You may have asked yourself, "Is it safe to order an axolotl and risk them dying from the heat in transit?" Well, we are here to tell you how we produce a near perfect tracking record for shipping axolotls safely to their new owners. Shipping axolotls safely during the summer involves careful planning and the use of specific techniques to ensure their well-being. Here’s a detailed guide based on the practices outlined by The Mottled Lotl. Following these guidelines we are able to proudly say that we have shipped 1,000s of axolotls safely and successfully during the hot Summer months with only a couple of failed deliveries.
1. Shipping Schedule
- Days: Shipments are sent out from Monday to Wednesday to ensure delivery within the week and avoid weekend delays.
- Fasting: Axolotls are fasted appropriately before shipment to reduce waste in the shipping bag.
2. Packaging Techniques
- Bagging: Axolotls are placed in clear fish bags, filled one-third with water and two-thirds with air, and then double-bagged to prevent leaks.
- Insulation: The bags are wrapped in newsprint paper and placed in well-insulated, styro-lined boxes.
- Cooling: Ice packs are included to maintain a safe temperature, especially critical during summer.
3. Carrier Selection
- Preferred Carrier: Overnight shipping is used to minimize transit time. FedEx is often preferred due to reliability issues with USPS.
4. Live Arrival Guarantee
- Coverage: Only express overnight shipping comes with a live arrival guarantee. Priority mail does not guarantee live arrival due to potential delays.
- Conditions: For the guarantee to apply, customers must provide clear photos of the axolotls in their original unopened bag within an hour of delivery if there are any issues.
5. Legal Restrictions
- States: Axolotls will not be shipped to states where owning or importing them is illegal, including California, Maine, New Jersey, and New Mexico.
6. Customer Communication
- Notification: Customers are notified via email about the shipping status and expected delivery times.
- Support: Customers are encouraged to reach out with any special requests or concerns to ensure smooth handling.
By following these detailed guidelines, both sellers and buyers can help ensure the safe and healthy delivery of axolotls during the hot summer months. For more information, visit The Mottled Lotl’s shipping page.