Refund policy
Live Livestock — DOA Policy
While we take every precaution to ensure safe delivery, shipping live animals involves inherent risk. In the rare event that a coral or fish arrives DOA, we're here to help.
To file a DOA claim:
- Claims must be reported within 4 hours of delivery, based on the carrier's delivery timestamp
- A clear photo of the animal is required for verification — please photograph under natural or white light (not actinic/blue lighting)
- Send your photo and order number to hello@thecoralboutique.com
Claims are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Approved DOA claims will be resolved with store credit or a replacement, at our discretion.
Please note:
- All livestock sales are final. Do not send back any coral or fish.
- Claims submitted after the 4-hour window cannot be accepted, regardless of circumstance.
- The DOA guarantee applies to the animal at the time of delivery only. We are not responsible for losses resulting from improper acclimation, tank parameters, or post-arrival care.
- We are not responsible for DOA caused by failed delivery attempts, package refusal, or incorrect shipping addresses provided at checkout.
- In the event of an extreme weather hold by FedEx, we will contact you to reschedule — we do not ship when transit conditions put livestock at risk.
Dry Goods & Aquarium Supplies
- Returns accepted within 90 days of purchase, provided items are unused, unopened, and in original manufacturer packaging
- Opened items are not eligible for return
- Ground shipment returns: no restocking fee
- Overnight shipment returns: 10% restocking fee