Shipping

Note: I have legal shipping status to ship with FedEx and I am a verified shipper with Delta. My animals are shipped out in packages that are clearly labeled as containing live boa constrictors. I now offer international shipping - you can read more about this option below.

I can offer a few methods for domestic shipping of your animal:

1. FedEx (Overnight door-to-door service)
   For convenience, this service can't be beat. The animal will be picked up at my house in Raleigh, NC between 6-8 pm. I schedule to be the last pickup of the day so the driver then takes the animal directly to FedEx's facility at the airport. I use Priority Express shipping so as long as you are not in a remote area, the package is guaranteed to arrive at your door by 10:30 the following morning. From my experiences, the package is usually delivered before 10 am to your door. Therefore, total transit time is usually limited to 12-18 hours. I use insulated shipping containers (see details below) and 40 hour heat packs (when appropriate). I will check the weather forecast for Raleigh, Memphis (the location of FedEx's central sorting facility), and your location before shipping an animal. Unless we agree to alternative arrangements, I will only ship if the temperature is forecast to stay between 35-90 F. The cost of this service depends on the size/weight of the box and the distance delivered. My packages usually range from $35-50. I can get a decent estimate of the cost if I know your zip code. Once I schedule the shipment, I will email you the tracking number so that you can track the package at FedEx's web site (fedex.com). I normally check weather & schedule shipments on Monday evening for Tuesday pickup and Wednesday morning delivery.

2. Delta Dash (airport-to-airport service)
   (Note: this service can only be used by businesses that are verified shippers with Delta. I am a verified shipper with Delta.)
   The important advantage of this service is that it can eliminate the overnight portion of the transit time. These packages typically fly out on normal commercial flights. The only disadvantage of this service is that it requires a trip to the airport by the shipper and receiver. However, total transit times of 2-8 hours are common. If you want your animal delivered the same day from point A to point B as quickly as possible, this is your service. The way it works is that you provide me with the name of the most convenient airport in your area and I will check  the flight schedule and offer you some possible pickup times. I take the package to the Delta Cargo facility at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Just like we humans, the packages don't always get a direct flight....it depends on the level of service that Delta maintains at your airport. You will be provided all the important information (airbill number, flight number, departure times, & arrival times). You can track the package at Delta Cargo. You would pick the animal up at the cargo facility provided by Delta at your airport. I recommend that you call Delta ahead of time and find out how they handle cargo pickups at your airport. The cost of this service is $70 for a package between 1-50 lbs. I also pay extra to insure the full value of the animal(s) if their value is above the standard limit of $750. Due to the high weight allowance, this service is very cost wise when shipping adult animals.

3. USAir Cargo PDQ (packages delivered quick, airport-to-airport service)
   This service is very similar to Delta Dash. It is an airport-to-airport service. It is more expensive ($85), but you don't have to be a verified shipper to use this service. You can track the package at US Air Cargo. You would pick the animal up at the cargo facility provided by US Air at your airport. I recommend that you call US Air ahead of time and find out how they handle cargo pickups at your airport.

4. I could also deliver your animal to a show and avoid shipping altogether. I attend the Raleigh North Carolina Expo in May and September. I also attend the National Show in Daytona Beach Florida in August.

 International Shipments

I have shipped to:

• Taipei, Taiwan (twice)
• Manchester, England
• Rome, Italy

If you are outside the U.S., carefully consider the following before you choose to purchase:

1. Due to the extra time requirements involved in applying for CITES permits and making proper arrangements for shipping, I will require a minimum purchase of $2,000 for an international order. In the U.S., CITES applications are currently taking about 40-90 days to process. It is best to plan ahead. For instance, I can apply for a CITES permit early in the season so that I have it in hand when the babies are born and ready to be shipped.

2. I require a $100 CITES application fee and 50% of the animal's cost before I will begin the paperwork required for a CITES permit. I will consider $500 of this initial deposit to be non-refundable. Order must be paid in full before arrangements are made for shipment.

3. Payment fees such as wire transfer costs and currency exchange fees are the buyer's responsibility.

4. Fees for importation into your country such as tariffs, custom duties, excise tax (or whatever they choose to call it) are also the buyer's responsibility.

5. You must find out what is required to legally import boas into your country. If you need a copy of the official CITES document ahead of time then I will scan it, convert it to PDF format, and email it to you. The original CITES permit will be in the shipping container. It is very important that you check local regulations to see if a veterinary health certificate is required. I must know this well in advance of the shipping date. A health inspection & certificate from a veterinarian is an extra $100 fee. Some countries do not require a health inspection because they will conduct their own.

6. I will not provide my 30 day guarantee on international orders. I can't guarantee live delivery. I can guarantee live arrival at the port city but once the animal reaches its destination, I have no control over the importation laws/procedures at the port of importation.

7. Shipping costs are relatively high. Here is a breakdown of the costs: