Shadowcrest Exotics
Sales, Shipping & Animal Policies
Effective Date: 09/30/2026
At Shadowcrest Exotics, the health and well-being of our animals is our highest priority. These policies establish the terms and conditions that apply to the purchase, reservation, payment, shipment, pickup, and care of animals purchased from Shadowcrest Exotics.
These policies are intended to clearly define the rights and responsibilities of both Shadowcrest Exotics and the buyer.
By submitting a payment or deposit, entering into a payment plan, purchasing an animal, scheduling shipment, or accepting an animal from Shadowcrest Exotics, the buyer acknowledges that they have had an opportunity to review these policies and agrees to be bound by the terms applicable to their purchase, subject to any rights that cannot legally be waived or limited under applicable law.
1. Buyer Age & Eligibility
All buyers must be at least 18 years old at the time of purchase.
By purchasing an animal, submitting a payment or deposit, entering into a payment plan, or scheduling shipment or local pickup, you represent and warrant that:
You are at least 18 years of age;
You are legally capable of entering into a purchase agreement;
All information provided to Shadowcrest Exotics is accurate and truthful;
You are purchasing the animal for yourself or have legal authority to complete the purchase on behalf of the intended owner; and
You are legally permitted to purchase, possess, and keep the animal at your intended location.
Shadowcrest Exotics does not knowingly sell or transfer animals directly to individuals under 18 years of age.
If the intended owner is under 18, a parent or legal guardian who is at least 18 years old must complete the purchase and assume responsibility for the animal, including its housing, care, veterinary needs, and compliance with applicable laws.
Shadowcrest Exotics may request reasonable age or identity verification before completing a sale, payment plan, shipment, or local pickup.
If a buyer provides materially false information regarding their age, identity, ownership, address, or eligibility to possess the animal, Shadowcrest Exotics may cancel or suspend the transaction to the extent permitted by law.
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2. Sales, Returns & Refunds
Accepted Payment Methods
Shadowcrest Exotics currently accepts:
PayPal
Venmo
Zelle
Payment must be successfully received and cleared before an animal is released for shipment or local pickup.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, an animal remains in the possession and care of Shadowcrest Exotics until the purchase price has been paid in full and the animal has been transferred to the buyer.
All Animal Sales Are Final
Live-animal purchases are generally final.
If a buyer changes their mind, becomes unable to keep the animal, or later determines that ownership is not a good fit, Shadowcrest Exotics may, at its sole discretion, agree to accept the animal back.
Any voluntary return must be approved by Shadowcrest Exotics before the animal is transported or shipped back.
No refund will be provided solely because a buyer changes their mind or voluntarily returns an animal.
This includes, to the extent permitted by applicable law:
Purchase price;
Deposits;
Payment-plan payments;
Shipping charges;
Delivery charges;
Other fees previously paid.
The buyer remains responsible for the animal until Shadowcrest Exotics has physically received and accepted the animal.
Shadowcrest Exotics may refuse an unauthorized return or a return transported in a manner that creates a risk to the animal.
Nothing in this section limits any remedy that cannot legally be waived or limited under applicable law or any remedy expressly provided under Shadowcrest Exotics’ Live Arrival or Health Guarantees.
3. Payment Plans
Payment plans are available on geckos priced over $300.00.
Payment plans are a private payment arrangement between Shadowcrest Exotics and the buyer and are not intended to constitute consumer financing or a loan.
A gecko may be reserved with a 25% non-refundable deposit.
The deposit must be received before the gecko is considered reserved.
Payment-Plan Term
The standard payment-plan term is 30 days.
Shadowcrest Exotics may agree to a different payment schedule or term on a case-by-case basis. Any different arrangement should be confirmed in writing before the payment plan begins.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the full balance must be paid within the agreed payment-plan period.
The gecko remains in the care and possession of Shadowcrest Exotics throughout the payment-plan period.
The gecko will not be shipped or released until the purchase price has been paid in full.
