Shipping policy
# Shipping Policy
Effective Date: April 12, 2026
Welcome to Salty Aquatics & Fish (saltyafcc.com). We are dedicated to providing the Coastal Bend area and our online customers with high-quality aquatic life and supplies. This Shipping Policy outlines our procedures, responsibilities, and expectations regarding the delivery of our products.
### 1. General Shipping Information
We ship both dry goods (equipment, food, salt, etc.) and livestock (fish, corals, invertebrates). Because of the sensitive nature of live animals, different shipping protocols apply to livestock compared to dry goods.
### 2. Shipping Schedule & Processing Times
* **Shipping Days (Livestock):** To avoid weekend transit delays, livestock orders are shipped **Monday through Wednesday only**. Orders placed after Wednesday will ship the following Monday (or the next available shipping day).
* **Dry Goods:** Orders for dry goods are typically processed and shipped within **1–3 business days**.
* **Combined Orders:** If your order contains both dry goods and livestock, they may ship separately so live animals can travel as quickly and safely as possible.
### 3. Shipping Methods and Rates
Shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on the weight, dimensions, and destination of the package.
* **Livestock (Fish, Coral, Invertebrates):** All livestock must ship via **Priority Overnight** to minimize time in transit. We use insulated boxes and professional packaging to help protect your animals during shipment. We do not offer ground shipping for live animals.
* **Dry Goods:** Shipped via standard ground services (USPS, UPS, or FedEx).
### 4. Weather Policy, Live Arrival Guarantee & DOA Claims
The health of our livestock is our top priority.
* **Weather Holds:** Shipping may be delayed if temperatures at the origin or destination are outside of safe ranges for livestock (including extreme heat or cold). Salty Aquatics & Fish reserves the right to delay the shipment of livestock if weather conditions at the origin, transit hubs, or destination are deemed unsafe for the animals. We will contact you if a weather hold is placed on your order.
* **DOA & Claims:** Any issues upon arrival (including Dead on Arrival (DOA) claims) are handled according to our **Refund & DOA Policy**. Please refer to that policy for the requirements and timeframes for reporting issues and submitting documentation.
### 5. Shipping Destinations
We currently ship to the contiguous United States. We do not ship livestock to Hawaii, Alaska, or international destinations due to transit times and complex agricultural regulations.
### 6. Signature Requirements and Delivery
* **Livestock:** Someone must be present to receive livestock shipments on the first delivery attempt. Failure to accept the package on the first attempt voids any Live Arrival Guarantee.
* **Accuracy of Address:** It is the customer's responsibility to provide a correct and complete shipping address. Salty Aquatics & Fish is not responsible for lost or delayed shipments due to incorrect address information.
### 7. Tracking Your Order
Once your order has been processed, you will receive a confirmation email containing your tracking number. We recommend monitoring your tracking information closely to ensure you are available to receive your delivery.
### 8. Damaged Dry Goods
If your dry goods arrive damaged, please contact us at 361-993-4300 or via our website within 48 hours of delivery. Please retain all packaging materials and the damaged item, as these may be required for a carrier insurance claim.
### 9. Local Pickup
Local pickup is available at our store in Corpus Christi. Customers may select "Local Pickup" at checkout to bypass shipping fees. Once your order is ready, you will receive a notification to pick up your items at our retail location.
### 10. Contact Information
For questions regarding your shipment or our shipping practices, please contact us:
**Salty Aquatics & Fish**
Website: saltyafcc.com
Phone: 361-993-4300