All snakes, turtles, and poisonous reptiles are not allowed to be kept as pets in the state of California. These codes may not be the most recent version. California may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the info linked to on the state site.
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Can you ship a live reptile?
Live animals will only be accepted for transportation when shipped by any UPS service that guarantees delivery the next day. Fridays and before a holiday in the origin or destination country, shipments must not be offered to the shipping company. Animals for transportation must be in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Live animals are not allowed to be left unattended. All animals must have a current rabies vaccination and be up-to-date on all other vaccinations required for their species. If you are unsure if your animal is up to date on vaccinations, please contact your local veterinarian for more information.
Does FedEx ship snakes?
The good news is that you can ship snakes and reptiles with fedex. They are the only major carrier that allows for the shipment of these types of animals. You will need to obtain a live reptile certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Is it safe to ship snakes?
Shipping is usually safe, but any delay should be avoided for the animal’s welfare. Delta cargo are the two most common ways to ship live reptiles. It is cheaper to use Fedex for smaller reptile shipments. Delta is more expensive and is used for larger snakes.
If your shipment was shipped via Delta cargo, you will receive an email with a tracking number. If you do not receive this email, please check your junk/spam folder. You can also call Delta at 1-800-DELTA and ask to speak to a customer service representative.
Will FedEx ship live animals?
If approved and coordinated by the FedEx Animal Desk, FedEx Express may accept live animals such as horses, livestock and zoo animals on an exception basis.
How do you transport a pet snake long distance?
Two layers of security are recommended to bring any reptile pet to the vet. Appropriately-sized pillow cases or handmade snake bags work very well. The second barrier is usually a plastic container with a locking mechanism.
Will FedEx ship reptiles?
It takes a special FedEx account to allow shipping of live reptiles through the FedEx system. You have to pass a live reptile certification in order to ship live reptiles from FedEx.
If you want to be sure that your live reptile will be shipped safely and securely, this can be a time consuming and expensive process, but it is worth it. If you live in the U.S. or Canada, you will need to have a FedEx shipping account.
Can I bring a snake on a plane?
Venomous snakes are not allowed on planes but you can travel with non-poisonous ones. If you are traveling with a venomous snake, make sure you know what to do if it bites you.
Is it ethical to ship reptiles?
When conditions around shipping pose a hazard that cannot be mitigated, reptiles should not be shipped. The shipment of animals should be delayed until the weather improves. For more information about shipping reptiles, please visit our Shipping Information page.
