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.

Shows and Colors

Learn more about hedgehog shows and hedgehog colors!

Purchase a Hedgehog

Wondering where on earth 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 Hedgehog Valley their home!

Shipping Hedgehogs

Since not everyone lives near a hedgehog breeder, or even a store that sells hedgehogs, we often get asked questions about shipping, and would like to address some of those questions here.

Is shipping expensive?

YES. The only legal (and safe) way that I have available to ship hedgehogs is via air cargo. We can use Continental, American, and Delta/Northwest. Shipping costs include air freight (which runs around $200), health certificate (approximately $40), and kennel cab (approximately $20); so we charge a flat rate of $260. During heat embargo, or to serve airports only accessed by priority pet, it adds $80 to the rate ($340 flat rate). That is in addition to the cost of the hedgehog. We are 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. To see our most current list of airline/airport options, click here.

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

Even though it's ok to send some birds through the US post to some offices, and some carriers may accept certain animals, hedgehogs are an exotic and, unless the carrier is USDA approved to handle exotics, it is not legal. Not to mention that these services typically do not have temperature controlled shipping or delivery vehicles, increasing the chances that the hedgehog may be exposed to extreme (and potentially deadly) temperatures. Further, many use unpressurized cargo holds, which are another extreme danger to the animal. No thank you!

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

In order for the hedgies to travel, they must be checked by a licensed veterinarian and receive a clean bill of health within 10 days previous to traveling. My vet charges $14 per certificate. Multiple hedgies can go on the same certificate at $4 per extra hedgie (i.e.: $18 for 2, $22 for 3, and so on). You will also need an airline approved kennel cab. This is about $16. Because we live over 120 miles from the nearest airport, we also charge a $20 transport fee, which will be waived when we can ship two or more hedgies on the same day. 

How is the hedgehog shipped?

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

What are the weather restrictions?

The compartment where the hedgies stay during their time on the plane does a good job of staying cool when the plane is moving, but if the plane stops for any length of time, the compartment can get dangerously hot or cold. Airlines are not allowed to ship live animals if it is below 45 degrees or above 85 degrees at any point in their journey, unless they have special equipment. As of 8/12/02, we have been informed that Continental has upgraded their equipment and can ship animals even when temperatures are 0 to 100. If it is too hot or too cold, or there are weather conditions that cause flight delays, the airline will not allow us to ship and we will have to reschedule. The airlines use Weather Underground to determine their forecasts, and whether they will accept animal shipments.

So, how much does that cost all together?

You need to add together the cost of the air freight, health certificate, airline approved kennel cab, transport fee (if applicable), and the animal to calculate your final cost. 

The table below shows an estimate of the shipping costs for one hedgehog:

health certificate:	$40
kennel cab:	$20
air freight:	$200 to $280
total:	$260 to $340 + hedgie

When do I pay for shipping?

We used to be able to ship collect, but the airlines appear to have eliminated this option. Therefore, we DO NOT ship freight collect. Due to the requirement that we must prepay your flight, kennel cab, and health certificate, and that we must have time to schedule the vet visit, we ask that your order be paid in full at least 7 business days in advance of shipping. We will not book your hedgehogs flight or make the appointment for the health certificate until we have been paid in full.