As an exotic pet enthusiast and former veterinary technician, I know firsthand the challenges and considerations involved in safely transporting live animals from one location to another. While having a pet shipped directly to your home from a breeder or supplier may seem convenient, the unfortunate reality is that the shipping process can be incredibly stressful and even deadly for the animals involved.
That being said, there are certain situations where shipping live animals is necessary, such as for research purposes, agriculture, or conservation efforts. In these cases, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) does allow a limited range of live animals to be mailed domestically. However, doing so legally and ethically requires strict adherence to a number of regulations and best practices.
In this guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about shipping live animals via USPS, including:
- Which species are allowed and which are prohibited
- How to properly package and label animals for shipping
- The costs associated with shipping live animals
- Potential risks and how to mitigate them
- Alternative shipping methods for animals not allowed via USPS
- The ethical considerations of shipping live animals
By the end, you‘ll have a thorough understanding of the complex topic of live animal shipments and be equipped to make the best decisions for your situation. Let‘s dive in!
USPS Restrictions on Mailing Live Animals
To begin, it‘s crucial to understand that the list of live animals that USPS allows to be mailed is very limited. According to the USPS Publication 52 on Hazardous, Restricted and Perishable Mail, only the following live animals are mailable:
- Adult birds
- Bees
- Certain small, harmless cold-blooded animals (like goldfish and lizards)
- Day-old poultry
- Scorpions (only for purposes of medical research or manufacturing of antivenin)
All other animals, including any mammals (except bees), reptiles, and amphibians not explicitly allowed, are prohibited from being mailed through USPS. This means that if you‘re hoping to ship a pet rabbit, iguana, or even a tarantula, you‘ll need to find an alternate shipping method (more on that later).
It‘s also important to note that just because an animal is on the "allowed" list doesn‘t mean you can simply put it in a box and drop it off at the post office. Each category of animal has its own highly specific set of mailing requirements that must be followed to the letter.
Shipping Adult Birds via USPS
Shipping adult birds is the most straightforward, as the birds must be able to sustain themselves during shipping without food or water. However, there are still several important requirements to adhere to:
- Birds must be weaned and at least 8 weeks old
- Max 36 inches length + girth combined
- Shipped in USPS-provided mailing containers with proper ventilation
- Marked with "LIVE BIRDS" label
- Sent via Priority Mail Express, Next Day or 2nd Day service only
- Cannot be mailed if temperatures at any point on the route will be below 45°F or above 85°F
Interestingly, USPS also requires that birds may only be mailed for a 3-day period once every 7 days due to the stress of transport. Humane handling and minimizing suffering is key.
Shipping Bees via USPS
Bees are another relatively commonly shipped animal, both for research purposes and for beekeepers to replenish their hives. The regulations are a bit more stringent:
- Queen bees must be shipped without attendants in a protective bee cage; attendants are only allowed for international import
- Only worker bees can be shipped via air transportation (NOT queens)
- Must be packaged in a secure, escape-proof wood or metal container with max 5 lbs total weight
- Packages must be constructed without wires or metal that could injure USPS handlers
- Marked with "LIVE BEES" label and name of bee species
- Only shipped between April 1 – October 31 to avoid extreme temperatures
It‘s estimated that hundreds of thousands of queen bees are shipped via USPS each year, primarily in the spring as beekeepers replace winter losses. However, even with careful packaging, mortality rates can be high. A 2020 study found that on average, 15% of queens die in transit, a sobering statistic for such an important pollinator.
Shipping Day-Old Poultry via USPS
For farmers and backyard poultry enthusiasts, being able to have chicks, ducklings, and other young fowl shipped from hatcheries is incredibly convenient. And luckily, USPS does allow these delicate babies to be mailed under the following conditions:
- Must be less than 24 hours old at time of mailing
- Should be shippped such that no feeding is required for 72 hours
- Properly ventilated container with padding
- Intended to reach destination within 3 days or less
- Clearly marked "LIVE POULTRY – HANDLE WITH CARE"
- Cannot be shipped if temperatures will be below 40°F or above 105°F
Some hatcheries advertise a "100% live arrival guarantee," but don‘t be fooled – DOA are still relatively common, especially when shipping to more distant locations. And even when chicks survive the journey, the stress of transport at such a tender age can have lasting negative impacts on their growth and development. Whenever possible, pick up poultry in person to avoid these risks.
Shipping Reptiles/Amphibians via USPS
Perhaps surprisingly, USPS does not allow most reptiles and amphibians to be shipped, including snakes, turtles, and frogs. The exception is for a small list of "harmless" cold-blooded species:
- Chameleons and anoles (all genera)
- Frogs and toads (all genera)
- Geckos (all genera)
- Mudpuppies and salamanders (all genera)
- Lizards (only certain genera)
- Goldfish and other warm-water fish
These animals can only be mailed when they do not require food or water during transit, and when temperatures will remain between 40-80°F. They must be contained in an escape-proof primary container with cushioning and 1-2 ventilation holes per pound of animal. The outer container must be rigid plastic, wood, metal, or double-walled corrugated fiberboard.
That said, just because you can ship these species doesn‘t necessarily mean you should. Reptiles and amphibians are ectothermic, meaning they rely on environmental temperatures to regulate their body heat. Even with insulation and cold packs, maintaining a safe temperature range during shipping is extremely difficult, especially for multi-day transits. This thermal stress, combined with the physical jostling inherent to mail processing, is a recipe for potential disaster.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship Live Animals via USPS?
