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The Guide to Finding a Safe and Simple Pet Shipping Service

Transporting your pet can be stressful. By understanding the options that are available, you can make an informed decision. This reduces the stress of moving. Hiring a professional animal moving business is one of the most convenient and safest ways to transport your fur-baby. With their expertise, you can rest assured that they'll be in good hands.

CitizenShipper is a safe, cost-effective, professional pet shipping platform. You can use it to find a professional that gets your dog or cat delivered safely to your door. We've facilitated the safe transport of over 120,000+ animals and are the #1 pet transport platform in the USA.

Table of Contents

What is an Animal Transport Company?

Benefits of Using a Pet Shipping Company

How Much Does Transporting a Pet Cost?

How to Prepare Your Pet for Transport

Finding Pet Relocation Services with CitizenShipper

What is an Animal Transport Company?

Pet transporters are USDA-registered professionals that move cats and dogs (and other furry friends!) from point A to point B. There are several ways for a pet shipper to use a transporter:

Pet Ground Transport

Simple. This is a vehicle service that delivers your pet to a new location. Sometimes, though, it can refer to train travel. 

Pet Air Transport

For longer moves, flight is another option. This is a way to quickly ship pets across the country.

• Airlines charge a fee to fly with an animal in addition to the cost of your own ticket.
• Large dogs — usually those over 25 pounds — must fly in the cargo area
• Small pets may qualify to travel in the main cabin as "carry-on" luggage.

One solution for air travel is to hire a flight nanny — also known as an air nanny. Flight nannies are professional pet transporters who meet you at the airport, care for your pet on the plane and deliver them safely at the arrival airport. It's easy to find fly nanny flight on CitizenShipper.

Benefits of Using a Pet Shipping Company

Pet Transport Service Ensures Safety

Your pet’s safety throughout the journey is the most important factor. We know that its health and well-being are essential.

• Your pet needs access to food, water and necessary medications throughout the trip.
• It'll need frequent breaks throughout the trip — not only to go to the bathroom but also to stretch its legs.

Short and Long-Distance Pet Shipping

Overall, the distance will largely determine how you travel. For example:

• A simple move within the same city can be accomplished by a short car ride. 
• Moving across the country  requires careful planning.
• Documentation and health certificates are usually needed to transport a pet to a new state.

If you’re flying with pets, research airline requirements. Many have strict regulations on required documentation, health certificates and cargo carrier sizes. They also limit the number of animals on each flight, so reserve your spot as soon as possible.

Door-to-Door Pet Transport Service

Many pet owners prefer door-to-door pet transportation services. What does door-to-door delivery mean? Having your dog or cat delivered right to your home instead of at a terminal. This option may cost more, but eliminates stress and guesswork. 

How Much Does It Cost to Ship Your Pet?

With several options, it can be confusing to determine the best pet transportation service for you and your animal. The safest and cheapest option for pet transportation will depend on your pet's size, and the distance traveled.

How Much Does it Cost to Keep Your Pet in Cargo or in the Cabin During a Flight?

Large animals have to go into the cargo space aboard the plane, which is more expensive than traveling in the cabin. If you own a snub-nosed (also known as brachycephalic) breed of dog or cat, it won't be able to fly in the cargo area.

• The price varies between carriers, but usually, it's between $500 and $1,000 per pet to be shipped in the cabin.
• Shipping a dog domestically usually costs over $125 for a place in the main cabin.
• Many airlines allow domestic and international pet shipping.

What's the Cost of Hiring a Ground Pet Transport Company?

It's difficult to give an exact figure on how much you'll pay to relocate an animal. This is because there are many factors that determine the cost to ship a pet.

• Distance traveled
• Method of transportation
• Time of year
• Solo VIP service vs. traveling with multiple pets
• Special medical conditions
• Number of pets being transported
• Size of your pet

How to Prepare For Moving With a Pet

Preparing for the move is the most important step of pet relocation because it can reduce stress. To prepare an animal for travel with pet shipping experts, you'll want to:

• Make sure your pet's identification tag is up to date with accurate contact information.
• Have your pet microchipped before transport.
• Obtain your Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).
• Provide enough food for the entire trip and use food they're used to.
• Take time to get your pet used to its new kennel.
• Research more information on the subject at the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) website.
• Many transportation services are members of IPATA.

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection

Before embarking on a journey, animals must receive a health check from a veterinarian. Routes between states or countries require a document called a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).

• The National Veterinary Accreditation Program issues the CVI.
• Your vet will make sure vaccinations and medications are up to date. 
• They'll also look for parasites, like heartworms.
• Airlines require a CVI at a minimum, and others may ask for additional health checks and certifications.

Getting Used to a Carrier

Before starting a journey with your pet, you'll want to consider the appropriate pet carrier or kennel. A pet crate gives your pet a private, protected and contained area for travel. The crate you’ll need will largely depend on your pet's size, the duration of the trip and specific vehicle/airline size regulations. Some of the most popular options include:

• Hard-Sided
• Soft-Sided
• Wearable Carrier
• Permanent Fixture

Finding Reliable Pet Relocation Services with CitizenShipper

Are you interested in a smooth transition to a new location for both you and your pet? With a few simple steps, you'll be well on your way to a safe journey to your destination using CitizenShipper.

• Create an online account.
• Detail your transport needs.
• Receive free quotes from pet transporters that are certified with the USDA.
• Choose an experienced pet professional that works best for you.
• Chat about details of the trip with the driver using an internal messaging system.
• Reserve your transport and pay the CitizenShipper booking fee.
• Meet your pet transporter on the day of transport for a successful, smooth handoff.

Moving your pet from one location to another has never been easier, safer and more efficient. Posting a listing or getting a quote on CitizenShipper is free; you don’t pay until you book. Let us help you get your furry family member to its destination safe and sound. We are able to provide free quotes within minutes!