Our Mission
The Ssafe Haven Society for Reptiles and Amphibians is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing rescue and rehabilitation, shelter, and adoption services for reptiles and amphibians in Nova Scotia, as well as offering educational support and hands-on training to reptile owners as required and upon request.Our Adoptable Pet List
View Our Successful Adoptions
Our Upcoming Events Calendar
Who Are We?
Ssafe Haven Society for Reptiles and Amphibians is comprised of a team of more than 20 experienced individuals dedicated to providing rescue, shelter, and adoption services for reptiles and amphibians in Nova Scotia, Canada. If you are a new reptilian pet owner or are considering a reptile or amphibian as a new addition to your family, we also offer support, education and hands-on training. It is operated by herpetoculturists Denise McKay and Lisa Balcom, RVT who have over 17 years experience with reptile and amphibian husbandry and rehabilitation. To view Denise's menagerie of critters, click here. To view a list of Lisa's scaly pets, click here.
What Can We Do?
- Provide temporary shelter and care to rescued or unwanted reptiles and amphibians in Nova Scotia. Some exceptions apply – please see below.
- Provide rehabilitation to reptiles and amphibians in need. Some exceptions apply – please see below.
- Coordinate reptile and amphibian adoptions and rescues in Nova Scotia.
- Provide information and care sheets regarding the care and handling of reptiles and amphibians upon request.
- Provide hands-on training upon request.
Exceptions
- We cannot adopt prohibited/illegal reptiles and amphibians, such as crocodilians, venomous snakes, etc.
- We cannot adopt or provide shelter to reptiles or amphibians that are ill or suspected of having a disease until a qualified Veterinarian examines the animal for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The current owner must incur all costs associated with the Veterinary services.
- In cases where it is apparent that the reptile or amphibian is beyond recovery or is in obvious pain and suffering, humane euthanasia may be the only option.
Adoption Notes
- Appropriate housing, supplements and supplies must accompany the reptile or amphibian whenever possible. A minimum fee of $50.00 will be charged to purchase the required supplies if they cannot be provided by the current owner. In the case of larger reptiles, such as Iguanas or large snakes, this fee may increase accordingly.
- If you are unable to provide us with the necessary supplies to care for your reptile or amphibian or provide us with the fee to purchase the necessary supplies, we will continue to search for a suitable home for your pet. However, your pet may be required to stay with you until an appropriate home is found.
Are you interested in applying to adopt one of our reptiles/amphibians?
Please download our Adoption Application Form
Have you already been approved for adoption of a reptile or amphibian?
Please download our Adoption Agreement
Would you like to seek our adoption services for a reptile or amphibian?
Please complete and sign our Consent Form for Adopters
Husbandry and Care Information
Iguana Care Sheet by Lisa Balcom
Red-Eared Slider Turtle Care Sheet by Margot Bayer
Parasites and Zoonoses a PowerPoint presentation by Lisa Balcom
Improving the Quality of Life of Your Lizards a PowerPoint presentation by Lisa Balcom
Ssafe Haven Society for Reptiles and Amphibians
15 Mulley Court
Lower Sackville, NS B4E 2W8
Who Are We?
Ssafe Haven Society for Reptiles and Amphibians is comprised of a team of more than 20 experienced individuals dedicated to providing rescue, shelter, and adoption services for reptiles and amphibians in Nova Scotia, Canada. If you are a new reptilian pet owner or are considering a reptile or amphibian as a new addition to your family, we also offer support, education and hands-on training. It is operated by herpetoculturists Denise McKay and Lisa Balcom, RVT who have over 17 years experience with reptile and amphibian husbandry and rehabilitation. To view Denise's menagerie of critters, click here. To view a list of Lisa's scaly pets, click here.
Are you interested in applying to adopt one of our reptiles/amphibians?
Please download our Adoption Application Form
Have you already been approved for adoption of a reptile or amphibian?
Please download our Adoption Agreement
Would you like to seek our adoption services for a reptile or amphibian?
Please complete and sign our Consent Form for Adopters
What Can We Do?
- Provide temporary shelter and care to rescued or unwanted reptiles and amphibians in Nova Scotia. Some exceptions apply – please see below.
- Provide rehabilitation to reptiles and amphibians in need. Some exceptions apply – please see below.
- Coordinate reptile and amphibian adoptions and rescues in Nova Scotia.
- Provide information and care sheets regarding the care and handling of reptiles and amphibians upon request.
- Provide hands-on training upon request.
Exceptions
- We cannot adopt prohibited/illegal reptiles and amphibians, such as crocodilians, venomous snakes, etc.
- We cannot adopt or provide shelter to reptiles or amphibians that are ill or suspected of having a disease until a qualified Veterinarian examines the animal for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The current owner must incur all costs associated with the Veterinary services.
- In cases where it is apparent that the reptile or amphibian is beyond recovery or is in obvious pain and suffering, humane euthanasia may be the only option.
Adoption Notes
- Appropriate housing, supplements and supplies must accompany the reptile or amphibian whenever possible. A minimum fee of $50.00 will be charged to purchase the required supplies if they cannot be provided by the current owner. In the case of larger reptiles, such as Iguanas or large snakes, this fee may increase accordingly.
- If you are unable to provide us with the necessary supplies to care for your reptile or amphibian or provide us with the fee to purchase the necessary supplies, we will continue to search for a suitable home for your pet. However, your pet may be required to stay with you until an appropriate home is found.
Are you interested in applying to adopt one of our reptiles/amphibians?
Please download our Adoption Application Form
Have you already been approved for adoption of a reptile or amphibian?
Please download our Adoption Agreement
Would you like to seek our adoption services for a reptile or amphibian?
Please complete and sign our Consent Form for Adopters
Husbandry and Care Information
Iguana Care Sheet by Lisa Balcom
Red-Eared Slider Turtle Care Sheet by Margot Bayer
Parasites and Zoonoses a PowerPoint presentation by Lisa Balcom
Improving the Quality of Life of Your Lizards a PowerPoint presentation by Lisa Balcom
Improving the Quality of Life of Your Lizards a PowerPoint presentation by Lisa Balcom
Ssafe Haven Society for Reptiles and Amphibians
15 Mulley Court
Lower Sackville, NS B4E 2W8
