Live animal sales.

We sell animals in the store at 149 Plaistow Road, so you can see the animal, ask questions and leave with the right setup. Animals reserved or bought through this website are for pickup in the store only. Zoo Creatures does not ship animals. [Confirm]

Snakes, lizards and amphibians can also be bought on the website of our parent company, NERD. NERD sales, including any shipping, follow NERD's own terms.

You must be [18] or older to buy a live animal. Younger customers are welcome. A parent or guardian must be present and make the purchase. We may ask for photo ID.

We may also decline a sale if we believe an animal won't get proper care, if the buyer can't legally keep it, or if an animal isn't a good match for the buyer's experience. We'll always explain why and suggest a better fit.

• Know the adult size, lifespan and diet. Some tortoises live longer than their owners, and some snakes and lizards grow very large.
• Have the enclosure, heat, lighting and food ready, or buy them with the animal. We'll help you put the setup together.
• Check that you can legally keep the animal where you live, including your town, landlord or HOA.

Ages, sizes and morphs are our best judgment at the time of sale. Sex is guaranteed only when we state it on the receipt. [Confirm sex-guarantee wording]

Every animal is checked by our staff before it goes home, and we tell you what we know about its feeding and history.

[Health guarantee to be set by Brax and Kevin: length (e.g. X days), what it covers, what the buyer must do (e.g. vet exam within X days, proper setup, receipt), and the remedy (exchange, store credit or refund)]

If your animal seems unwell after you bring it home, call us right away at (603) 382-3338. The sooner we know, the more we can help.

Animals can't be returned because you changed your mind. [If you can no longer keep an animal, call us about rehoming options]

The venomous snakes in the NERD venom room are on display for education. They are worked only by trained staff with hooks and tongs. They are not for sale to the public, and visitors may not handle them.

We do not sell venomous species, or any species that requires a state permit, to anyone who cannot show the required permits first. [Brax and Kevin: confirm whether any permitted sales happen at all, and the verification steps]

New Hampshire rules

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department regulates the import and possession of wildlife, including some reptiles, amphibians and fish, under its administrative rules (Fis 800). Some species are prohibited and others need a permit. Learn more at wildlife.nh.gov (opens in a new tab).

If you live outside New Hampshire

Other states set their own rules, and many are stricter. Massachusetts, for example, restricts many reptile and amphibian species. You are responsible for following the laws where the animal will live. Ask us if you're unsure, and we'll tell you what we know.

Small turtles

Federal law (21 CFR 1240.62) generally prohibits selling turtles with a shell under 4 inches long as pets, because of the Salmonella risk.

Reptiles, amphibians and some small mammals can carry Salmonella and other germs, even when they look healthy. Simple habits keep everyone safe:

• Wash your hands with soap and water after handling an animal, its food, or anything in its enclosure.
• Keep animals and their supplies out of the kitchen.
• The CDC advises that children under 5, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems avoid contact with reptiles and amphibians.

More from the CDC at cdc.gov/healthy-pets (opens in a new tab).

• A care sheet for your species from our animal care library, or written guidance from our staff when we don't have a sheet yet.
• Husbandry consultations by appointment, for the life of your animal.
• Questions by phone at (603) 382-3338 or email at ZooCreaturesPetStore@gmail.com.

Never release a pet into the wild. It's harmful to native wildlife, usually fatal to the animal, and can be illegal. Call us instead.

Live and frozen feeders (insects, worms and rodents) are sold as food for other animals. [Confirm: feeders are not covered by the health guarantee and can't be returned]