FAQ

No! Unlike airlines and non-climate controlled shippers, we can and do operate year-round. No need to worry about your animal overheating in a box truck or sitting on the tarmac all day!

There are a few states that have additional or special requirements:

• Florida – We have been permitted for many Class I, II, and III species by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission! Reach out and we can provide a full list.
• California
• Nevada – Additional fee may apply to offset state’s transit fee.

We can transport your animal to the airport for shipment to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico as well as international destinations.

We never combine shipments without consulting ALL parties involved. We pride ourselves on maintaining the biosecurity of animals in our care so you never have to worry about mystery animals intermingling with your shipment. We also thoroughly disinfect our vehicle and equipment with veterinary-grade cleaners after each transport.

Don’t wonder – just contact us via our website form to get a FREE no-obligation quote!

That being said, ground transport is typically more expensive than air. HOWEVER, we can work with you to lower the cost. Here are a few ways to keep shipments economical:

• Combine shipments with another institution (with everyone’s knowledge and approval)
• Allow us to coordinate your shipment before or after another shipment to save on fuel and lodging expenses.
• Shorten the route by meeting us somewhere at the beginning or end of the trip (if possible depending on the animal)

Zoos are experts at many things (animal care, husbandry, and conservation to name a few) but interstate commercial vehicle regulations may not be on your institution’s radar. Depending on the circumstances, you may be subject to DOT regulations, CDL requirements, state veterinarian requests, etc. Not to mention, zoo staff may not be familiar with operating a larger vehicle, weigh station regulations, driving in adverse conditions, or be prepared to handle en route emergencies. See our Guidelines for Choosing an Animal Shipper [Coming Soon]

We are the first and only professional veterinary-monitored year-round climate-controlled zoo-dedicated animal shipping service in the United States! Our goal is to provide this service as sustainably as possible with a focus on using solar energy and providing carbon offsets for each trip we make!

We’re also:

• USDA Class T Licensed
• USDOT/FMCSA Registered  
• DEA Licensed
• Ohio PUCO Registered
• AZA Commercial Member
• ZRA Vendor Member
• Woman Owned Small Business
• SAM.gov Registered

In addition to safe, comfortable, veterinary monitored transport of your animal(s), we also assist with coordinating the shipping times/logistics, contact state vets in each state to be transited, and notify veterinary staff at all AZA institutions along the route ahead of time to ensure facilities are available in the event of an emergency. We also provide real-time animal status updates and ETAs to give you peace of mind and make staffing for departure and arrival easy.

Yes! We have a US customs carrier bond and are registered with both US and Canadian customs online portals. We have our own SCAC code. We are not customs brokers but will work with whoever you use to sort out the details and ensure the smoothest possible border crossing.

Whenever possible and practical, please! Although IATA standards are designed for air shipments, we’ve found that they are often best practices for ground shipping as well. There are some situations where IATA standards may not really apply. Regardless, please select a crate with proper ventilation as air flow is crucial to maintaining optimal temperatures. Feel free to reach out at b.rizzo@wrat.net with questions.

Yes! Please see Ground Shipping Tips & Recommendations!

Yes! If the animal needs to be given food and water, please send along an adequate supply of food for the transport plus some extra just in case of delays. We have coolers available for food that needs to be refrigerated. We can provide water as needed. Please ensure there is a safe way to provide food and water to the animal through the crate. We can also accommodate transporting a supply of the animal’s preferred food for an easier transition at their new home – just let us know so we can plan for adequate space.

Sure! Depending on the transport logistics there may be an additional fee to offset gas/mileage, etc. We are happy to accommodate whenever possible and can often move empty crates cheaper than freight companies.

Due to limited space in our vehicle and our insurance requirements, we are not typically able to accommodate passengers. We may be able to figure something out in special circumstances (going to an airport, special animal needs, etc.)

Absolutely. Just email us at b.rizzo@wrat.net and we can provide guidance and assist with any part of the process.

We maintain insurance for our business, vehicle, staff, equipment, and physical cargo (crates, etc). Short-term animal life insurance policies are optional and available via our carrier for an additional fee. Please contact us for more info.

We prefer to be paid by check either before, at delivery, or within 14 days of the transport. We can also accept credit card payments.

No! Our quotes are full and firm for 30 days after issuance, except in extenuating circumstances. No surprise charges for gas, etc. We will do our best to be flexible if something changes with the shipment after the transport is booked but may need to charge additional fees for significant changes (date changes, significant reroutes, additional animals, etc). We don’t typically charge cancellation or rescheduling fees (see our terms and conditions). We understand situations can change abruptly and we want what is best and safest for the animal, even if that means rethinking the plan!

Of course! Feel free to reach out via email and we can send you a list of institutions that have used our services and points of contact.

Not yet! We are interested in building a nationwide network of zoo professionals to be part of our transport teams as demand for our services increases. Stay tuned for future opportunities!

We are always considering ways to expand our service offerings. If you think there’s an opportunity to partner with us – whether you are a zoo professional, shipper, or provide other services – drop us a line at b.rizzo@wrat.net