How to transfer Panther Chameleon to the vet?

[ScalesbyKyn]

Hello all! I have posted only once before this and now have a question as I've seen a lot of different ways to do so but looking for the most correct and stress-free way. I have a vet appointment for my male Panther Chameleon next week. He is roughly 2 years old. I am wondering on how to transport him to the vet? I've seen people say put him in a bag, I've seen some sort of method with a box and sticks? I'm lost and could appreciate the help.

For reference: I live in Texas so it will not be too cold out. I believe outside temperatures are supposed to be in the 80s, but he will just be in the car most of the time and then into the vet. The drive is about 30mins one way and the appointment is in the afternoon but not too late so as to interrupt his bedtime.

Do I just get a box and shove some sticks through the sides and use some artificial plants for coverage? I do believe they should be in total darkness so as not to be stressed from everything going on around them.


Anyways, any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[jannb]

This should give you some ideas.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/traveling-with-chameleons.733/

 

[Lt.WorfReportingForDuty]

I do the box with a stick method and it works pretty well, just put the stick kind of near the bottom of the box in case they fall. This also prevents them from trying to crawl out the top. Also, secure the stick with some duct tape, otherwise the stick rolls and dumps them when they grab onto it

 

[jannb]

Be sure to put the duct tape on the outside of the box so it can not come into contact with your chameleon.

 

[absolutbill]

I use a mesh pop-up laundry bag (you could buy one at Walmart or Target), which comes with plastic sticks for the outside to hold it's shape. I take a bendy vine and zip tie it on the inside, making sure the ends of the zip tie are outside of the container. I put an old towel in the bottom, and because the top usually doesn't have a lid I clothes pins another towel to keep the chameleon inside. To me, you traveling only an hour in total plus time at the vet doesn't warrant putting him in the dark. My vet is about 3 1/2 hours each way, and even then I'll have my guys in their laundry bags. Also, make sure your car's a/c vent isn't blowing right on them. Good luck with the vet visit!

 

[absolutbill]

I should also mention I only use that for transportation to the vet because it's a long ride. Once I get there I have individual shoe boxes (cardboard, not plastic), with a stick inside and another small towel on the bottom. I move the chameleon from the laundry bag to the box and carry the box into the vet. The shoe boxes always have holes in the ends plus its very quick to go inside and to the exam room.