Moving question

[Antares]

Hi everyone. I'm sorry that my first post is a question, but you guys seem like a knowledgeable group who might have the info I need.

I have an approximately 4 year old male ball python named Antares. I got him from a rescue about 3 years ago and I love him to death even though he once decided that my hand looked like a mouse and made a valiant attempt at killing it.

My question(s) is this, I'm going to be moving from the midwest to California for schooling. I was planning on flying and I see that some airlines allow snakes to travel in the hold and others do not. Is this a safe way for the snake to travel? Doesn't it get too cold for them down there? Are there any airlines that are particularly snake friendly? Usually when I've had to transport him in the past I've put him in a pillowcase on my lap. What is the best method to "package" a snake for airline travel so that he will be safe and comfortable? Would it be better to wait and then have someone ship him to me once I'm there?

I was also wondering if anyone knew anything about California law regarding ball pythons? I assume that they are legal in the state, but are there any restrictions I might have in bringing mine in from another state?

Any other advice on how to make this move go as smoothly as possible for him would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for then help

[LadyOhh]

HOORAY FOR CALIFORNIA.

You can have BPs for the most part, depending on the city specifically that you live in. From what I know, you cannot SELL a ball python in the city of San Francisco, but other than that, I'm not sure.

I would suggest shipping your ball python to someone you trust in California, then travelling yourself.

You cannot carry your snake on the plane. That is out of the question.

But, there are plenty of people here in California that are on the forum, and I'm sure depending on your location you will be moving to, someone can help you Welcome.

[Antares]

I'm moving to Palo Alto or thereabouts.

I know you're not allowed to bring the snake in the cabin, but from looking at the pet policy of several airlines I was under the impression that you could carry reptiles (which I assume includes snakes) in the belly of the plane.

I could have a friend take care of him for a few days here (she took care of him all of last summer when I was abroad so I trust her with him) and then have her ship him to me if that would be better for him. Do you know of a good company? Also, do you know how you house the snake during shipping?

Thanks again

[frankykeno]

Depending on where you currently live and if we have a member here that lives near you that's an experienced and certified FedEx shipper that might be your best option - to just pay them to box and ship the snake to you overnight once you are there.

If you don't want to publically post your current location, feel free to PM it to me and I can see who we know here that might be able to assist you in this.

[Icatsme]

I'm moving to Palo Alto or thereabouts.

I know you're not allowed to bring the snake in the cabin, but from looking at the pet policy of several airlines I was under the impression that you could carry reptiles (which I assume includes snakes) in the belly of the plane.

I ran into a similar situation when I moved from Texas to Florida several years ago. I had to fly to FL, since the company I worked for shipped my car. I had a single pet BP, that I wasn't going to leave behind. :-) In my limited experience, the airlines, while some may allow for reptiles in cargo - DOES NOT TYPICALLY INCLUDE SNAKES. Check their policies and make sure to call.

I solved my particular problem by finding a local breeder that was able to ship my little guy Fedex to someone I knew in FL where I was moving. I paid shipping cost and a few extra bucks for his trouble.

I hope you find a solution, wishing you the best. Most everyone on this forum is pretty helpful, I'm sure you'll get it all sorted out.

[Jae iLL]

yeah you're probably better off having a FedEx certified shipper ship it to you once you're there and set up and all. Palo Alto huh? You goin to CSU East Bay or something? That's cool, I love the bay you can have a lot of fun out there. Best place to be in my opinion, minus the ridiculous cost of living. 1 year 8 more months til I separate and head back to NorCal.

[Antares]

Depending on where you currently live and if we have a member here that lives near you that's an experienced and certified FedEx shipper that might be your best option - to just pay them to box and ship the snake to you overnight once you are there.

If you don't want to publically post your current location, feel free to PM it to me and I can see who we know here that might be able to assist you in this.

Wow that is remarkably generous of you to offer to help pretty much a total stranger in such a way. Thanks.

He is currently with me in Madison, WI, will be spending the summer in Chicago (as I'm going to be out of the country again), and could easily make it back to my parent's place in Milwaukee, WI. I won't actually be moving until the beginning of September, and there is still a chance that I might decide to drive. I'm just trying to be on top of this since I'm going to be gone all summer.

Aside from the obvious joke, why don't they allow snakes if they do allow other reptiles on planes?

[Bertie]

I've been lurking around this board for a while, but your post finally made me register.

At any rate, I actually live on the East Bay at the moment, but I've family and regular business in Palo Alto (and the general suburban area), so if you need someone to send your snake to before you get here I might be able to help.

I strongly suggest you call the East Bay Vivarium (510-841-1400) for advice. They have racks to board reptiles (it's not too expensive) and if you could send your snake to them they'd probably be the safest place to have your snake while you get here. (As much as I'd love to help out a fellow ball-owner, the liability/responsibility is rather scary.) I make biweekly East Bay-Peninsula trips so if you need help picking up from there it'd be easy for me to help.

And this was a rather elaborate post. Hope it helps. Or at least you can appreciate the sentiment.

[Antares]

I've been lurking around this board for a while, but your post finally made me register.

At any rate, I actually live on the East Bay at the moment, but I've family and regular business in Palo Alto (and the general suburban area), so if you need someone to send your snake to before you get here I might be able to help.

I strongly suggest you call the East Bay Vivarium (510-841-1400) for advice. They have racks to board reptiles (it's not too expensive) and if you could send your snake to them they'd probably be the safest place to have your snake while you get here. (As much as I'd love to help out a fellow ball-owner, the liability/responsibility is rather scary.) I make biweekly East Bay-Peninsula trips so if you need help picking up from there it'd be easy for me to help.

And this was a rather elaborate post. Hope it helps. Or at least you can appreciate the sentiment.

Thanks. More likely what I'll end up doing is trying to get him shipped to me once I'm there. I just don't know how to go about shipping him.