REPTILE TRAVEL TIPS  

Planning a vacation with your snake or lizard? ANIMART offers these reptile travel tips to make the trip more enjoyable for both you and your pet:

  1. Always travel with your pet in a carrier. For the safety of you, your pet and other motorists, pets should never be held in your arms or be allowed freedom to roam in a car. A well ventilated plastic Kritter Keeper or small hard-sided plastic dog/cat carrier works well for many reptiles. Limited but comfortable travel space means less space for your pet to get tossed around (and injured) in case of sudden stops. A simple pillow case works well for most snakes.
  2. Secure the carrier with a seat belt so it doesn’t shift in case of sudden stops. Like kids, your pet will be safer in the back seat.
  3. Never leave your reptile alone in an unattended vehicle. Even with the windows open on a warm day, the heat can raise quickly, causing heatstroke, death and a quickly ruined vacation.
  4. Heat: Controlling your herp’s temperature is key to successful traveling. Monitor the car’s temperature with a digital thermometer. Carefully placed hot packs or cold packs help adjust temperatures. For longer trips consider purchasing a 12V car inverter to plug in a hot rock or under-tank heater while traveling.
  5. Observe your pet for signs of stress. Provide comfortable bedding for burrowing, a hiding place, partially cover the carrier with a towel to prevent drafts and help your pet feel more secure.
  6. Water: Different reptiles have differing water requirements. Be prepared to provide the hydration yours requires. High water content treats like cucumber, sweet bell pepper, or melon are good ways to keep your pet hydrated while traveling.
  7. Food: Monitor your pet’s eating; some may not eat while traveling and will need encouragement.
  8. Pack a travel kit: a good supply of favorite foods, dishes, treats, bedding, and medical supplies. For longer trips, bring a larger cage, lights and heat lamp to use once you reach your destination.
  9. Plan ahead for pet-friendly lodging before leaving home. If you are visiting family or friends, make sure your reptile is welcome.
  10. When traveling interstate or flying, as with other pets, you will need a current (within 10 days) health certificate from your veterinarian. Research airline requirements and regulations for where you will be traveling. Some cities and states do not allow certain types of reptiles.
  11. Traveling internationally? Check regulations and quarantine periods required for your pet to enter and leave the countries you will be traveling in.
  12. Some reptiles travel better than others. Traveling can be extremely stressful on many reptiles. Your pet may prefer to take its vacation at a friend’s place or to stay home with a pet sitter.

ENJOY YOUR TRIP! If you do decide to travel with your reptile, be prepared to provide all the care your pet requires. We hope these reptile travel tips help you and your pet have safe travels together this summer!