California’s First & Only Permitted & Insured Non-Profit Snake Training Provider
CDFW Permitted
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Authorized Wildlife Relocation Training
Fully Insured
General Liability & Commercial Field Operations Coverage
501(c)(3) Non-Profit
100% of Net Tuition Directly Funds Global Snake Conservation
Save The Snakes is proud to be the first and only permitted and fully insured 501(c)(3) non-profit organization authorized to deliver live venomous snake safety and relocation training in the state of California.
The mission of Save The Snakes is to conserve snakes around the world through education, research, and community support. We believe that by training more individuals how to safely and professionally work with venomous snakes, it will help us achieve our goals to protect vulnerable snake populations and foster a society that respects and peacefully coexists with wildlife.
The courses and workshops offered through the Save The Snakes Venomous Snake Training Program are taught on-site at our Snake Conservation Center in Sacramento, California. Additionally, Save The Snakes has the ability to travel to your area and conduct a training experience that is tailored to your specific needs.
Please contact us at contact@savethesnakes.org or by calling (916) 520-4382 for more information about our Venomous Snake Training Program.
Empower Yourself to Safely Coexist with Venomous Snakes
Professional Snake Safety for Field Crews & Property Owners
Tuition & Format:
Tuition: $250.00 / seat | Duration: 1 Day (7 Hours) | Location: Sacramento, CA or On-Site Statewide
Course Overview:
California Rattlesnake Training is Save The Snakes’ core 1-day, hands-on field safety and basic relocation workshop. Engineered to establish a practical, entry-level competency baseline—much like a foundational driver’s exam—this program equips participants to safely recognize, avoid, contain, and relocate rattlesnakes encountered on jobsites or private property. This workshop includes all necessary instruction, educational materials, snake handling tools and equipment. No prior experience is necessary, making this workshop ideal for novices and a valuable refresher for experienced professionals.
Who should attend?
- Working Professionals: Environmental consultants, field biologists, members of the military, utility line crews, solar/wind technicians, construction personnel, and municipal first responders across California.
- Property & Landowners: Farmers, ranchers, winery operators, rural homeowners, and outdoor recreationists seeking safe, non-lethal property protection.
What Participants Will Learn:
- Learn to instantly distinguish harmless snake species from rattlesnakes, including species from Northern, Central, and Southern California.
- Integrate effective snake hazard mitigation protocols into your company’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and daily tailgate safety briefings to maintain Cal/OSHA compliance.
- Navigate California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations, relocation distance boundaries, and mandatory non-lethal wildlife management protocols.
- Master evidence-based emergency first aid, field response procedures, and immediate hospital transport guidelines in the event of a rattlesnake envenomation.
- Practice direct, supervised relocation drills using professional snake handling equipment with live California snake species under a low student-to-instructor ratio which prioritizes safety and a more personalized participant experience.
Credential Issued:
Participants who complete the workshop receive an official Certificate of Completion: California Rattlesnake Training verifying entry-level baseline field competency.
Advanced Venomous Handling, Toxinology & Snakebite Protocol to Protect Yourself and Your Community
Tuition & Format:
Tuition: $400.00 / seat | Duration: 2 Days (14 Hours) | Location: Sacramento, CA
Course Overview:
In partnership with The Rattlesnake Conservancy, Save The Snakes is proud to offer the Level 1 Venomous Handling Certification Course. The curriculum developed by The Rattlesnake Conservancy and taught by Save The Snakes sets the standard for safety, husbandry, and protocol for working with venomous snakes. The Rattlesnake Conservancy has spent years honing their teaching methods to help students be prepared to deal with working with venomous reptiles. Save The Snakes instructors who teach this course have completed an intensive Instructor Certification Course, ensuring the high-quality content expected from courses hosted by The Rattlesnake Conservancy.
The Level 1 Handling Certification Course is the leading venomous training program in the United States and has been taught to students across the country. If you are a land manager, wildlife biologist, zoo professional, herpetology enthusiast, photographer, or private citizen looking to learn how to safely handle and relocate venomous reptiles, this course is for you!
Who Should Attend?
- Herpetology & Wildlife Professionals: Wildlife biologists, zoo staff, land managers, researchers, and professional animal handlers requiring multi-species venomous certification.
- Advanced Enthusiasts & Photographers: Herpetology enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and private keepers seeking comprehensive training in venom toxinology, captive husbandry protocols, and advanced handling techniques.
What Participants Will Learn:
- Master advanced, multi-species handling techniques for non-venomous and venomous snakes using specialized snake handling equipment under direct instructor supervision.
