Shipping Information

Overview

At Munchkins Family, our priority is your kitten’s safety, comfort, and health. We offer delivery options designed to reduce stress and ensure a smooth transition from our home to yours. This page explains available methods, timelines, fees, what to expect, and what we require before any kitten travels.

Important: We do not ship kittens as cargo. We only use options that prioritize humane handling and proper supervision.

1) Delivery Options

Option A — Local Pickup (Recommended)

Local pickup is the least stressful option for most kittens.
Pickup includes:

  • Time to review your kitten’s records and care routine
  • A chance to ask questions about food, litter, and transition
  • Confirmation of go-home items and guarantee paperwork

Scheduling: Pickup is by appointment only.

Option B — Personal Nanny Flight (In-Cabin Air Travel)

A flight nanny (pet chaperone) accompanies your kitten in the cabin and delivers to you at an agreed airport.

Best for: Out-of-state families who want the fastest travel with constant supervision.
Included:

  • In-cabin travel (kitten stays with nanny)
  • Basic travel supplies (carrier setup, pee pads, etc.)
  • Coordinated meetup at the arrival airport

You are responsible for:

  • Arriving on time to the agreed airport and meeting location
  • Any airport parking or access fees
  • Following ID/verification steps at handoff (see Section 7)

Option C — Ground Transport (Door-to-Door or Meet Point)

Professional ground transport is arranged through a trusted pet transport provider.

Best for: Families within regional driving distance or when flights are limited.
Typical format:

  • Door-to-door delivery or a safe meet point (depending on route)
  • Regular check-ins from the transporter

Notes: Routes depend on transporter scheduling; delivery may take longer than flying.

2) Health & Age Requirements for Travel

Your kitten will only travel when all the following are true:

  • The kitten is healthy, energetic, and eating well
  • The kitten is weaned and reliably using the litter box
  • The kitten is age-appropriate for the chosen transport method
  • The kitten has received age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming
  • We believe travel is safe based on the kitten’s condition and weather/route considerations

We reserve the right to delay travel if safety is a concern (see Section 6).

3) Scheduling & Timelines

Shipping timelines depend on:

  • Your kitten’s age and readiness date
  • Transport availability (airline schedules, nanny availability, ground routes)
  • Weather and seasonal travel conditions
  • Holidays and peak travel weeks

Estimated timing (general):

  • Nanny flight: Often fastest once booked (commonly 1–2 weeks, sometimes sooner)
  • Ground transport: Typically depends on route scheduling (often 1–3+ weeks)

We will provide the next available estimated window once your reservation is confirmed.

4) Shipping Fees & What They Cover

Shipping costs vary based on:

  • Distance and destination
  • Airline pricing and availability
  • Nanny fees, ground route fees, and timing
  • Carrier requirements and travel supplies

Shipping fees typically include:

  • Travel coordination and scheduling
  • Transport service (nanny flight or ground transport)
  • Travel carrier setup (if required for the method)

Shipping fees typically do not include:

  • Deposit or purchase price (unless stated)
  • Veterinary exam costs you choose after delivery
  • Weather-related rebooking fees or last-minute changes caused by missed meetup (see Section 7)
  • Airport parking, tolls, or access fees on the buyer’s side

A written quote is provided before booking transport.

5) Payment & Booking Policy

  • Shipping is arranged after your kitten is reserved and your balance/payment schedule is confirmed.
  • Shipping fees are generally due before transport is booked.
  • Deposits are typically non-refundable (unless your contract states otherwise).
  • If you change delivery method after booking, additional fees may apply.

6) Weather, Delays, and Safety Holds

We will not place a kitten into unsafe travel conditions. Delays may happen due to:

  • Extreme heat/cold, storms, or unsafe road conditions
  • Airline cancellations or route interruptions
  • Kitten health concerns (even minor ones if travel would add risk)

If we delay, we will:

  • Communicate quickly
  • Provide the soonest safe rebook option
  • Keep you updated with photos/videos when possible

7) Delivery Day: What to Expect

For Airport Delivery (Flight Nanny)

You will receive:

  • Arrival airport and estimated arrival time
  • Specific meetup location instructions (terminal/area)
  • Confirmation of what to bring

You must:

  • Be on time (or early)
  • Bring a valid photo ID
  • Bring a secure vehicle setup (AC/heat ready)
  • Have your home prepared for immediate transition (see Section 9)

Late/no-show policy: If you miss the agreed meetup time, additional costs (rebooking, extended nanny time, lodging, etc.) are the buyer’s responsibility.

For Ground Delivery

You will receive:

  • A delivery window (often a range rather than an exact time)
  • Transporter contact details and status updates

You must:

  • Be reachable by phone/text
  • Be available during the delivery window
  • Meet the driver promptly to minimize stress for the kitten

8) At Handoff: Kitten Paperwork & Items

At pickup/delivery you will receive:

  • Vaccination and deworming records
  • Health guarantee documentation (per our Health Guarantee page/contract)
  • Feeding and transition instructions
  • Any included go-home items promised in your agreement

If you selected add-ons (extra food, supplies, etc.), those will be confirmed prior to travel.

9) Preparing Your Home for Arrival

To reduce stress and help your kitten settle in, prepare a “safe room” for the first few days:

  • Litter box (unscented litter recommended at first)
  • Food and water bowls
  • Kitten-safe food (same brand to start if possible)
  • Cozy bed/blanket
  • A few toys and a scratching post
  • No access to stairs or high furniture without safe steps/ramps
  • Keep other pets separated initially

We recommend a quiet 48–72 hour adjustment period with gentle handling.

10) Post-Arrival Vet Visit (Required)

Per our Health Guarantee, we require a veterinary exam within 72 hours of arrival/pickup (excluding Sundays/major holidays if applicable). This protects you and your kitten and establishes care with your local veterinarian.

11) Where We Ship

We can often arrange delivery within the United States, depending on:

  • Transport availability
  • Seasonal weather
  • Airline policies and route access
  • Ground route scheduling

If you’re unsure, contact us with your city and nearest major airport (if flying) so we can confirm options.

12) Get a Shipping Quote

To request a quote, please send:

  • Your full name
  • City/state (and nearest major airport if applicable)
  • Preferred delivery method (pickup / nanny flight / ground)
  • Your kitten’s name (or the kitten you’re interested in)
  • Your ideal timeframe

We’ll reply with the best options available and the next steps to reserve and schedule delivery.

Notes & Policy Updates

Shipping and airline policies can change. Our priority is always kitten safety, so we reserve the right to update travel methods and requirements as needed.