Finding the Best Dog Transport Companies

All right! You’re feeling good, you got hired for a new job, but there’s one downside. It’s located in another state. That means you have to pack up your life and move on to a new destination. There are so many things that involve moving — packing everything, getting your furniture out of your old place and into the new one, and selling your cars or shipping them to their new location.

There’s another item on the checklist that you have to consider — finding a pet shipping service. Your beloved dog, a valuable member of the family, has to go with you, and you have to figure out what’s the best animal transport company?

We’re going to go over everything you wanted to know about finding the best dog transport companies out there. We will answer all the important questions and let you in on some advice and tips to make the entire process go smoothly as a pet shipper.

Starting With The Basics: What Are Pet Transportation Services?

Pet transportation is the process of moving a pet from one location to another. You can do it yourself, driving from the starting point to the destination, but you can also hire transportation services for the pet move. There are two main avenues: air travel or ground transport. No matter which approach you take, there’s one unique way to find a reliable pet mover — a two-way marketplace.

Common Concerns Regarding the Pet Shipping Process

Let’s face it, you may have concerns about pet shipping, especially if you are concerned about the safety of your pet. What if they don’t treat my dog the right way? What if there are multiple pets and something happens between them? What if the van isn’t climate controlled? What if the transporter doesn’t feed them or take them out for potty breaks? Those are just many valid concerns that you may have.

Are There Benefits to Using a Professional Dog Transportation Service?

The bottom line is that a professional dog transport service is experienced in handling pet relocation. They can handle your dog with care during the entire transportation process and are experts in what they do.

Furthermore, they have the specialized equipment to transport your dog to its final destination. Your dog should be traveling with the utmost safest equipment and dog transport companies have that available to ensure your dog’s safety. Lastly, they may offer additional services to give you the confidence you deserve during this arduous, transport process. The last thing you want to do is worry about your dog’s transport at the same time you’re moving to another city or state.

What Kinds of Companies Will Transport Your Pet?

There are several pet transportation companies out there. When you search for them online, you’ll see there are companies that offer ground and air options, too. These companies will also outline what they can and cannot offer.

What Factors Affect the Price of a Pet Transport Service?

1. Distance

When it comes to ground transport, the destination plays a role in the price tag. There can be routes that the transporter will have to take that will increase the cost. There may be a coverage area that transporters go to, as well. Make sure you ask them all these questions, especially the distance part before booking.

2. Pet Size / Breed / Type

Dog transport companies may have restrictions when it comes to dog size, especially if going by airplane. They also don’t accept snub-nosed breeds in the cargo area. For ground transporters, the bigger the dog, the bigger the cost. There may also be breed surcharges. You may want to look into securing a package deal because it could save you money if you transport multiple dogs.

3. Health Documentation

Before the pet travel can begin, go to a USDA-registered veterinarian and get a health certificate. You’ll also need to ensure all your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date. The health certificate costs vary, but usually they run at around a $100-$300 fee. You should check to see what health documentation is required at your destination, as well.

4. Equipment

Safety is important in all journeys — whether it’s by air or ground. To ensure your dog’s safety during the trek, invest in a durable carrier. You should also consider buying other essential products like a first aid kit, your dog’s favorite toys or blankets, calming chews, and other items.

5. Extra Perks

If you choose to add on extra perks, ask what the dog transport company offers. Insurance is a good thing to have, just in case. You can also choose to have a door-to-door delivery option added to your transport needs.

Flight Nannies Versus Pet Ground Transporters

As stated above, there are two types of pet transport companies: one that covers air travel and one that is mainly on the ground. Which one has the advantage here?

Flight Nannies

When it comes to flying, you have the option of hiring someone who’ll accompany your dog to its destination. The term for this particular person is called an flight nanny — also known as an air nanny. Air nannies get hired to take care of your dog and fly it to your destination.

Ground Transporters

The other option is hiring a ground transporter. They will usually have a van where they will drive to your final destination. Like stated above, several factors determine the cost, which include distance, pet size and breeds, health documentation requirements, equipment needs, and perks you may want to add.

Can You Accompany Your Dog During Transportation?

The answer is: it depends. If you are hiring a ground transport company, the answer will be no. They will take care of all the logistics and ensure your dog is delivered to its final destination. If you are flying and choose to fly with your dog, then of course, you can definitely accompany your dog by buying a ticket through the airline. If you have a small dog, you will be able to have your dog inside a carrier in the main cabin with you. A larger dog will have to go in the cargo hold.

