Cagri Sarigoz · Updated July 1, 2024
Pets are more than just animals – they are beloved members of the family. That’s why it can be stressful and heart-wrenching to leave them behind when traveling. If you’re planning a trip and need to transport your furry friend as cargo, you might be considering American Airlines. However, there are other options out there that might better suit your needs. In this post, we’ll explore 10 alternatives to American Airlines for pet cargo.
1. CitizenShipper
When it comes to transporting pets as cargo, you want a company you can trust to handle your furry friend with care. That’s where Citizenshipper.com comes in. Founded in 2008, this platform connects pet owners with experienced and pet-friendly drivers who can transport their pets door-to-door. Whether you’re moving across the country or just need a one-way trip, Citizenshipper.com offers customizable options to meet your needs.
But what sets Citizenshipper.com apart from other pet cargo options? For starters, all drivers are screened and professional, so you can feel confident your pet is in good hands. Additionally, the platform offers real-time communication with drivers, so you can analyze your pet’s progress and estimated arrival time. And if you’re worried about your pet’s safety, Citizenshipper.com also offers insurance to cover any unexpected events.
But don’t just take our word for it – customers rave about their experiences with Citizenshipper.com. “I was so worried about leaving my dog with a stranger, but the driver was amazing and took such good care of her,” says Mary, a satisfied customer. “I received updates and photos throughout the trip, which really put my mind at ease.” With its top-notch services and customer satisfaction, it’s no surprise that Citizenshipper.com comes in as the best option for pet cargo.
Pros of CitizenShipper
- A booking assurance guarantee — this policy provides refund protection, a driver replacement guarantee, and customer support.
- Transporters you can trust — all transporters on CitizenShipper undergo a stringent background check.
- Direct contact with drivers — using an internal messaging system similar to Google Chat or WhatsApp, you’ll be able to contact the transporter throughout the trip.
- Top-rated marketplace — CitizenShipper is the highest five-star rated transportation marketplace on Trustpilot.
Using CitizenShipper is easy. First, post your shipping details on the website. Next, professional drivers will contact you with bids — many posts receive bids within minutes.
After looking through the bids and checking the reviews on each driver’s profile, you make your selection. You can use the messaging system to discuss details of the shipment and feel confident in the transporter you choose. Because of CitizenShipper’s unique reverse bidding system, you can save a significant amount of money versus traditional shipment companies like UPS.
Cons of CitizenShipper
- While CitizenShipper has drivers all over the U.S. and some drivers in Canada, the provider doesn’t cover a broader range of international transport.
2. PetRelocation
PetRelocation is a company that specializes in international shipping. Founded in 2004, they have two decades of experience transporting pets to over 150 countries. They have a team of pet-loving professionals that work to create a travel plan and timeline after you submit all of your pet’s information, including vet records.
Pros of PetRelocation
- They’ve transported over 40,000 pets.
- They handle most of the transportation process, including booking the flights, working with your vet to be sure immunizations are up-to-date and advising you on purchasing a travel crate.
- Professional and pet-loving staff
Cons of PetRelocation
- Pricing may be higher than some other options
- They only handle international pet transportation.
3. PetAirways
This airline specifically caters to pets and offers door-to-door transportation for cats and dogs. However, it only serves a limited number of cities, so it might not be an option for everyone.
Pros of PetAirways
- Door-to-door transportation
- Caters specifically to pets
- Professional and pet-loving staff
Cons of PetAirways
- Limited service area
- Limited flight schedule
- Restrictions on certain breeds and sizes of pets
4. AirAnimal
This company specializes in international pet transport and has been around since 1977. They offer a range of services, including air cargo and ground transportation, and have a team of certified pet movers.
Pros of AirAnimal
- Specializes in international pet transport
- Wide range of services, including air cargo and ground transportation
- Team of certified pet movers
Cons of AirAnimal
- May not offer as many domestic transport options as other companies
- May require additional fees for certain services
- May not offer as many domestic transport options as other companies
5. Animal Land Pet Movers
This company offers door-to-door transportation for pets within the US and internationally. They have a team of experienced pet handlers and offer a range of services, including air cargo and ground transportation.
