Moving with Snakes: The Ultimate Guide

Snakes are among the world’s most successful reptiles. There are more than 20,000 species of snakes, which can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Snakes are found in a wide variety of habitats.

They even seem to be able to adapt to just about any situation. This makes moving with snakes especially difficult. The animals have excellent senses and may be able to detect even the slightest change in their environment.

Snakes are not interested in being cooperative pets. They are highly territorial and will attack without hesitation.

In addition, snakes can detect changes in temperature, air currents, and even vibrations in the ground. These senses make it difficult for humans to sneak upon them.

It is no wonder that moving with snakes is often stressful for people. However, relocation can be a lot less nerve-wracking with a bit of preparation.

If you’re thinking about relocating with your pet snakes, you’ve come to the right place. Snakes aren’t just lovable pets, but they also make great neighbors. Whether you have a single snake or a small collection, you’ll need to plan before moving.

You’ll also need to consider the local and national laws that govern animals. If you’re planning on moving to a new city, check out these helpful tips to make your transition as smooth as possible.

Do Your Research About The Laws In Your New City

If you’re moving to a new city, check out the local laws about pet snakes. You may need to get a permit to keep snakes as pets in some cities.

If you’re moving to another state and want to bring your pets with you, it’s best to call the Department of Natural Resources or the Game Commission in that state and verify that they will allow snakes as pets. If they don’t let it, you may have to rehome them or put them down.

Make Sure You Have A Suitable Quality Snake Carrier For Your Pet Snakes

Snakes are delicate creatures that need special care when traveling by plane or car. To ensure their safety and comfort during transport, choose a sturdy carrier to protect them from being jostled around during travel. The carrier should not be so heavy as it would be too much work for someone moving with pet snakes.

A suitable snake carrier or travel cage will have plenty of ventilation, a secure locking mechanism, and strong enough to hold the weight of your pet snakes and any accessories you may need to take with you on the trip (such as heating pads, etc.).

Suppose you are traveling with pet snakes that are not large enough to fit into a standard-sized snake carrier or travel cage. In that case, it is also essential to buy a soft-sided crate that is big enough for them to move around comfortably in and still has plenty of ventilation.

If possible, practice putting your pet snakes in their carrier or crate at home before traveling to avoid getting stressed out by being placed inside it when they are first introduced to it.

A soft-sided carrier that has a strong bottom is best. Line the inside of the carrier with newspaper or paper towels to absorb any moisture, and add a few drops of water to the paper towels so they won’t dry out too quickly.

Plan Ahead For Your Pet Snake(s)’ Inspection With The USDA

If you are moving with pet snakes, you may need to have them inspected by the USDA before bringing them into your new home. It is recommended that you plan for this inspection well before your move date so that there are no delays or complications on move day.

You will need to set up an appointment time, which can take several weeks to schedule depending on where you live, and then have a few weeks’ notice before that appointment so they can get the paperwork together.

It is best to schedule the inspection as soon as possible after your move, so you don’t have any extra time frames to worry about. If something comes up and prevents you from making it to the appointment on time, they won’t be able to reschedule you because of waiting periods.

It is important to remember that the USDA inspection is not an absolute requirement, but it is good to have your pet snakes inspected before you move so you know that you are complying with regulations in your new state.

If you are moving from one state to another, the USDA will not typically inspect your pet snakes for the new state; instead, they will want to see that they were checked in your previous state. In this case, it is still a good idea to get an inspection for yourself and documentation purposes.

The USDA does not require any specific type of enclosure or housing for pet snakes. However, it is recommended that you provide as much space as possible and be mindful of temperature and humidity levels.

It is also recommended that you have proper bedding materials available, especially when introducing new snakes into the enclosure (i.e., newspaper or paper towels).

