Snake, reptile and wildlife removals – terms and conditions – Snakebusters TM.

• Snakebusters make less money on these activities than alternatives, meaning that in effect when doing such work, we lose money.
• Our main reason for engaging in snake relocations and the like is because of our world-leading dedication to wildlife conservation and hands on desire to protect the welfare of individual animals.
• Costs levied by us defray our high operating costs.
• Jobs are usually quoted on a “job-by-job” basis and are quoted on the basis of anticipated time (distance to be traveled) and cost of execution.
• We do not charge “danger money” like some newly licenced and unscrupulous operators in Victoria, as we do not regard the safe handling of venomous reptiles as being particularly dangerous and are of the view that if a snake catcher thinks otherwise then they should either get proper training, or alternatively change jobs.
• Call outs are quoted as a call-out fee only.
• Unless otherwise specified, the call out fee usually factors in traveling time and the removal of the problem reptile (animal) and a reasonable (under one hour) time required to find and remove the animal.
• We do not charge a surcharge if a snake is removed, unless specifically stated at the time of call out. 
• Most of the time we catch the problem reptile on call outs, but this can never be guaranteed.
• Usually, a property appraisal (including adjoining ones) and advice on reptiles is given as part of the standard “call out” at no extra cost, unless there is another “call out” waiting or similar time constraint.
• Written and accurate advice on keeping properties snake free is on the website at: http://www.snakebusters.net (follow appropriate links) in the event that such advice is forgotten (or not given) and any printed matter given lost, misplaced or required for another person.  This material is free and can be used by persons who have not had Snakebusters attend, or been visited by an alternative reptile removalist not associated with us
• Written reports are usually charged according to time required to complete and are usually quoted prior as above.
• If there is extra and unexpected time required to find a snake or similar after arrival at a location that is way beyond that expected, a quote for added fee/s will be made at the time.
• Snakebusters will not attend a location to remove a reptile or animal unless the caller or associated person has made an undertaking to pay fees as quoted.
• Snakebusters do not use “tongs” or other equipment known to injure or harm reptiles with normal use. 
• Snakebusters will often refer work to other snake catchers or wildlife workers not associated in any way to us.  This is done when for one of a host of reasons we may not be able to attend.  We cannot take responsibility for their actions, fees charged and the like.  We usually refer call outs to known snake catcher located closest to where the reptile is seen.
• Notwithstanding the above, Snakebusters will not refer work to other persons or companies who use improper tools such as “tongs” that are illegal to be used on reptiles in Victoria and elsewhere, and/or persons who lack proper experience or training, have improper training or engage in any other acts of known cruelty, mishandling and the like with regards to reptiles and other animals, or are likely to.
• Snakebusters will take all due care when finding and catching reptiles.  However any damage to vegetation, pipes, or any other items or property (in any way) will (if needed to be fixed) be paid for by the person or entity that called Snakebusters to attend.
• Put simply, Snakebusters will not be responsible for any damages caused or costs associated with them.
• Please note that it is common to have to remove vegetation, dig up gardens, remove rocks and the like to find reptiles and failure to do this increases the likelihood of the reptile not being found.
• Nets and certain other equipment are heavily regulated in Victoria and in many cases illegal.  Snakebusters will not knowingly break the relevant laws, but can and will advise on or use alternatives if appropriate.
• Snakebusters call out fees are payable regardless of whether or not a reptile (or animal) is actually found and/or removed.
• Unless otherwise specified at the time by Snakebusters, Snakebusters will levy another call out fee for any subsequent calls as our underlying costs remain unchanged.
• Snakebusters cannot guarantee that all snakes are removed from a site after a call out and/or that other snakes may not enter the property following our departure, but these possibilities must be sensibly assumed by all persons.
• Snakebusters are not responsible for any person being bitten or injured in any way by snake, reptile or other animal at any time, but note that with sensible avoidance, a bite is effectively impossible.