Pros of Animal Land Pet Movers
- Door-to-door transportation
- Wide range of services, including air cargo and ground transportation
- Experienced pet handlers
- Serves both domestic and international locations
Cons of Animal Land Pet Movers
- Pricing may be higher than some other options
- May require additional fees for certain services
- Limited service area
6. Furry Flyers
This company offers air cargo and ground transportation for pets within the US. They have a team of pet enthusiasts and offer real-time communication with drivers.
Pros of Furry Flyers
- Wide range of services, including air cargo and ground transportation
- Team of pet enthusiasts
- Real-time communication with drivers
Cons of Furry Flyers
- May not offer as many international transport options as other companies
- May require additional fees for certain services
- May not offer as many international transport options as other companies
7. JetPets
This company provides a range of pet transportation services, including ground transportation, both domestically and internationally. They have a team of pet-loving professionals and offer a variety of options, including real-time communication with drivers.
Pros of JetPets
- Wide range of services, including ground transportation
- Professional and pet-loving staff
- Real-time communication with drivers
- Serves both domestic and international locations
Cons of JetPets
- Pricing may be higher than some other options
- May require additional fees for certain services
- Limited service area
8. Happy Tails Travel
This company offers air cargo and ground transportation for pets within the US. They have a team of experienced pet handlers and offer real-time communication with drivers.
Pros of Happy Tails Travel
- Wide range of services, including air cargo and ground transportation
- Experienced pet handlers
- Real-time communication with drivers
Cons of Happy Tails Travel
- May not offer as many international transport options as other companies
- May require additional fees for certain services
- May not offer as many international transport options as other companies
9. Pet Express
This company provides a range of services for pet transportation, including air cargo and ground transportation, both domestically and internationally. They have a team of pet-loving professionals and offer a variety of options, including real-time communication with drivers.
Pros of Pet Express
- Wide range of services, including air cargo and ground transportation
- Professional and pet-loving staff
- Real-time communication with drivers
- Serves both domestic and international locations
Cons of Pet Express
- Pricing may be higher than some other options
- May require additional fees for certain services
- Limited service area
10. Four Paws Pet Transport
This company offers air cargo and ground transportation for pets within the US. They have a team of experienced pet handlers and offer real-time communication with drivers.
Pros of Four Paws Pet Transport
- Wide range of services, including air cargo and ground transportation
- Experienced pet handlers
- Real-time communication with drivers
Cons of Four Paws Pet Transport
- May not offer as many international transport options as other companies
- May require additional fees for certain services
- May not offer as many international transport options as other companies
An In-Depth Comparison of Top 10 American Airlines Pet Cargo Alternatives
Examine the strengths, limitations, and best uses of the top 10 alternatives to American Airlines for pet cargo. This comparison table provides a comprehensive look at services such as CitizenShipper, PetAirways, PetRelocation, and more, enabling you to make the best choice for your pet’s travel needs.
Table 1: American Airlines Pet Cargo Alternatives
| Service | Best For | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CitizenShipper | Customizable, Door-to-Door Transport | A two-sided marketplace platform that connects pet owners with experienced drivers for door-to-door pet transport. | Drivers are thoroughly vetted, have direct communication with drivers, highly rated on Trustpilot. | While it covers the U.S. and has some drivers in Canada, the service doesn’t offer broader international transport. |
| PetAirways | Dedicated Pet Transport | An airline dedicated to pet transportation offering door-to-door service. | Pets are treated as a priority, professional handlers. | Limited service area and flight schedule, restrictions on certain breeds, and sizes of pets. |
| PetRelocation | Comprehensive Pet Relocation Services | Offers a range of services for pet transportation including air cargo, ground transportation, and international shipping. | Comprehensive service, experienced handlers, global network. | Pricing may be higher than some other options, and limited service areas may require additional fees. |
| AirAnimal | International Pet Transport | Specializes in international pet transport with a wide range of services including air cargo and ground transportation. | International shipping expertise, certified pet movers, member of IPATA. | May not offer as many domestic transport options, and may require additional fees. |
| Animal Land Pet Movers | Domestic and International Transports | Offers door-to-door transportation for pets within the US and internationally with a range of services including air cargo and ground transportation. | Door-to-door service, experienced handlers, global shipping. | Pricing may be higher than some other options, may require additional fees, limited service area. |
| Furry Flyers | Domestic Pet Transport | Offers air cargo and ground transportation for pets within the US. | Domestic expertise, customized solutions, and experienced handlers. | May not offer as many international transport options, and may require additional fees. |
