What kind of license or certification does one need to have venomous snakes as pets?

Question

I want a Gaboon Viper so bad!

Answer 1

Jack, did a bit of looking on the www.kingsnake.com Laws and regs forum and it seems your best bet would be to contact you local fish and game department and they will steer you on your way. Once you aquire the paperwork it seems they can be aquired quite easily. There were some guys in the Venomous forum on Kingsnake discussing Gaboons. Good luck, they are beutifull snakes but be CAREFULL.

Answer 2

This depends on the locality. In some states, it is a state process, while it is a city process in others.

In most places, you will be required to:
- demonstrate a certain level of insurance or a bond
- have emergency training
- show your housing situation with double locks and a double enclosure (a way that ensures the snake is still caged if it gets out of the main cage)
- document a source of anti-venom for that species, and/or
- document your experience with dangerous herps.

In either case, it is REALLY unlikely to be given to anyone without a valid scientific purpose. In my state, for example, it is simply not available to the average keeper.



Gaboons are also dangerous enough that no reputable vendor will sell you one without some assurance of knowledge.


Now- on a totally different aspect:

Gaboons are perfect examples of 'macho' pets. 'Macho' and 'faddish' pets tend to suffer a lot at the hands of people who are not prepared for the realitiies of keeping that kind of pet.

It may sound cool, but it is almost never a good idea- for you or the pet.

Answer 3

depends on where you live many states and even more cities wont let you have them at all!
some places will only allow you to keep on as long and you provide to local clinic/hospital the antivennom and that can run into serious money!
also you insurance rates will go up!
the only way to be sure is ask your local animal control office or a vet who takes care of reptiles.

just a side note: I remember hearing something in passing about
Gaboon Viper's only being legal to import to research institutes.
but don't know that for fact.

Answer 4

In some places if you can show you are a teacher or a researcher you can get a permit, but usually for more local varieties. Check with state wildlife officials. Some towns won't allow it even then.

Answer 5

let me first say that bitis gabonica is a very dangerous animal,take that from someone who has taken a bitis bite.

the best way is to contact your local conservation department,as some states don't have any laws restricting hots,some states require a permit,and some wont allow it at all.

Answer 6

Depends on the state. Some have permits. Some states won't allow them no matter what.