Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was told by my lawyer that shipping reptiles through Fed-x and UPS varies from state to state because they are partly funded by that state so they have to follow local state laws regarding shipping certain things with some states like mine not allowing any reptiles to be shipped through Fed-x or UPS. Then there are some states which will allow all except snakes and then some will allow snakes also but you have to become a registered shipper and then there are still a few that just allow you. Since my state doesn't allow Fed-x or UPS I don't put anything on the box and take my chances I have no other altenative and Delta in my state also demands you be a known shipper and it is just about imposible for the average Joe to become one. Note: The USPS allows small lizards and turtles shipped in my state but I don't keep or breed them so that doesn't help me at all.

I am surprised and doubtful that your state has specific regulations that singles out and prohibits UPS and FedEx from conducting business in which they allow other, identical businesses, to conduct (You can’t make a law that says Tom Jones can only drive 35 miles per hour down Main Street and anyone else can drive 45 miles per hour down the same street; that would be unconstitutional!). It is much more likely that your local UPS and FedEx offices have set their own rules.

Each state may have specific regulations relating to animal shipments (shipping protected species, dangerous species, importing live animals, etc.) but all carriers, in that sate, must comply. That includes UPS, FedEx, DHL, Delta, etc. Often one carrier may not be aware of the state’s regulations, and allow laws to be violated but legally every one must comply.

As an example the state of Ohio requires a health certificate and Entry permit issued for any animal imported into their state. I wonder how many rodents, fish, crickets, earthworms, frogs, snakes, lizards, etc. are imported into Ohio, every day without a health certificate and Entry Permit. Currently I think they only enforce the law on large mammals and all reptiles and amphibians.

The US Postal Service does not allow turtles, tortoises, or terrapins of any size of any kind to be shipped by any US Post Office. That includes Priority Mail, Express Mail, etc. Those who ship turtles by the USPS are in violation a Federal Regulations and can be prosecuted. It is also important to remember that if you ship any live animal, in interstate commerce, and do not clearly identify what is being shipped, on the outside of the package, you can be prosecuted by the Federal Government.

Thank you for your reply but I don't believe you are 100% correct. In the past I worked for a very large wholesaler of reptiles in the northern part of the east coast for eight years and I contacted him just recently and asked him about this and he also verified what my lawyer stated that's why he moved to Florida, where the shipping laws are less strict. I also contacted UPS on this matter and they said if I didn't like it I should contact my govonor and complain to him that he makes the rules on what reptiles people can keep, sell, or ship. I haven't been shown any legal document supporting this but I know for a fact and have been shown a document stating I can not keep or sell or ship Boas, Pythons, or monitors and I have no reason not to believe my former employer regarding this issue either. The other problem of being silent and not putting on the box what is in it when shipping is known to me. Yes I know the risks I am taking but I don't have any choice at the moment however I am working on one with the help of some friends and we should have a solution very soon.

You may have missed my point. If your state will not allow UPS and FedEx to ship live reptiles from your state it is very likely that the same regulations apply to Delta, DHL, and other carriers. You are correct that there are risks to shipping illegally. The violation of current regulations penalizes us all by bringing even more restrictions, more limits, more laws, and more regulations on our hobby.