I began volunteering with the Phoenix Herpetological Society this summer alongside my teenage son. He was the one primarily interested in reptiles, but before long I fell in love with all the scaly critters too.
From the moment you step onto the premises you notice what a passion project this rescue is. Everyone, staff and volunteers alike, cares deeply for the welfare of all the animals and has a sincere interest in conservation. For the staff this is not your regular 8-4 job - each and everyone puts in many extra hours at all times of the day and all days of the week. They care about the welfare of each and every animal, from the injured rattlesnake to the malnourished bearded dragon.
In an effort to improve the lives of all reptiles the Phoenix Herpetological Society is also very engaged in educating the public, be it at reptile shows, school presentations, public events, or by offering tours of their facility.
All animals deserve our respect, understanding, and protection - no matter their outward appearance or toxicity. We need to share this planet - and the Phoenix Herpetological Society plays an important role in this mission.
Calvin Mills of Phoenix Herpetological Society has been presenting to 5th graders at our Horsense program for several years. His presentation is always a favorite among our students! The animals, information, and hands-on learning creates a memorable, impactful, and unique experience. Students' respect for and understanding of reptiles is encouraged and students leave the presentation inspired by the knowledge and experience. We are very grateful for the ways Phoenix Herpitological Society enhances our Horsense program!
I have been volunteering for PHS since this summer and have experienced nothing but kindness and hospitality. The care the full time staff gives to animals is extended to others and the volunteers help maintain the immense numbers of rescued animals. Their ambitions for environmental conservation and education overlap with a number of transferable career skills, and anyone involved with the organization will surly leave a more educated and happier person.
I have been volunteering with PHS for almost 3 years now and have loved every second of it. I’ve gotten to work with animals I never imagined I would even see in person, I’ve expanded my knowledge and understanding of the beautiful creatures they have there. All the volunteers and staff put forth a tremendous effort to make sure all animals get the care they need and to ensure that guests enjoy and learn during their visits. I have seen first hand the way this organization has changed people’s perspectives on reptiles, and I’ve been able to witness hundreds of people overcome their fears of misunderstood animals like snakes and crocodilians.
I've been volunteering at PHS for about 2 months now and they've been nothing short of wonderful. All the employees and volunteers there truly care about the reptiles and do everything in their power to give them the best life they can. I'm glad to be able to contribute by helping out and making the reptiles a little bit happier.
I started volunteering with the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary 14 years ago...and have loved every minute of it. The folks that run it share a passion for the health and welfare of the animals on their property...as well as the desire to educate everyone about conservation and proper care for the native and non-native animals found in the desert.
This is an amazing organization with incredible people, that I am honored to be a part of it.
They staff is amazing, we took three children under the age of 8 and they spoke to them in way the kids understood without being condescending. When they found out my husband and I are reptile people they had us helping, which was awesome. I took my 2 year old to gators and ghouls last year and she loved every second, she attached herself to miss Olivia and was thoroughly spoiled. I can’t imagine not having them here to educate people about the beautiful reptiles they keep.
Katelyn from Phoenix Herp came to my company’s campus for our giving charity fair. Her table, which included a gator, a tortoise, a snake and a Gila monster was a huge hit. Of the approximate 400 who visited the fair over the course of a few hours, her area was consistently packed with interested parties (especially those who weren’t afraid to hold the snake, or take pictures of colleagues holding a snake). Katelyn did an excellent job providing education about the animals, as well as the importance of conservation and stewardship. This is a great organization I’m proud to support.
I began volunteering a few weeks ago. PHS' mission to care for hundreds and hundreds of reptiles is simply heroic. They also provide a valuable education resource to the public about a segment of Earth's animal kingdom that is largely misunderstood. Their success hinges on the efforts of dedicated volunteers. Volunteers find affirmation and gratitude abundantly expressed by the small but capable and friendly staff. It's just a great place to be and help out.
I began volunteering at the Phoenix Herpetological Society over 3 years ago. The people who work at PHS are incredibly knowledgeable and do everything they can to save as many animals as possible and promote conservation through education. Volunteering at PHS provided me so many opportunities in my field, allowing me to learn the biology and care requirements for so many different species - both native and exotic. They are so important to the Valley, as they provide education to children and adults on native desert animals, relocation of venomous species, removal of non-native species (along with providing them a home, of course), and even training for the people who serve our community, such as firefighters, on how to safely move our native venomous animals. I recommend them to everyone and can't wait to see how their education and outreach programs continue to grow in the future!
I began volunteering with PHS three years ago and I have loved every minute. The opportunity to work with some of the most amazing reptiles on Earth has been incredibly fulfilling. PHS provides a home for a lot of animals that would otherwise likely have died. Caring for these animals is a lot of work, but those of us who do volunteer see it as more of a calling than a job. Any support you can give is greatly appreciated.
I started volunteering with the Herp society back in 2016 after my family told me to find a reptile animal rescue to volunteer with (I was skeptical but was shocked to find them). When I first visited the site it was definitely something to behold and was more than I could have expected (and it still is). I've met a lot of good friends and cared for tons of lovely critters (even if they are impatient and want their food as soon as I step in ha ha). Otherwise I've been with them since early 2016 and through the animals I've cared for, friends I've made, and experiences I've had...I don't plan on leaving them anytime soon.
I love PHS! I’m a big reptile lover and I was so glad to find an organization that strives to take care of and educate others about reptiles. I hope to continue volunteering with this group and spreading the reptile love and knowledge throughout AZ!
I started volunteering at PHS at the beginning of this year, and I never plan to leave! Communication between other volunteers and staff is wonderful, I always feel at home and I’m never afraid to ask questions because everyone is so helpful.
I’ve volunteered here for four years and every time was amazing. I got to learn so much about so many reptiles and was able to care for a select few mammals and reptiles each time I came. Absolutely amazing place for an amazing cause.
Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary does surprisingly much with its shoestring budget to provide world class care for its exotic reptiles and to provide environmental education for tens of thousands of schoolchildren and adult members of our community, education that will help ensure conservation of our vital natural resources for generations to come. PHS is making a difference that is helping our earth - - and that is crucial, because as Neil deGrasse Tyson says, we have no Planet B.
Katelyn Rose G. 09/06/2018
Thank you so much for this review!! We have grown in our outreach and that is because of people like you! Thank you for your support!