Posts are made in internet forums on a regular basis concerning the different aspects and methods of shipping reptiles. Their is a lot of information available online and it can be difficult to weed through the correct and incorrect information. What adds to the confusion is that not all shippers have the same methods or standards. This page is a guide to what we consider the proper method of shipping and packing live harmless reptiles. This guide applies only to nonvenomous reptiles. The shipping of venomous reptiles is an entirely different matter which we at this time to do not provide.

Preparing the Reptile

First or foremost ensure the animal to be shipped is in the condition to be shipped. Ill or gravid reptiles should not be shipped at all. The snake or lizard should be well hydrated and its guts empty. This means refrain from feeding the animal for 3-5 days before shipping day. This will prevent a regurgitation caused from the stress and inevitable rough handling of shipping.

Each and every reptile in a shipment needs to be securely contained individually. Generally, all hatchlings and smaller reptiles should be contained inside a deli cup. These are available for purchase (pre-punched) at Superior Shipping Supplies or Reptiles Express. Tape the lids of the deli cups as an additional safe guard against the animal getting loose inside the box.

Larger reptiles should be contained for shipping in a breathable bag. These also can be purchased from the listed shipping companies, but you could just as easily make your own. To secure an animal in a bag, knot the open end of the bag and tape or zip tie it tightly closed.

Bedding should be used inside the deli cup or bag to cushion the reptile and absorb any fecal matter. We prefer using paper towels for lizards and wood shavings or shredded newspaper for snakes. If shipping an amphibian, a paper towel lightly misted with water should be used to provide adequate humidity during transit.

The Box

The box…The base for ensuring safe shipment of a reptile. Even in mild weather, the only acceptable box to use is one that is lined with styrofoam insulation. The insulation forms a buffer between the animal and the outside, protecting it from sudden changes in temperature. Ready made insulated boxes can be purchased  or alternatively you can make your own. In our opinion that it is too messy of a job to worry ourselves with. It is much easier to just unpack the shipping materials and put together the box then to cut up styrofoam to fit.

Some believe air holes are required for a safe shipment. This is absolutely not true as the package is not air tight. No matter what you do, the sytrofoam and the cardboard “breath” to a certain extent. In our opinion, punching holes into the styrofoam compromises the integrity of the insulation. Specifically in extreme cold or hot weather, damaging the insulation hinders any effort to maintain a safe temperature inside the box. If it makes you more comfortable, punch holes in the cardboard, but not the insulation.

Heat & Cold Packs

The need for a way to control the temperature during shipment is easily done by using a heat or cold pack. Attention should be paid to the temperatures at the shipping point, destination and anywhere in between where the package may be routed to. Generally we use a heat pack if temperatures are below 70 and a cold pack if temperatures exceed 80.

When using a pack (either heat or cold) do not allow the animal to be in direct contact with it. The pack is there to raise or lower the inside air temperature of the box, not the animal.

A heat pack can be taped to the lid or the side of the box, but ensure that tape is only covering the sides as it does need a certain amount of oxygen to work. Use at a minimum a 40 hour heat pack. The “warmers” found at most stores are insufficient for the safe shipment of reptiles as they only last a few hours. Using a 40 or 60 hour heat pack will provide the animal with the extra hours of heat needed in case the package gets delayed. Heat packs are not reusable.

Any cold packs found at your local store can be used for reptile shipments and can be reused. For cold packs, we recommend you wrap it in a paper towel to soak up any condensation given off as it thaws. Securing these with tape generally does not work, so instead put plenty of packing material between the cold pack and the reptile.

Labeling

Their are two federal documents every shipper needs to know about. One is the Lacey Act which loosely describes the rules and regulations on transporting wildlife. The most important document however, is one that has just recently been provided to me by the US Fish and Wildlife department. This document is 50 CFR 14 which specifically describes the labeling requirements for all Wildlife imported, exported and transported in the United States.

Labeling is described in this document as follows:

Option One

(i) Conspicuously marking the outside of each container or package containing fish or wildlife with the word “fish” or “wildlife” as appropriate for its contents, or with the common name of its contents by species, and

(ii) Including an invoice, packing list, bill of lading, or similar document to accompany the shipment which accurately states the name and address of the shipper and consignee, states the total number of packages or containers in the shipment, and for each species in the shipment specifies:

(A) The common name that identifies the species (examples include: Chinook (or king) salmon; bluefin tuna; and whitetail deer) and whether or not the listed species is venomous; and

(B) The number of that species (or other appropriate measure of quantity such as gross or net weight).

The invoice, packing list, bill of lading, or equivalent document must be securely attached to the outside of one container or package in the shipment or otherwise physically accompany the shipment in a manner which makes it readily accessible for inspection; or

Option Two

Affixing the shipper’s wildlife import/export license number preceded by the three letters “FWS” on the outside of each container or package containing fish or wildlife, if the shipper has valid wildlife import/export license issued under authority of 50 CFR part 14. For each shipment marked in accordance with this paragraph, the records maintained under §14.93(c) must include a copy of the invoice, packing list, bill of lading, or other similar document that accurately states the information required by paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section.

Option Three

In the case of subcontainers or packages within a larger packing container, only the outermost container must be marked in accordance with this section. Except, that for live fish or wildlife that are packed in subcontainers within a larger packing container, if the subcontainers are numbered or labeled, the packing list, invoice, bill or lading, or other similar document, must reflect that number or label. However, each subcontainer containing a venomous species must be clearly marked as venomous.