Set Up A Schedule With Friends Or Family Members Who Can Check In On Your Pet Snakes In An Emergency

If you will be moving by yourself, it is good to set up a schedule with friends or family members to check in on your pets while you are gone. This can be done either at the beginning of the trip or at the end, depending on how long you are traveling and how much you trust your friends or family members to check in on your snakes while you are away.

It is also a good idea to leave specific instructions for your friends and family members and contact numbers for them and local veterinary offices if there is an emergency. If you are taking any particular medications for yourself or your pet snakes, be sure that someone else has access to the medication and knows when it needs to be given (if applicable).

Make Sure That Your Pet Snakes Are Updated On Vaccinations Before Traveling With Them

If you are traveling with pet snakes or other pets requiring vaccinations, be sure that they are up-to-date on all of their vaccinations before traveling. If you live in the United States, it is essential to ensure that your pet snakes have been vaccinated against Rabies before traveling outside of the country since the Rabies vaccine is not available overseas.

If you do not live in the United States, check with local veterinarians about what vaccinations will be required for travel and ensure that your pet snakes have completed their vaccination schedule before beginning your trip.

Make Sure That You Know The Laws And Regulations Regarding Traveling With Pet Snakes In The Country You Are Entering Into

The laws and regulations regarding traveling with pet snakes in different countries vary significantly from place to place, so make sure that you research what is allowed before attempting to bring your pet snakes into another country with you. In many cases, it will be necessary for you to obtain a special permit or license before traveling with your pet snakes into another country.

Never attempt to bring your pet snakes across international borders without getting all of the appropriate paperwork required to enter another country with them (including any required permits, licenses, or health certificates).

Never try to smuggle your pet snakes across international borders without taking this paperwork along with you (as most customs agents will seize any animals they find if they do not have the proper paperwork). If possible, have a copy of all of your paperwork in your luggage, but leave the originals in a safe place at home.

It is also a good idea to contact the embassy or consulate of the country you enter before leaving home. Please inquire about what is allowed and what is not allowed when traveling with pet snakes into their country.

If possible, try to visit this embassy or consulate to speak with someone personally about your plans before attempting to take your pet snakes into another country with you.

Make Sure Your Pet Snakes Are Appropriately Quarantined

When you first bring home a new pet snake, it is good to quarantine it for at least 30 days (and up to 90 days) before introducing it to your other pet snakes.

This will help ensure that the new snake does not have any parasites or diseases that could be passed on to your other snakes.

Be Prepared For People To Ask You Inappropriate Questions About Your Pet Snake Or Make Inappropriate Comments

Many people who do not know much about reptiles tend to make inappropriate comments or ask inappropriate questions about your pet snake.

It is important to remember that some things are plain rude to ask someone, and as far as I am concerned, asking a person invasive questions about their business (especially when it comes to their pets) is one of those things.

Be Prepared For People Who Will See Your Pet Snake And Immediately Think It’s A Danger

Many people who see a snake will immediately think that it is dangerous and try to kill it. It is important to remember that your pet snake is harmless and that you should not let anyone hurt your pet.

You should also report anyone who tries to hurt your pet snake. Snakes are an essential part of the ecosystem, and they will not hurt anyone.

Traveling by Air

The vast majority of airlines that allow you to travel with your pet snakes will require that they be shipped in a sturdy and secure wooden or plastic box. You should make sure that you have a copy of the airline’s specific shipping requirements for your pet snakes when traveling by air.

This way, if you are asked to provide them, you will be able to do so. It is also a good idea to take photos of your snake’s box before leaving home if the airline does not allow it (and then consult with the airline about what type of box is best for shipping your pet snakes).

Your snake’s box should be large enough to be easily lifted and carried by two people if needed. It is also essential that the box has adequate ventilation holes in its lid and some padding on all sides (such as egg crate foam) to protect your snake from being tossed around too much during the flight.

When traveling by air with your pet snakes, you should check with the airline regarding their specific requirements and restrictions. In most cases, they will not allow you to put your pet snakes in a checked bag.

