Transporting Reptiles Overseas

strange · 06-06-18, 10:21 PM

Hi friends...
I'm going to study abroad from America to Spain for the following school year. I've contacted about the top 30 airlines about taking my snake with me and none of them will allow snakes in the cabin- even as emotional support animals (which is absolutely what my little wiggle of a snake is for me).
It would absolutely break my heart if I had to be parted with her for a full year. So- I'm wondering, are there any truly safe ways to get her to Spain with me? I'm willing to do just about anything so she can stay with me BUT, her health and safety are more important than anything.
If any of you know anything about importing exotics (she's a ball python so I think she's on CITES, right?), safely transporting exotics, or absolutely anything between- please let me know! Any information or advice would be truly appreciated! thank you so much

**Aaron_S** · 06-07-18, 10:52 AM

Ball pythons are CITES 2 animals. You need proper documentation for the animal. You're best bet is to pay an exporter to do all of the paperwork for you and ship it to you once you're settled in Spain.

I don't know for sure but Michael Cole of ballroom pythons south (I think that's his business name) does brokering. Unless he's stopped. At least it's somewhere to start looking.

In addition ensure the animal can legally be kept in Spain in the first place.

craigafrechette · 06-07-18, 11:40 AM

Let me start off by saying I have no hands on experience with bringing an animal across borders...

I have read several threads on various forums where people were in similar situations to yours. Some were students, others were traveling for work. However, none had an easy time taking their animals with them. It seems like a LOT of work to make it happen, and pretty pricey too.

I hope it works out for you, good luck!

strange · 06-07-18, 05:08 PM

Thank you so much for the advice!
Aaron_S, so you think shipping is probably the safest for my animal? I knew it was an option, but it does scare me a little...

**Aaron_S** · 06-08-18, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strange

Thank you so much for the advice!
Aaron_S, so you think shipping is probably the safest for my animal? I knew it was an option, but it does scare me a little...

Yes as there's no way for you to take it on the plane with you. In addition, it's better for it to be shipped to you so once you receive it you can put it into a proper set up.

It'll be costly though since it's a CITES 2 animal.