When buying a reptile online, one of the most important concerns is how that pet will be delivered. At Dachshunds Haven Reptile Division, we understand that reptiles are sensitive animals and require careful, humane handling during transport. That’s why we’ve developed a professional, science-backed reptile shipping process that ensures your new companion arrives safe, healthy, and stress-free.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about reptile shipping, including safety measures, packaging, timing, and how we comply with the highest standards in the industry.
🧪 Why Reptile Shipping Requires Special Care
Unlike cats or dogs, reptiles are ectothermic animals. They depend on external temperatures to regulate their body heat, making them highly sensitive to shipping conditions. This is why reptile shipping must be done with attention to climate, timing, and packaging materials that support their biological needs.
We follow the guidelines set by the USDA Animal Welfare Act and refer to best practices published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for safe pet travel.
📦 How We Package Reptiles for Shipping
Our reptile shipping protocol includes secure, breathable containers that prevent shifting and injury during transit. Each reptile is packed in a ventilated deli cup or cloth bag, cushioned with soft insulation material and placed inside a sturdy Styrofoam-lined shipping box.
We use hot or cold packs depending on the season to keep the interior temperature within a safe range, usually between 72°F and 85°F. Before every shipment, we monitor weather conditions along the delivery route to ensure your pet travels in optimal conditions.For more insight on proper packaging, see ShipYourReptiles Guidelines.
🕓 When We Ship and Why Timing Matters
To minimize transit time and stress, we only ship reptiles Monday through Wednesday using overnight delivery via FedEx or another certified live animal carrier. This prevents weekend delays that could endanger your pet.
All reptile shipping is done with full tracking and signature confirmation upon delivery. We also send you updates and tips on how to prepare to receive your reptile safely.AVMA’s pet travel tips also emphasize avoiding extended shipping delays.
📋 What You Can Do to Prepare
Before we ship your new pet, we provide a care guide specific to the species you’re receiving. You’ll need to have the proper enclosure, temperature setup, and hiding spots ready at home. This preparation makes the transition smoother for your reptile.
We also ask that someone be available to receive the shipment at the scheduled time. This ensures your reptile does not sit outside or inside a delivery truck for extended periods.
🐍 Our Live Arrival Guarantee
We are proud to offer a live arrival guarantee with every reptile shipping order. If your reptile arrives with any health concerns or if transit issues occur, we ask you to send us photos within two hours of delivery so we can respond quickly.
Thanks to our careful planning and professional packaging, our reptile shipping success rate is over 99%. Your reptile’s health and safety are always our top priority.
🧾 Final Thoughts
Reptile lovers deserve peace of mind when purchasing pets online. That’s why we’ve invested in a secure, temperature-regulated, and legally compliant reptile shipping system that gets your pet home safely. From expert packaging to overnight tracking, every step is designed with the reptile’s welfare in mind.
If you’re considering purchasing your first reptile or adding to your collection, trust our team to deliver with care. Visit our available reptiles page to browse healthy, hand-raised options, and let our reptile shipping professionals handle the rest.