Option Four

A conveyance (truck, plane, boat, etc.) is not considered a container for purposes of requiring specific marking of the conveyance itself, provided that:

(i) The fish or wildlife within the conveyance is carried loosely or is readily identifiable, and is accompanied by the document required by paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section, or

(ii) The fish or wildlife is otherwise packaged and marked in accordance with this subpart.

If you do not follow one of these four options, you are breaking the law.

Option one will suit most shippers. This entails the shipper labeling the box with at a minimum “Wildlife” and including a detailed invoice in an easily accessible location. Their has been argument over what defines “easily accessible” and we interpret it as the invoice must be attached to the side of the shipping box using a packing list envelope. This provides anyone that needs to know what is in the box access to the appropriate document without opening the box.

It would also be advisable (but not required) for a shipper to label the cups or bags of each animal if multiple species are being shipped together. This way if their is a question by the carrier and they need to open the box, they can easily identify what is in each container without opening the containers.

Carriers

Delta

Delta Dash shipments are sent in the morning and arrive same day. This is by far one of the best shipping methods. They openly accept reptiles and have a degree of guarantee as to their safe arrival. Before you can ship through this courier, you have to become a “known shipper.” This takes some effort on the shippers part, including having an airline representative visit your home or place of business. Delta Dash is seen by some as the most inconvenient method of shipping because the receiver must drive to an airport and pick up the shipment.

FedEx

FedEx is the primary courier for nonvenomous reptile shipping. They provide a certification process to ensure that each shipper understands the requirements for safe reptile shipping. Unless you are certified, you may not ship any reptile through FedEx. To learn more about the process, click here.

From FedEx’s Service Guide, section Live Animals and Ornamental Marine Fish

FedEx Express does not accept live-animal shipments as part of its regular-scheduled service and does not transport household pets such as dogs, cats, birds and hamsters. FedEx Express may accept certain shipments of live animals such as horses, livestock and zoo animals (to and from zoo locations only) on an exception basis if approved and coordinated by the FedEx Live Animal Desk (call 1.800.405.9052).

If approved by FedEx, we may accept non-venomous reptiles, amphibians, live/tropical fish and beneficial insects on an exception basis under the following conditions:

1. Shipments must be from a business to a business (from a breeder to a pet store, for example).
2. The shipper must have its packaging tested and pre-approved by FedEx Packaging Design and Development for the type of animal being shipped. Call 1.800.633.7019 for assistance. It is the responsibility of the shipper to adequately package shipments for all temperature extremes and handling conditions.

UPS

UPS is probably the second most common reptile courier service. No certification process is in place at this time, however shipment of snakes is strictly prohibited. ReptilesExpress is fighting on the behalf of all reptile breeders to open up UPS snake shipping.

From UPS’s Shipping Live Animal Policy, section Accepted/Prohibited Live Animals

Accepted Live Animals

This is a comprehensive list of live animals accepted for transportation. Shippers are prohibited from shipping any animal not listed here, and all other live animals will not be accepted for transportation. The following live animals are accepted for transportation unless poisonous, venomous, and/or a Threatened or Endangered Species.

• Amphibians (All): Examples: frogs, salamanders, toads
• Crustaceans (All): Examples: crabs, crawfish, lobsters, shrimp
• Fish (All)
• Insects (Limited to beneficial insects only): Examples: bees, butterflies, crickets, lady bugs
• Mollusks (All): Examples: clams, mussels, snails
• Lizards: Examples: chameleons, geckos, iguanas, monitors, flying dragons
• Turtles: freshwater turtles (except: snapping turtles), land tortoises, sea turtles
• Worms (All)

Prohibited Live Animals

Live Animals that are prohibited from being shipped and are not accepted for transportation include, but are not limited to:

• Any poisonous, venomous or threatening animal
• Any Threatened or Endangered species
• Arachnids (All): Examples: mites, scorpions, spiders, ticks
• Birds (All)
• Crocodiles (All): Examples: alligators, caimans, gavials
• Mammals (All)
• Obnoxious Insects: Examples: flies, locusts, mosquitoes, roaches, termites, weevils
• Snakes (All): venomous and non-venomous

USPS

Under no circumstances should a snake be shipped United States Postal Service (USPS). It is illegal, period. Shipping amphibians and non-venomous lizards via USPS is permitted, however we highly discourage the practice. USPS does not guarantee overnight delivery and does not offer an adequate package tracking system. It would be advisable to completely avoid this carrier for live animal shipments.

Deciding which carrier to use to ship reptiles has to be the issue that generates the most confusion, misunderstanding, and questions. What can be most frustrating is that when speaking to representatives with any of the overnight carriers you will get different answers from different people. The best bet is once you have an account setup, speak only with your representative. If your representative proves difficult to work with, request a new one. There can be problems with any of the overnight carriers and issues can vary from hub to hub. The most important thing to remember is that no matter what carrier you use, ship responsibly. Make sure there is no chance of an animal escaping enroute.

Conclusion

Be responsible. Every time you pack a reptile for shipping ensure that it can not escape enroute and is packed appropriately to provide the animal’s safe arrival. Every single package that leaves a shippers hands reflects upon the entire hobby. It takes little effort to ship a reptile properly and there is no excuse for the level of indifference and ill-responsibility displayed by some shippers.