Live Animal Shipping Standards & Guidelines

Shipping live reptiles may seem intimidating at first, but the process is simpler than you'd think. In this article, we will go over the Live Animal Packaging Standards and guidelines on How to Ship a Live Animal. Failure to follow through on these guidelines will invalidate the Shipment Protection.

MorphMarket Shipping offers both FedEx and UPS service types. For the purposes of this document, “shipping provider” or “shipping providers” refers to, but is not limited to: FedEx Corporation (FedEx) and its affiliated entities, United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) and its affiliated entities, and any other third party that provides pickup and delivery services on behalf of MorphMarket Shipping. Unless otherwise stated, all guidelines, standards, and requirements outlined in this document apply equally to shipments made with either shipping provider.

All users are responsible for ensuring their shipments comply with the applicable policies of their selected shipping provider, as well as all relevant federal, state, and local laws, including animal welfare regulations. Failure to follow the requirements detailed in this document may result in corrective action against your account, including, but not limited to, the suspension or loss of access to MorphMarket Shipping.

Eligible Shipments

You are allowed to send non-venomous reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, fish, corals, and live plants within the U.S. only. We do not offer importing or exporting animals.

You can ship dry goods that are related to reptiles, aquatics, and horticulture — including items like food, bedding, cages, lighting, filters, and similar products.

All shipments must comply with MorphMarket’s Shipping Standards as well as all FedEx and/or UPS rules and restrictions.

Live Animal Packaging Standards

All Live Animal shipments should be sent via FedEx Priority Overnight, UPS Next Day Air, FedEx Standard Overnight, or UPS Next Day Saver services.
- Packages sent via FedEx Standard Overnight and UPS Next Day services MUST be held at an authorized facility for pick-up.
- Reptiles and amphibians MUST be sent using FedEx Priority Overnight, UPS Next Day Air, FedEx Standard Overnight, or UPS Next Day Saver services.
- Invertebrates, Aquatics, and Plants can be sent using 2-day services. This is not recommended and will void Shipment Protection coverage.
All Live Animal shipments can only be sent on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
Live Animal shipments must not be sent the day prior to a legal holiday or on a legal Holiday.
Live Animal packages must not be sent during inclement weather, service disruptions, or designated "no-ship" periods.
You MUST use certified packaging from MorphMarket Shipping.
- All packaging must be certified for live animal shipping by the shipping provider.
- Boxes from the US Postal Service, Amazon.com, or even FedEx/UPS-branded boxes are strictly prohibited for live shipments.
- Your package should be free of any other labels, symbols, or text.
- You can purchase shipping supplies here.
You may NOT reuse boxes
- All live animals must be shipped in a new (unused) cardboard box specifically designed and certified to transport animals.
- The box must be clean, leak-proof, and escape-proof to allow safe handling during transport and must have a burst weight of at least 200 lbs. ALL packaging MUST be approved for Live Animal shipments.
- The shipping providers will refuse to accept any boxes that appear to be reused or damaged.
For FedEx Shipments: You can NOT use packaging with another reptile shipping company's name or logo.
- You may only use packaging approved for live animal shipments with generic information, or packaging with the name/logo of the reptile shipping company you are using to create the shipping label.
  - For example, if you ship with MorphMarket Shipping you may only use boxes with MorphMarket branding, or generic reptile shipping boxes, such as what is sold on TSK. If you plan to use MorphMarket for shipping, we strongly suggest only utilizing boxes purchased from us directly. Boxes can be purchased here.
- Lacey Act Labels MUST also have the logo/name of the shipping company that you are using, or be blank. These can not have the name or logo of a different shipping company. If you are using MorphMarket Shipping, you can download and print Lacey Act Labels here: https://support.morphmarket.com/article/318-lacey-act-iata-compliance-labels
The box MUST have a “LIVE ANIMAL(S)” label.
Mark the box with "This Side Up" on all vertical sides.
The box MUST be properly labeled with Lacey Act/IATA labeling. The outside of the box MUST be labeled with the following information:
- Common names of animal(s) inside
- Scientific of animal(s) inside
- Quantities of each animal in the box
Ensure your box has snug-fitting foam insulation on all four sides, as well as the top and bottom.
- The foam should be at least ½” thick, but using ¾” thickness is highly recommended.
The box, including the foam insulation, must have enough space to hold the deli cup or reptile bag and contain sufficient cushioning material (such as crumbled newspaper, packing peanuts or Poly-Fill).
The box should have ventilation holes through both the box and the insulation.
- The holes should be large enough to allow airflow but small enough to prevent escapes. These can be added using something like a screwdriver or a pen and must be created BEFORE placing the animal in the box.
Ensure the package is secured with tape specifically designed for shipping boxes and the ventilation holes are not covered.
Do not ship in extreme weather conditions. Shipments should not occur when temperatures rise above 95°F or fall below 35°F.
- Follow the temperature guidelines detailed here.
- Check the weather at the origin, sort facility, and destination of your shipment. If the temperatures at any of these locations fall within the unsafe temperature parameters, you should not ship.
Improper use of heat packs is extremely dangerous and can kill the animal. Ensure the proper use of Heat Packs, Cold Packs, and/or Phase22/Cryopak, including, but not limited to:
- 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.
- 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.
- Unless your box is 30 x16x10 inches or larger, do not use more than one heat pack, as this can harm the animal.
- There should be enough room to ensure that any required heat or cold packs can be secured inside the box and properly separated to avoid direct contact with the animal.
- See all other guidelines here.
Venomous reptiles absolutely CANNOT be shipped.
- You are responsible for knowing and following all legal shipping requirements.
Any packages containing arachnids MUST have ALL open seams taped; this include the top and bottom of the box, and the flap area.
- If deli cups are used, the lids MUST also be secured with tape
Please be sure to advise your customer NOT to open up their shipment and remove the animal from its containment packaging within the UPS or FedEx location.
- This MUST be done in a safe, secure area (preferably when they arrive home.)

