Moving house with a terrarium: how do you transport and resettle your reptile?
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
To move house with a reptile, transport it separately from the terrarium in a heated transport box, disconnect the electrical setup last, and only plug it back in once the new terrarium is in place. Always allow a 24 to 48 hour margin before your animal returns to its normal routine.
Contents · 5 sections
How do you prepare to transport the animal itself?
Place the reptile in a ventilated box lined with paper towel, with a hot water bottle or heat pack if the trip lasts more than 30 minutes below 18 °C. Avoid feeding the animal in the 48 hours before the trip to limit digestive stress.
In what order should you dismantle and rebuild the terrarium?
- Before you leave: put the reptile in its transport box last;
- Taking apart: decor and accessories first, heating and lighting last;
- On arrival: set up heating and the thermostat first, and let the temperature stabilise for 2 to 4 hours;
- Resettling: only put the reptile back once the target temperature is reached.
Check our travel and safety section for other everyday situations.
How do you limit stress during the change of environment?
A reptile that has just moved may refuse food or hide more for one to two weeks: that is normal as long as it drinks and stays active at night or at the basking spot, depending on the species. Keep the same substrate and hides as far as possible to preserve familiar scent cues. If in doubt, browse the reptile hub to compare the needs of different species before improvising a change of gear.
Should you plan a backup option in case of a hiccup?
Always keep a cooler or an insulated box with a hot water bottle on hand in case of a delay of several hours, especially in winter. Look up a vet who specialises in exotic pets near your new home ahead of time, in case the animal shows signs of distress on arrival, and keep the previous vet's contact details handy to pass on its records.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a reptile go without eating during a move?
Most species cope fine with one to two weeks of fasting in this context; resume feeding gradually once the animal has settled.
Can you fly with a reptile?
It is possible but heavily regulated (climate-controlled hold, specific paperwork depending on the airline and destination): check directly with the carrier well ahead of the trip.
Should you see a vet after a difficult move?
Yes, if the animal stays lethargic, will not drink or loses weight for more than two weeks: see a vet who specialises in exotic pets promptly.
An accessory from our shop for this use: Stick-on digital thermometer for aquarium and terrarium glass (€18.90) · the whole shop
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Reptiles universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.
