How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Dog in New York?

Did you know the average cost of a dog shipping service between states can range between $500 to well over $5,000? If you need dog transportation to or from New York, you probably want to know how much to budget.

Several factors determine the cost of dog transportation in New York — these include distance, the pet’s weight and the transport method. Here’s everything you need to know about pet relocation services and the cost of dog transportation in New York.

Factors That Influence the Price of Shipping a Dog

Common reasons for dog transportation to and from New York include relocation and vacation. Breeders that sell to out-of-state customers also require pet transportation services.

Most people hire professional pet transporters who drive the dog to its destination. Air travel is another option that’s appealing for owners of small breeds. If your dog’s carrier fits under the seat in front of you, this option is much less expensive than ground transportation or flying your dog in the cargo area of the plane.

Distance of Dog Transportation to or from New York

The biggest factor determining the cost of transporting your dog is distance. If you’re transporting a dog within New York or from nearby states like New Jersey or Connecticut, you’ll only pay a few hundred dollars or even less.

You’ll pay significantly more if you need to transport a dog to New York from the West Coast or Florida.. The transporter will spend more on gas and stay at least a few nights in a hotel — these are just two of the reasons long-distance transport can be more expensive. 

You may be able to score a deal on long-distance transport if the driver is already heading in the direction of your shipment. Transporters make more money by being efficient, so they’re often very flexible with their rates on their return trip.

Two-way pet transportation marketplaces have drivers actively searching and competing for pet transportation jobs. Not only that, but a messaging system makes it easy to communicate with drivers, discuss your trip’s details and even negotiate rates! Posting a listing on CitizenShipper only takes a few minutes and most dog transports receive quotes within minutes.

VIP Service Versus Shared Transport

Distance is the most important factor when determining how much dog transportation to or from New York will cost, but it’s not the only one. The type of dog, its age and temperament also make a difference in how much you’ll pay.

One important decision you’ll make is whether to transport your dog alone using VIP transport or with other dogs. VIP, unsurprisingly, is the more expensive option because drivers won’t be able to “stack” shipments of dogs and maximize their efficiency.

There are plenty of reasons you may want your beloved family member to ride VIP.

• Your dog is old or just a puppy and needs individual attention throughout the drive.
• Health conditions make him susceptible to diseases that spread between animals.
• Behavioral issues preclude him from sharing space with other canines.
• Or it could just be that you want the most comfortable experience for your furry friend — nothing beats one-on-one attention from a dog-loving transporter.

Size and Breed of Dog

The size, weight and breed of your dog also affect the cost. As was mentioned earlier in the article, the least expensive option is to fly with your small dog as a carry-on. Unfortunately, this is only realistic for some dogs.

If you own a large dog you will most likely pay more for transport than owners of small dogs. Large dogs may also require special equipment and multi-person handling, which adds to the cost. Large dogs take up more space in the vehicle, limiting the number of animals the transporter can move.

And of course, the more dogs you transport the more it’ll cost. Some pet transporters offer a discount for multiple dogs — transporting two dogs won’t necessarily cost twice as much.

Timing and Flexibility

Succeeding as a pet transporter is all about efficiency. The more shipments a driver handles at once and the less downtime between trips, the more they’ll profit. You can take advantage of this by being flexible about your dog’s pick-up and drop-off times.

The more limited your flexibility, the fewer choices you’ll have for pet transportation. You’ll save money if you can adjust your schedule and accommodate a small detour to pick up a second canine passenger.

You can save some money if you can be flexible about drop-off and pick-up locations. The driver may offer a lower rate for added convenience and saved time. If you live far off the interstate, offer to meet them at a more easily-accessible public location for the drop-off.

Other Costs to Consider When Shipping a Dog

What other costs should you consider outside of the actual quote the pet relocation company gives you? There are some you can’t get around, like fees for paperwork, a veterinarian exam and a round of vaccinations.

You’ll need to purchase a travel crate if you’re having your dog transported to or from New York with an Air Nanny. Airlines have stringent requirements for these travel carriers — if there are any inadequacies with the carrier, they won’t let your dog fly.

If you’re using ground transportation, you may not need to buy a crate. While discussing details with the driver before booking, inquire whether they provide one. Those who do provide crates may charge more — but the increased travel expenses may not amount to more than the carrier’s cost. 

Do You Need Insurance for Shipping Dogs?

What about insurance for shipping dogs? Is that necessary, and should you factor it into the total cost of dog transportation to or from New York?

When it comes to shipping dogs within the United States, insurance may not be required, but it is highly recommended. Having pet insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case something goes wrong during the transport.

One benefit of CitizenShipper is that every transport includes a Pet Protection Plan. This  short-term policy covers up to $1,000 in case of injuries, illnesses or other unexpected issues.

Other advantages of hiring a driver through the CitizenShipper platform include:

• Photo and video updates
• Door-to-door pickup and delivery
• USDA-registered drivers
• 24/7 tele-vet access through FirstVet

CitizenShipper: The Safest Option for Pet Relocation

Our pets are family members, and we want the best for them. