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shipping

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How are animals shipped?[back to top]

The only legal and safe way to ship mammals is via airlines. It is still legal to ship reptiles and day old chicks through delivery companies such as the United States Postal Service, Fed-Ex and UPS. There are a couple of reasons why it isn't a good idea to ship mammals through these carriers. First, it is illegal. Mammals must be shipped in USDA approved containers by USDA approved carriers. Most airlines are approved carriers and it is up to the shipper to provide appropriate containers. Probably the most important reason they shouldn't be shipped via regular mail or next day services is that the cargo planes are not temperature controlled or pressurized and sometimes even "Next Day" deliveries are delayed. Even though many people still ship mammals by these methods, Millermeade Farms will not put the animals in jeopardy or our self in a compromising situation.

The animals must be shipped in an approved shipping crate with access to food and water. We use either a kennel carrier or a rodent crate. The kennel carriers come in a variety of sizes and the rodent crate is 16" x 22" x 6". Two or three rodent crates may be stacked and secured together so they can be shipped as one piece.

What airports are available?[back to top]

We are located about 40 miles away from Toledo Express Airport and 113 miles from Detroit Metro Airport. We prefer to ship from Toledo Express but there is limited service so we are often forced to ship out of Detroit.  The minimum order to ship out of Toledo airport is $100.00 and $500 for Detroit. Unfortunately there is a delivery charge due to the price of gas, the tolls on the turnpike, and parking.  The delivery charge will depend on the time of the flight and the airport used.

The animals must be accompanied by USDA paperwork and health certificates. Our veterinarian will need to inspect the animal or animals being shipped and issue a health certificate within 10 days of the shipping date. You will need to know your state’s requirements (Department of Agriculture and Fish and Wildlife) prior to the veterinary appointment to make sure the appropriate paperwork is completed.  This protects both Millermeade Farms and the customer. Finally, most airlines require the temperature must be between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit along all points of the shipping route for most airlines. Continental airline out of Detroit has year round service.

Are there any restrictions shipping between states?[back to top]

When our veterinarian issues a health certificate he will call the State Veterinarian’s Office for the state of destination to find out the requirements for animals entering that state. Many states do not exotic animal restrictions and do not require special permits or applications. The state of Ohio requires an entry permit number and health certificate only but other states, such as New Mexico, require an entry permit and a fee per animal. Other states including California and Pennsylvania prohibit all exotics. Once a health certificate is issued it is sent to the Ohio State Veterinarian’s Office who approves it and forwards it on to the State Veterinarian’s Office for the state of destination. Our veterinarian cannot issue a health certificate if exotics are illegal in your state and we cannot ship without a health certificate.

Please check and make sure exotics are legal in your state, county, and city before purchasing an exotic animal. Different agencies within a state may have different requirements. In Ohio, the Department of Natural Resources regulates native wildlife ownership; the Ohio Department of Agriculture regulates the importation of ALL animals into the state but only regulates the ownership of prairie dogs, raccoon dogs, and monk keets (Quaker parrots). Laws are constantly being updated, amended and changed so it is a good idea to verify information found online with the appropriate office prior to shipping.

We are familiar with the shipping and importation requirements for Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are adhering to you state’s laws and requirements.

Can animals be shipped year round?[back to top]

Some airlines can ship animals year round and other airlines have temperature restrictions limiting shipping to times when the temperature is between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit at all points during the trip. We are willing to ship animals on direct flights only if the temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Small mammals chill very easily and we do not want to jeopardize the safety of the animals during layovers or transferring to connecting flights. We would rather wait to sell an animal than send ship it in potentially dangerous conditions.

Who makes the arrangements?[back to top]

You need to do the preliminary shipping arrangements. Call the different airlines suggested below to try to find the best possible prices for the day you wish to receive your animals. Make sure the rates and shipping terms for the airlines are suitable to you. Most airlines require the animals to arrive at the airport one to two hours prior to scheduled departure.  Due to packing time, drive time, and early arrival we are unable to ship using most flights before 9am.  After you have found an airline, airport, date and time that will work for you please call and verify that the flight arrangements will fit into our schedule.  (419-485-3734).

Is shipping expensive?[back to top]

Here are the estimated shipping costs:

 Airfare: $99 and up.   Average price $150

Shipping Crate: $5-$50. Many animals can be shipped in one large container as long as each species is contained separately. A typical rodent crate is 22”Lx16”Wx6 ½ “ H. Two or three rodent carriers can be stacked and shipped as one unit.

Veterinary Health Certificate: $45. Some states require entry permits or they may have certain restrictions. My vet will call each state's Animal Board of Health to find out what is necessary to enter your state. You should also check with your state and local authorities to make sure owning an exotic pet is legal in your area.

cellaneous Shipping and Handling Charge: $25 to $75. This charge is for tolls, parking, gas, and other expenses on our end.

Airline Information:[back to top]

Continental Airlines Quickpak
Detroit Service Only
1-800-575-3335
petsafe@coair.com 
The carrier charge is based on weight.  There is also a Fuel Surcharge and Tax.
   
Continental is my first choice in airlines but it is uneconomical to use for small shipments due to the extended drive time to Detroit.

US Airways
Toledo Service Available
www.usairwayscargo.com
Price depends on weight.

Delta-Dash Detroit Service Only For Direct Flights
1-800-352-2746
1-800-221-1212
1-888-736-3738
www.delta-air.com/prog_serv/cargo/dash/index.jsp
Delta does not offer direct service out of Toledo.

Comair
Comair is Delta’s commuter flight to Cincinnati.   
1-877-528-4961
www.comair.com/etrac

Toledo Atlantic Southwest
1-888-736-3738

American Airlines
Toledo Service Available
http://www.aacargo.com/shipping/animals.jhtml
1-800-227-4622

Northwest Airlines
 www.nwa.com
1-800-NWCARGO

If you are still interested in shipping, please contact me and we can discuss your order.