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How to Ship A Dog: Understanding the Different Options for Pet Relocation Services

There are many reasons and ways to move a dog across the United States or internationally. However, no matter how or why you’re moving a pet, two things are non-negotiable: their safety and comfort.

Traveling can be an overwhelming experience for canines, especially those who aren’t used to being in a car or being separated from their owners. Understanding the options available for pet transportation services gives you the confidence that you’re making the right choice.

Airline Pet Cargo Services for Long-Distance Pet Travel

If Possible, Avoid Layovers When Transporting a Dog by Air

• Small dogs are allowed in the cabin of the airplane; larger breeds will need to ride in the cargo area.
• No matter which part of the plane your furry family member travels in, make a point of booking a direct flight wherever possible — this increases the likelihood of a safe journey.
• Layovers can be a stressful experience for pets – especially if they travel in cargo.
• While it’s rare, layovers also add the risk of the airline misplacing your dog or boarding him onto the wrong flight.

Research Pet Relief Areas When Using Air Travel for Pet Relocation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a regulation that states all pets must stay in their carriers at all times while at the airport, including layovers. One exception for animals being transported? Pet relief areas at airports.

• This is a great opportunity for your pet to take care of his business and let him stretch his legs a bit.
• If he won't be able to use a pet relief area on your journey, line the carrier with puppy pads to absorb any accidents.
• Another exception to the requirement is service animals.

Dog Transportation in the Airplane Cabin

Flying in the cabin is always the most preferred method of air travel with any pet. If you have a smaller pooch that weighs under 20 pounds, is over eight weeks old and fully weaned, and has a carrier that fits under the seat, it's eligible to travel in the cabin. How do you prepare for an in-cabin flight with a dog?

• Obtain a valid health certificate from a licensed vet.
• Call the airline ahead of time to be sure your pet can join you on a specific flight.
• Avoid feeding before the flight — this limits their need to “go” during the flight.
• Arrive at the airport a little earlier — this ensures you’ll have enough time for check-in.

Professional Transport Services Safely and Comfortably Relocate Pets

No matter how you ship your pet across the country, you should know the qualities of a pet transportation expert. Not only does it ensure your fur-baby will arrive safely at its destination, but you'll have added peace of mind. Some traits to look for when hiring pet transport services include:

• They're trained and experienced in handling pets during transit.
• If they provide pet crates, they should be properly ventilated, well constructed and the appropriate size.
• They only use temperature-controlled vehicles.
• They stop for regular bathroom and exercise breaks.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Dog?

It’s hard to give an exact estimate on how much specific services will cost will cost. Several factors affect the cost of a pet move. These include:

• Size and breed
• Time of the year in which travel takes place
• Method of travel
• Distance of the trip
• Door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal
• If you or the transporter provide a carrier
• Special considerations required for your pet
• Solo VIP service or rideshare service
• Whether it's domestic or international pet travel

Hiring a Traditional Pet Transporter

Pet shipping companies are everywhere. While there are some mom-and-pop operations, they usually only work locally. They have a small fleet of drivers that deliver pets. Other businesses operate as a dispatch service, connecting you with their team of drivers.

Does FedEx Transport Dogs?

To keep it simple: no, FedEx will not deliver a pet to its new home. And unfortunately, other carriers like UPS and the US Postal Service (USPS) don’t offer pet transport either. It’s not possible to mail any domestic pets through FedEx, USPS or UPS.

Get Free Dog Transport Quotes From Reputable Companies

One of the first steps in pet transport is getting quotes. To get quotes in the past, you could either call or each individual business. It often takes hours to receive quotes from emailed requests. This is a time-consuming process, and you have no ability to discuss the cost.

This is how searching for transportation quotes was done in the past. But we've helped pet owners with an easier way to get quotes for shipping pets.

• Use CitizenShipper and the transporters will come to you with quotes.
• You don't need to do deep-dive Google searches.
• Instead, you create one listing, and transporters on the marketplace near you compete in a reverse auction by submitting quotes for their services.

Use a Two-Way Marketplace Like CitizenShipper

A convenient alternative to using traditional movers is a pet shipping marketplace like CitizenShipper. They offer the same services as a traditional transporter with many unique benefits.

Some of the perks include:

• After you post a listing, a variety of transporters provide quotes in a reverse-bidding system. This competition results in lower prices.
• On CitizenShipper, you can communicate with the transporters using an instant messaging system. This makes it easy to express any concerns, outline any special considerations are needed, and discuss the price of the trip.
• Every trip includes a Pet Protection Plan.

CitizenShipper’s Pet Protection Plan

One of the biggest perks of choosing to book a transporter through CitizenShipper is that every transport includes a pet protection plan. What is a pet protection plan?

A pet protection plan is a short-term contract that covers some or even all of the expenses relating to illness, injury or any other unexpected health-related costs along the trip.

• It can be used in conjunction with your insurance — though if you have a high deductible you may not want to use your insurance at all!
• Every trip on CitizenShipper includes a pet protection plan for costs up to $1,000

There you have it — free quotes that come right to your inbox with very little effort on your end. Then, if there’s a transporter that meets your needs and fits your budget, it’s a simple process to book the driver. Save time and your sanity with the easiest, most affordable way to find pet transporters on CitizenShipper!