Payment plans do not include interest or additional financing charges unless specifically agreed in writing before the plan begins.
Payment-Plan Payments
Except where a refund is expressly required under these policies or applicable law, payments made toward a payment plan are non-refundable.
If a buyer voluntarily cancels a payment plan or becomes unable to complete the purchase, the original 25% deposit will be retained by Shadowcrest Exotics.
Additional payments may, at the discretion of Shadowcrest Exotics, be converted into store credit.
Store Credit
Any store credit issued:
Is issued at the discretion of Shadowcrest Exotics;
Does not include the original non-refundable deposit unless Shadowcrest Exotics agrees otherwise;
May be applied toward another available gecko or other eligible Shadowcrest Exotics products;
Is not redeemable for cash unless required by applicable law;
Is not transferable unless approved in writing by Shadowcrest Exotics; and
Expires two years after the date it is issued unless Shadowcrest Exotics extends it in writing.
If Shadowcrest Exotics does not have eligible geckos or products available during the store-credit period, the credit may be extended on a case-by-case basis.
Store credit issued as a resolution under the Live Arrival Guarantee is provided at the buyer’s election and equals the affected animal’s purchase price.
No Deposit Transfers or Swaps
Once a deposit or payment plan has been established for a specific gecko, the buyer may not transfer or swap the deposit to another gecko unless Shadowcrest Exotics agrees in writing.
A deposit reserves the specific gecko identified at the time the deposit is accepted.
Missed Payments & Abandonment
If a buyer fails to make required payments or stops communicating with Shadowcrest Exotics, Shadowcrest Exotics may provide written notice requiring the buyer to resume the payment plan or contact Shadowcrest Exotics within a reasonable period.
If the buyer fails to respond or cure the missed payment within the stated period, Shadowcrest Exotics may consider the payment plan abandoned, return the gecko to available inventory, retain the non-refundable deposit, and handle any remaining eligible payment balance according to the store-credit provisions above.
Animal Death During a Payment Plan
If an animal reserved under an active payment plan becomes ill and dies while it remains in the care of Shadowcrest Exotics, Shadowcrest Exotics will refund all amounts actually paid toward that specific animal, including the original deposit.
The refund will be the buyer’s sole monetary remedy for the death of the animal during the payment-plan period, except where applicable law requires otherwise.
Shadowcrest Exotics will not substitute another animal unless both parties agree in writing.
4. Shipping
Shipping Method
Shadowcrest Exotics currently ships live animals using FedEx Priority Overnight through approved live-animal shipping procedures.
Shipments are generally scheduled Monday through Wednesday, for delivery Tuesday through Thursday, weather and carrier conditions permitting.
Shadowcrest Exotics does not currently ship live animals to Alaska or Hawaii.
Shipping availability may be restricted or temporarily suspended when weather, carrier conditions, holidays, or other circumstances create an unreasonable risk to the animal.
Shipping Cost
Shipping is charged separately from the animal’s purchase price unless otherwise stated.
The applicable shipping cost will be communicated to the buyer before shipment is scheduled.
Shipping charges are non-refundable once a shipment has been tendered to the carrier, except where a refund is otherwise required under applicable law or expressly provided by Shadowcrest Exotics.
5. Shipping Schedule & Weather Holds
Shipments should be scheduled at least one week in advance whenever reasonably possible.
Shipment dates are subject to:
Weather conditions;
Carrier availability;
Delivery-area conditions;
Holidays;
Severe weather;
Carrier disruptions;
Route conditions; and
Other circumstances that could reasonably place the animal at unnecessary risk.
Shadowcrest Exotics reserves the right to postpone a shipment when conditions are not considered appropriate for safe transportation.
A weather hold is not a cancellation of the sale.
Shadowcrest Exotics will communicate with the buyer regarding the anticipated delay and will work with the buyer to establish a new shipping date when conditions are appropriate.
