Temperature Guidelines for Safe Shipping- Reptiles and Amphibians

These guidelines are according to daytime HIGH temperatures. If either the ORIGIN or DESTINATION temperature is 70 degrees farenheit or higher, DO NOT use a heat pack.

Shipping outside of these temperature guidelines nullifies any SYR Insurance. If your daytime high temperatures straddle two categories, please contact us for instructions that remain within insurance parameters, qualifications, and guidelines.

REPTILES

Below 38°F: DO NOT SHIP. Wait for warmer weather.

38-69°F: Use a heat pack per our directions.

70-91°F: DO NOT use heat pack.

92-100°F: Ship to a "FedEx Ship Center" facility (NOT a FedEx Office, Pak Mail, Mail Boxes Etc. or other satellite/franchise location). Your shipment will arrive early in the morning and be kept inside until the recipient picks it up. Search for a FedEx staffed facility near you. Read the IMPORTANT NOTE below.*

Over 100°F: DO NOT SHIP. Wait for cooler weather.

 

AMPHIBIANS and other species from cooler moist climates.

Below 38°F: DO NOT SHIP. Wait for warmer weather.

38-60°F: Use a heat pack per our directions.

60-80°F: DO NOT use a heat pack. No cold pack required.

80-92°F: Use a cold pack per our directions.

Over 92°F: DO NOT SHIP. Wait for cooler weather.

NOTE: When the daytime high temperature at your destination is between 92 and 100 degrees farenheit, you should not ship to typical residential or business locations and you should not ship amphibians at all. Any time spent on a delivery truck during the heat of the day can be detrimental to the health of your animal. However, you can ship to a "FedEx Ship Center" facility (NOT a FedEx Office, Pak Mail, Mail Boxes Etc. or other satellite/franchise location). Your shipment will arrive early in the morning and be kept inside until the recepient picks it up. 

***Insurance Not Available Thursday 4/24/2025***

ALERTS:Please avoid shipping on Thursdays as delays can mean delivery may not happen until Monday or later.

Holiday Information: Be aware that guaranteed commitment times on packages from all carriers are delayed through the holidays. Please check your guaranteed commitment time in our "Quick Quote" section, and package accordingly for additional time in transit.

Please be cautious as to where you’re sending your live animals. Do not ship into or out of areas with forecasted daytime highs of 100+ degrees or below 38 degrees! And only drop it off at a hub, and have it picked up at a hub.

NOTE: Always check the destination before shipping. With varied temperatures across the U.S. consider using phase packs. Phase packs make it possible to ship from and to areas with straddling temperatures. Check out the Shipping Supplies tab on our website.

REMEMBER: FedEx has ZERO liability on live shipments, and they will not issue any refunds on live packages that are late, lost, damaged, or DOA. Our On-Time and Live Arrival Insurance is the only way to protect yourself in the event of a late, lost, or DOA shipment. 

Insurance Eligibility Requirements

If you ship without purchasing insurance, you do so entirely at your own risk and financial liability! Ship according to SYR, SYI and SYA Shipping Standards, Packaging Guidelines, and Temperature Guidelines. See our Shipping Standards section:

FAQ- Shipping Standards

FedEx Service Alerts

ATTN: All Reptiles and Amphibians, and most Aquatics MUST BE SHIPPED PRIORITY OVERNIGHT!