TRANSPORTING SNAKES

The container requirements for freighting both venomous snakes and non-venomous snakes are similar but slightly different, see the following information to understand the best way to transport your snakes.

Transporting a snake requires a little extra caution to ensure their safety and reduce the risk of escaping during transport. Therefore, it is essential to know about the requirements prior to the move. Listed below are the ways to safely transport your snake.

The first step to freighting your snake is to stop feeding it approximately one week out before the transport date. This will hopefully stop the snake defecating in its bag during the journey.

You need to place your snake into a smaller inner container. This can be a plastic container with airholes or a bag. Bags are generally durable hessian or cloth bag or commercially produced snake bag which allows for the animal to breathe through the bag. For larger snakes pillowcases can be used. The bag must be secured, for larger snake’s zip ties or tying a knot in the open end of the bag will suffice. For smaller snakes an elastic band will ensure to keep the snake within the bag. Make sure the snake is clear of the area when applying the knot, zip tie or bands to prevent injury to the animal.

Please note that multiple snakes should not be placed into the same bag and each snake should have its own individual bag or inner container.

Once the snake is secure in the bag or smaller inner box, the next step is to place the bag/container in the transport box.

Choose a box big enough for your snake to lie comfortably. A hard plastic storage container works well; Sistema containers are a popular choice as their clip seal container range adds an extra layer of security as they can’t be accidentally opened. Sistema containers are also easily available in supermarkets, but any container will work as long as its solid plastic/wood that is strong enough not to shatter if dropped. Make sure the container has small holes for air exchange but not big enough holes that the snake could crawl out if it escapes its bag. This can generally be done with a soldering iron.

Place the snake into the transport container. If it can lay flat on the bottom of the container then it’s a good fit. If the container is a little larger than the inner container then packing such as newspaper or packing foam should be able to stop the bag/ inner container sliding around in the transport container.

Place all permits and other required paperwork within an envelope taped to the outside of the container. If an inspection is required at any airport, then they will be able to easily gain access to the import/export permit without opening the container.

Once the lid is closed it needs to be secured. Many people like to burn a hole in the corners of the lid close to the edge and in the same spot on the container lip allowing for a zip tie to be threaded through both the lid and container stopping anyone from opening the container. Masking tape can also be used to secure the lid to the container but be mindful not to cover the air holes.

The top of the container will generally have the consignment taped to the container, so if you need to record any information the best spot is on the sides. Even though the consignment gives the airline carrier all the required information some breeders like to add the name, phone number and destination to the side of the container.

Specific Requirements for freighting Venomous Snakes

Venomous snakes need to be packed into an inner container or bag like normal snakes. Each snake must be packed singly in its internal container e.g. bag or plastic container. These containers must be labelled with the specimen’s scientific name, common name and the word “venomous” or a pictorial warning label showing that the animal is venomous.

These inner bags or containers then need to be placed into a larger outer container. It is recommended that the outer container be clear plastic which enable inspection and control of the animals without opening the container.

All outer containers must be covered with a secured wire mesh under the lid; this adds another layer of protection for the handler. This mesh (fine chicken wire is preferred by most breeders) must prevent the animal escaping if the container needs to be opened for inspection purposes.

Plastic transparent containers should additionally be secured with strong adhesive tape around the edges or strapping around the container to add extra security in case the plastic is cracked or broken during transport.

Adequate ventilation must be provided in the outer plastic container and the inner container if one is used rather than a bag. Air holes in both containers should be provided, and air holes should be small enough that if the snake was to escape its bag or inner container then it would not be able to escape through the air holes in the container.

When venomous snakes are shipped in the same crate with other non-venomous species, they must be separately compartmentalised, and the outside of the container should be labeled to designate which side contains the venomous species.

Summary

• Venomous snakes MUST have a double container system (an inner and outer container) The inner container can be a bag or a container, whilst the outer container is preferred to be hard clear plastic.
• The inner container must be labelled with animal species and clearly labelled “venomous”.
• Wire mesh must be placed around the inner container which would prevent the snake from escaping if the inner container was to fail
• Place the hessian bag inside a container that has air holes, and the lid zip tied to the base. On the top of this container label, it with scientific name and common name (double bagging system)
• Place this container in the container that is lined with chicken wire and place the lid on top zip tying it to the base (also make sure there are air holes in this container).
• Add warning labels that there is a venomous snake within the container.

Labelling of each bag or inner container must list the specimen’s scientific name, common name and venomous or a pictorial warning label.