Size & Animal Limitations

Very large, heavy, or strong animals will require shipping methods outside of MorphMarket’s system.

Pythons or Boas exceeding 4 inches in diameter or 8 feet in length are not eligible to be shipped with MorphMarket Shipping. Larger reptiles must be shipped using appropriate packaging through a freight carrier such as Delta Air Cargo.
If you’re unsure whether your animal qualifies, please reach out to our Customer Service team at [email protected] and we can help advise the best course of action.

Package Dimensions & FedEx Surcharges

FedEx applies extra charges to oversized or overweight shipments. A package is considered oversized when:

Its longest side is over 96 inches, or
Its length plus girth [(2 × width) + (2 × height)] exceeds 130 inches but stays under FedEx’s 165-inch maximum, or
Its weight is more than 90 pounds but does not exceed FedEx’s 150-pound limit.

Oversize Surcharge estimates:

Express or Ground – $160 to $205 (varies by zone)
Home Delivery – $190 to $240 (varies by zone)

Regardless of actual weight, boxes over these limits are billed as at least 90 pounds plus the oversize fee.

During peak holiday periods (October through January), an additional charge of $39.50 may apply.

FedEx will not accept packages weighing over 150 pounds, measuring more than 119 inches in length, or exceeding a combined length and girth of 165 inches. Express packages above these limits are refused outright and may be returned or discarded. Ground packages may be refused,

returned, or even shipped at FedEx’s discretion, but if they do so it will come with a possible surcharge of $1,250.

Tip: Always measure the bulges of your package; protrusions can push your box over FedEx’s limits.

How to Ship a Live Animal

After familiarizing yourself with the shipping standards, you are ready to proceed with sending your package.

Step 1: Prepare your Shipping Supplies & Get Proper Packaging

You are required to use packaging certified for live animal shipments from MorphMarket. Packaging MUST meet the Live Animal Packaging Standards detailed above. Shipping Supplies can be purchased here.

Some shipping supplies you may need include, but are not limited to:

Insulated shipping box with minimum ½ inch foam liner. We recommend ¾ inch.
- All boxes must meet the standards and guidelines detailed in this article, including but not limited to:
  - You must use a box certified by the shipping provider for Live Animal Shipping.
  - All boxes must be new, and boxes can not be reused.
- Molded foam shipping boxes are encouraged for especially sensitive species.
Size-appropriate deli cups or reptile bags
Heat packs, cold packs, and/or Phase22/Cryopak.
- Be sure to use these only when required. Improper use of these can be fatal.
- Follow the guidelines detailed here.
- Hand and foot warmers are not acceptable.
Fill material (shredded newspaper, paper towels, foam peanuts, Poly-fil)
Tape, care sheets, invoices, permanent marker
Shipping Label
Lacey/IATA Labels

Step 2: Create a Shipping Account & Book the Label

Use MorphMarket Shipping to create a label.

Step 3: Coordinate the Shipping Day

Arrange the shipping day with the buyer.

All Live Animal shipments should be sent via FedEx Priority Overnight, UPS Next Day Air, FedEx Standard Overnight, or UPS Next Day Saver services.
- Packages sent via FedEx Standard Overnight and UPS Next Day services MUST be held at an authorized facility (a FedEx Ship Center or an UPS store) for pick-up.
- Reptiles and amphibians MUST be sent using FedEx Priority Overnight, UPS Next Day Air, FedEx Standard Overnight, or UPS Next Day Saver services.
- Invertebrates, Aquatics, and Plants can be sent using 2-day services. This is not recommended and will void Shipment Protection coverage.
Mondays may carry increased risks of delay; Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the safest days to ship out.
- MorphMarket Shipping's Shipment Protection policy ONLY covers Live Animal shipments sent Monday- Wednesday.
Packages should not be sent the day prior to a legal holiday or on a legal Holiday.
Packages should not be sent during inclement weather, service disruptions, or designated "no-ship" periods.
- Check the weather at the origin (the "from" address), sort facility, and destination (the "to" address) of your shipment. Avoid shipping in extreme temperatures.
- Watch for storms that may delay shipping operations, and check the MorphMarket Shipping Alerts & Updates page for important information and service delays.
Coordinate with the buyer on the delivery day and time of arrival (noted on the shipping label) so they can be present to receive the package. If shipping to a shipping provider's authorized facility, make sure they are willing to go there to pick it up.
When creating your shipping label in the step above, we recommend against requiring a signature; this option can delay your delivery by a whole day if the customer is not available to sign. Requiring a signature on delivery voids the MorphMarket Shipping Live Arrival Shipment Protection.

