Queston about Traveling to a Vet

Just another question from a soon-to-be Ball owner, with first snake jitters. Now that I have finished setting up an enclosure and getting the humidity and temperatures to stay where they should be - I've turned my prep in the direction of finding a qualified Vet. I don't want to be one of those people who looks up vets when the animal is sick instead of before. :(

So, I've found a few... but here is the problem. There are no vets in the city that I live in that will look at Reptiles. The closest one I found is about about an hour and a half away - and that's just a general vet that also allows reptiles. The closest Herp specific one is just over 3 hours away.

The distance doesn't bother me, and I would be more than happy to drive the 3-4 hours if I needed to. My concern is the affect the drive would have on my Ball.

Any suggestions on how I could get him/her there safely and hopefully without too much stress?

This right now is all a "what if", especially since I don't even have the snake yet. I'm just having a bout of paranoia, like a first time mother. LOL

I just want all my ducks in a row :(.

I am also considering taking a walk to the zoo down the road from me and seeing if I can talk to the person in charge of the reptile exhibit if he has any suggestions on vets. He's a really nice guy. :P

((Totally typed all this from my phone, so there are bound to be tons of typo's and autocorrects haha.))

The best way to travel to the vet is to put him/her in a snake bag or pillow case. :)

Some vets will allow you to ship your snake to them. Although, that may be more trauma than a three hour car ride. It could save you multiple trips to do testing, etc.

Thanks for the input so far! What should I do for heat control and whatnot. Would heat packs in something like a Tupperware work, that is also wrapped up to keep the ball from burning itself?

I will inquire about mailing, but honestly, I don't mind the drive at all. I work over 2 1/2 hours away, so I am use to driving long distances. I use to drive 8 hours every weekend.

Get a box that is not too much bigger than an adult snake would be, line it with styrofoam/insulation. Place the snake in a pillow case, tie it well and pack it in the box w/crumpled up newspaper. Place a hand warmer thingy in a fluffy sock and put it in the box, not touching the snake. Actually, make sure the box is warm 1st, place the hand warmer in and let it heat up. Just make sure to keep the box closed as much as possible.
This is how I transport my Leo's and snakes, works really well.

Edit: I actually use the insulated boxes they were shipped in or the ones my rats come in. It is easy enough to whip one up though if you have to.

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Originally Posted by Clementine_3

Get a box that is not too much bigger than an adult snake would be, line it with styrofoam/insulation. Place the snake in a pillow case, tie it well and pack it in the box w/crumpled up newspaper. Place a hand warmer thingy in a fluffy sock and put it in the box, not touching the snake. Actually, make sure the box is warm 1st, place the hand warmer in and let it heat up. Just make sure to keep the box closed as much as possible.
This is how I transport my Leo's and snakes, works really well.

Edit: I actually use the insulated boxes they were shipped in or the ones my rats come in. It is easy enough to whip one up though if you have to.

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Oh wow, I didn't even think to keep the box I'll be getting. Thanks!

Some other thoughts...

1. When using a pillowcase as a snake bag...turn it inside out. This keeps the snake from becoming tangled in any loose threads...it also gives you a chance to INSPECT all the seams and corners to make sure there are no broken threads or loose stitching. They can take a tiny hole and make it bigger surprisingly fast.

2. You don't necessarily need a handwarmer in an insulated box if you're transporting in your own car. In fact, it might be a bit too much heat if you do it that way. The insulation prevents a temperature change when you move between car and building...the ambient temps in the building (home or vets office) and your car should be fine for a short outing.

3. Local zoos are usually a very good source for looking up local exotic vets.

The planning and anticipation is half the fun! :D

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Originally Posted by JLC

2. You don't necessarily need a handwarmer in an insulated box if you're transporting in your own car. In fact, it might be a bit too much heat if you do it that way. The insulation prevents a temperature change when you move between car and building...the ambient temps in the building (home or vets office) and your car should be fine for a short outing.

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Good point. I was thinking winter travel, it gets really cold here and the heat in my car is not stellar!
Also, what I did was sew a shoe lace on my pillow cases, each snake has it's own and the tie is always there. Didn't want to be looking for a tie each time so I stitched it right on!


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My snakes all travel in pillow cases or snake bags and I tolerate turning the heat up in my car higher than I'd like for them. You might be able to call the vet if you have any problems and see if (depending on the issue) you could do a phone consult and maybe they could call a more local vet office for you to get meds. I also think that asking the zoo is a good idea and one I've never thought of.

When I have to travel with my snakes - I put them in a plastic tub with vent holes drilled in it. I put one heat pack on the top/lid and one on the outside bottom of the tub. I put a towel in the tub so he can curl up and hide inside the towel. He stays nice and warm and pretty stress free since he is hiding in the towel. Never had any issues traveling to the vet (2 hour drive for me).