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Shipping policy

April’s Aquarium – Shipping Policy

Last Updated: 01-01-2026

At April’s Aquarium, we ship both dry goods and live animals with care. Because livestock requires special handling, certain rules apply to protect both our customers and our animals.

We currently ship through:

  • Canada Post Priority
  • FedEx Priority

1. General Rules

  • Processing Time: Orders are processed within 1–2 business days (excluding weekends and holidays). Livestock may require extra preparation.
  • Mixed Orders (Livestock + Dry Goods):
    • Local delivery (eligible postal codes) → free delivery applies.
    • Outside local area → livestock shipping charges apply; free shipping offers on dry goods do not apply for mixed order.
  • Delivery Responsibility: Customers must provide accurate shipping details and be available to receive deliveries. Missed deliveries or incorrect addresses are outside of our control.

2. Dry Goods Shipping (Non-Livestock)

  • Standard Delivery (Canada-Wide)
    • Orders $1.00–$89.98 → Flat Rate: $17.99
    • Orders  89.99 & above → Free Shipping (Canada-Wide)
  • Carrier Rates (Optional at Checkout)
    • Canada Post Priority → Actual rate
    • FedEx Priority → Actual rate

Free shipping is for dry goods only.

3. Livestock Shipping

  • Outside Local Delivery Area:
    1. Canada Post Priority → Actual Carrier Rate + Handling Fee
    2. FedEx Priority → Actual Carrier Rate + Handling Fee
    3. No free shipping available outside local area.
  • Handling Fee for Livestock Orders

Every livestock shipment includes a mandatory handling fee in addition to carrier rates. This fee covers the specialized supplies and labor required to safely transport live animals:

§  Insulated Shipping Box – To maintain stable temperatures throughout transit.

§  Breather / Oxygen Bags – Fish are packed in professional-grade bags filled with pure oxygen to ensure survival during transit.

§  Double/Triple Bagging – Prevents leaks and adds extra protection.

§  Heat Packs or Cold Packs (Seasonal) – Used as needed to protect animals from temperature extremes.

§  Water Conditioning Supplies – Ensures water stability and reduces stress on fish during shipping.

§  Protective Packing Materials – Cushioning and waterproof liners to prevent damage or leaks.

§  Labor & Expertise – Careful catching, inspection, bagging, and packing of animals by trained staff.

Why it matters: These safeguards are essential to protect the health of your animals during transit. They also allow April’s Aquarium to honor its Live Arrival Guarantee, which would not be possible without these measures.

  • Mixed Orders: If livestock is included with dry goods, livestock shipping rules prevail (unless local delivery zone applies).

4. Fragile, Frozen, or Heavy Products

  • Some products cannot be shipped (e.g., frozen foods, glass aquariums, oversized tanks).
  • These items are marked “Pickup Only” and are excluded from shipping/delivery.

5. Local Delivery

We proudly offer free local delivery, including livestock, to customers in the following postal codes:

·        Vancouver – V5A, V5B, V5C, V5E, V5G, V5H, V5J, V5K, V5L, V5N, V5T, V5V, V5W, V5X, V5Y, V5Z, V6A, V6B, V6C, V6E, V6G, V6H, V6J, V6K, V6L, V6M, V6N, V6P, V6R, V6S, V6T, V6V

·        Burnaby – V3N, V5A, V5B, V5C, V5E, V5G, V5H, V5J

·        New Westminster – V3L, V3M

·        Richmond – V6V, V6W, V6X, V6Y, V7A, V7B, V7C, V7E

·        North Vancouver – V7G, V7J, V7K, V7L, V7M, V7N, V7P, V7R

·        West Vancouver – V7S, V7T

·        Coquitlam / Port Coquitlam – V3B, V3C, V3K, V3J

Local Delivery Fees

  • Orders $39.99–$89.99 → $14.99 flat fee
  • Orders > $89.99 → Free delivery (including livestock)

Special Note: April’s Aquarium is committed to supporting our local aquarist community. This is why livestock is eligible for free delivery within local postal codes only.

6. Safeguards

  • Weather Holds: To protect livestock, shipments may be delayed during extreme weather.
  • First Attempt Requirement: Livestock must be received on the first delivery attempt. We are not responsible for losses if delivery is missed.
  • Policy Override: If a system error applies free shipping incorrectly to an out-of-area livestock order, April’s Aquarium reserves the right to adjust shipping costs before processing.

7. Contact Us

 shipping@aprilsaquarium.com
 April’s Aquarium, Vancouver, BC
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