Shipping Policy

Last Updated: May 2026

Overview

At The Spoodoire, the welfare of our animals is our highest priority. We take great care in packaging and shipping all live animals to ensure they arrive safely and in excellent condition.

By placing an order with The Spoodoire, you agree to the terms outlined in this Shipping Policy.

Live Animal Shipping

Dispatch Days

Live animals are normally dispatched on:

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday only.

This helps prevent animals from being delayed within courier networks over weekends.

We reserve the right to postpone dispatch where weather conditions, courier issues, public holidays, or animal welfare concerns make shipping unsuitable.

Animal welfare will always take precedence over dispatch schedules.

Live Animal Shipping Method

To maximise animal welfare and minimise transit times, all live tarantulas and invertebrates are shipped using Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm® unless otherwise agreed.

This premium service provides:

  • Fully tracked delivery

  • Signature on delivery

  • Delivery by 1pm on the next working day to most UK addresses

  • Compensation cover in accordance with Royal Mail's terms and conditions

Tracking details will be supplied once your order has been dispatched.

While Royal Mail aims to meet its guaranteed delivery times, The Spoodoire cannot be held responsible for delays caused by circumstances outside our control, including but not limited to severe weather, transport disruptions, industrial action, incorrect customer information, or events affecting Royal Mail's network.

If Royal Mail alters or suspends service guarantees, we reserve the right to use the most suitable alternative service available.

Packaging

All live animals are packed with care using methods designed to minimise stress and ensure safe transit.

Depending on the species, season, and weather conditions, packaging may include:

  • Secure specimen containers

  • Protective cushioning

  • Insulated packaging

  • Heat packs

  • Cooling packs

  • Additional protective materials where necessary

Packaging methods may vary according to weather conditions and the needs of the animal being shipped.

Weather Conditions

Animal welfare is our primary concern.

We may delay shipment if:

  • Temperatures are considered unsafe

  • Severe weather warnings are in effect

  • Courier disruption is anticipated

  • We believe dispatch could place the animal at unnecessary risk

Should a shipment be delayed for welfare reasons, we will contact you to arrange an alternative dispatch date.

Receiving Your Delivery

Customers must:

  • Provide a complete and accurate delivery address.

  • Ensure someone is available to receive and sign for the parcel.

  • Monitor tracking updates provided by Royal Mail.

  • Bring the parcel indoors promptly upon delivery.

  • Inspect the contents as soon as reasonably possible after arrival.

Failure to receive or collect a parcel may affect eligibility under our Live Arrival Guarantee.

Incorrect Addresses

Customers are responsible for ensuring all delivery information is correct.

The Spoodoire accepts no responsibility for delays, losses, failed deliveries, or additional costs arising from:

  • Incorrect addresses

  • Incomplete addresses

  • Incorrect postcodes

  • Customer absence

Where a parcel must be resent due to incorrect information supplied by the customer, additional shipping charges may apply.

Delivery Delays

Once a parcel has been handed to Royal Mail, delivery performance is outside our direct control.

While Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm® is a premium service, delays can occasionally occur.

The Spoodoire cannot be held liable for delays caused by:

  • Adverse weather conditions

  • Transport disruption

  • Industrial action

  • Service interruptions

  • Events outside our reasonable control

Where possible, we will assist customers with tracking and investigating delayed shipments.

Dry Goods and Accessories

Non-live items such as:

  • Enclosures

  • Decor

  • Substrate

  • Feeding equipment

  • Merchandise

  • Other accessories

are normally dispatched within 1–3 working days.

These items may be shipped separately from live animal orders where necessary.

Shipping Charges

Shipping costs are calculated during checkout and may vary depending on:

  • Order value

  • Parcel weight

  • Delivery location

  • Order contents

  • Selected delivery method

All applicable shipping charges will be displayed before payment is completed.

Free Shipping

Where free shipping promotions are offered, eligibility requirements will be clearly displayed on the website and may be withdrawn or amended at any time.

Collection

Where collection is offered, customers will be contacted to arrange a mutually convenient collection date and time.

Animals and products should be collected within the agreed timeframe unless alternative arrangements have been approved.

Shipping Restrictions

The Spoodoire currently ships to addresses within the United Kingdom only unless otherwise agreed.

We reserve the right to refuse shipment where:

  • Courier services are unavailable

  • Weather conditions are unsuitable

  • Animal welfare may be compromised

  • Delivery cannot be completed safely

  • Legal restrictions apply

Lost or Damaged Parcels

Any shipping issues should be reported as soon as possible.

Customers should retain:

  • Original packaging

  • Shipping labels

  • Photographs of any damage

These may be required when investigating claims with Royal Mail.

Live Arrival Guarantee

Eligible live animal shipments are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee, subject to the terms of our separate Live Arrival Guarantee & DOA Policy.

Customers are strongly encouraged to review that policy before purchasing live animals.

Contact Us

For shipping enquiries, please contact:

The Spoodoire

Website: https://spoodoire.uk

Email: [email protected]

Contact Form: Available through our website to the left or use the Chat button bottom right.