6. Temperature & Weather Policy
Because crested geckos are sensitive to temperature extremes, Shadowcrest Exotics evaluates weather conditions before approving shipment.
As general shipping guidelines, Shadowcrest Exotics targets:
Home Delivery
40°F–85°F
FedEx Ship Center / Hold for Pickup
35°F–90°F
These temperatures are guidelines, not guarantees.
Shadowcrest Exotics may decline or postpone shipment even when temperatures fall within these ranges if other conditions create an unreasonable risk to the animal.
Weather may be evaluated at:
Origin;
Destination;
Major points along the shipping route;
Anticipated delivery time; and
The selected delivery method.
The final decision to ship or place an animal on weather hold rests with Shadowcrest Exotics.
7. Delivery & Receiving Requirements
FedEx Priority Overnight generally provides morning delivery, but delivery times vary by destination and carrier conditions.
Remote locations may receive shipments later in the day.
Home Delivery
If Shadowcrest Exotics approves delivery directly to the buyer’s residence, the buyer or an authorized adult recipient must be present and available to receive the shipment upon the FIRST delivery attempt.
If no authorized recipient is available, the buyer must follow the carrier’s instructions for the shipment.
The Live Arrival Guarantee is conditioned upon the buyer complying with the receiving requirements described in this policy.
FedEx Hold for Pickup
Shadowcrest Exotics strongly recommends FedEx Ship Center Hold for Pickup whenever practical.
The buyer must confirm that the selected location is an actual FedEx Ship Center capable of receiving live-animal shipments.
A FedEx Office location is not necessarily a FedEx Ship Center and should not be selected unless Shadowcrest Exotics has specifically approved it.
A shipment designated Hold for Pickup must be collected on the same day delivery occurs.
Failure to collect the shipment on the day of delivery may void the Live Arrival Guarantee.
8. Shipping Information & Buyer Responsibility
The buyer must provide accurate and complete shipping information.
Shadowcrest Exotics may require:
Full legal name;
Complete shipping address;
Email address;
Telephone number; and
Any other information reasonably necessary to arrange safe delivery.
The buyer is responsible for carefully reviewing all information before shipment.
Incorrect or incomplete shipping information supplied by the buyer may result in additional charges, delays, failed delivery attempts, or other consequences for which Shadowcrest Exotics is not responsible, except where applicable law provides otherwise.
If the buyer discovers an error, the buyer must notify Shadowcrest Exotics immediately.
The buyer is responsible for any carrier fees or other costs resulting from buyer-provided incorrect information, to the extent permitted by law.
9. Live Arrival Guarantee
Shadowcrest Exotics takes the health and safe arrival of every animal seriously. All approved shipments are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee, which applies to the condition of the animal upon arrival at its destination and is subject to the conditions of this policy.
Receiving Requirements
For home delivery:
An authorized recipient MUST be present to receive the shipment upon the FIRST delivery attempt.
For FedEx Hold for Pickup:
The shipment MUST be collected on the same day delivery occurs.
The buyer must follow the agreed shipping arrangements and must not request shipment during unsafe weather conditions.
Failure to satisfy these requirements may void the Live Arrival Guarantee.
Reporting a Dead-on-Arrival (DOA) Animal
If an animal arrives deceased, the buyer must:
Contact Shadowcrest Exotics within two hours of confirmed delivery or same-day carrier facility pickup;
Provide clear, unedited photographs and/or video showing the animal, the shipping container, and the shipping label;
Keep the animal and all packaging materials until Shadowcrest Exotics provides further instructions, and not dispose of the animal or ship it back without prior authorization; and
Cooperate reasonably with any request for additional documentation to verify the claim.
Failure to provide timely notice or adequate documentation may void the Live Arrival Guarantee.
