Transporting After Herp Shows

[reptiguy]

Hi all,
Never been to a reptile show that I had to fly to before and I will be flying to the one in calgary this spring. Just wondering what you guys all do to get your herps back home after the shows. Do you bring some kind of containers and ship them back yourselves or do you just pay for the animal at the show and let the breeder ship it too you after you get home. Stoked about this show but concerned about all the details :) Just wanna have everything worked out before I go. Also, do you pay for shipping when you pick up the animals.... OR do you give money to the breeder and he pays for shipping????
Sorry I'm such a newbie at the shipping stuff but I wanna make sure I'm not left in a mess at the show :)
Thanks!
-Reptiguy-

[Linds]

I cannot answer most of your questions, as I have never purchased an animal at a show that I had to fly to before. However, if you ship via WestJet you pay for shipping upon arrival (collect). Air Canada I believed discontinued collect shipping (with the exception of employees) last year.

[Ron]

Air Canada still does collect shipping but the shipper must leave a credit card number to guarantee payment.

[Gary D.]

I have never purchased an animal while on a trip, but it is not uncommon for pet owners to fly with domestic animals. If properly caged, I do not see how this would be any different, (assuming you will not be returning with hots as they are illegal in AB, and not welcome at TARAS shows). As such you likely will not be required to pay additional shipping costs as you would if it were to be shipped afterwards (or at least minimal handling charges). I would contact the airline you are travelling on and discuss it as transporting your new pet, which just happens to be a reptile. Thus you will also be familliar with what will constitute proper caging in the said airline's eyes.

GD

[Linds]

Originally posted by Gary D.
I have never purchased an animal while on a trip, but it is not uncommon for pet owners to fly with domestic animals. If properly caged, I do not see how this would be any different, (assuming you will not be returning with hots as they are illegal in AB, and not welcome at TARAS shows). As such you likely will not be required to pay additional shipping costs as you would if it were to be shipped afterwards (or at least minimal handling charges). I would contact the airline you are travelling on and discuss it as transporting your new pet, which just happens to be a reptile. Thus you will also be familliar with what will constitute proper caging in the said airline's eyes.


As far as I am aware, reptiles are not allowed in carry-on, regardless of packaging, only in cargo. A few years ago, I forget who it was, but they were refused entry to their flight due to this, as well as I have heard this was the case from people that inquired to the airlines. Not surprising, there would probably be a lot of upset passengers if they were aware a reptile were on board..... :rolleyes: >(

[Gary D.]

Perhaps I was unclear. Large dogs and animal carriers are typically transported in pressurized cargo, not as carry on. This is the fashion to which I was referring. Yes, carry-on is not an option.

[Wu-Gwei]

AC allows fish on board in their cabin, however airport security does not like it and will hassle you about the water the fish is in as being a security risk. I have successfully brought both fish (guppies) and hatchling turtles on a domestic AC flight with their knowledge. I would not do it again. Officially, turtles and all reptiles are not allowed. They only allow domesticated small pets (i.e. cats, dogs and rabbits) in the cabin.

You need to ship your reptile as checked baggage. The cargo-hold is insufficiently heated, and even though they say it is heated, the heated cargo-hold ranges between 10-16C. Make sure you use a Styrofoam box within a cardboard box and heatpack, even if it is warm outside, it gets very cold up there. There are is an extra fee for checking your animal in cargo or bringing it aboard. Check the AC website. But generally, staff at the different levels know jack-squat.


Cheers,
JJ;)