- Explore in-depth venom toxinology, life history, and regional ecology to better understand venomous reptile behavior and physiological impacts.
- Implement evidence-based emergency field protocols for envenomation, including immediate first-aid intervention, emergency care coordination, and transport safety.
- Study captive venomous reptile management, standard operating safety protocols, disease monitoring, and biosecurity measures.
- Execute ethical containment and safe relocation methods across a variety of venomous species sizes and temperaments.
- Successfully passing Level 1 satisfies the mandatory requirement to advance to The Rattlesnake Conservancy’s Level 2 Venomous Handling Certification Course.
Course Structure:
- Day 1 (7 Hours — Classroom Intensive): Deep dive into venom toxinology, venomous snake species ecology, snakebite management, captive safety protocols, and disease mitigation.
- Day 2 (7 Hours — Practical Evaluation & Live Handling): Comprehensive written evaluation, hands-on training featuring equipment selection and supervised handling drills with multiple species and sizes of venomous snakes.
Credential Issued:
Participants who pass both the written examination and practical live handling evaluation earn an official Level 1 Venomous Handling Certification, issued in partnership with The Rattlesnake Conservancy.
Which Venomous Snake Training Program is Right For Me?
Compare Course Objectives, Regulatory Standards & Career Pathways to Find the Right Training for Your Goals
| Feature / Topic | California Rattlesnake Training Workshop | Level 1 Venomous Handling Certification Course |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Format | $250.00 / seat 1 Day (7 Hours) | $400.00 / seat 2 Days (14 Hours) |
| Primary Objective | Specific Curriculum on California Rattlesnake Ecology, Field Hazard Mitigation & Humane Relocation | Expansive Overview of Venomous Ecology, Toxinology, Husbandry, & Relocation |
| Target Audience | Field Crews, Utilities, First Responders, Landowners & Homeowners | Wildlife Biologists, Researchers, Zookeepers & Advanced Enthusiasts |
| Live Snake Handling | Yes Supervised live native California rattlesnake drills | Yes Multiple species, sizes, and temperaments |
| Hands-On Tool Mechanics | Practical Tools & Techniques for Operations in the Field | Tools & Advanced Containment Techniques for the Field or Facility |
| Species Identification | California Regional Focus | North American Pit Vipers & Elapids |
| Cal/OSHA & Regulatory Alignment | Field & Jobsite Compliance: Cal/OSHA IIPP safety briefing integration & CDFW non-lethal relocation rules | Institutional Standards: Facility safety protocols, state permitting guidelines & biosecurity |
| Emergency First Aid | Evidence-based field first aid & immediate hospital transport care | Advanced venom toxinology, symptom progression & field response |
| On-Site Delivery Option | Available Statewide Instructors travel directly to your facility or field site | Sacramento Snake Conservation Center Only |
| Credential Issued | Certificate of Completion: California Rattlesnake Training Verifies entry-level baseline field safety competency | Level 1 Venomous Handling Certification Issued in partnership with The Rattlesnake Conservancy. Unlocks eligibility for Level 2 Advanced Certification. |
| Registration | Select Dates & Book California Rattlesnake Training Workshop ($250) | Select Dates & Book Level 1 Venomous Handling Certification Course ($400) |
What Our Students & Field Professionals Say
Feedback from past participants across our public programs and private group trainings
“I can’t recommend this training enough! The lecture is thorough and engaging, the instructors care deeply about your safety and education, and the handling practice left me confident to help rattlesnakes and people in my community.”
— Course Participant“Informative, respectful, empowering, and so much fun! The instructors are clearly very passionate about their work, care deeply about the animals in their care, and prioritize your safety and education above all else. Highly recommend.”
— Workshop Participant“This program was very well presented at a pace that was easy to follow. The trainers were very understanding that there was a variety of skill and comfort levels and made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Their expertise and engagement help to solidify the vision that humans and snakes can coexist.”
— Workshop Participant“I had an amazing time with Save The Snakes, I met some incredible people and learned a lot, including handling techniques, snake anatomy, and proper snakebite protocol! Everyone was super nice and welcoming. If you find yourself interacting with venomous snakes often, I highly recommend you look into the program.”
— Course ParticipantFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience to attend?
No prior handling experience is required for either the 1-Day California Rattlesnake Training or 2-Day Level 1 Course. Instructors tailor live-handling drills to each participant’s comfort level.
What safety equipment and clothing should I bring?
All specialized snake handling equipment is provided. Participants must wear closed-toe boots and thick long trousers/jeans for live handling sessions.
Can Save The Snakes deliver training directly to our corporate field site?
