Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I might be going overseas and want to bring my turtles with me. The country I'm going to accepts them. But I'm worried about how to best transport them and ask if anyone's experienced at these matters to please inform me.

How big are they?

If they're small, I recommend that you go buy one of those "bug containers" (the ones with a flip top and plastic sides). Put a wet towel (cloth) in and stick your turtles in. Make sure that the security x-rays don't hurt them (not familiar with this part) and they don't get confiscated. lol. And make sure the flight isn't too long. Put them in your carry-on luggage (like a purse or similar sized bag, that's easily accessable to check on them).

I'm not quite sure how to travel with large turtles though...srry!

Will they even let you have a wet towel on the plane? No liquids are allowed.. Better check with the airline first, because you don't want them saying no... They'll possibly say you could wring the liquid of out the towel.

I might try the wet towel bit, but I can't bring them as carry-ons. They have to go cargo. Plus, they're a year old.

Any expertise on this matter would be great.

I really don't think the cargo part is a good idea. Checked in luggage gets banged up pretty bad. And the air pressure down there is probably not consistant. I know you can't bring liquids on carry-on items anymore--1) they'll make you throw the towel away and 2) somehow I doubt that they'll let you bring turtles on. See if the airlines provide "exotic pet tickets" or something. So they'll be stored with all the dogs and cats.

Also, i just found a couple articles on this:
http://www.chelydra.org/snapping_turtle_traveling_with_turtles.html
http://www.turtlecare.net/fly.htm

It's fairly interesting of what ideas people can come up with...

Hey, that second website had a great idea. I'm going to look into getting a cat carrier to put them in, and bring them on board. If not, the others gave me other methods.

Thanks

Make sure any kind of liquid in the carrier doesn't leak or anything...dog and cat carriers have a lot of holes and the front is just like wire.