Most airlines will require that your pet snakes are shipped as cargo so that they can be inspected at all times during the flight.

Traveling by Sea or Ocean

Traveling by sea or ocean with your pet snakes may require that they are placed into a special container (such as a shipping box) to ensure that they remain safe during the trip. You should check with each shipping company for specific requirements for traveling with your pet snakes on boats and ships.

Traveling by Train

Traveling by train with your pet snakes may require that they be placed into a special container approved by the railway. In most cases, these special containers are made of plastic and have a mesh lid that allows for adequate ventilation. It is essential to check with the railroad company regarding their specific requirements and restrictions.

Traveling by Bus

Traveling by bus with your pet snakes can be done, but it is not recommended. If you choose this method, you should check with the bus company regarding their specific requirements and restrictions, as most will not allow pets on board buses (unless they are in a special container).

Why Is It Important To Keep A Snake Calm While Traveling?

Snakes are susceptible animals. They’re prone to stress and anxiety, so they need to be kept comfortable and stress-free during the moving process. If you’re planning on moving with your pet snakes, you’ll need to keep them in their terrarium for as long as possible before moving day.

You’ll also have to pack your snake’s habitat with a few extra items, such as a temperature regulator and a humidifier. You can also purchase special snake bags designed to transport snakes safely.

What Do I Need To Do On Moving Day?

If you have a single snake, moving it from one home to the next should be fairly easy. The first thing that you’ll need to do is make sure that the new home is ready for your pet snake.

Once it arrives, place the terrarium in an inconspicuous area of the house — preferably in an area where there’s no direct sunlight — until you’ve moved your other belongings. Don’t forget to keep your snake hydrated and feed it regularly before moving day.

If you have a small collection of snakes, you may need to arrange a pet-moving service. You can also hire a friend or family member to help transport the snakes from one home to the next.

If this is the case, it’s best to schedule your move for a weekend or holiday when most people are off work and not busy with their daily routines. Moving days are usually very hectic, so it’s best to plan accordingly and avoid scheduling your move on a Friday or Monday.

What Do I Need To Do After Moving In?

Once the moving truck has left your old home and you’ve settled into your new place, there are a few things that you should do before opening up your snake’s terrarium:

  • Check your new home for pre-existing pests. You might have cockroaches, ants, or other pests in your new home. If so, give them time to leave on their own before you introduce your snake to his new home. This can be done by placing the snake’s terrarium in an area with no direct sunlight and opening the lid once or twice a day for a couple of weeks to allow all of the other bugs to leave on their own.
  • Once you’re confident that there are no bugs inside your house, you can proceed with the next step. Do a complete cleaning of your snake’s terrarium and accessories. Use warm water and mild dish soap to thoroughly clean all of the surfaces in the snake’s terrarium, including its glass lid, sides, and accessories such as water bowls and food dishes.
  • Ensure that all surfaces are completely dry before introducing your pet snake into his new home — you don’t want him to get sick by being exposed to any moisture.
  • Once you’re ready to introduce your snake into his new home, use a pair of tongs or a gloved hand and carefully move it into its new terrarium. Make sure that you don’t jostle him too much, as this could result in injury or even death. The last thing you want is your pet snake to get injured because of something that you did.

As far as cleaning your snake’s terrarium goes, it would help if you cleaned it once a week to keep the humidity levels high. You can also place a few water bowls in the terrarium so that your pet snake has something to drink from.

It’s also a good idea to leave the lid off of the tank for one or two hours every day so that your pet snake can get some fresh air and sunlight. This will help to keep him healthy and happy.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many things that you need to think about when you are moving with snakes. However, if you plan and do your homework, it is not that difficult to do.

The key is to decide what type of snake will be the best pet for you and then learn everything about caring for it. If and when the time comes for you to move with snakes, all you have to do is pack up your belongings and head out on the road.

Hopefully, the tips above will help you to be prepared for your pet snake when you move.

Author: Jay Baxter


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