Question on Getting reptiles from one state to another

WesleyK · 01-02-17, 06:12 PM

Sorry if this is in the wrong area.
But I have a quick question. If you travel to another state and find a snake you want to buy, how do you get it back to your home state?
Do you have to ship it to yourself or can you bring them on a plane?

For instance I'm going to southern CA this week and I know the reptile expo is that weekend and if I go it's going to be very hard not to buy anything.

Also if it matters I am in Washington.

trailblazer295 · 01-02-17, 07:17 PM

It would depend on species and local state laws. You'd have know the laws in the state you live in and are going to. A corn snake and a retic would be very different.

Jim Smith · 01-02-17, 09:19 PM

You should be able to ship the reptile on the same aircraft as you are traveling on if you use something like Delta Dash which guarantees the flight/date of a shipment. You would of course have to have the snake properly packaged and labeled. I actually think I would use Ship Your Reptiles if I were in your position. If you do this, you may get the seller to properly package the animal and you bring it to a FedEx Express office that accepts live animals. Also, keep in mind what Trailblazer 295 said about checking your local state laws about keeping the species of animal that you plan to purchase. Just a thought...

WesleyK · 01-02-17, 09:55 PM

I think I'm going to talk to whomever the seller is if I do decide to buy something, and just see about them shipping it.
I'm mainly after a carpet python, or a red tail boa so I'm not to concerned about the laws but I didn't even think about that stuff so thanks for bringing that up.

Much appreciated guys.

akane · 01-02-17, 10:16 PM

Each airline will have their own rules including allowing carry on of small animals and usually specialized containment required. Occasionally flying to atlanta there would be a rodent show and people going through the airport with little same size wire carriers that had gerbils.

Jim Smith · 01-03-17, 02:56 PM

For Delta Air Lines as example, reptiles can only be shipped via Air Cargo. I think that you're right in your choice of having the seller ship the animal to you. I've used SYR a number of times both as a buyer and as a shipper and it has always worked out great for me.