Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary

The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and is a statewide facility that includes a surrender facility, education program, summer camps and rescue and rehabilitation. In 2001 three people realized there were plenty of organizations to rescue all species of animals from dogs and cats to birds and rabbits yet no facilities for the intake of reptiles. People who own reptiles as pets had no outlet to relinquish ownership if needed, or a place to acquire additional information on care and husbandry. In addition, native species were being destroyed due to lack of education. These three individuals launched the Phoenix Herpetological Society (PHS). The mission was to build a facility to house reptiles until forever homes could be found & to educate people on responsible pet ownership & the importance on conservation & desert safety. PHS focuses on two specific goals: Rescue and Rehabilitation Currently PHS is home to over 1,200 animals of which 90% are pet trade type animals. We assist the general public, humane societies, animal welfare leagues, animal control departments, law enforcement and other organizations across the United States. Conservation Education Conservation begins with education. Our desert (and our planet) is in serious jeopardy. It is imperative to teach the importance each animal plays in our eco-system. Last year the PHS outreach program touched 109,000 people. These were primarily school-aged children and teenagers.