Last updated: 2026 May 22

Holotypica Sales and Shipping Policies

Thank you for your interest in Holotypica. I am a small-scale breeder focused on captive-bred dart frogs, emerald tree skinks, and a small number of other carefully selected species. My priorities are healthy animals, ethical practices, and evidence-based husbandry. Please review the following policies before purchasing.

1. General

All animals offered for sale are captive-bred, never wild-caught.

Dart frog pairings are bred as single locales or morphs only.

Emerald tree skinks and other reptiles are bred in stable, thoughtfully managed groups, with attention to welfare and compatibility.

Buyers must be 18 years or older. I am happy to talk with younger hobbyists, but a parent or guardian must complete the purchase.

I reserve the right to decline a sale if I have serious concerns about the planned setup or welfare of the animal. This is not personal. My first responsibility is to the animals.

2. Shipping

I ship from Connecticut to the contiguous 48 United States only. I do not ship to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, or internationally.

All live animal shipments are sent by FedEx Priority Overnight and are scheduled Monday through Wednesday only. Shipments are held for pickup at an appropriate FedEx Ship Center or approved FedEx hold-for-pickup location whenever possible.

Shipping dates are subject to weather, holidays, FedEx service conditions, and animal readiness. I reserve the right to delay shipment if conditions are not safe for the animal. This includes conditions at the shipping origin, destination, and transit route.

Animals are packed in insulated shipping boxes with appropriate temperature control. Depending on conditions, this may include heat packs, phase packs, or both.

The buyer is responsible for providing accurate shipping information, a valid phone number and email address, and being available to pick up the shipment on the scheduled delivery day.

3. Live Arrival Guarantee

I offer a Live Arrival Guarantee for shipped animals when all of the following conditions are met:

  • The shipment must be picked up within two hours of being marked available for pickup by FedEx.
  • The recipient must film the unboxing. The video should begin before the box is opened and continue clearly through the inspection of the animal.
  • Any issue must be reported immediately, within the same two-hour pickup window.
  • The Live Arrival Guarantee is void if the package is not picked up within two hours, if the unboxing is not filmed, if incorrect shipping information is provided, if the shipment is redirected or delivery is changed after shipping, or if the customer is unavailable to receive or pick up the shipment.

The Live Arrival Guarantee is void if the package is not picked up within two hours, if the unboxing is not filmed, if incorrect shipping information is provided, if the shipment is redirected or delivery is changed after shipping, or if the customer is unavailable to receive or pick up the shipment.

In the rare event of a DOA covered by the guarantee, please contact me immediately with the unboxing video and clear photos. Covered claims may be resolved by replacement, credit, or refund at my discretion.

If you notice any concerns within the first 24 hours, please contact me immediately with photos and details. While I cannot promise refunds or replacements, I will do my best to troubleshoot husbandry and help you problem-solve.

4. Local Pickup

Local pickup is available by appointment in southern Connecticut or at most White Plains, NY reptile expos.

Pickups are scheduled in advance at an agreed-upon time and location. For the safety of the animals, I may postpone pickup in cases of extreme weather or other conditions that put the animals at risk.

Please bring an insulated container or cooler if possible. Amphibians and small reptiles are sensitive to temperature swings, and I want them to arrive at your home safely.

For local pickup, I guarantee that animals will be alive and in apparent good health at the time of pickup. Please inspect them while you are present. I am happy to answer questions.

Once the animal leaves my care, I cannot control factors such as transport conditions, enclosure setup, temperature, humidity, or stress. For that reason, I cannot offer extended health guarantees beyond the point of pickup.

If you notice any concerns within the first 24 hours, please contact me immediately with photos and details. While I cannot promise refunds or replacements, I will do my best to troubleshoot husbandry and help you problem-solve.

5. Animal Age, Size, and Sexing

Most dart frogs are sold as well-started juveniles, usually 3 to 6 months out of water, unless otherwise noted.

Tadpoles are sold between Gosner stage 25, when they are free-feeding, and stage 39, before forelimb development, unless otherwise agreed upon.

Reptiles are sold as juveniles, subadults, or adults as indicated in each listing.

Any stated sex, including “male,” “female,” “probable male,” or “probable female,” is based on my best assessment at the time. Sex is not guaranteed unless the animal is explicitly listed as “proven.”

6. Customer Responsibility

The buyer is responsible for confirming that the animal can be legally kept in their state, county, city, and housing situation.

Before purchasing, you should have:

  • A fully established enclosure that is appropriate for the species.
    • For dart frogs, this typically means a planted, bioactive-style vivarium with appropriate humidity, leaf litter, and hiding spaces.
    • For tree skinks and other reptiles, this means an enclosure with adequate vertical space, basking and thermal gradients, UVB where appropriate, and secure climbing structures.
  • A plan for ongoing feeders that match the species.
  • A way to maintain temperature, humidity, and lighting within the recommended ranges.
  • Please do ample research before purchasing. I am happy to provide pre-purchase and post-purchase husbandry guidance. If you are new to a species, please ask questions.

7. Holds, Deposits, and Payment

I can hold animals for a short period once we agree on a pickup or shipping date.

For animals held longer than 7 days, a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the purchase price may be required.

Deposits reserve specific animals for you and are non-refundable if you cancel or fail to show.

If I need to cancel a sale on my end, such as if an animal becomes unwell before pickup or shipping, any deposit you have paid will be refunded or transferred to another animal, at your choice.

I currently accept cash, Venmo, and PayPal.

Full payment is due at or before pickup or shipment, unless we explicitly agree otherwise in writing.

8. Returns and Rehoming

I do not accept returns of live animals once they have left my care, except in cases covered by the Live Arrival Guarantee for shipped animals.

If you can no longer care for an animal purchased from Holotypica, please contact me. I may be able to take the animal back, help find an appropriate home, or provide guidance. Rehoming assistance is not a refund or buyback guarantee, but I care about where these animals end up.

9. Legal Responsibility

By purchasing from Holotypica, you affirm that:

  • You are legally allowed to own the species you are buying in your location.
  • You understand the care requirements and are prepared to meet them.
  • You are responsible for following all local, state, and federal regulations that apply to frogs, reptiles, and other animals in your area.

10. Contact

If you have any questions about these policies or about animal care, please reach out before you purchase. I am happy to help you decide whether a particular species or setup is a good fit.