Shipping live animals domestically via USPS will cost you significantly more than your average mail, both due to the faster shipping speeds required and the special handling charges.
To ship day-old poultry, you can expect costs to start around $50 for USPS Priority Mail Express (1-2 day delivery) and increase from there based on distance, weight, and special handling fees of $0.20 per pound. Here‘s a chart showing some example rates for a 5 lb package of live chicks:
| Service | Zone 1 | Zone 5 | Zone 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Express | $51.50 | $96.45 | $137.15 |
| Flat Rate Box | $71.80 | $71.80 | $71.80 |
| Live Animal Fee | $1.00 | $1.00 | $1.00 |
*Rates as of January 2023 and subject to change
For adult birds and allowed reptile/amphibian species, you‘ll pay the standard Priority Mail Express rate based on zone plus the $0.20/lb handling fee. A 10 lb package going to Zone 8 (the furthest distance) tops out at around $250.
Because bee shipments can only travel via ground transportation, they are a bit more economical, with a 5 lb package ranging from $25-$50 depending on distance.
Of course, these are just the base postage rates – don‘t forget to factor in the costs of appropriate shipping containers, cushioning material, and insurance. For such precious cargo, it‘s well worth the peace of mind to insure your shipment for its full value.
The Risks of Shipping Live Animals
Even when all the regulations are followed to a T, shipping live animals is an inherently risky endeavor. It‘s estimated that thousands of animals die in transport each year, with incidents often going unreported to authorities.
Common causes of mortality during transit include:
- Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold)
- Rough handling by carriers
- Escape from packaging
- Suffocation and crushing
- Dehydration and starvation
- Stress-induced illness
And for the animals that do survive the journey, the experience of transport can still cause long-term health issues. Studies have shown increased rates of respiratory and gastrointestinal disease in animals subjected to shipping stress.
Ultimately, there is no way to completely eliminate the risks associated with live animal shipping. The best approach is to avoid shipping animals unless absolutely necessary for species conservation, research, or agricultural purposes. And when shipping is unavoidable, taking every possible precaution to ensure the animals‘ health and safety is critical.
Alternatives to USPS for Shipping Live Animals
If USPS won‘t accept the animal you need to ship, don‘t despair – you still have options, though they may be more expensive. The following carriers allow a broader range of species to be shipped:
- UPS: Accepts all animals allowed by USPS, as well as live fish, zoo animals, and regulated species with proper paperwork. Some geographic and seasonal restrictions apply.
- DHL: Ships live animals including household pets, fish, and zoo animals on a limited case-by-case basis. Booking through a third-party logistics provider is required.
- FedEx: Only allows pre-arranged shipments from zoos, government agencies, and other approved shippers. Not available to the general public.
- Pet Transportation Services: Companies like Happy Tails Travel and Air Animal specialize in door-to-door domestic and international pet transport via air and ground. Fees vary widely.
Before shipping with any carrier, I cannot stress enough how important it is to thoroughly review their live animal shipping policies and procedures. Make sure you understand all the necessary requirements, including health certificates, kenneling standards, and any breed or species restrictions.
When in doubt, partnering with a professional pet shipping service is often the safest and most reliable option, especially for transport of exotic species or international moves. These experts are well-versed in the complex world of animal shipping regulations and can handle all the arrangements to give your pet the VIP treatment they deserve.
The Ethics of Shipping Live Animals
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, just because it‘s possible to ship certain live animals doesn‘t necessarily mean it‘s a good idea. Animal activist groups like PETA have long decried the practice of mailing live animals as inhumane and dangerous.
And while I recognize that some live animal shipments are important for scientific advancement and expanding the gene pools of captive breeding programs, I tend to agree that most general consumers shouldn‘t be using live animal shipping services just for the sake of convenience.
Whenever possible, I recommend picking up and transporting animals in person to minimize the inherent stress of vehicle-based travel. If having an animal shipped is unavoidable, you can reduce the risks by:
- Only ordering from reputable hatcheries, breeders, and suppliers with humane shipping practices
- Requesting the shortest possible transit time and most direct route
- Avoiding shipments during seasons with extreme temperatures
- Choosing the appropriate container and packing material for the species
- Purchasing shipping insurance to hold carriers liable
Above all, remember that live animals are not simply products to buy online and have delivered to your doorstep. They are living, breathing creatures that deserve our respect and protection. As responsible animal lovers, we must always put their welfare first, even if it means inconveniencing ourselves.
Final Thoughts
Shipping live animals is a complex and controversial topic that requires careful consideration of both practical logistics and ethical concerns. When done properly and for the right reasons, it can be a tool for connecting animals with those who will care for them and appreciate them.
But as with any situation involving live creatures, there is always an element of risk involved. It‘s up to each of us to weigh the potential benefits against the costs and make a responsible, informed decision.
If you do find yourself needing to ship a live animal, I hope this guide has provided you with the information necessary to do so safely and legally via USPS or an alternate carrier. And if you‘re considering ordering an animal through the mail on a whim – please think twice and examine if it‘s truly necessary.
Together, we can work to support a modern shipping infrastructure that prioritizes animal welfare above all else. The smallest creatures are counting on us.