• Snakes (and other animals) removed from properties are usually released “as is” more than 2 km from where caught to prevent that individual returning to where it was caught.
• Notwithstanding the above, we do usually spray all caught reptiles for external parasites (mites) and may where deemed appropriate administer other drugs for treatment of known or assumed external parasites (ticks/Iermectin), intestinal and other “worms” (Panacur/Droncit), Protozoans (Flagyl), bacteria/potential infections (Baytril and/or alternatives) and other treatments and drugs as required, orally, by injection, topically or other means as required.
• Animals are generally not released during adverse weather, which is generally that deemed to be excessively hot, wet or cold, in which case release is usually held over to a suitable time.  We often release at night.
• Release is done in a manner to ensure likely survival of the said reptile or animal, noting human risks, risks of predation by birds and the like.
• As a rule, a relocated snake is released where it is deemed not likely to enter a private dwelling or house.  We take great care in checking aspects of nearby hills and what is on them in terms of houses and the like in order to assess likely movement patterns of the reptile some time after release and unfortunately this is one of several factors limiting where we are able to safely release the reptiles.
• We also take care to try to avoid releasing too many reptiles in the same location, while simultaneously attempting to maintain genetic integrity of populations by releasing reptiles in areas where similar already occur
• Other animals (such as possums) may be regulated differently by State laws, and while Snakebusters has been given substantial discretion by the licencing authorities, this may result in animals (such as possums) being released immediately adjacent to the capture location (as in not in a building).
• Injured and sick reptiles and other wildlife are assessed and dealt with accordingly, the end points including, release, treatment then release, treatment then passing on to a wildlife shelter, euthanasia or other fate as deemed appropriate.
• As a rule, native reptiles are released in suitable habitat while exotic (to the region) wildlife is handed on to the State Wildlife department. 
• As a rule (and unless granted specific authorization) neither snakebusters or associated entities have any legal claim on removed reptiles and hence they are effectively worthless in terms of dollar value.  It is for that reason that our call out fee reflects no value attributable to the reptile.
• Snakebusters release captured wildlife as soon as practicable, which includes with minimum disruption to our busy schedule.  While this is mostly on the same day, sometimes reptiles may be held for some days, particularly when we receive large numbers of calls to remove reptiles (or such is anticipated, based on weather forecasts and the time of year) and it is expedient to release several at a time.
• Payment for call-outs is due at time of call out as in the same day.  However in difficult situations, Snakebusters will usually accept payment shortly thereafter and as soon as practicable.  There are no payment terms (as in 14 days) for such call outs.
• Payment is preferred by cash or cheque, but we do also accept most major credit cards.
• Credit card payments are usually billed through the company “Kotabi Pty Ltd”, which is important for those checking statements and wondering who this other entity is.
• In terms of costs recoveries and the like and any other matters, where relevant, all other matters are covered in the terms and conditions as spelt out at: http://www.smuggled.com/SBSTer1.htm
• Snakebusters have been leaders in reptile conservation for many years.  Raymond Hoser (owner) of snakebusters has an unrivalled reputation and expertise in reptiles and been the face of reptile conservation in Australia for more than 30 years.   In terms of finding reptiles, no other person has the expertise and skill of Raymond Hoser or his staff at Snakebusters or the same immaculate safety record.
• In terms of our websites and their content, intellectual property, defamation and similar please refer to: http://www.smuggled.com/kotabi2.htm
• Please note: “Snake Buster”, “snakebusters”, “snakeman” and all relevant variants are all registered and protected trademarks and we will if required, action any violation or misuse of these trademarks without warning, including persons touting for business using these names in any way without our written and current approval.  We have successfully sued numerous persons and companies for misuse of our hard-earned intellectual property and will do so if it is deemed necessary.
• Anyone with information about persons touting for business as either “snakeman” or “snakebuster” or variants without our approval is asked to forward information to us at: Snakebusters, PO Box 599, Doncaster, Vic, 3108, Australia.

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