Yes. We deliver turnkey on-site corporate training across California, tailored to your jobsite location, regional species exposure, and company IIPP guidelines.
On-Site Safety Programs for High-Risk Field Operations
Operating in remote field sites, utility corridors, or agricultural lands significantly increases your workforce’s exposure to venomous snake hazards. We bring Save The Snakes’ official California Rattlesnake Training Workshop directly to your facility, field office, or jobsite statewide. Every session is customized to your specific geographic location, regional snake species, and operational environment to address the exact field conditions your team encounters. Participating employees gain practical, hands-on field competency and earn an official Certificate of Completion to satisfy company safety compliance standards.
Why Corporate Safety Leads Partner With Us:
- Cal/OSHA IIPP & Compliance Alignment: Seamlessly map hazard mitigation, relocation protocols, and snakebite emergency procedures directly into your company’s Injury & Illness Prevention Program and tailgate briefings.
- Employee Certification & Auditing: Every participant receives an official Certificate of Completion: California Rattlesnake Training verifying baseline field hazard competency for internal HR and safety records.
- Turnkey Mobile Delivery: Our permitted and insured instructors bring live native California snake species, specialized handling tools, and educational materials straight to your team.
- Risk Mitigation & Liability Reduction: Empower field crews with practical avoidance, non-lethal containment mechanics, and evidence-based first aid to prevent costly envenomation incidents and work stoppages.
Trusted Corporate & Institutional Sector Partners:
We deliver customized group safety training for teams operating across high-risk industries, including:
Schedule a Private On-Site Training for Your Team
Contact our training department to discuss group pricing, custom schedule availability, or multi-site field training options.
Training That Saves Snakes Worldwide
When you or your organization enrolls in Save The Snakes training, 100% of net proceeds fund our global conservation initiatives. Your tuition directly supports human-snake conflict mitigation, life-saving community education, and species protection across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Participation in the Venomous Training Program by Save The Snakes, does not guarantee certification by our organization. Students must successfully pass a written and practical test to achieve certification. Students must be 18 years or older to participate in the venomous handling section of the course. Completion of the course does not substitute a venomous permit or other permit that may be required to keep venomous or handle reptiles within your state of residency. Before collecting or possessing venomous reptiles, students should contact their state wildlife management agency to ensure no permits are required prior to keeping or handling venomous reptiles.
Save The Snakes’ educational programs and activities are permitted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and our organization is fully insured.
Cancellation Policy
By registering for a training course or workshop sponsored, hosted, or taught by Save The Snakes, you acknowledge and accept the following cancellation policy. Notice of a student’s intent to cancel a registration must be made in writing to Save The Snakes by email to contact@savethesnakes.org and is subject to the following terms:
- Students whose cancellation request is received in excess of 30 days prior to the start date of the training activity will incur a $25.00 administrative fee and remaining costs refunded.
- Students whose cancellation request is received within 14 to 29 days prior to the start date of the training activity will incur an administration fee equal to 50% of the obligated fee.
- Students whose cancellation request is received within 13 days prior to the start date or after the commencement of the training activity will incur an administration fee equal to 100% of the obligated fee.
- One substitute is permitted per registrant for the entire course; daily substitutions are not permitted. Save The Snakes must be notified prior to the first day of the course when a substitution will occur. Save The Snakes will also allow the registration fee to be applied to a different course if the request is made more than 14 days prior to the start date of the training. This request must be made in writing, subject to approval by Save The Snakes, and can be used during a period of time not exceeding 12 months from the original course registration.
- Save The Snakes reserves the right to cancel courses, change course location, change instructors, or change course content. In the event that a course must be canceled or the location of the course changed, registrants will be informed 30 days prior to the start of the course and a full tuition refund issued to students.
- Save The Snakes is not responsible for travel costs incurred. Please do not purchase non-refundable airline tickets more than 30 days before the course. Should a course require cancellation or change in location, Save The Snakes is not responsible for non-refundable airline tickets.
Special Thanks to Tomahawk Live Trap and Vision
Save The Snakes is honored to receive support from companies who share our snake conservation vision and who wish to sponsor our educational programs. During Save The Snakes Venomous Trainings, all instructors and participants use snake hooks and tongs created by Tomahawk Live Trap. Save The Snakes is an official distributor of Tomahawk snake handling equipment. Additionally, our ambassador snakes, which are used for our Venomous Snake Training Program and educational events throughout California, are housed in state of the art reptile enclosures, produced by Vision Racks and Cages. These two companies truly believe in the snake conservation efforts of Save The Snakes and we are so thankful to have their dedicated support.
