Shipping anything always comes with risks, and shipping live animals is no different! The Waving Axolotl does everything possible to maintain the safety and wellbeing of our beloved babies. We have spent countless hours caring for and raising our little ones and only want what is best for them! Please read below to learn more about our shipping policies and our Live Arrival Guarantee.

Shipping Policies:

• We do not ship live Axolotls to California, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, or Washington DC due to the laws regarding axolotls in these states. Any order placed going to these states will be cancelled and refunded. We also do not ship outside of the US.

• There is a $50 shipping DEPOSIT for all orders. We will reach out with a shipping quote after your order has been placed. The online store calculates shipping fees much higher than the company we use for shipping labels. We utilize UPS and Fed Ex. If your area offers both shipping couriers, we will give you both shipping quotes. We leave this up to the customer based on their experiences with their local couriers. After choosing the shipping method, we can send an invoice for the difference.

• We now offer local delivery for a small fee! This fee is calculated into your checkout total based on Zip Code. We can meet close to your home in a public place if that makes you more comfortable. Of course, If you would still prefer shipping, we are happy to do this as well, just choose the shipping option instead of delivery on the check out screen.

• Axolotls must be fasted for a minimum of 48 hours prior to shipping. Because of this, all orders must be placed by 9:00PM EST on Thursdays to go out the next week. Local deliveries can still be made after this time since there is no shipping involved.

• Axolotls must be a minimum of three inches to go to their new homes.

• We only ship on Mondays or Tuesdays. This is due to weekend delays and higher risks of packages sitting in the shipping facilities.

• There are some factors that may affect shipping dates or cause delays - We will reach out to the new owners if these occur:

  • Extreme temperatures - If the temps are extremely high or low locally or in route to their new homes, shipping is at the discretion of The Waving Axolotl.

  • Storms - If a major storm front is coming through, we may delay shipping.

  • Holidays - Any federal holiday that falls on a shipping day will be held till the following week.

  • Busy Holiday Shipping Seasons - We will hold all orders placed from 12/15-01/05 due to the holiday season craziness. This is when packages are more likely to be delayed or go missing. All orders placed during this time will be held and shipped on the Monday/Tuesday following the hold. Please plan holiday orders accordingly.

  • If you have any questions regarding the above or would like to push forward with shipping, we will do our best to accommodate, but the Live Arrival Guarantee would no longer be applicable.

• The Waving Axolotl will supply the tracking number for your records and so you can track your Axolotl’s travels.

• Once the package has been received by the carrier (UPS, Fed Ex, USPS, etc.), The Waving Axolotl is not responsible for shipping delays or lost packages. Unfortunately, these situations are out of our control. We will do everything in our power to assist you with any issues that possibly arise.

Live Arrival Guarantee:

The Waving Axolotl offers Live Arrival Guarantee on Axolotls that are shipped Overnight/Overnight Express only. Please keep this in mind when choosing your shipping options. If the below conditions are met, the customers are eligible to receive a replacement or full refund for the purchase price of the Axolotl. We apologize, but shipping fees are non-refundable. Customers are responsible for the shipping cost of the replacement Axolotl.

• Package must be opened within ONE HOUR OF DELIVERY. We highly suggest that you have someone at home to accept the package, but it is not required.

• Upon opening, if you find that the axolotl did not survive the journey, you must reach out to The Waving Axolotl with photos and video of the Axolotl in the unopened bag. You must reach out via text or email so that there is a time stamp in place. Please be sure that the photos/videos are clear.

• Opened bags are not eligible for live arrival guarantee.

• If it is a covered loss, The Waving Axolotl will replace the Axolotl or offer a refund for the purchase price of the Axolotl.

• Shipping costs are non-refundable.

• Owner is responsible for shipping cost of the new Axolotl.

Please reach out with any questions or concerns. We are happy to help!