Resolution of an Approved Claim
Claims are reviewed individually, and Shadowcrest Exotics may request reasonable additional evidence before approving a resolution. Once a DOA claim has been verified and approved, the buyer may choose one of the following:
1. Refund: A refund of the affected animal’s purchase price to the original payment method.
2. Replacement: A replacement animal of comparable value, subject to availability and mutual agreement. Any additional shipping charges will be discussed and agreed upon before the replacement is sent.
3. Store Credit: Credit equal to the affected animal’s purchase price toward a future Shadowcrest Exotics purchase, subject to the expiration and use terms in the Store Credit section of this policy.
Original shipping charges are non-refundable because they cover the completed shipping service. The guarantee applies to the affected animal’s purchase price and does not automatically cover unrelated purchases or expenses.
Exclusions
The Live Arrival Guarantee does not apply to circumstances caused by:
Failure to receive or collect the animal as required;
Incorrect or incomplete shipping information;
Buyer-requested delivery changes;
Unauthorized carrier rerouting;
Failure to follow carrier or Shadowcrest Exotics instructions;
Unsafe conditions after the animal has been delivered or made available for pickup;
Improper handling after receipt;
Exposure to unsafe temperatures after transfer;
Any other circumstance occurring after the buyer or authorized recipient has taken possession or failed to promptly take possession of the shipment.
Nothing in this section limits rights or remedies that cannot legally be excluded.
Our goal is to handle every qualifying claim fairly, professionally, and with respect for both our customers and the animals in our care.
10. Five-Day Health Guarantee
Shadowcrest Exotics represents that each animal is offered and shipped in a condition that, based on our observations and information reasonably available to us, is suitable for sale at the time of transfer.
A five-day Health Guarantee begins when the animal is delivered to or collected by the buyer.
The buyer must comply with the receiving requirements in this policy.
Reporting a Health Concern
If a significant health concern becomes apparent during the five-day period, the buyer must contact Shadowcrest Exotics within 24 hours of discovering the concern.
The buyer should provide:
A description of the concern;
Photographs and/or video;
Current enclosure conditions;
Temperature and humidity information;
Feeding information;
Weight information when available; and
Any other information reasonably requested by Shadowcrest Exotics.
The buyer must follow reasonable instructions provided by Shadowcrest Exotics concerning documentation and next steps.
Shadowcrest Exotics may recommend veterinary evaluation when appropriate.
Veterinary Care
If a serious health concern occurs, the buyer should seek appropriate veterinary care without unreasonable delay.
Nothing in this policy is intended to discourage or delay emergency veterinary treatment.
The buyer remains responsible for veterinary expenses unless Shadowcrest Exotics expressly agrees otherwise in writing or applicable law requires otherwise.
Failure to promptly report a significant health concern or unreasonable failure to seek appropriate care may affect eligibility under the Health Guarantee to the extent permitted by law.
11. Health Guarantee Exclusions
The Health Guarantee does not cover conditions caused by events or circumstances occurring after the animal has been transferred to the buyer.
Examples include:
Improper temperature;
Improper humidity;
Inadequate enclosure;
Unsafe enclosure conditions;
Poor sanitation;
Improper nutrition;
Dehydration;
Rough handling;
Injury;
Cohabitation;
Exposure to other animals or reptiles;
Introduction of pathogens or parasites from another animal;
Failure to follow reasonable husbandry instructions;
Failure to provide appropriate food or water;
Failure to seek appropriate veterinary care when reasonably necessary; or
Other buyer-controlled conditions that materially affect the animal’s health.
The buyer assumes responsibility for the animal’s care immediately following transfer, subject to any express guarantee applicable to the transaction.
12. Feeding & Acclimation
Moving to a new environment can temporarily affect a crested gecko’s behavior and appetite.
A newly relocated animal may temporarily eat less than it did while in our care.
Crested geckos do not necessarily consume the same amount of food every day, and individual feeding behavior varies.
The buyer should provide appropriate food and water and allow the animal time to acclimate.
Unless otherwise necessary, Shadowcrest Exotics recommends limiting handling during the first 2 weeks following arrival.
