Adaeze Nwakaeze ·
Updated May 19, 2026
When shipping your pet, you want to ensure they are in the best hands possible. With so many options available, deciding on the right shipping company for your furry friend can seem a bit overwhelming. One option that may come to mind is UPS, a trusted name in the world of shipping. But does UPS offer pet shipping? This article will explore the ins and outs of shipping your pet with UPS, including what services they offer, restrictions you should be aware of, and what supplies and documentation you’ll need.
What Services Does UPS Offer for Shipping Pets?
Regarding shipping pets, UPS offers a few services that cater to different needs. However, before we get too far into the article, we should make it clear that UPS doesn’t transport mammals. If you’re trying to get your furry friend transporting using UPS, unfortunately, it’s not possible. So unlike the USPS, you can ship some animals with UPS, but it’s still very limited.
Here are the three main options that owners of pets like reptiles, amphibians, fish and others can choose from:
#1. UPS My Choice for Pets Service
Its unique service allows customers to track their pet’s shipment in real-time. Customers can receive notifications about their pet’s location and estimated delivery time by signing up for UPS My Choice for Pets. This service also enables customers to set up delivery reminders and redirect the shipment to a different location if necessary. The package containing live animals must arrive by the next day.
#2. Domestic Animal Shipping
This service is available for customers who need to ship their pets within the United States. UPS allows for the shipping of small animals like birds and reptiles. Although, it’s worth noting that certain restrictions exist, such as the type of animal and the weight limit.
#3. International Animal Shipping
UPS also offers an international animal shipping service for customers who need to ship their pets overseas. This service includes assistance with customs clearance and documentation requirements and is available for pets that meet the health and vaccination requirements of the destination country.
What Restrictions Does UPS Have for Shipping Pets?
When it comes to shipping pets with UPS, there are some restrictions you should be aware of. These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet during transport. Here are the restrictions that UPS has for shipping pets:
#1. Species or Breed
While UPS allows shipping for some common pets like birds, they don’t accept all animals. Some types of animals like mammals, endangered species and poisonous reptiles are completely prohibited. Others may be restricted due to their species or breed.
UPS does not allow the shipping of mammals like dogs, cats or farm animals. When the proper permits and documentation are provided, they only allow amphibians, reptiles, fish and invertebrates to be shipped.
#2. Health
Your pet must be in good health to be eligible for shipping with UPS. You will need to provide a veterinary health certificate to verify that your pet is healthy enough for transport.
Does UPS Ship Dogs or Cats?
No. UPS does not ship dogs, cats, or any other mammals through its standard shipping network. This includes:
- Dogs and puppies
- Cats and kittens
- Rabbits
- Hamsters and guinea pigs
- Ferrets
- Farm animals and livestock
UPS classifies mammals as prohibited live animals under its shipping rules. Pet owners cannot legally ship household pets using UPS Ground, UPS Next Day Air, or any standard UPS parcel service. You can review the company’s official rules on the UPS prohibited and restricted items page.
Because UPS is designed for package delivery rather than live companion animal transport, the company does not provide climate-controlled handling, feeding schedules, exercise breaks, or specialized animal care for dogs and cats.
Instead, pet owners typically use one of these alternatives:
- Professional ground pet transport
- Airline pet cargo services
- Flight nanny services
- Dedicated pet transportation companies
Ground transport is often the most popular option for dogs and cats because pets travel in climate-controlled vehicles with regular potty breaks, food, water, and direct human supervision throughout the trip. Services like CitizenShipper connect pet owners with background-checked drivers who provide door-to-door transportation across the United States.
For long-distance relocations, ground transport also avoids many common airline restrictions, including breed bans, seasonal embargoes, and cargo hold temperature limitations.
What Animals Can UPS Ship?
Although UPS prohibits dogs, cats, and most mammals, the company does allow shipment of certain limited live animals under strict conditions and regulatory guidelines.
Animals commonly permitted include:
- Non-venomous reptiles
- Certain amphibians
- Tropical fish
- Some invertebrates and insects
These shipments must comply with federal, state, and local wildlife regulations. Certain species may also require permits or documentation before transport, especially when crossing state lines.
UPS live animal shipments generally require:
- Insulated shipping containers
- Leak-proof inner packaging
- Ventilation holes
- Heat or cold packs when necessary
- Secure labeling and cushioning
Most live animal shipments must travel using expedited services such as UPS Next Day Air to minimize transit time and reduce stress on the animal.
Shippers are responsible for ensuring the species is legally transportable and packaged safely according to UPS guidelines. Certain reptiles, protected wildlife species, venomous animals, and exotic species may be prohibited entirely or require additional approvals.
Because live animal rules can change, shippers should always verify current UPS policies before booking any shipment.
How Much Does UPS Live Animal Shipping Cost?
UPS does not publish standardized pricing specifically for live animal shipments because costs vary significantly depending on:
- Package dimensions
- Weight
- Shipping distance
- Required service speed
- Packaging requirements
- Temperature-control materials
Most approved live animal shipments must use UPS Next Day Air or similarly expedited services, which are more expensive than standard ground delivery.
