Meet Leah Weber | Founder of Arizona Reptile Rescue

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leah Weber and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leah, how does your business help the community?
There is a huge gap in education amongst Exotic Animal Care; you can take a puppy to the vet within the week, sign them up for classes, look into case studies about food and etc. But can you do the same for a turtle? A Bearded Dragon? A Reticulated Python? When you go to the pet store, you won’t find much education on the types of illnesses prevalent in reptile species and how to care for it- you will probably be given 1 option for husbandry set up and there is half an aisle dedicated to feeding and care. We have very few Reptile Specialty stores here, and most of them privately owned making them harder to find and further spread out when compared to a big box store.
Big Box Stores are unfortunately the biggest proprietary for animal surrenders, and the need for rescues. I know, because I worked for one.
There is no formal education needed for reptiles and exotics despite most of these animals being high maintenance and costly to treat. Our goal is to give exotics the time, care, and their families the education that you would get if you purchased a pet with papers.
Exotics neglect happens far too frequently, and to no one’s fault beyond those that sell for profit with no regard to extending education and support to families. We aim to provide support beyond the adoption period; we value the ability to check in on our animals, on their families, educate pre and post adoption and continue to mature and educate ourselves so we may lead by example.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Arizona Reptile Rescue is a micr0 non-profit serving the entire state of Arizona. I started as a clerk at a big box pet store and recognized a massive void in animal care and education and promptly left. I spent years educating myself on all things reptile, though I have a preference for snakes, I have had to relearn so much in order to do more for these animals. Easy probably is not how I would describe this adventure, but it has been rewarding.
Youtube, Facebook groups, books, networking within the exotics community; all resources proven valuable these past ten years. It has been amazing to watch social media grow, watching new reptile groups and websites popping up and shattering the ceiling that was reptile keeping some 10-15 years ago; and even still with legislative acts attempting to stifle exotics keeping, this is one of the most compassionate communities I have ever met and I am grateful for them.
Our aim for anyone considering a guinea pig, or a tortoise, a bird or a python- is to choose adoption; if you are unsure of where to start, who to talk to, where to adopt from, we have helped individuals in other states find reptile nonprofits in their area, answered questions about proper care- we help identify wild animals at times which is always so fun!
If not adoption, we aim to educate. Arizona has some amazing species right in your backyard doing even more amazing things for the environment! We hope to remove the stigma around the less cute animals and get our community excited about finding critters hanging around!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Now that the weather is taking a turn and it is starting to cool off, I would say while Phoenix has some amazing spots for dining and entertainment, check out the local library! Our library cards get us passes to some pretty amazing spots for free every month; the Botanical Gardens are gorgeous this time of year and it is an excellent time to see wildlife as well! There’s also some crazy ghost towns in just about every part of the valley and they are all worth checking out. We have met some phenomenal people who have taken it upon themselves to preserve Arizona history for you to enjoy, and there is nothing I would rather do (personally) than wander through historic places; Bisbee has the 1000 Great Stair Climb and you can reward yourself with Santiago’s (the best Mexican food I think I have ever had), or if you make it to Globe, check out the Drift Inn Saloon! Amazing staff, great drinks, and even better ghost stories.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My partner, and the love of my life; Evan you have done so much to support me, the nonprofit, our family- you saw my dream and never questioned it or inserted yourself between myself and striving to build the rescue. Your continued support does more than help me, you have touched the lives of dozens of families as well, by being part of transport, surrender intake, being my soundboard- none of this would be possible if I didn’t have you in my corner. I am forever grateful for your love and your support.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/arizonareptilerescue/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArizonaReptileRescue

Other: https://www.instagram.com/arizonareptilerescue/

Image Credits
Photoshoots: *Adam and Eve* Creative Director & Designer (Headdress +outfits👙) Shavine @Theheaddressqueen 📷Photographer @6ryant3 Model (Adam & Eve1👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨) @naradajay803 @Lydia_Nye Pose Coordinator & Assistant @honey4sweets *Girl and Snake* Photographer/Videographer/Props: @mad__photos_ @glenazvideo @photos_by_kb Model: @ellienorobin *Slytherin* photography/props: @aflowerphotography snakes: @draculeah/ @arizona_reptile_rescue concept/stylist/HMUA: @styled_by_queenie location: @secretgardenaz