Many bearded dragons enjoy spending time with their owners once they become comfortable with them. Spending time with your bearded dragon creates a stronger bond and is very enjoyable for both of you.
In this post, we will talk about traveling with a bearded dragon in a city, car, bus and flying on a plane, and how to prepare for these short or long trips. We will also give you a list of supplies, discuss traveling tips and tell you how to ship your bearded dragon safely.
Some trips might include both cars and planes, so make sure to read tips on both to prepare in the best way.
You can travel with both young and adult bearded dragons, just make sure to take care of their essential needs. Shield younger bearded dragons from cold (especially) and make sure to feed them on time.
Can you travel with your bearded dragon on a plane?
You might want to take your bearded dragon with you if you are moving houses or flying for a vacation. Flying with your bearded dragon will not be easy and you need to know few things first.
Please note, that flying won’t be comfortable for a bearded dragon – it is hard to provide ideal temperature, humidity and diet for your dragon. Plus, there will be an air pressure while flying.
Please only travel with your bearded dragon if an airline has let your take it with you inside the cabin.
Having your bearded dragon in cargo is not good enough. Especially dangerous is having your bearded dragon as checked luggage – this is unpressurized and unheated environment.
Your bearded dragon can develop respiratory infection, stress and other issues. In worst cases, your dragon can get lost, luggage might be delayed, or it can even die. There have been many horror stories.
So, fly with your bearded dragon if you really need it, and only when you can take it on board with you. But unfortunately, most airlines don’t take reptiles in cabin.
Some can allow you to have your bearded dragon in cargo, but not all will allow even that (Alaska airlines currently allow non-poisonous reptiles in a climate controlled baggage and cargo compartments).
But another bad news is, if airlines allow you to take your bearded dragon on board, the maximum size of a carrier can be around 17-18 inches long. An adult bearded dragon can reach 24 inches long, and if yours is, it won’t be allowed in cabin because of its size.
If you are only traveling for a short time, it can be better to ask someone to watch your dragon while you are gone. Also, try to arrange a tank for your dragon at the destination.
To sum up: most airlines don’t allow reptiles in cabin. Some allow them to travel in cargo, but this can be dangerous. Never, never ship your bearded dragon as a checked luggage.
Only take your dragon on a plane if you can have it on board, which isn’t possible in many cases. Instead, you can use under 24 hour live animal shipping. But even this is not the safest option.
When you can, take your dragon with you to watch and care for it. If travel is short, it’s better to ask someone to watch your dragon, instead.
Step 2: You will need to contact the airline and find out if your lizard is allowed in the destination country and prepare a health certificate.
If you have decided to fly with your dragon and there is no other choice, start preparations. Alaska airlines is one of the airlines that allows reptiles in plane cargo section. Some airlines will allow you to have the bearded dragon in cargo, but you will need to call them and ask.
Call in early or even when booking your flight – otherwise you might be rejected or it might be full. Another way to get your bearded dragon to the destination – is to use a 24 hours live delivery with a courier (such as UPS or FedEx).
What is more, make sure that you can bring your bearded dragon to the country that you are traveling to (if another country). Some countries have strict rules and your reptile can be rejected. And often, you will need enhanced health certificate that has been issues only few weeks before travel.
Step 3: You will need to pack your bearded dragon for plane travel/live shipping
If you have booked a place for your bearded dragon on a plane in a climate controlled cargo area, then you can start making arrangements.
You are most likely to have your bearded dragon in cargo, or have live shipping. For both of these, you will need to get and prepare a box with insulation, labels, cold/hot packs and so on.
Preparing and labeling a carrier for an air/shipping travel with a bearded dragon
Please read individual instructions of each airline/shipping company that you are using. These are general guidelines, and rules differ with each company. Feed and give water to your bearded dragon before leaving for a trip.
Whether you are shipping your bearded dragon or traveling with it on a plane (it will be in cargo, most probably), you will need to prepare its carrier and label it correctly.
You will need to prepare a box that will have Styrofoam inside for insulation. This way, the box will stay warm inside and protect the bearded dragon from any falls and other injury.
An actual bearded dragon should be in a breathable soft bag (such as burlap) or in a plastic container (if it’s small) that has around 5 holes for breathing. Inside the bag or in the cup, place strips of dry newspaper or paper towels so that your dragon doesn’t move around.
To heat the box, you will need hot packs. Take hot packs and place one on each side of the insulation foam. It should go inside of the box, between the Styrofoam and the dragon.
Place some more newspaper on top, and tape the box. Tape a box with one thick piece of tape (bottom and top), so it can be easy to open. Don’t forget to include important documents and your address.
If shipping in cargo on a plane, you will need to add a label that says non-venomous, non-poisonous live harmless reptile.
