Whether you’re moving a few miles, or cross country, transporting your snake does not have to be hard.
We all know that snakes require vigilance when it comes to heat and humidity. And of course they can stress easily, which can lead to a wide range of health issues.
You’ll need to take a few extra precautions, but this is totally doable.
Check The Local Laws For Your New Location
The first thing you need to do is check the local laws for where you are moving. Even if the state you’ll be residing in allows you to own your snake, city or county ordinances might not. You don’t want to find this out after it’s too late.
Do your research, and be aware of the local laws and ordinances.
Do Not Feed Your Snake Prior To Moving
Moving can be stressful for your snake. If it has eaten within a couple days of the move, you stand a pretty good chance that it will stress out and regurgitate its last meal.
This is not healthy for your pet. They can handle the stress of the move, but you shouldn’t add the additional burden of them regurgitating.
I don’t know if you’ve ever seen a snake vomit, but it’s not a pretty sight. Their entire body is designed to consume food, and pass it through in one direction. Having it come out the opposite way seems like an excruciating event.
Give your snake time to digest its food before moving day!
Cover Your Snake’s Enclosure While Moving
Make sure to keep your snake’s enclosure covered through the packing and loading process. Not having to see all of the commotion will reduce stress. Having a towel over the tank will also reduce drafts and dust.
There is going to be a lot of activity going on in your home on moving day.
People going in and out, furniture being moved, lots of noise and conversation, etc… These things can be pretty stressful for your snake.
There will also be long periods of time where doors are kept open as people are going in and out. This can cause excessive drafts, and possibly extra dust in the air depending on the circumstances.
Last to load, first to unload!
Transport Your Snake In A Cloth Bag And A Tote
When it comes time to move the snake itself, put it in a cloth bag. Pillow cases work great if your snake will fit in one.
Keep the cloth bag with your snake inside of a tote. Make sure the lid is secure and there are plenty of air holes.
Feeling the bag touch their body, and not being able to see out will make it seem like a safe hiding spot. This will reduce stress for your pet, and will also keep them from getting out and getting lost.
Pack The Enclosure Properly
Make sure you remove everything from the inside of your snake’s enclosure before transporting it, and wrap them separately.
Hide boxes, water bowls, décor and such, can bounce and get tossed around when you hit bumps. These things can break glass, put holes in screening, and damage the inside of the enclosure.
You should load these things and the enclosure in a spot where they will be easily accessible when you reach your destination. They will be the first things you unload.
Keep The Snake With You And Out Of The Sun
Make sure the snake tote is in the same area of the vehicle as you yourself.
You don’t want to place it in the trunk of a car, the bed of a truck, or in the trailer of a semi or box truck. All of those areas can get too hot or cold, depending on the time of year.
You also want to make sure the tote isn’t sitting in the sun. While you may have the heat or AC set to a comfortable temperature in the car, a tote sitting in the sun will be experiencing an entirely different temperature.
Even in winter, a closed tote sitting in the front seat with the sun shining directly on it can reach a dangerously high temperature.
I recommend keeping your snake’s tote on the floor.
If you stop for gas or to eat, be sure to park in a shaded area. If it’s summer, keep the windows down as far as you can. In the winter, you’ll probably need to leave the car running with the heat on.
I know those aren’t ideal situations, but you don’t want your pet broiling or freezing. You might be better off eating in the car.
Moving Long Distances With A Snake
Having your snake outside of its normal temperature and humidity ranges for a short period of time will be OK, but what if you’re moving cross country?
- Keep a thermometer inside of your snake’s tote in order to monitor temperature. Your pet can go a couple of days without the high basking temperatures as long as you are keeping it within its normal range.
- Keep hand warmers and/or hot water bottles in the tote with your snake to help maintain temperature. Just make sure they are not touching the snake. They can get too hot!
- If your snake requires a high humidity, keep a moist towel inside of the tote. Take it out every time you stop, and dampen the towel again with hot water.
- Plan ahead for potential overnight stays. Make sure the hotel you are staying at will allow you to bring in a snake.
Consider Having Your Snake Shipped To Your New Home
If your move is going to take more than a couple of days, you might want to have your snake shipped to you rather than transporting it yourself.
There are several reputable reptile shipping companies that breeders use to deliver their snakes. Most of these companies will ship your snake within 24 hours, which will be a lot less stressful for your pet.
Make arrangements to have someone babysit your snake for a few days, then have it picked up and delivered to you once you’ve arrived at your new home.
Move Your Snake Into Your New Home
The first thing you’ll need to do is unpack the enclosure along with everything that goes in it, and get it set up.
Get the temperature and humidity levels up to their normal range before placing your snake back in its enclosure.
Once your pet is back in its home, be sure to cover the enclosure just like you did when you started the move, until you are finished unpacking. Set up your snake’s room first, then you can close the door to the room while you take care of the rest of your home without disturbing it.
Enjoy your new home!
Summary
Moving with a snake requires a little extra planning and effort, but it’s not a monumental task.
Your snake can handle a little time outside of the perfect conditions you try to maintain, without any ill effects.
By following the steps I’ve outlined, you should easily be able to move your pet with no problems.