Traveling With A Reptile
Traveling With A Reptile. Photo by Eric Anderson on Unsplash.com

Planning on traveling with a Reptile anytime soon? You’ve reached the right place. Did you know that it’s possible to transport reptiles via airline or car? Well yes, it is. Breeders actually use expert services such as this reptile courier UK to ship most reptiles to consumers and stores. It’s possible for you to do the same. However, you may hesitate now that you have already established a strong connection with your pet reptile.

Ensure that you get it checked out by a veterinarian and receive a signed health certificate no more than 10 days prior to travel. Certain states restrict pet importation, especially that of amphibians and reptiles, so you need to know the rules of the city and state that you are moving to.

You can also get in touch with amphibian and reptile enthusiasts at local herpetological clubs, they can also be an excellent source for finding the right vet for your kind of pet.

Moving might be hectic, but you should still try keeping your pet’s routine the same as usual. Stress can be hard on pets, but reptiles are particularly susceptible to health problems. Allow your pet to spend time in the carrier so that it may get used to it prior to the move. You should also ensure that the pet is in a safe location before the arrival of the moving company.

The greatest challenge when traveling, whether by car or airline, is keeping your amphibian or reptile at a comfortable temperature. Ensure that you take precautions by adding heating/cooling elements. However, this will depend on the temperatures and time of year, particularly when transporting by plane.

Keep in mind that your pet will probably be stressed and may start acting differently, so be particularly cautious if you must remove the pet from the carrier.

Traveling with a Reptile Via Air

Airlines will accept most reptiles but only as cargo. It will be more expensive compared to shipping, but it could be less stressful for the pet. Ensure that you check with the airline you want to travel with since they each have different rules and regulations.

If using cargo transportation, ensure that the airline you choose has an approved carrier for your pet type. For larger reptiles, such as iguanas as well as larger snakes, a dog or cat carrier may be sufficient. 

Ensure that the carrier is large enough to allow the pet to move around but not too big since the animal may injure itself. The airline here can be an excellent resource regarding the carrier since they transport pets regularly.

Ensure that you label the carrier you use properly. Print “Keep at Room Temperature” and “Live Animal” or other key information in large letters. It’s also advisable to include your new phone number, address, and any other contact details, such as a cellphone number.

If traveling via air, ensure that you are properly organized. Your pet will likely experience stress during the process, so make sure that it is as short as possible. Pack the pet last only after you are ready to leave for the airport.  

Ensure that you have plenty of time after getting to the airport, but not too much. A direct flight may cost a bit more. However, not having to spend additional time traveling and switching airlines can help reduce the stress load on your reptilian pet.

Traveling with a Reptile Via Car

This method is a much easier mode of transportation that will cause your pet less stress compared to air travel. Traveling with a reptile via car gives you more pet carrier options. It also lets you adjust the pet’s cooling/heating needs.

If you transport your reptile or amphibian in its usual container or cage, don’t forget to remove any objects that may fall and injure them. You should also ensure that the carrier is in a safe location that will minimize movement, particularly in the event of an accident. The possibility of getting injured in a moving vehicle makes it advisable to put the pet in a carrier that’s smaller and more secure.

Try keeping stops to a minimum. The quicker the pet gets to its destination and back to its regular routine, the better for its mental and physical health. If overnight stays are needed, plan ahead to select lodging that accepts pets, particularly reptiles.

You can always use a pet transportation company if you dread moving pets yourself. If you’re expensing relocation, try seeing whether it is possible to negotiate to have your company pay to have your pets professionally moved.

Moving companies aren’t allowed to transport pets. When considering professional movers, ask whether they work with or can recommend a pet transportation company. Pet movers handle everything from picking the pet up at your home to delivering it to a kennel or your new home. Most of them offer vehicle or airline travel options.

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