Welcome to your ultimate solution for pet transport in Iowa—where your pet's safety and comfort are our top priority. Join hundreds of pet owners in Iowa who trust CitizenShipper to connect them with vetted transporters. Start your pet's journey today!
Golden Retriever from Des Moines, IA 50309 to Wilmington, NC
Dogs
small
1,230 mi
$500.00
5 of 5 stars
French Bulldog from Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 to Winnemucca, NV
Dogs
small
1,539 mi
$800.00
4.9 of 5 stars
Anatolian Shepherd Dog from Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 to Cumberland, MD
Dogs
small
792 mi
$650.00
5 of 5 stars
Pembroke Welsh Corgi from San Jose, CA to Oelwein, IA
Dogs
medium
1,991 mi
$1,500.00
4.9 of 5 stars
Goldendoodle from Goshen, IN to Burlington, IA
Dogs
medium
329 mi
$325.00
4.9 of 5 stars
Before you hire a Iowa pet transport company, there are a few important steps. These tasks comply with local pet transportation law, ensure your dog or cat is healthy enough for the trip and arrives at its destination safely.
First, obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from a licensed and certified veterinarian in your city. This document must be issued within 10 days of pet travel.
Next, your pet needs a signed rabies vaccination health certificate. This must be issued within 30 days of the pet transport.
Some pet transportation companies in Iowa provide their own pet carriers. If they don't, you'll need to purchase one. The pet carrier you purchase should meet the following standards:
First, you'll decide between air or pet ground transportation. Small animals can be checked as carry-on luggage on flights, which is the least expensive option — keep in mind you'll need to buy a ticket for your pet as well as yourself. Larger breeds must fly in the cargo area, which can cost as much as $1,000 or more depending on the pet shipping airline's policy.
Save money on pet transport service with the CitizenShipper marketplace. Drivers bid on your transportation listing, lowering costs. Once you receive bids, read reviews and communicate directly with them to find the perfect match.
pet transport companies charge a per-mile rate for ground transport; the further the distance, the lower your pet transport cost per mile.
The timing of the transport matters. Because summer and holidays are the busiest times of the year, pet shipping companies in Iowa charge a premium due to limited availability.
You can expect to pay extra for VIP service. Some transport companies in Iowa transport your pet alone in a pet taxi. Why is VIP service preferential?
VIP service maintains quarantine for young pets who aren't fully vaccinated.
The transporter's sole focus is your pet, ensuring it travels stress-free.
You won't need to stress about the behavior of temperamental dogs or cats.
Of course you want to hire the best pet transport service to ship your pet to or from Iowa. But what steps do you take to find the right Iowa pet transport company?
There are many obstacles to pet shipping, whether it’s price, the age of your puppy or kitten, availability of transporters, business hours or a pet that can’t be transported via airplane.
It’s hard to estimate the cost of pet transportation because there are so many variables.
Look for driver profiles on CitizenShipper that include detailed information about past experience, special equipment and professional qualifications like USDA T Registration.
You can discuss every trip detail with transporters using CitizenShipper’s internal messaging system.
Cost is always a consideration, but sometimes the best pet transporters charge more for superior service — your pet’s comfort and your peace of mind are well worth it.
Your pets are so much more than four legs and a tail — they’re members of your family and best friends for life.
We’re proud to be the nation’s top-rated and leading service for pet transportation. Our unique process matches you with a fleet of pre-screened drivers that you have the luxury to choose from.
You’ll know exactly who’ll care for your beloved pet, whether it's a puppy, kitten or a full-grown cat or dog.
Up to $1,000 pet protection guarantee1 to give you peace of mind when booking.
Offered through our partner Vetster for your peace of mind.
From quote to delivery, so you can select and ship with confidence2.
Background checks3, direct contact with drivers and thousands of customer reviews at your fingertips. Because your pet should only be in the best of hands.
Embark on a pet-friendly adventure in Iowa, the beautiful and diverse Hawkeye State. With rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling lakes, Iowa offers countless opportunities for you and your pets to bond and explore. This guide will walk you through the best outdoor destinations, pet-friendly places, and attractions that the Iowa landscape has to offer.
There's nothing quite like enjoying the great outdoors with your furry companions by your side. Head out to the Maquoketa Caves State Park for an adventurous day of hiking, cave exploration, and beautiful scenery. This pet-friendly park has more than six miles of trails to explore and offers plenty of opportunities for four-legged friends to stretch their legs. Another excellent choice is the Ledges State Park, where you can hike through picturesque gorges, cliff trails, and discover peaceful creeks in this dog-friendly gem.
For those seeking a more serene option, consider visiting Gray's Lake Park in the heart of Des Moines. This relaxing urban oasis offers a two-mile walking trail around a gorgeous lake, perfect for a leisurely stroll with your pets. On Iowa's western border, Lewis and Clark State Park offers beautiful views of the Missouri River and plenty of trails suitable for pet-friendly walks amid the scenic surroundings.
When it comes to spending time with your pets, there's no shortage of pet-friendly places in Iowa. Visit the Iowa City Dog Park, a 10-acre off-leash haven that accommodates both large and small dogs, complete with agility equipment and plenty of room for your pups to roam and socialize. In Des Moines, you'll find the Raccoon River Dog Park, featuring 12 acres of well-maintained space with separate areas for large and small dogs, as well as a pond for the water-loving canines.
Take a relaxing break with your furry friends at Splash Landing Aquatic Center in Bettendorf. This pet-friendly pool hosts an annual dog swim where dogs can cool off and splash around with their favorite humans. Or, head to the Dubuque Dog Park in Dubuque, a six-acre park that features ample space for off-leash play, shaded areas, and a designated agility course, ideal for active dogs of all sizes.
Traveling across Iowa, you'll find a wide range of attractions suitable for pet owners and their furry friends. Check out the American Gothic House and Visitor Center, home to the iconic painting by Grant Wood, which welcomes leashed pets to explore the grounds and pose for a photo with the famous house. For history buffs, the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is an insightful and pet-friendly destination to visit in West Branch, showcasing the humble beginnings of America's 31st president.
Experience the charm of Iowa's small towns with a visit to Pella, where you'll discover an authentic Dutch windmill and Dutch-style architecture, providing the perfect backdrop for an afternoon stroll with your pets. Finally, don't miss out on exploring downtown Des Moines, with its wealth of pet-friendly establishments, from eateries to shops, ensuring you and your four-legged companions have an unforgettable experience in the vibrant capital city of Iowa.
We're here to help your pet have a safe, stress-free and comfortable journey. Check out our recent articles for useful travel tips.
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