I won't rehash the situation in the world and the US in particular, but some of the more recent developments made it necessary for us to move (back) to Europe. A mere three years ago I thought my adoptive country was going to be my forever home, but here we are.
I'm an EU citizen, so at least that bit is straightforward. Moving with eight reptiles however, isn't.
I can't find an airline that will allow us to travel with our snakes (in cabin or in the hold), which makes it necessary to either use a pet transport service or to ship them.
One pet transporter has quoted me $12k to move the animals. I'm waiting for more quotes, but it's unlikely that they'll be much lower.
Shipping is a viable option for snakes, but I can't imagine Shadow will tolerate being in a crate possibly for 2 days to the exporter location and then up to additional 4 days for the overseas air freight, customs, etc.
So for right now I'm trying to rehome at least Shadow the tegu. If any of you have the means and space to take her in, send me a DM, and let's talk. I'm in the Seattle/Tacoma area.
I have reached out to some snake exporters, and they can ship the snakes, and deal with the export part of the process, but I still need an import broker on the other end to clear them through customs and a veterinary inspection. That way, we "only" would have to spend about $4.5k to get the snakes from here to there.
When you're "importing" five or fewer pet reptiles (and they arrive within 5 days of when you travel), the veterinary inspection (and associated $$$ fees) can be skipped, and there's slightly less paperwork, but that means rehoming two snakes as well as Shadow.
Not thrilled about it, but if they go to a good home, I could make my peace and part with Lasso the corn and Makeba the ball python. They're both around 13 years old and healthy, great eaters, and very docile.
I will not give my reptiles over to just anyone, I will ask for proof of enclosure and knowledge of husbandry. Again, if interested DM me. I'll ship within the US if you cover the cost.
