How to make a smooth move with your pet – Moving with Exotic Pets
Much has been written about how to move with dogs, cats or even fish. But what if your pets are much more exotic and unusual than foreign pets, don’t they need special and accordingly unusual care during the move? If you’re the lucky owner of, say, a snake or a hamster, here are some suggestions on how to handle them well:
The first thing to remember when moving reptiles is to keep them moist. This can be achieved by placing a wet blanket in a removable container for your pet. Reptiles can be packed in boxes, venomous snakes must be double packed. Poke holes in the boxes to maintain good ventilation during the move. Make the inside of the box soft for your pet by placing foam panels, crumpled paper and scraps of fabric. Label the box with both the common and scientific names of your reptile. Be sure to write “live cargo,” “this side up,” and “store at room temperature (70-75F)” if you are shipping your pet. The main danger of transporting your pet reptile is the change in temperature; the reptile cannot survive in an environment that is too cold or too hot and can hardly be avoided while moving.
One convenient way to move your reptile long distance is through overnight mail service, although the USPS will not guarantee live delivery; they may only be liable if the box you move your pet into was damaged, but if your pet gets burned or freezes to death, you get nothing. This method of transport is very common for moving turtles in soft, insulated boxes with air holes. Nowadays, moving reptiles from airlines has become difficult due to people being careless with shipping regulations and causing numerous accidents with their pets. Delta Dash (Delta Airline’s Priority Cargo service) and American Airline’s Priority Parcel service used to accept reptiles, properly packaged and clearly labeled. When moving your reptile by car, don’t just leave it overnight, always take it to the motel you’re staying at if it’s pet friendly, of course to soak your pet in a tub.
When moving small mammals such as mice, gerbils, guinea pigs and hamsters, it is better to use their normal container and move them into your car. Remove the water and food from their container and use the rest areas to water and feed your pets. Maintain a comfortable temperature – do not park the car in sunlight; remember, whatever temperature is comfortable for you is also comfortable for your loved ones.
You can also send your exotic pets abroad, provided they are not listed on CITES. You will need to complete a US Fish and Wildlife Certificate before shipping your pets. You will also need to provide the list of animals you are sending with their common and scientific names and mark it on the shipping container. You should also contact your airline that transports animals, such as Delta, to find out what procedures they require. And make sure your pets go through the wildlife inspection port. Provided you’ve taken care of everything mentioned above, check whether the country you’re moving to requires health certificates, import certificates or value added tax and whether these are attached to the pet carrier. This is especially true for EU countries that have very strict regulations on animals entering.
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