How to safely and properly pack, transport and move your reptile.

Moving is one of the top 10 most stressful events in a person’s life- we can all agree on this fact. Wherever you go, your pet is part of the journey and is hopefully not lost, injured or stressed during the moving process. Most animals are creatures of habit and become very nervous when they’re relocated to a new and different environment. When you start to move, they start to freak out. It’s just their nature and is to be expected. At Rent A Green Box, we have seen our share of moving related pet issues: sad pets, missing pets and really pissed off pets. With over 80,000 moves completed in the last 5 years, we’re constantly asked the same question “How do I safely move my Reptile”.  We’re happy to share with you, our free reptile friendly packing and moving tips. If you’re looking to move your other animals, we also have a special articles packed with great advice on “How to pack and move your Bird”, “Cat”, and “Dog”. Enjoy!

HOW TO SAFELY AND PROPERLY PACK, TRANSPORT AND MOVE YOUR REPTILE.

1.) Moving Prep:  In transporting any pet, have your regular veterinarian do a routine checkup to update your pet’s health records for your own files and for your new pet doctor ( if your moving out of state). This routine checkup is a great time to obtain an extra copy of your pet’s medical history ( this can save you up to $50.00 dollars at the next office). Ask your vet if they know of any special state laws or requirements that pertain to your reptile. Some states have very strict guidelines on specific reptiles and require registration and or special licenses.

Although you may be swamped during your pack and move, don’t forget to keep your reptiles daily routine and feeding schedules the same until the actual move day. This regular schedule will help keep your reptile calm and secure. Reptiles are creatures of habit (no pun intended)!

Also, it’s really important to have your pet accustomed to the crate, box or carrier he or she will be transported in during the move. Remember that your carrier must be large enough for the reptile to turn around in but not large enough for it to get hurt. Also, refrain from placing too many objects inside of the crate for comfort as these objects can hurt or injure your pet in transit. Having a copy of all of your pets recent medical history attached to the front of the carrier can also prevent your pet from entering any quarantined area during routine transportation inspections ( especially at border crossings between countries (USA to Canada and USA to Mexico in addition to all domestic airports). Check with the state of relocation to make sure that you’re able to have your particular species as a domesticated pet.

2.) Moving Day: Depending on what type of reptile you have, there will be many different procedures based on their particular species traits. Always remember that venomous reptiles should be packed in two boxes where as non-venomous reptiles can be placed inside one sturdy box. Be sure the containers are well ventilated with proper size holes and the box is marked "Fragile” and “Live Cargo".  Some reptiles need a wet environment, so keep moist towels in the box as well to prevent dehydration if applicable. Make sure that you write your first and last name and cell number on the moving carrier.

3.) Travel by Car: Travel by car is the least stressful mode for your reptile because you can adjust the ambient temperature, time of travel, surrounding noises and have a greater variety of pet carriers to choose from for your move. Check with your vet, as many will loan you a professional carrier to move your reptile (just ask them for a one day loaner).  Make sure the carrier is in a safe place inside of the car and will not be crushed by other boxes. It must be properly ventilated at all times during transport. Even if it’s a short trip, bring extra food and water just in case of an emergency or traffic delay in arriving to your new place.

4.) Traveling by Air: Airlines transport pets everyday and this can be a good resource/option for you to investigate.  Airlines will take reptiles as “cargo only” and will be an expensive mode of transportation. The other issue is that they are not going to care for your pet like you care for your pet. Make sure all of your current medical records are easily accessible and attached to the front of the cage. Clearly write the type of reptile (not the crazzzy long and usually scary scientific name but the consumer name for your pet), required temperature, feeding times and any additional special medical needs. Include your first and last name, cell number and an alternate number in case you’re delayed in route, in addition to your home address and address of your new residence. Cover all of your basis and it’s a very good idea to have a small and cute picture of your pet taped to the front of the cage, to minimize additional interest during the course of transport.

 5.) Post Move:  As soon as you arrive at the new residence, settle your reptile into his/her new home/habitat to alleviate moving stress as quickly as possible.  Place the cage in a quiet room away from all the unloading and unpacking that may also add stress to your reptile.  Verify the right temperature in the cage and refresh the food and water before your pet enters. Try not to change his habitat for at least 3 weeks, until your reptile begins to act normal.

We know that packing and moving your pet via car or air can be very complicated and stressful for all involved and we encourage you to follow these suggestions, so your moving day will be smooth sailing for your and your reptile. Thank you from all of us at Rent A Green Box! Good luck with your move and send us a picture of your happy stress free pet in their new home!