Last Updated: October 2026
Terms & Conditions
Welcome to Swimming Creatures. By browsing our website, placing an order, or using our services, you agree to be bound by the following Terms & Conditions.
1. Livestock & Product Accuracy
We strive to display our aquatic livestock, species information, sizing, and colors as accurately as possible. However, because these are live animals (fish, shrimp, snails), natural variations in color intensity, pattern, and exact size (within standard hobby ranges) are normal and expected.
2. 100% Live Arrival Guarantee (DOA Policy)
We guarantee that all livestock arrives alive and healthy subject to the following conditions:
Reporting Window: Any Dead on Arrival (DOA) must be reported within 24 hours of the carrier’s posted delivery scan time.
Photographic Proof: You must provide at least two clear, well-lit photographs of the deceased livestock inside the original, unopened bag next to the shipping label. If conditions inside the bag (condensation, water tint) make verification difficult, clear photos of the deceased specimens placed on a paper towel or white surface immediately after opening are required.
Lethargy Coverage: If livestock arrives showing signs of severe stress or lethargy, please notify us within the 24-hour reporting window. If reported upon arrival, we will cover any subsequent losses for those animals during acclimation.
Extreme Weather Acknowledgment: While all packages include professional insulation and seasonal heat or cold packs, severe weather spikes can impact live animals. Delivery boxes left outdoors, on doorsteps, or in mailboxes during temperatures under 40°F or over 90°F void live arrival coverage if not retrieved immediately upon delivery.
Weather Parameter Qualification: Orders placed during or subjected to temperatures outside our recommended weather parameters (below 40°F or above 90°F) may not qualify for replacements or refunds under our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Strict Cutoff: Any DOA or loss notices submitted outside these guidelines will void the Live Arrival Guarantee.
Remedies: Approved DOA claims will be resolved via livestock replacement or store refund for the lost specimen(s) (shipping costs are non-refundable).
3. Shipping & Delivery
We ship live orders via expedited carrier services to minimize transit stress.
Customers are responsible for providing an accurate shipping address and monitoring tracking to bring packages indoors immediately upon delivery.
We reserve the right to temporarily hold or reschedule shipments if extreme weather conditions along the transit corridor pose severe risks to livestock survival.
4. Order Cancellation & Returns
Due to the nature of live animals, livestock orders cannot be returned once shipped.
Cancellation requests must be submitted before orders are packed and processed for shipment.
5. Limitation of Liability
Swimming Creatures is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the introduction of livestock to existing aquariums, improper tank parameters, water quality fluctuations, or failure to follow proper acclimation procedures.
6. Governing Law & Contact
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. For questions regarding these terms, reach us at: