Live Animal Shipping & Packing Know-How — Seasonal Considerations

For breeders, safely delivering live animals to buyers is one of the most important responsibilities. The quality of packing and temperature management significantly impacts the animal's condition upon arrival. This article provides detailed guidance on packing methods by species and seasonal temperature management techniques, covering aquatic organisms through reptiles.

Fundamental Packing Principles

The three most important principles in live animal packing are safety, thermal insulation, and ventilation.

Safety: Protecting the animal from shocks and vibrations during transport. Use adequate cushioning material and appropriately sized containers.

Thermal insulation: Protecting the animal from extreme temperature changes. Styrofoam boxes are the standard.

Ventilation: Ensuring adequate air for the animal to breathe. Complete sealing risks suffocation.

Packing Aquatic Animals

Fish Packing

Place the animal and tank water in a plastic bag. Water should fill about one-third of the bag, with the remaining space filled with oxygen. If an oxygen tank is unavailable, inflating the bag fully before tying works, but oxygen filling is recommended for long-distance shipping.

Always double-bag to prevent leaks. Secure the opening tightly with rubber bands, then tape over the rubber bands for extra security. Wrap the bag in newspaper before placing it in a Styrofoam box, and fill gaps with packing material to prevent movement.

Coral Packing

Place corals in plastic bags with saltwater, but use less water than for fish. Keep the bag tied small to prevent the coral from moving significantly, which can damage tentacles and tissue. For frag specimens, taping the frag plug to the inside of the bag is also effective.

Packing Reptiles

Reptiles are packed in deli cups (plastic containers) or cloth bags.

Small species (leopard geckos, small geckos): Line a deli cup with damp paper towels and place the animal inside. Always punch ventilation holes in the lid. Wrap the deli cup in newspaper and place in a cardboard or Styrofoam box.