You will also need a luggage tag that that you will attach to the handle. It should say the your name, address, phone number. Also write species name (common + scientific), number of animals and gender of your dragon.
Traveling with your bearded dragon by car – tips and gear
It is much easier to travel with your bearded dragon by a car or bus. Road trips might include cross-country, or general shorter car trips to vet, parks, and shops. Whatever the destination, you need to take into the account few important things.
Bringing bearded dragon’s tank to the destination – yes or no?
If you are traveling by car/bus and you have limited space, you can bring a smaller tank for your bearded dragon, such as 20 gallon glass tank. However, if you have space in a car and you are staying for a longer period of time, such as few months, bringing a full-sized tank will be a better option.
If you don’t have space or you don’t want to bring a glass tank, you can choose to get a soft-sided or hard-sided carrier (see below).
If you are staying at the destination for a week or so, especially in the hotel, you can place your bearded dragon in the bathtub. Attach the light on the side so your bearded dragon can warm up and bask. Then, place some newspaper on the bottom and place the bowls and few accessories.
What to pack for a car/bus travel with your bearded dragon:
- You will need a carrier for your bearded dragon. As mature bearded dragons reach around 24 inches long, you will need a carrier that is around this size. You can choose either a plastic or soft-sided carrier. For example, this soft carrier by PetLuv is 24″ long, 16″ high and 16″ deep. What is more, its top and sides open up, so your dragon can get more sun when necessary. You can also choose a plastic carrier that you will cover with bedding. If your bearded dragon is small, you can also use an extra large Kritter Keeper that is 15 inches long or a basket with an open top. You can also bring a soft bed so your dragon can relax on it while in the car.
- Place bedding on the bottom of the carrier and bring extra with you, so you can change it. This can be newspaper, paper towel or pads. You can also use blankets on the bottom.
- Bring food and snacks to feed your bearded dragon. The most suitable would be freeze dried gut-loaded crickets and other insects, or complete diet food, such as this gel food by Repashy. You can also pack staple greens and fruits (find out what the best foods are in this post) in small containers. Also bring its snacks (such as this Buffet Blend) and supplements to dust fresh food and insects with.
- Food and water bowls so you can feed your dragon.
- Heating pads or packs to keep your bearded dragon warm while you are traveling. This is especially important if traveling in winter (read below for more info). If you are traveling in summer and the temperature is fine, then bedding and a blanket can be enough. If it gets too hot, take your bearded dragon out and give it water. Panting will be a sign of overheating.
- Towels for bathing and cage cleaning supplies, such as a spray with a brush and a scoop to keep the cage clean.
- An adjustable harness is a must, because bearded dragons run fast and can escape easily. You will be taking your dragon out of the carrier, so a harness will help keep it safe. There can be dogs around, as well as many children who can hurt your dragon.
- Make sure to bring UVB and/or a basking light. If you can’t bring the whole fixture, bring at least a compact bulb, such as this 10.0 UVB Reptisun light. You might need two of these. It depends on the size of the tank, where you will keep your bearded dragon at the destination. Make sure to find out about the humidity and temperature at the destination spot, as you might need to bring a night time ceramic heat emitting light bulb/ an under tank heater to keep your bearded dragon warm at night. Don’t forget a dome to place the bulbs in. It’s a good idea to bring a spare light because another one can burn out.
- Bring at least few pieces of furniture, such as a hammock, branch and a hideout, so your bearded dragon can climb and hide when it wants to. Otherwise, it will get bored.
- A thermometer is a must to check temperatures inside the carrier, new tank at the destination to make sure it’s not too cold/hot. You can take a handheld infrared thermometer, which is very easy to use. Hygrometer is optional.
- Contact number of a vet. In case of an emergency, find local vet’s office and number.
Tips on a car/bus travel with your bearded dragon:
When traveling, you can place your bearded dragon on a soft bed or on your lap (if you are not driving). When you need to, place your bearded dragon in a carrier and zip/lock it so it doesn’t run away.
You will also need to keep your bearded dragon warm in winter and in summer, if temperatures are low. You can place hot packs in its carrier.
Or, get an electric heating pad/blanket that will go in the carrier, too. For hot packs, you can use several hand warmers (for example, for camping) that will emit heat for many hours. For heat, you can use medicinal heat pads, too. You can also wrap your bearded dragon in a blanket to keep it warm.
If your journey is long, then make sure to feed your dragon and give it water. Also, provide heat and take it out from time to time. You can even let it bask if there is sun. But make sure to use a harness or hold it on your lap.
When in a new area, your bearded dragon might become clingy or scared. Be patient, and always use a harness so that your dragon doesn’t run away. Be careful as there might be other animals around, so you will need to shield your bearded dragon from others.
And that’s it! Traveling with your bearded dragon by a car/bus is not hard. Just make sure to prepare all the essentials and you will be good to go!