Moving question.

So, I'm supposed to move in two weeks. The place I was trying to get just denied us, so we might have to move 1800 miles away to South Dakota. How do I get my snake there safely? I, of course, would feel more comfortable having her with me in the passenger area of the plane, but will the high altitude hurt her? Plus, after that stupid movie, snakes on a plane, it makes it nearly impossible to even get a snake on a plane. How would you suggest I get my ball python from point a (Gilroy, ca) to point b (souix falls, sd) as safely as possible?

Bump. Anyone?

Regardless of a silly movie, you can't take snakes on a plane like you might a small dog. They just don't allow it, or any reptile, to travel that way. I could be wrong, but I don't think they even allow dogs anymore, unless they are service dogs. You can't just check it like a dog in a crate, either.

If you're flying, then your only option is to ship it ahead and have someone pick it up for you, or you fly ahead and have someone trusted keep the snake for you and then ship it after you've arrived. Check out ShipYourReptiles to answer all your shipping questions. The trickiest part of this equation is having someone at one end or the other you trust well enough to take care of the snake for you.

If driving is an option, then check out this article: U'Haulin Reptiles

Good luck!

Judy, that is exactly what I was going to suggest! Ship your reptiles is the safest too. Like you said , they need someone to be able to pick it up in South Dakota. Peace.:gj:

I am sure you could talk to the airline and ask but you are likely to encounter a minefield of red tape and frustration. Judy has, as she often does, such a simple, elegant solution. I would never have though of it. Hats off!

I will be flying. I do have a friend in SD, one of the few people I trust to care for my snake (especially since it will only be a few days). I kind of looked into Ship Your reptiles. Com, my concern is I've NEVER shipped a reptile, or received one via mail, so I don't know what kind of box, or how much heating, or etc to ship her in/with. They ship through FedEx, right? How careful will they be with her? I don't want her jostled around in the mail. Unfortunately driving isn't an option. :/

My brother lives in Sioux Falls (I grew up there). If your first option doesn't work out, let me know. I'd be glad to voluntell him that he's helping you out for a few days. :)

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Originally Posted by Eric Alan

My brother lives in Sioux Falls (I grew up there). If your first option doesn't work out, let me know. I'd be glad to voluntell him that he's helping you out for a few days. :)

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I will certainly keep you updated. The friend I will be staying with is engaged to a man with extreme phobias towards snakes.

I thought you could take a pet in a carrier as a carry on "bag". And would totally work for a snake I'd think. Hm. Darn those airlines getting more and more ridiculous.

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Originally Posted by anicatgirl

I thought you could take a pet in a carrier as a carry on "bag". And would totally work for a snake I'd think. Hm. Darn those airlines getting more and more ridiculous.

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Its incredibly difficult to bring a snake on a plane. I will likely ship her.

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Originally Posted by anicatgirl

I thought you could take a pet in a carrier as a carry on "bag". And would totally work for a snake I'd think. Hm. Darn those airlines getting more and more ridiculous.

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Absolutely not. And if you tried, you risk the life of your animal. They would confiscate it. Best case scenario, you lose the money on the flight you paid for because you have to turn around and walk out with your animal. Worst case scenario, they take your animal and "dispose" of it. There's really not much in between.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa

I will be flying. I do have a friend in SD, one of the few people I trust to care for my snake (especially since it will only be a few days). I kind of looked into Ship Your reptiles. Com, my concern is I've NEVER shipped a reptile, or received one via mail, so I don't know what kind of box, or how much heating, or etc to ship her in/with. They ship through FedEx, right? How careful will they be with her? I don't want her jostled around in the mail. Unfortunately driving isn't an option. :/

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There are instructions on the SYR website. But I'll have Robyn chime in on this thread to help you. They are really terrific people to work with. And thousands of snakes are shipped every day without any problems. Packed correctly, they will do just fine. :)

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Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa

I will be flying. I do have a friend in SD, one of the few people I trust to care for my snake (especially since it will only be a few days). I kind of looked into Ship Your reptiles. Com, my concern is I've NEVER shipped a reptile, or received one via mail, so I don't know what kind of box, or how much heating, or etc to ship her in/with. They ship through FedEx, right? How careful will they be with her? I don't want her jostled around in the mail. Unfortunately driving isn't an option. :/

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Last year I shipped a couple of snakes for the first time.

I used Ship Your Reptiles for it. They have kits you can order that contain everthing you need. If you aren't sure what size kit to get, email them, expain the situation, and give them the weight of your snake(s). They'll tell you the correct kit to get.

If you follow the instructions you get with the kit, or ask for help on this forum, it should be a fairly easy process for you.

Check the weather. Ship with a couple heat packs inside a well cushioned box. Make sure you write on the outside "FRAGILE HARMLESS LIVE ANIMAL"

Its going to be late April in South Dakota.

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Originally Posted by MikeBPython

Check the weather. Ship with a couple heat packs inside a well cushioned box. Make sure you write on the outside "FRAGILE HARMLESS LIVE ANIMAL"

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Sorry but this is NOT the way I would suggest shipping a live reptile. Overuse and misuse of heat packs KILL reptiles. You can't just "wing it" and put in a "couple". That's probably not what you meant Mike, but we have very specific temperature, heat pack and packaging guidelines to give you the best chance of success.

Shipping a live reptile may seem daunting, especially your first time, but it is actually a simple and reliable process. The easiest thing to do in this case is order one of our shipping kits, it contains everything you need to execute one shipment.

Check out our Get Help section, specifically the section on Regulating the Temperature of Your Package- which is followed by guidelines on heat pack use.

Ship the animal out ideally between Monday and Wednesday, for arrival the following day. It would be great for someone to hold on to your animal, let you make your trip and arrive, and then have them send it along to your awaiting hands.

If you have any questions about packaging, temperature conditions, etc, feel free to contact us, we are always happy to help- info@ShipYourReptiles.com

With proper packaging, and adhering to our Shipping Standards, you should expect complete success!

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Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa

Its incredibly difficult to bring a snake on a plane. I will likely ship her.

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You can get most of the shipping supplies through Panagea online reptile supplies. They have the insulated boxes and deli cups or cloth bags you need. Ship your reptiles has the step by step procedure to safely and legally get you through the packaging and labeling of the shipping procedure. They also have the information on insurance of the package and your shipping labels. Good luck and I hope this helped. Keep us posted.:gj: :gj:

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Originally Posted by Robyn@SYR

Sorry but this is NOT the way I would suggest shipping a live reptile. Overuse and misuse of heat packs KILL reptiles. You can't just "wing it" and put in a "couple". That's probably not what you meant Mike, but we have very specific temperature, heat pack and packaging guidelines to give you the best chance of success.

Shipping a live reptile may seem daunting, especially your first time, but it is actually a simple and reliable process. The easiest thing to do in this case is order one of our shipping kits, it contains everything you need to execute one shipment.

Check out our Get Help section, specifically the section on Regulating the Temperature of Your Package- which is followed by guidelines on heat pack use.

Ship the animal out ideally between Monday and Wednesday, for arrival the following day. It would be great for someone to hold on to your animal, let you make your trip and arrive, and then have them send it along to your awaiting hands.

If you have any questions about packaging, temperature conditions, etc, feel free to contact us, we are always happy to help- info@ShipYourReptiles.com

With proper packaging, and adhering to our Shipping Standards, you should expect complete success!

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Thank you!!

Some airlines allow you to check snakes under the plane. As to which ones I'm not sure. You'd have to contact the airlines. There are packaging requirements and all of that and you'll need to add a couple of warm packs cause it gets a little cool under the plane, but I know it's possible. It's probably safer to ship, though.