Do I need heat packs for shipping?

[crayolaskies]

I'm shipping two leopard geckos to a buyer in California in the next couple of days. I looked at the temps across the country and I was wondering at what temp would I need a heat pack? It's kind of warm over here in Florida but it's down in the 40s in the midwest and great plains areas.

Also, I'm shipping UPS next day air. Do I have to go through any special regulations or anything because I'm shipping live animals? Or can I just drop them at the local UPS hub at the appropiate time, no questions asked? Of course I will notify them that there are live, fragile animals in the box and the box will be properly marked as well. Any help is extremely appreciated. I am very nervous as this is my first time shipping.

 

[MichaelJ]

if it's going to be in the 40's I probably would use a heat pack maybe not a 40 hour though, and I wouldn't place directly near the animal.. Just one though.

UPS or Fedex are good ideas; just make sure you do the over night and that the receiver had to sign for the package and delivery it buy 10:30 am.

 

[BalloonzForU]

I would find out when the lastest you can drop it off too, as it will be a little cooler (lol not much) later in the day there in FL.

 

[crayolaskies]

Can I use, say, a 12 hour heat pack? Do they sell heat packs at stores like Wal-Mart?

 

[Leopardbreeder]

Yes they sell 12 hr.packs in the sporting goods section.

 

[crayolaskies]

Really? I looked in the medicine and bandaging section and didn't find any, but I'll try the sports section tomorrow.

 

[Leopardbreeder]

I put them in my gloves when I hunt.

 

[GeckoMandi]

I have 20 hour ones I use for lower temps and I got them at wal-mart but this time of year they will be in a clearance section because it's not hunting season

 

[crayolaskies]

Yeah, I looked and couldn't find any. Couldn't find anyone to help me either. They paged someone to the sports section but no one ever showed up. I also looked at Target and Walgreens. I'm shipping them tomorrow, so I won't have a heat pack, but I'm pretty sure it'll be okay.