Receiving Your Animal

When your animal arrives, it’s important to follow proper steps to ensure a smooth experience for both you and the seller. These steps help protect your new animal, document the delivery, and prepare for future care.

1. Communicate With the Seller

• Message the seller on MorphMarket to let them know as soon as the animal has arrived.
• Share any immediate concerns or observations.
• If there are delays or delivery issues, notify the seller right away.

2. Inspect the Shipping Box

Before opening, take a close look at the outside of the box:

• Check for proper Lacey Act labeling. The box should clearly list the species name (common and scientific), quantity, and shipper information, as required by federal law.
• Make sure species notes and any special handling instructions are visible and accurate.
• Inspect for damage, water exposure, or signs of rough handling.
• Live Animal Shipping Standards & Guidelines

3. Record the Unboxing

We strongly recommend recording the entire unboxing:

• Show all sides of the shipping box before opening.
• Record the opening process.
• Document contents, packing materials, and the condition of the animal.
• Continue recording as you remove the animal for inspection.

This helps protect all parties in the event of a dispute regarding shipping damage, misidentification, or health issues.

4. Review Contents

• Ensure the quantity and animals matches your purchase.
• Take note of any included paperwork.
• Save all shipping materials in case they need to be reviewed later.

5. Check Over the Animal

• Do a thorough inspection of the animal:
  • Look for signs of injury or illness.
  • Confirm the animals sex.
  • Make note of body condition, alertness, and responsiveness.
• Take photos and videos of any issues you find.

Let the seller know immediately if anything seems wrong.

6. Schedule a Vet Exam

We always recommend having a veterinarian appointment scheduled in advance, especially with a reptile-specialized vet:

• A full health examination can detect internal issues not visible during a basic inspection.
• The vet can confirm species, sex (if needed), and overall health status.

7. Quarantine the Animal

To protect your existing collection:

• Always quarantine new animals in a separate enclosure and space for a minimum of 30-90 days.
• Avoid direct or indirect contact between new and existing animals.
• Monitor frequently for changes in behavior, eating habits, or signs of illness.
• Community Thread: https://community.morphmarket.com/t/lets-talk-about-quarantine/13371

8. Aftercare & Support

Once your animal arrives safely, responsibility shifts to you as the buyer. While sellers are not required to provide aftercare, most are happy to help with basic questions or guidance.

However, please understand that the seller is not responsible for the following once the animal is in your care:

• Animal Temperament 
• Refusing to Eat
• Failure to Thrive

These outcomes are often beyond the seller’s control and may depend on environmental factors, stress, or individual animal behavior.

If you need help or advice after your purchase, we recommend joining the MorphMarket Reptile Community forum at:

https://community.morphmarket.com/

Here, experienced keepers and breeders are available to offer support, share tips, and help troubleshoot husbandry issues.