moving 2650 miles with Bearded dragon and 3 yorkies!

Question
QUESTION: Hi there. Our pet beardie turned 1 yr in April. We are moving in about 6
weeks from Las Vegas, NV. to Vermont. I need to know how to get him there
safely as we will also be traveling with 3 yorkies and 3 children ages 7,8 and
9. This is a huge move and I am overwhelmed as how to handle this. Please
help. Thank You for your time and expertise. Oh, he does eat a lot of veggies,
super worms and crickets, he's pretty spoiled! We have his smaller terranium
that we could possibly transport in too. I just wasn't sure if there was some
other options....Thanks Again.

ANSWER: I take it you're driving???  If so, how many days are your planning for the trip?  Are we stopping at night or driving straight through as much as possible?  What's your timeline and what types of vehicles and space do you have available?  And why would you move from VEGAS (!!!!) to Vermont...  It gets cold there ya know!

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QUESTION: Hi and thanks for responding to my question. You know, I haven't really
figured out the getting there part. Initially, I thought we would drive but I am
having second thoughts. I am going to check into trains and planes etc. If we
drive, we will definiately stop a few times and sleep etc. I have a Honda
Oddessey. It is somewhat a mystery at this point as to "how".  As far as
moving from Vegas, Obviously you have not lived here with small
children...haha. It sounds fun on the surface but realistically a terrible place to
raise a family and also ranks 50th in the states for education, dead last!
Vermont was rated #1 smartest and healthiest on the state by state
comparrison, better economy, nice people. I could go on literally for days
about the differnces. Good place for family too..Yes, really COLD but after
years of 115 degrees for months without end, I say bring it on brrr..Sorry for
the rant but you did ask. Okay, back to my son's dragon,Claw..What should I
do??? Are there companies out there that can transport animals like this
equipped with lighting etc. to meet his needs, like fed? If I take him on a
plane, that's 8 hours or so..Car is 42 hours!! I am looking at moving last week
of June. Still in the process of leasing house ( wanna come to Vegas and lease
my house?) finding moving company blah blah blah. So, you see I just don't
even know where to start. What do you think? Thanks again..Lori

ANSWER: I thought Vegas had made improvements to it's education... Oh well.  

As to the dragon.  You can ship him overnight via UPS, USPS, FedEx, Etc.  But the problem becomes who do you ship to if you aren't there...  Some airlines will allow animals some will not, you will have to check individually.  And check whether that means in the cabin or with the cargo (you'll have to pack differently for both).  If you drive here is what I would do.  Put him in a pillow case and place that inside a cushioned box (VENTILATED).  Make your day-time driving the dragon's night time.  Then when you get to the hotel set him up in a small tank and feed him sparingly.  If you can make the trip in 48-60 hours or less I wouldn't even brother taking him out of the box.  2 days packaged like that will not harm him.

DO NOT FORGET he is in the car when you get out to eat, shop etc.  Cars heat up VERY fast!!!  Then get him up and running when you get to Vermont.  GOod Luck let me know if you have any more questions.

p.s. For say $1200 I'll come to Vegas and drive him cross country for ya!  For $3500 I'll take the kids along too!!!  You know that's a deal!  LOL

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QUESTION: Thanks for the great advice. I have a good friend who will care for our dragon
and send him overnight after we arrive. I will look into fed x and make certain
we do everything just so..I do appreciate the generous offer to take Claw and my
kids but you might need a stright jacket once you arrive and I don't think I
could afford your hospital stay!! Thank you so much..You are a fantastic adviser.

Answer
Sounds good.  I wouldn't tell Fed X what it is, sometimes they get a little funny about it.  Call USPS thought and check again but I'm pretty sure mailing a lizard is ok with them.  No subterfuge required.  Snakes are a no-no but lizards are ok if I remember correctly and they offer overnight service now too.