Articles on basic care and considerations for new or prospective owners.

Vet/Health Care

Articles pertaining to health, nutrition, and veterinary care.

Breeding and Development

Articles and pictures about hedgehog breeding, growth, and development.

Advanced Care Issues

Articles for people who already own a hedgehog or want to know more than just the basics.

Colors

Learn more about  hedgehog colors!

Purchase a Hedgehog

Wondering where to buy a hedgehog? Start here!

Hedgehogabilia

Where to purchase hedgehog supplies and collectibles.

Our Herd

Meet the hedgehogs of Hedgehog Valley!

Other Critters

Meet the other critters that call or have called Hedgehog Valley their home!

Hedgehog Shipping FAQ

How do you ship a hedgehog?

There are only two safe, legal ways to ship a hedgehog. One is to use a ground shipping agent, such as Citizen Shipper or Happy Tails Travel. The other is to ship by plane, airport to airport.

Why not send it overnight express or UPS or something like that?

Even though it is allowed to send some birds and reptiles through the US post or other package handlers, hedgehogs are classified as an exotic mammal.  If the carrier is not USDA approved to handle exotics mammals, it is not legal. It is also dangerous for the hedgehog. These services typically do not have temperature controlled shipping or delivery vehicles, increasing the chances that the hedgehog can be exposed to extreme and potentially deadly temperatures. Packages generally go in unpressurized cargo holds, which are another extreme danger to the hedgehog. No thank you!

Is shipping expensive?

Unfortunatly, yes. I generally ship hedgehogs via air freight. Shipping costs include air freight ($210 to $250), a health certificate ($15 per hedgehog), and kennel cab ($25). Those costs are in addition to the cost of the hedgehog. I live two hours from the nearest airport but I do not charge gas or handling fees. I am able to ship up to about 6 hedgehogs together at the same rate, so it can be more cost efficient if you purchase more than one, or have a shipping buddy to split costs with.

What are those other expenses involved in shipping, besides just the hedgehog and the air freight?

In order for the hedgehogs to travel, they must be checked by a licensed veterinarian and receive a clean bill of health within 10 days before traveling. Some airlines will say that you only need this for dogs or cats, but my experience is that the Kansas City cargo offices will not accept a hedgehog shipment without one.

How is the hedgehog shipped?

Please click here to see my travel pictorial that explains the process.

What are the weather restrictions?

The compartment where the hedgehogs stay during their time on the plane stays climate controlled when the plane is moving, but if the plane stops for any length of time, the compartment can get dangerously hot or cold. Airlines generally do not ship live animals if it is below 45 degrees or above 80 degrees at any point in their journey. If it is too hot or too cold, or there are weather conditions that cause flight delays, the airline will not allow me to ship and we will have to reschedule. The airlines use Weather Underground to determine their forecasts, and whether they will accept animal shipments.

When do I pay for shipping?

I used to be able to ship collect but the airlines have eliminated this option. Therefore, I DO NOT ship freight collect. I have to prepay your flight, kennel cab, and health certificate. I also need lead time to schedule the vet visit, so your order be paid in full at least 10 days in advance of shipping. I will not book your hedgehog flight or make the appointment for the health certificate until I have been paid in full.  

If you would like to use a ground transport service, you will need to contract with and directly pay the ground shipper. You and the ground shipper will need to communicate with me about the pick up time so that I can have your hedgehogs ready and available when they come. They will require a health certificate, which will need to be paid for at least 10 days before travel so that I have time to get the vet appointment arranged.