Shadowcrest Exotics does not guarantee:
A specific amount of food consumption;
A specific feeding frequency;
A specific growth rate;
A specific adult size; or
A specific developmental outcome after purchase.
13. Husbandry Requirements
The buyer is responsible for providing appropriate care immediately following transfer.
Crested geckos should receive:
An appropriately sized, secure enclosure;
Appropriate temperature and humidity;
Clean drinking water;
A nutritionally complete crested-gecko diet;
Appropriate supplementation when applicable;
Appropriate environmental enrichment;
Regular enclosure maintenance; and
A safe environment free from avoidable hazards.
Crested geckos are particularly sensitive to excessive heat.
Shadowcrest Exotics does not recommend the use of an external heat source unless it is specifically required for the animal’s environment and is carefully controlled using appropriate equipment and monitoring.
The buyer is responsible for researching the species and establishing appropriate husbandry before purchasing an animal.
14. Tail Loss
Crested geckos can drop their tails when frightened, stressed, startled, injured, or for reasons that may not be apparent.
Although uncommon, tail loss may occur during shipping or after the animal arrives at its new home.
Tail loss generally does not prevent a crested gecko from living a normal life and does not necessarily prevent the animal from being used in a breeding program.
Tail loss (During or after shipment) is not part of our Health Guarantee as it does not affect the gecko’s health.
15. Appearance, Growth, Sex & Genetics
Crested geckos are living animals whose appearance and characteristics may change as they mature.
Color, pattern, firing, body structure, size, weight, and overall appearance may change because of:
Age;
Development;
Shedding;
Environmental conditions;
Stress;
Nutrition; and
Other biological factors.
Photographs represent an animal at a particular point in time and do not guarantee that the animal will maintain the same appearance as it matures.
Genetic information and trait descriptions are provided based on the lineage, records, and information reasonably available to Shadowcrest Exotics.
Where a genetic trait or sex cannot be definitively confirmed, Shadowcrest Exotics will identify that uncertainty.
Shadowcrest Exotics does not guarantee a specific future appearance, phenotype, breeding outcome, offspring outcome, or rate of development unless expressly stated in writing as part of the purchase agreement.
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16. Local Pickup
Local pickup may be available in the Perris, California area by appointment.
Pickup appointments must be scheduled in advance.
The animal must be paid for in full before the meeting takes place.
The buyer is responsible for maintaining safe conditions during transportation. The buyer is encouraged to inspect the animal before accepting it and may ask questions regarding the animal at the time of pickup. By accepting the animal at local pickup, the buyer acknowledges that the animal has been physically received and accepted.
The Live Arrival Guarantee does not apply to local pickup because there is no carrier transit or shipping event.
The Health Guarantee remains subject to its stated terms and conditions unless otherwise agreed in writing.
17. Compliance With Applicable Laws
The buyer is solely responsible for determining whether the purchase, possession, transportation, importation, breeding, or sale of the animal is lawful at the buyer’s intended location.
This includes applicable federal, state, county, municipal, homeowners-association, landlord, or other restrictions.
Shadowcrest Exotics may decline a transaction when we have a reasonable concern that the transaction may violate applicable law or create an unreasonable risk to the animal.
Nothing in these policies is intended to authorize conduct prohibited by law.
18. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Shadowcrest Exotics shall not be responsible for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or other damages arising from the purchase, shipment, ownership, possession, care, or use of an animal, including losses arising from circumstances outside Shadowcrest Exotics’ reasonable control.
Examples may include:
Lost income;
Lost breeding opportunities;
Lost offspring;
Lost business opportunities;
Veterinary expenses;
Equipment expenses;
Travel expenses;
Shipping-related expenses;
Emotional distress; or
Other consequential losses.
Nothing in this section is intended to exclude or limit liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited, including liability arising from fraud, intentional misconduct, or any other liability that applicable law prohibits the parties from limiting.