Step 4: On Shipping Day, Carefully Pack the Animal in its Box

Carefully pack the animal in a box that meets the Live Animal Packaging requirements, including but not limited to:

Assemble the box with insulation on all sides but the top.
- Poke holes into the box, a screwdriver, or a pen. Holes should be large enough to allow airflow but not too big to allow the animal to escape or items to fall out of the package.
- Poke from the outside of the box, making sure your hole goes completely through the Styrofoam.
- Do not poke holes with the animal in the box.
Put the animal into its bag or deli cup and ensure it is escape-proof.
- Deli Cup
  - Place a piece of paper towel or liner inside the deli cup
  - Place your reptile inside the deli cup. Make sure the lid is completely secured. Tape can be used around the rim of the cup for extra security; however, make sure not to cover any air holes.
  - Label the top with the common name, scientific name, and quantity.
- Cloth Bag
  - Label the bag with the common name, scientific name, and quantity. It is easier to do this on an empty bag than it is when there are contents in it.
  - Place strips of newspaper or paper towels inside the bag
  - Place your reptile inside of the bag
  - Secure string or tie the bag in a knot. Add a zip tie or tape at the bottom of the string or knot for extra security.
- Aquatics
  - Aquatics should be shipped using fish bags.
  - Inspect the bag thoroughly for any cracks, holes, or weak spots.
  - Aquatics must be double bagged
    - Place one bag inside another before filling it with water.
  - Use a permanent marker to label the bag with the species and sex.
  - Fill the bag with water, and ensure the air-to-water ratio will supply enough oxygen for the entire duration of the shipment and that there is enough water so that the animal is not overwhelmed by waste.
  - Secure the top of the bags tightly using a rubber band or a tight twist. Ensure this does not leak.
  - If you are shipping something spikey, like coral, you should insert a bag liner into the bottom of the fish bags. This will help prevent punctures.
- Arachnids
  - All open seams of the box MUST be taped. The entire bottom, top, and flap areas must be sealed.
  - If deli cups are used, the lids MUST be secured with tape.
Put some padding in the bottom of the box to make a “nest,” and place the bag or cup on the nest. Add more padding on top and around the sides.
If using a heat pack, cold pack, or Phase22/Cryopak, you MUST use caution and follow proper usage guidelines. The misuse of heat packs is the number one cause of death in shipping.
Put the top insulation piece in place and seal up the box.
Securely attach your shipping label and the completed Lacy/IATA label. (Common and scientific names of the animals, along with the quantity of each.)
- It is highly recommended that a reprinted shipping label be included along with a list of the box’s contents on top of the Styrofoam lid. In cases where the external label is damaged during transit, carriers may open the box to locate this information. Additionally, if the Lacey Act labeling becomes illegible, having an extra label inside the box can help prevent delays or issues during shipment inspections.

Step 5: Get your Package to an Authorized Drop-Off Facility

Drop your package off at an authorized FedEx or UPS facility. Please use the facilities listed on MorphMarket.

FedEx Shipments: Do NOT drop it off at a FedEx Office store or any other retail outlet. They are not authorized to handle live shipments and will typically refuse and/or cause delays.
UPS Shipments: Do not drop off at a CVS, hardware store etc. ONLY drop off at UPS stores, as these are the locations authorized by MorphMarket.
Failure to drop off at an authorized facility may result in administrative action against your account.
If you are using UPS, please be sure to keep a copy of the letter provided here.

Alternatively, you can schedule a pick-up with MorphMarket shipping for a fee.

Buyers: Receiving the Package

Please be aware of the ship date and the delivery address.
Regularly monitor tracking and pick-up the animal as soon as possible once it is delivered.
Be sure to have a Photo ID that matches the name on the shipping label.
Do NOT to open up your shipment and remove the animal from its containment packaging within the UPS or FedEx location.
- This MUST be done in a safe, secure area (preferably when you arrive home).
- If you open the package within a shipping facility, you may be removed from MorphMarket. This is not safe for you, the animals, or the facility's employees.

If you have questions or need additional assistance, please reach out to MorphMarket's shipping support team by emailing [email protected]