Shipping policy

Big Z's Habitats and Arachnids — Shipping Policy

Where We Ship

We currently ship within the United States only. Some live animals cannot be shipped to certain states or municipalities where they are restricted — see our Terms of Service. We do not ship live animals to P.O. boxes.

Processing Time

Orders are processed in 1–3 business days. Live animals ship Monday through Wednesday only, so they are never sitting in a carrier facility over a weekend. If you order late in the week, your animal will ship the following Monday (or the next safe ship day).

Shipping Methods & Cost

Live animals ship via an approved overnight live-animal service, based on your location and the weather. Supplies, enclosures, and care guides may ship by a slower ground/standard service. Shipping is calculated at checkout. You will receive tracking by email as soon as your order ships.

Weather Holds — Every Order Is Packed Weather-Aware

Invertebrates are sensitive to temperature extremes. Before every live shipment we check the forecast at our location, your delivery address, and the carrier hubs in between. If temperatures along the route are unsafe (roughly below ~40°F / 4°C or above ~95°F / 35°C), we hold your animal — at no extra charge — until conditions are safe, and we will keep you updated. When a heat pack or cold pack is needed we will add one; if there is a charge it will be shown before we ship. Holding an animal for safe weather does not void the Live Arrival Guarantee — waiving a recommended hold or pack does.

Receiving Your Animal

Someone must be available to receive the package on the first delivery attempt, or you should select "Hold for Pickup" at your local carrier facility and collect it the same day it arrives. Do not let a live-animal package sit outdoors, in a mailbox, or in a vehicle. See our Refund & Return Policy for full Live Arrival Guarantee terms.

Local Pickup

Local pickup in the Phoenix, AZ area may be available by arrangement for live animals — message Big Z before ordering to set it up.

Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Shipments

If tracking stalls or a package is delayed beyond its guaranteed window, contact us right away at bigzshna@gmail.com and we will open a case with the carrier and work with you. Report shipping damage to non-living items within 7 days with photos. Incorrect or incomplete addresses are the buyer's responsibility — packages returned to us for that reason are reshipped at the buyer's cost and are not covered by the Live Arrival Guarantee.