| JetPets | Domestic and International Transports | Provides a range of pet transportation services, both domestically and internationally. | International and domestic transport, comprehensive services, and real-time communication with drivers. | Pricing may be higher than some other options, may require additional fees, limited service area. |
| Happy Tails Travel | Domestic Pet Transport | Offers air cargo and ground transportation for pets within the US. | Domestic expertise, door-to-door service, and pet-friendly practices. | May not offer as many international transport options, and may require additional fees. |
| Pet Express | Domestic and International Transports | Provides a range of services for pet transportation, both domestically and internationally. | Comprehensive services, professional handlers, and real-time communication with drivers. | Pricing may be higher than some other options, may require additional fees, limited service area. |
| Four Paws Pet Transport | Domestic Pet Transport | Offers air cargo and ground transportation for pets within the US. | Specialized pet transport, experienced handlers, personalized service. | May not offer as many international transport options, and may require additional fees. |
| American Airlines | Air Travel with Pets | American Airlines offers pet transport services with policies and restrictions on pet type, pet carrier size, and travel conditions. | Wide network, pets can travel on the same flight as owners, and experience pet transport. | Breed restrictions, certain pets might not be allowed in the cabin, and limited real-time communication with drivers and updates. |
Tips for Shipping Your Furry Friends
In addition to the above options, there are a few other things to consider when transporting your pet as cargo. Here are some tips and resources to help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible:
- Check the regulations and requirements for transporting pets as cargo with the airline or company you choose. This may include documentation, crate requirements, and health requirements.
- Make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and has a clean bill of health before traveling.
- Consider purchasing pet insurance to cover any unexpected events.
- Pack a bag with all the essentials your pet will need during the trip, such as food, water, medications, and a favorite toy or blanket.
- Research and compare the options carefully before making a decision. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get multiple quotes to find the best option for you and your pet.
- Consider hiring a pet relocation specialist to handle the process for you. These professionals have the experience and expertise to ensure a smooth, stress-free move for you and your pet.
We hope this post has been helpful in providing you with alternative options for transporting your pet as cargo. If you have any additional questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.
Conclusion
When it comes to transporting your furry friend as cargo, it’s important to find a reliable and trustworthy option. While American Airlines may be a well-known choice, there are other alternatives out there that may better suit your needs. In this post, we explored 10 alternatives to American Airlines for pet cargo and ranked them in descending order, with Citizenshipper.com coming in as the best option. With its door-to-door transportation, customizable options, and pet-friendly drivers, Citizenshipper.com is a top choice for pet owners looking to transport their pets safely and comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pet Travel
What is the cheapest way to transport a pet?
Typically, ground transport is the cheapest way to transport a pet. Longer trips using a transportation service, like CitizenShipper, typically average around $1.00 per mile. Using a pet transportation service ensures your pet arrives in your new location safely, while minimizing stress and overall cost.
How much does it cost to ship a pet internationally?
While shipping your pet domestically is a relatively straightforward process, international shipping can be more complicated. Hiring a pet transport service to help with international logistics can save a tremendous amount of stress and time.
Each country of arrival will have specific regulations regarding pet health checks, necessary vaccination, and possible quarantine requirements. The cost to ship a pet internationally can vary, especially if you need to board your pet for an extended quarantine.
How much does it cost to transport cats?
The cost to transport cats will vary depending on the transport method. Cats can be transported via ground or air transit, and are often small enough to be considered a “carry on” item. Transporting a cat can cost as little as $25 on Amtrak, or as much as $125 to fly in the main cabin of an airplane.
How much does it cost to travel with a small pet?
Traveling with a small pet, compared to a large pet, is much cheaper. Smaller pets can fit under the seat in front of you and can often qualify as a “carry on” item. Traveling with small pets on Amtrak can cost $25, while airlines can charge around $125. Keep in mind certain companies will only allow cats and dogs to travel.
What does it cost to ship a puppy?
While puppies are small enough to fly in most airline cabins, they can incur additional costs. Puppies generally require more attention, and therefore can be more expensive than shipping an adult dog or cat.
Many breeders will utilize an air nanny service to accompany your puppy. If the air nanny is experienced, or a regular, certain airlines may provide discounted rates or waive certain fees. Breeders regularly ship puppies to their new homes and are well-versed in arranging transportation.
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