As a general baseline, UPS Next Day Air pricing for small live animal shipments commonly starts around:
- Approximately $60–$150+ for smaller overnight packages
- Higher for larger insulated containers or long-distance routes
Specialized live-animal packaging can add substantial additional cost. Expenses may include:
- Insulated containers
- Heat or cooling packs
- Ventilated shipping boxes
- Waterproof liners
- Monitoring devices
Protected species may also require permit fees or veterinary paperwork.
For dogs and cats, however, UPS is not an option because mammals are prohibited entirely. Most pet owners instead compare pricing between:
- Ground pet transportation
- Airline cargo
- Flight nanny services
- Dedicated pet transport companies
Ground pet transport for dogs and cats often ranges between approximately $200–$600+ depending on distance and trip type.
What Documentation Do You Need to Ship Animals with UPS?
Documentation requirements for UPS live animal shipments depend on the species being transported and the shipment destination.
Common required documents may include:
- State wildlife permits
- Federal transport permits
- Veterinary health certificates
- Import/export paperwork
- CITES documentation for protected species
Reptiles and exotic animals crossing state lines may require additional permits depending on state wildlife regulations.
Packages must also be properly labeled with clear markings such as:
- “Live Animals”
- Orientation arrows
- Species identification
- Temperature handling instructions
Shippers are responsible for complying with all local, state, federal, and international wildlife transport laws. Certain species may require inspection or approval before shipment.
Because regulations vary widely by species, it’s important to verify all documentation requirements before arranging transport.
Alternatives to UPS for Pet Shipping
CitizenShipper
For dogs, cats, and household pets, CitizenShipper is one of the most popular alternatives to UPS. The platform connects pet owners with background-checked independent drivers who provide door-to-door ground transportation throughout the United States.
Benefits include:
- Climate-controlled transportation
- Regular food, water, and bathroom breaks
- Direct communication with drivers
- Free shipment listings
- Multiple competing quotes
- $1,000 Pet Protection Coverage
- 24/7 veterinary access through FirstVet
Most standard pet shipments cost roughly $200–$600 depending on distance, pet size, and route popularity.
Ground transportation is especially popular for:
- Large dogs
- Senior pets
- Brachycephalic breeds
- Pets affected by airline embargoes
- Multi-pet households
Unlike airline cargo, pets remain under direct human supervision throughout the journey.
FedEx
FedEx also does not transport most household pets for consumers. While FedEx Custom Critical handles certain commercial live animal shipments, standard FedEx services do not ship dogs or cats.
USPS
USPS only permits limited live animal shipments such as:
- Day-old poultry
- Certain birds
- Bees
- Some cold-blooded species
USPS does not ship dogs, cats, or other mammals.
Airline Cargo
Some airlines still offer pet cargo programs for dogs and cats. Typical one-way pricing ranges from approximately $200–$500+ for domestic flights, though larger pets and international routes can cost substantially more.
Airline cargo can work well for certain situations, but drawbacks may include:
- Seasonal temperature embargoes
- Breed restrictions
- Airport drop-off requirements
- Flight delays
- Cargo hold stress for pets
Because of these limitations, many pet owners prefer ground transportation for long-distance pet moves.
How to Ship Your Pet Safely (Step-by-Step)
- Determine your pet type and eligible transport methods
Dogs and cats usually require ground transport, airline cargo, or flight nanny services. Reptiles and fish may qualify for specialized parcel shipping. - Get a veterinary health certificate
Many interstate and airline shipments require a recent health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. - For dogs and cats, list your shipment on CitizenShipper
CitizenShipper allows pet owners to post shipments for free and receive quotes from background-checked drivers nationwide. - Review quotes and transporter profiles
Compare driver experience, reviews, pricing, vehicle setup, and communication style before booking. - Book and track your pet’s journey
Most professional transporters provide regular updates, photos, and direct communication throughout the trip so owners can monitor their pet’s progress in real time.
Conclusion
Shipping a pet can seem like an intimidating process. But if you’re looking to ship your pet with UPS, you’ll need to be aware of their services, their restrictions, the shipping supplies you’ll need and the documentation you’ll need to provide. With the right preparation, you can ensure your pet arrives safely and sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
UPS permits shipment of select live animals including: These shipments must follow strict packaging guidelines, labeling requirements, and applicable federal or state wildlife laws. Many shipments also require UPS Next Day Air service to minimize transit time. UPS does not publish fixed pricing for live animal shipments. Costs depend on package size, weight, destination, and required delivery speed. Most approved live animal shipments use UPS Next Day Air, with pricing often starting around $60–$150+ for smaller overnight shipments. Specialized insulated packaging, heat packs, cooling materials, and permits can increase the total cost significantly. Yes. Most live animal shipments require documentation such as: Requirements vary depending on the species being transported and the shipment destination. Reptiles and exotic animals crossing state lines may face additional permit requirements under state wildlife regulations.Can UPS ship dogs or cats?
What animals are allowed to be shipped through UPS?
How much does UPS live animal shipping cost?
What’s the safest way to transport a dog long distance?
Do you need paperwork to ship live animals?
Adaeze Nwakaeze is a content writer with a knack for delivering engaging, informative content. With a background in writing, she excels at creating compelling pieces that capture her readers’ attention.
