Logistics
Shipping Information
Everything you need to know about when your order leaves the building, when it'll arrive, and what we do when weather or holidays get in the way.
Ship days
- · Livestock: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (UPS Next Day Air)
- · Dry goods: Monday–Friday (UPS Ground or USPS Priority)
- · Orders placed Thursday–Sunday ship the following Monday
- · Cutoff for same-week shipping: Tuesday 11:59pm CST
Estimated delivery times
- · Livestock: next business day by 10:30am – noon (UPS Next Day Air)
- · Dry goods: 2–5 business days (UPS Ground)
- · Heated packs and insulated boxes are included automatically on livestock
Weather holds
We monitor origin, transit hub, and destination forecasts for the 24 hours surrounding your delivery. Orders are held — at no charge — when temperatures fall outside the safe window for the species ordered:
- · Tropical fish: 32°F – 95°F
- · Corals: 38°F – 90°F
- · Cold-water (koi, goldfish): 28°F – 95°F
We will reach out by email to confirm reschedule dates. Plants ship through wider ranges with a heat or cold pack as needed.
Holiday schedule
- · No livestock ships the week of major US holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day)
- · Orders placed during these weeks roll to the following ship window
- · Dry goods continue to ship on non-holiday business days
Overnight livestock rules
- · UPS Next Day Air signature required — please be home or arrange a pickup
- · Packages left outside void our Live Arrival Guarantee
- · Open the box within 30 minutes of delivery, even if you cannot acclimate immediately
- · Photo of any DOA required within 2 hours of delivery (see DOA Policy)
Local pickup
Local pickup is available for customers within 50 miles. Contact us before ordering to coordinate.