How To Find the Best Pet Transportation Services

The best pet transport companies have qualities that stand out from the best. When you’re doing research, look out for these good qualities.

IPATA Membership

It’s important that the pet transport company is associated with a professional pet travel association. Check the International Pet Travel Association (IPATA) website to see if the transport company is a member of one.  Because the organization is dedicated to the safe and humane transport of pets, you can trust their members are legitimate.

Customer Service

Excellent customer service means that the dog transport company will take care of your pet as if it were their own. Pay attention to the small details and their customer service duties when looking at their website and communicating with them. If they treat you and your dog with outstanding consideration, then that’s the one.

Communication

Communication is tied to customer service. Communication is essential for your dog’s safety and your confidence in the process. If the dog transport company has a good communication rapport with you at the onset, then that’s great. A good dog transport company outlines all fees beforehand without throwing hidden fees at you. They should also mention that they provide regular updates during the transportation journey.

Pet Safety & Health

This is a very important quality to look for. The best dog transport company should have pet safety as their number one priority. When that is at the top of the list, you know you will have the peace of mind that your precious doggo will be in good hands throughout the transport trek and will arrive safe and sound at their final destination.

USDA Certification

All dog transport companies should adhere to the USDA’s rules and regulations in pet handling. USDA certification is necessary because it means they follow the law. If they do not, it could mean they are a fake shipping company, they have inhumane pet practices, or they could have questionable and shady business practices. Just stay clear from those shady companies.

Climate Controlled Transport

The means of transport is always something to keep in mind. If they do not have climate controlled transport, it means your dog could be very uncomfortable during the journey. It can also be very dangerous because extreme temperatures affect pets heavily, including experiencing heat stroke. Having climate controlled transport ensures your pet’s safety during the journey.

Door to Door Delivery

Lastly, this is an important quality for your peace of mind and busy schedule when you are moving to another city or state. The last thing you want to do is more running around by dropping off and picking up your dog. You have so many things to do that it’s better to have the dog transport company pick and drop off your adorable pup. Door to door delivery makes your life easier and stress-free.

Why a Pet Shipping Marketplace Can Help You Find the Best Company

At the end of the day, there are a lot of balls to juggle when it comes to transporting a dog. There can be hidden fees right when you least expect it. It’s just not something you want to deal with. The alternative is using a two-way marketplace like CitizenShipper.

You can save money on transportation costs because drivers bid for your business, most often saving up to 60%-70% compared to a traditional pet transport company.

Using CitizenShipper is easy!

• Step 1: Post a free listing on our marketplace, and in a matter of minutes, a fleet of background-checked, USDA-registered drivers will send you quotes.
• Step 2: You’ll be able to chat with drivers beforehand, compare quotes, and select a quote that fits your budget.
• Step 3: Once you have selected the quote you like best, you’re ready to book your trip.

Booking a driver only on price is not something we recommend because the best transporters usually charge a little more. You should read reviews, communicate with the driver through the instant-messaging system and look at past experience before making your decision.

Why CitizenShipper is the #1 Pet Transportation Platform in the United States

The bottom line is your cherished pet will be in good hands with the qualified drivers on CitizenShipper’s network. They will treat your pet as if they were their own.

Because we’re the #1 pet transportation platform in the United States, we work hard to ensure your peace of mind throughout the entire process. CitizenShipper provides added benefits — up to $1,000 Pet Protection, a Booking Assurance Guarantee, a messaging system where you can communicate directly with the driver and 24/7 TeleVet access through our partner FirstVet.

What Options are Available for International Pet Transportation?

Unfortunately, CitizenShipper only transports pets domestically. The good news is that there’s an excellent option for moving pets overseas. Our partner Starwood Pet Travel is the best choice, offering international pet transportation all over the world. Starwood provides domestic flight services from the continental US to Hawaii and primarily transport pets internationally from the US to various countries. They also offer US import and local delivery services.

Bottom Line

The pet transport process can be overwhelming. And you’re not alone — countless people are doing the same thing you are. They join Facebook or other social media groups to get help, so they have the right information. After going through the research and requirements needed for dog transport, choosing the best dog transport company is the next step.

Transporting your dog to another city or state should be a wonderful experience; not a panic inducing one. If you find yourself extremely stressed out with all the options and just don’t know what to do, consider CitizenShipper. Our drivers understand your precious Fido means the world to you. They’ll treat them with proper care throughout the entire journey.

CitizenShipper will make sure you save money, time and hassle. The drivers on our network are dedicated to you and only you. Get yourself a lifesaver now and post your pet’s transport info to get free quotes instantly!