The fine print, in plain English.
What you agree to when you use this site or buy an animal from me. Short on purpose — read it before you place a deposit.
Effective August 9, 2026
Who these terms cover
This website belongs to Monitor Ops & Exotics (“I”, “me”, “we”), a captive breeder of Asian water monitors based in North Alabama. By using this site or purchasing an animal from me, you agree to these terms. If you do not agree with them, please do not place a deposit.
Buying an animal
You must be 18 or older to purchase. A deposit holds your animal and locks your spot. Deposits are non-refundable unless the issue is on my end. Payment plans are available on most animals; your monitor ships once it is paid in full. Unless a listing says otherwise, the listed price includes shipping.
Your responsibilities as a buyer
Laws on keeping monitor lizards vary by state, county, and city. It is your responsibility to confirm that owning an Asian water monitor is legal where you live, and to hold any required permits, before you place a deposit. You are also responsible for appropriate housing, heating, and care from the moment your animal arrives. Adult water monitors are large, strong animals. Plan for the adult, not the hatchling.
Shipping and the live arrival guarantee
Animals ship FedEx priority overnight, held for signature pickup at your nearest FedEx ship center, and are guaranteed to arrive alive. The guarantee requires pickup within 2 hours of arrival and immediate notice with photos if anything is wrong. Ship dates are weather-dependent. Full details live on the Shipping & Guarantee page, and those details are part of these terms.
Health, temperament, and socialization
Every animal leaves here healthy, established, and honestly represented. I lay a socialization foundation with my animals, but temperament in a new home is a partnership, not a promise — a monitor that is calm here can act differently around new people, smells, and spaces, and some take longer to settle than others. Once an animal arrives alive and healthy, its ongoing health and behavior are in your hands.
Refunds and returns
Live animals are not returnable. If something is wrong with your animal on arrival, contact me immediately and I will make it right under the live arrival guarantee. Beyond that, refunds are handled case by case and only for issues on my end.
Site content
The photos, videos, and text on this site are mine (or used with permission) and show my own animals. Do not copy or repost them for commercial use without asking first. Care information here is general reference from my experience as a keeper and breeder, not veterinary advice. When in doubt, see a qualified reptile vet.
Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent the law allows, my total liability for any claim related to a purchase is limited to the price you paid for that animal. I am not liable for indirect damages, including injury, property damage, or costs that come from keeping the animal after a healthy arrival.
Changes and contact
I may update these terms as the business grows; the version posted here is the one in effect. These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Alabama. Questions? Reach me through the contact page or email info@monitoropsandexotics.com.