Come spring we are hoping and planning to do some free reptile shows around the local area like in front of the local walmart, or at local parks.

Now, I'm sure we will require some kind of permit, but I don't know what or where to get one. We had been told we needed a permit to show the reptiles at a small fair in a nearby town a few months ago but the township didn't even know what permit we needed or where to get one.

So, does anybody know what kinds of permits are needed to show reptiles in public places?

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i'd be better off opening my own small zoo.

You can write a letter to your state congressperson. They are required to answer their constituents. They have have a staff to look into it.

Try this. If not I'm sure someone there would know if you email them.

Agriculture: License & Registration - Index

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

I don't know of any reptile-related regulations other than our state's protected species. Which is bizarre!

I couldn't even find permits or standards for pet stores during research in entrepreneurship. Which actually explains a lot.

Definitely let us know when you find out. As a fellow Pennsylvanian, I'd like to know as well!

(P.S. I live in Chester County.. Not too far from you! )

Contact your city council. If you are doing it on commercial property you may not need a permit but in a city park you probably will.
If you haven't yet, look into insurance! All it takes is one accidental bite or scratch and you may have someone suing you!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

how do you insure an animal against scratches or bites...?

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Ball Pythons (1.2)
Boa Constrictors (1.1)
Brazilian Rainbow Boa (0.1)
Jurassic Milk Snake (1.0)
Mississippi Map Turtle (1.0)
Chinese Water Dragon (0.1)

"If all mankind were to disappear, the world would regenerate back to the rich state of equilibrium that existed ten thousand years ago. If insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos."

Edward O. Wilson

You have to get a liability policy that will protect you in case someone gets hurt by the animal. Sometimes they can be difficult to find, and or expensive. I had to write out a by the hour sale contract to the school so their insurance would cover, as our insurance at the time refused to cover (it was also for pony rides). When we participated in the 4-H events our extension service agency covered it under the 4-H umbrella. I know though that our handicapped riding program although under the 4-H umbrella had to be insured through the farm of the people sponsoring it. There are different laws by different states, county, township, city, village, etc.... to take into consideration.

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Kat

Interesting. When I used to take my snakes into classrooms, they never required insurance of any type. Then again, I had Ball pythons - nothing truly hazardous.

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Ball Pythons (1.2)
Boa Constrictors (1.1)
Brazilian Rainbow Boa (0.1)
Jurassic Milk Snake (1.0)
Mississippi Map Turtle (1.0)
Chinese Water Dragon (0.1)

"If all mankind were to disappear, the world would regenerate back to the rich state of equilibrium that existed ten thousand years ago. If insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos."

Edward O. Wilson

They may not require it but it should be done for your protection. It doesn't even have to be a bite or even any physical contact at all.
For example. We all know how some people are so terrified of any snake that they over react.
If someone sees the snake and it frightens them and in trying to exit the area they fall and injure themselves, you are still going to be liable for the injury since it was you that brought the snake in.
If they have a heart attack due to the stress of their fear, that too can be pinned on you.
In the litagation crazed world we live in you would be surprised at what people get sued for.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

I dont think Walmart would be such a good idea. I wish I lived close enough for when you put your show together.