Live Animal Order Process & Shipping Expectations

At Alternative Pet Universe, we understand that purchasing a live animal is different from purchasing a standard product. Every live animal order requires additional preparation, care, and coordination to ensure the animal is properly evaluated and prepared before entering transit.

Our priority is the health, safety, and responsible transportation of every animal we ship.

Live Animal Order Processing Phase

After placing a live animal order, your order will enter a required processing and preparation phase.

During this phase, Alternative Pet Universe will verify:

• The animal is currently available and properly inventoried.
• The animal is healthy and meets our quality standards prior to shipment.
• The animal is properly prepared for safe transportation.
• Shipping conditions are appropriate and safe for the animal.
• All necessary shipment preparations have been completed.

This processing phase typically takes 24–72 business hours.

This timeframe allows us to properly inspect, prepare, and schedule each shipment rather than rushing an animal into transit before it is ready.

Once your order has successfully completed processing and has been approved for shipment, tracking information will be provided.

Please understand that tracking information being generated does not always indicate immediate carrier movement. Carrier scans and tracking updates may take additional time after the package has been accepted by the shipping carrier.

Live Animal Shipping & Handling Fee

All live animal orders are subject to a $65 Live Animal Shipping & Handling Fee.

This fee includes more than standard carrier transportation costs and covers expenses associated with the specialized requirements of safely transporting live animals.

Shipping charges include costs associated with:

• Live animal preparation.
• Specialized packaging materials.
• Insulation and temperature-control materials when necessary.
• Order handling and shipment coordination.
• Final health checks prior to shipment.
• Additional labor required for safe animal transportation.

Shipping charges represent more than carrier transportation costs and include costs associated with live animal preparation, specialized packaging, handling, health checks, and shipment coordination.

Live Animal Shipping & Handling fees are non-refundable once an order has entered the processing or shipment preparation phase.

Live Animal Shipping Information

Most live animal shipments are scheduled for delivery before 12:00 PM; however, exact delivery times depend on your local carrier route and are not guaranteed.

All live animal shipments require an adult signature upon delivery.

An adult must be present to receive and sign for the shipment when it arrives.

Live animal packages will:

• Not be left unattended.
• Not be delivered without a signature.
• Not be released without customer acceptance.

Customers are responsible for monitoring tracking information and ensuring someone is available to receive the shipment.

Alternative Pet Universe is not responsible for missed deliveries, delays, or issues resulting from the customer being unavailable to accept the shipment.

Separate Shipments

Live Animal(s) and supplies purchased together may ship separately.

Due to different handling requirements, inventory availability, and shipping considerations, supplies may arrive in a separate package from live animals.

Separate shipments do not indicate an issue with your order.

Weather Delays & Shipment Holds

The safety and well-being of our animals is our highest priority.

Alternative Pet Universe reserves the right to delay shipment when weather conditions, temperatures, carrier conditions, or other circumstances may create an increased risk to the animal.

Examples may include:

• Extreme heat.
• Extreme cold.
• Severe storms.
• Carrier interruptions.
• Other environmental conditions that may impact animal safety.

If a shipment delay is necessary, customers will be notified by email.

Weather-related shipment delays are made solely for the protection of the animal and do not qualify as order cancellations or grounds for refunds.

Tracking Information

Once your order has completed processing and has been released for shipment, tracking information will be provided.

Customers are responsible for monitoring tracking updates and preparing to receive the shipment.

Carrier tracking updates, delivery times, and estimated arrival dates are controlled by the shipping carrier and are outside the direct control of Alternative Pet Universe.

Live Animal Guarantee

Alternative Pet Universe takes great care in preparing every live animal shipment.

Live animals are guaranteed to arrive visibly healthy upon delivery, subject to the requirements, limitations, and claim procedures outlined in our Terms & Conditions.

Customers must reference and follow the requirements outlined in our Terms & Conditions regarding:

• Delivery acceptance.
• Required inspection upon arrival.
• Notification deadlines.
• Required photographs and documentation.
• DOA claim procedures.
• Live arrival guarantee limitations.

Failure to follow the required claim procedures may result in the guarantee being void.

For any concerns regarding your shipment, customers must follow the procedures outlined in our Terms & Conditions.

Customer Responsibility After Delivery

Once the animal has been delivered and accepted, the customer assumes full responsibility for:

• Proper housing.
• Appropriate environmental conditions.
• Nutrition.
• Husbandry.
• Handling.
• Veterinary care when needed.

Alternative Pet Universe strongly recommends researching the specific care requirements of any animal before purchase and having the proper habitat and supplies prepared before the animal arrives.

By placing an order, you acknowledge that exotic animals require responsible ownership, specialized care, and a long-term commitment.

Important Reminder

Alternative Pet Universe's Terms & Conditions apply to all orders.

By placing a live animal order, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and accepted our policies regarding:

• Live animal purchases.
• Processing times.
• Shipping requirements.
• Shipping fees.
• Cancellation policies.
• Live arrival guarantees.
• Customer responsibilities.

Alternative Pet Universe reserves the right to prioritize animal welfare, responsible ownership, and safe transportation practices in every transaction.