Tabitha Blewett
Owner
I’m Tabitha Blewett, the owner of Austin Reptile Service, LLC, and a lifelong advocate for animals with over 20 years of experience in animal welfare. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in a wide range of roles such as, animal shelter management and animal control supervision to serving as a cruelty investigator and a Local Rabies Control Authority.
My work has always centered on protecting animals and educating the public. I’ve led investigations into cruelty and dangerous animal cases, worked with law enforcement agencies, and developed training programs to improve animal care standards across shelters and municipalities.
A significant part of my reptile journey was shaped by working closely with Tim Cole, the original founder of Austin Reptile Service and a respected herpetologist and educator. After Tim’s passing, I purchased the company to help keep a piece of his legacy alive and to continue the mission he began: promoting understanding, respect, and responsible care for reptiles through public education and outreach.
Today, through Austin Reptile Service, I provide engaging educational programs, serve as a special investigator on exotic animal cruelty cases, help shelters and rescues improve reptile husbandry and investigation protocols, and teach at national and international animal welfare conferences. My goal is to honor Tim’s vision while bringing my own expertise and passion to every animal I serve and every audience I reach.
Tabitha is also the co-owner of Humane Educators of Texas.
Shyah
Education Ambassador
Shyah has been involved in animal welfare for the last seven years. During that time, she's worked for multiple animal shelters as a veterinary surgical technician and supervisor.
In her spare time, she enjoys playing with and training her dogs, photography, and visiting different zoos around the state. Shyah loves all reptiles and has six snakes of her own, but alligators are definitely her favorite! Since she can't have an actual alligator, she settled by naming one of her snakes Alli, and another one Gator, both of which get to come to events sometimes!
Lotus
Education Ambassador
Lotus has been around animals her whole life. Her favorite animals are dogs and reptiles and she is passionate about teaching others about them!
When not in school, Lotus loves to act in plays, read, and help out with Austin Reptile Service events! At home, she lives with a menagerie of animals including one dog, two cats, two snakes, two lizards, and three turtles.
