How Live Arrival Guarantees Work for Ball Pythons
What a live arrival guarantee covers, how to make a valid claim, common requirements, and how guarantees differ between breeders.
What a live arrival guarantee covers
A live arrival guarantee (LAG) ensures that the animal arrives alive at the destination. If the animal is dead on arrival (DOA), the breeder provides a replacement or refund according to their stated terms. A LAG is standard practice among reputable breeders and should be clearly stated before any purchase.
Typical requirements for a valid claim
- Pickup within 1 hour of hub arrival
- Continuous, unedited video from before the box is opened through confirmation of the animal's condition
- Notification to the breeder within 1 hour of pickup with video evidence and tracking number
- Photos of the shipping container showing it was not visibly damaged upon receipt
What a LAG does not cover
A live arrival guarantee typically does not cover animals that die after arrival due to husbandry errors, stress, or acclimation issues. It does not cover delayed pickup, packages redirected by the buyer, or shipments affected by weather holds that the buyer insisted on overriding. Health guarantees covering the first 10–30 days are separate protections with their own requirements.
Evaluating a breeder's guarantee
The strength of a guarantee is only as good as the breeder's willingness to honor it. Look for guarantees that are written, specific, and published on the breeder's website rather than verbal promises in a DM. Clear terms protect both the buyer and the breeder.
This article is part of the Buying Guide series at HD Reptiles.