Shipping Temperature Guidelines

In this article, we will discuss our shipping temperature guidelines and how to safely regulate the temperature of live animal shipments. Please keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and it is essential to know the temperature requirements for the specific species of live animal you are shipping.

Temperature Guidelines

Sub 35°F: Do not ship, and wait for warmer weather.
35°F -70°F: Use a 40 hour+ heat pack.
70-85°F: No Heat Pack or Cold Pack Required. A solid-state Phase22, Cryopak, or other branded packs can be used to hold even temps through transit.
85-95°F: Use a solid-state Phase22, Cryopak, or other branded pack, or use a cold pack.
95°F and Above: Do not ship, and wait for cooler weather.

For temps below 40 and above 80, we highly suggest choosing hold for pickup.

Important: These are general guidelines. You need to know the specific temperature requirements and safe tolerances for the species that you plan to ship and adjust these guidelines accordingly.

Heat Packs

Heat packs play a crucial role in the shipping process during cold weather conditions. Ensuring animal safety is our top priority, and yours as well. A common misconception about shipping reptiles is that you must use a heat or a cold pack. Heat packs are actually the number one cause of death when shipping live animals.

When preparing your live animal shipment, consider these critical factors:

The temperatures at both the origin and destination cities
The size of your box
The type of heat pack you are using
The species you are shipping

Temperature guidelines for heat pack use:

Below 35°F: do not ship
35 – 69°F: use a heat pack according to instructions, considering the species being shipped.
70°F and above: do not use a heat pack.

To ensure the proper use of heat packs, adhere to the following guidelines:

Do not use a heat pack if the temperature in both the origin and destination cities exceeds 70°F.
Do not use a heat pack if the box is smaller than 12 x 9 x 6 inches.
Always affix the heat pack to the top of the box. If the heat pack is self-adhesive, reinforce it with tape around the edges to ensure it remains attached. make sure the red line on the heat pack is facing the inside of the box and that you do not tape over this line. The heat pack will not activate if the red line is taped over.
Use newspapers, paper towels, Poly-fil, or similar materials to create a barrier between the heat pack and the animal's packaging.
The goal is not to heat the animal but to prevent the temperature from dropping sharply during shipment. Direct contact between the heat pack and the animal or its packaging could be fatal.
Heat packs should only be used specifically designed for animals and rated for 40 hours of use.
Do not use hand warmers or heat packs designed for shorter durations, as they can be lethal to animals.
Ensure proper airflow in the box by creating at least one hole on each end.
Heat packs require oxygen to generate heat, and inadequate ventilation can cause the pack to stop working, resulting in suffocated or dangerously cold animals.
Unless your box is 30 x16x10 inches or larger, do not use more than one heat pack, as this can harm the animal.

How to Use Heat Packs

Be sure to read the product instructions and follow the printed guidelines.
Open the heat pack and vigorously shake it to activate it. Wrap the heat pack in 1-2 layers of paper towel or newspaper.
- Activate the heat pack at least 1 hour before packing it into your box to be certain it has activated properly.
Wrap the heat pack in 1-2 layers of paper towel or newspaper after shaking vigorously to activate.
Tape the heat pack to the inside of the top panel of the box liner.
- Make sure the red line is facing the inside of the box and that you do not tape over this line.
  - The heat pack will not activate if the red line is taped over.

Cold Packs

During summer, the use of cold packs may be necessary for live animal shipments. The decision to use a cold pack should be based on the animal's specific needs.

If temperatures fall between 80 and 95 degrees at both the origin and destination, a cold pack should be utilized.

How to Use Cold Packs

If you are using a cold pack, place the pack in the freezer overnight.
Ensure the cold pack is fully frozen before shipment.
Remove the cold pack from the freezer just before pickup to keep it cold throughout the shipment.
Wrap the cold pack in 1-2 layers of paper towel or newspaper.
Secure the cold pack to the top of the box with tape.
Place insulating materials, such as newspaper, paper towels, or Poly-fill, between the cold pack and the animal. This helps protect the animal from temperature fluctuations.

Phase22, Cryopak, and Other Branded Packs

What are Phase22, Cryopak, and Other Branded Packs?

These packs use phase-change technology to stabilize temperatures within a package.
These packs are designed to phase from liquid to solid and vice versa to hold temps at around 74 degrees.
- A liquid state phase pack helps mitigate and stabilize cold packs so that the animals are comfortable throughout transit at a consistent temperature by releasing heat energy and phasing into a solid state, keeping the box between 70 and 74 degrees.
- A solid-state phase pack absorbs heat energy when used with a heat pack to stabilize temps between 70 and 74 degrees with minimal initial temperature spikes.

When to use Phase22, Cryopak, and Other Branded Packs

Temperatures are higher (80-95°F, species dependent), and adding a bagged cold pack is needed to prevent overheating. Phase packs come into the picture to stabilize temperature throughout the duration of transit.
Temperatures are lower (69°F, species dependent), and a heat pack is needed. Phase packs come into the picture to stabilize temperature throughout the duration of transit.
Temperatures are warm but not extreme (70°F-80°F, species dependent): A phase pack can be used solo, and is very effective. A solid state phase pack will stabilize and hold comfortable temperatures during transit. Refrigerate your phase pack the night before shipping.
Temperatures are cooler but do not require a heat pack (50°F-60°F, species dependent): a liquid state phase pack stabilizes temperatures within a comfortable and safe range during transit. Place your phase pack in warm water to convert it into its liquid phase.
When in doubt, a phase pack will often do the trick!

Please note: We recommend always bagging your phase packs in case of accidental punctures and leaks.

If you have any questions about shipping conditions, temperature concerns, or other related matters, please feel free to contact us by emailing [email protected]