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make a business of it.” Tami started an LLC, and had a court hearing with the
board of supervisors in Rankin County to get the proper zoning permits.
“Thankfully, all of our neighbors are on board. They support us fully.”
Now Tami runs Full House Exotics out of her home. “We offer one tour
daily, by appointment only, Wednesday through Saturday. The tour lasts up
to two and a half hours. People love it. They can get up close with the animals
and it’s an opportunity for me to educate them on what it takes to raise an
exotic animal.” The tours help with the food and bedding for the animals,
as well as the vet bills. “And yes, there are vets in the area who know how to
care for exotic animals,” Tami says.
It takes about an hour and a half every morning and evening to feed and
clean all the cages. “On Monday and Tuesday we have volunteers come in
and help with deep cleanings. Many of the volunteers are juniors and seniors
in high school who are interested in going to veterinary school.” The animals
each have their own enclosures. “The spider monkeys have their own room
where they can play, as well as an outdoor enclosure. When they were little,
they would go to the grocery store with me. I still take them with me everywhere
I can. They even sleep in the bed with us at night.”
The business has taken off, and Tami says the next step is to find some
land. “We would love to have an event space where we can do events for
adults. Right now, we are busting at the seams.”
Hometown RANKIN • 47