care, including IV's and tube-feeding. We have a firm No-Kill policy... we DO NOT "put to sleep" any animal, except when euthanasia is recommended due to an incurable or untreatable medical condition and the animal will not have any quality of life.

Giving a copperhead an antibiotic injection

SAFETY is our main concern! We take every possible measure to maintain safety. Our enclosures are designed to be escape-proof and locked. Only appropriate equipment is used when transporting animals.  During educational presentations we maintain control of the animals at all times.  

The majority of our activities, in general, take place in the southwest Ohio area. If you live outside of Ohio, Kentucky, or southeastern Indiana, we will accept donated animals but the owner must arrange transportation and/or pay for shipping. The owner is also responsible for obtaining health certificates or permits if required.

Our web site is designed to provide all the information necessary to answer any questions you might have. However, if you need more information on our rescue and cannot find it here on our web site, just email us at: admin@arrowheadreptilerescue.org