Where a limitation of remedies is permitted by law, the remedies expressly stated in these policies are intended to be the agreed remedies for the circumstances to which they apply.
19. Force Majeure & Carrier Delays
Shadowcrest Exotics is not responsible for delays, interruptions, or failures caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
Examples may include:
Severe weather;
Natural disasters;
Carrier disruptions;
Transportation interruptions;
Facility closures;
Government restrictions;
Emergencies;
Power outages;
Acts of God; or
Other circumstances beyond Shadowcrest Exotics’ reasonable control.
When such circumstances occur, Shadowcrest Exotics will make reasonable efforts to protect the animal and communicate with the buyer.
Nothing in this section eliminates any remedy expressly provided under the Live Arrival Guarantee where that guarantee otherwise applies.
20. Disputes & Governing Law
These policies and any purchase agreement between Shadowcrest Exotics and the buyer shall be interpreted under the laws applicable to the transaction, including applicable California law where California law governs.
Before initiating formal legal proceedings concerning a transaction, the parties are encouraged to communicate directly and attempt in good faith to resolve the dispute.
Nothing in this section prevents either party from exercising a right or pursuing a remedy that cannot legally be waived or restricted by contract.
21. Entire Agreement
These policies, together with the applicable animal listing, invoice, payment-plan agreement, written shipping arrangements, and any other written terms expressly incorporated into the transaction, constitute the agreement between Shadowcrest Exotics and the buyer concerning the purchase.
No oral statement, social-media message, advertisement, or informal communication will modify these terms unless Shadowcrest Exotics expressly confirms the modification in writing.
If a specific written agreement for an individual animal conflicts with these general policies, the specific written agreement will control only with respect to the conflicting provision.
22. Severability
If any provision of these policies is determined to be invalid, unenforceable, or unlawful, that provision will be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and the remaining provisions will remain in effect to the extent permitted by law.
The invalidity or unenforceability of one provision does not automatically invalidate the remaining provisions.
23. No Waiver
Failure by Shadowcrest Exotics to enforce a provision of these policies on one occasion does not constitute a permanent waiver of that provision.
Any waiver of a specific provision must be expressly made by Shadowcrest Exotics.
A waiver relating to one transaction does not automatically apply to any future transaction.
24. Policy Changes
Shadowcrest Exotics may update these policies from time to time as our business, animal-care practices, shipping procedures, and legal requirements change.
The version of the policies applicable to a particular purchase will be the version presented to and accepted by the buyer at the time the purchase agreement is formed, unless the parties subsequently agree in writing to different terms or applicable law requires otherwise.
25. Buyer Acknowledgment & Agreement
By purchasing an animal, submitting a payment or deposit, entering into a payment plan, scheduling shipment, or accepting an animal from Shadowcrest Exotics, the buyer acknowledges and agrees that:
They are at least 18 years old, or a parent/legal guardian at least 18 years old is completing the purchase;
They have provided accurate information;
They have had an opportunity to review these policies;
They understand that they are purchasing a live animal;
They have researched the animal’s care requirements;
They understand the financial and long-term responsibilities of ownership;
They are responsible for maintaining appropriate husbandry after transfer;
They understand the Live Arrival Guarantee and its receiving requirements;
They understand the five-day Health Guarantee and its reporting requirements;
They understand the payment-plan terms applicable to their purchase;
They understand that deposits are non-refundable except where these policies or applicable law provide otherwise;
They understand that store credit may be offered at Shadowcrest Exotics’ discretion under the terms stated above;
They understand that a deposit placed on a specific gecko does not automatically transfer to another gecko;
They understand that animal appearance, development, sex, genetics, and breeding outcomes may change or remain uncertain as an animal matures;
They understand that local pickup does not qualify for the Live Arrival Guarantee;
They understand that they are responsible for complying with applicable laws governing possession of the animal; and
They agree to the terms and conditions contained in these policies.
By completing a purchase, the buyer confirms their acceptance of these policies.