Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,
I am a bit confused on how to ship snakes both legally and safely. I am very familiar with shipping geckos, but I know that UPS does not ship snakes of any kind. Who and how do you go about shipping snakes?
Thank you all for your time and any input you can provide,
Nicole Corder.

Hello--
Federal Express ships snakes. First, you have to set up a special account; answer many questions and send them a sample of the shipping containers you will use. It takes at least six months for approval and to get the acount active.

Be sure to talk to the right person at FedEx. Most employees don't know that they ship snakes, and will tell you that they don't. It's been awhile and I don't have the number, but there is a special department that deals with shipping animals--they are the people you want to talk to.

Hope that this helps.
althea

Yes, that helps me immensely, thank you so much.
Thank you again,
Nicole Corder.

Or just do what everyone else does and dont tell em.

Okay--let's say your container of snakes is somehow damaged and the contents slither to freedom at your local shipping/pickup office. The lady working the counter has a heart attack in front of many witnesses, several of whom are also traumatized by the slithering baby snakes.

By not disclosing the true contents of your package, it makes you liable for the consequences. If you are honest and approved, the shipper is liable for the consequences, because they checked the package upon receipt for shipping. The shipper accepted it knowing that it contained snakes. This is exactly what happened to a good friend of mine--fortunately she had gone through the process and been approved, and no law suits came her way.

Most people work too hard for their money to have future earnings tied up in legalities due to scaring someone with an escaped baby corn snake. I wish "everyone else" the best of luck sliding them through the system. Just something to think about.

regards,
althea

I am definitely NOT into the "risk" method, LOL, I would rather have my animals arrive safe, sound, and legally. Not to mention, that I be free of any lawsuits.
Thank you all,
Nicole Corder.

Just remember when you mark that box live reptile that its not going to get treated any different. You have to package your stuff like its going to get trashed on the way there cause it will.

If you think for one minute that having your shipment pre-approved is going to prevent you from getting sued and being held responsible, you are kidding yourself. In our letigious money hungry society, you could get sued in a heartbeat. Make sure there is NO WAY the snakes could escape (deli cups in snake bags in well secured, sturdy containers).
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

The process does not take six months. I am a verified Fed-ex shipper and it took less than two months. And that was only because you have to have your package tested which took about two weeks i think. not hard at all. plus you get discounts on shipping. Also it is very illegal to ship a snake without consent by the courier. by not stating what is in the package you are commiting a federal offense. because you would be violating the lacy act. I recommend becoming a verified shipper. it is worth it.

Do not forget the Lacey Act; if you ship live animals and do not label the exterior of the shipping container as such, including the number, genus, species and common names, you are in violation of federal law:

www.fws.gov/laws/lawsdigest/lacey.html

Setting up a FedEx account is quite simple; first you must establish an account with FedEx. This is free and may be completed online. Once your account has been established, you may contact your account representative, as you will be assigned one, and they will have you submit a box for testing. Package this box just as you would if you were shipping a "live" specimen, including whatever you will use to contain the snake within teh shipping container ie. bag or deli cup.
To get started, you can register for your account at the following URL:

www.fedexfreight.fedex.com/accountreg.jsp?link=4

Once you establish your account, you will be assigned an account representative, this will be the person you contact regarding a waiver to ship live, non-venomous reptiles. Your representative will have you fill out a packaging services application and forward a sample of your packaging to them for testing. The application and address to forward a sample of your packaging can be found here:

www.fedex.com/us/services/pdf/PKG_Services_Application.pdf?link=4

Once you receive notification from packaging services, you will need to fax the results to your account representative and they will forward the paperwork along for you. It took 45 days for me to receive my waiver, but times may vary...

Good luck,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

Small, non-poisonous reptiles are allowed, as are fish and amphibians. I've received a 10' python via UPS, clearly labeled. You HAVE to ship overnight, though.
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1.1 Blackheaded pythons
1.1 Woma (Juvie female)
2.1 Aussie Olives
1.1 Timors
1.0 Angolan Juvie
1.1 Savu
1.1 Juvie Bloods
1.1 Juvie Balls
1.1 IJ Carpets
1.1 Coastal Carpets
1.2 Macklotts
1.1 Papuan Olives
1.0 Jungle Carpet
2.2 Scrubs (on breeding loan)
0.1 Jungle/Diamond cross
0.1 child, CB
0.1 wife, WC

That is just stupid. Hence why there are so many people trying to pass laws banning snakes as pets.
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0.1 Irian Jaya carpet python
1.0 Hogg Island Boa
0.1 Ball python
1.3 Crested Geckos (harlequin/fire, dalmatian, fire)
4.6.0 Leopard Geckos (nrml, abno, htct, blz, lcs)
0.1 Western Hognose snake
1.0 Albino Lavender California Kingsnake
1.3 Bearded Dragons
0.2 Water turtles
0.0.1 Rose Haired Tarantula-Sammy
1.0 Umbrella Cockatoo (belongs to my mom and I)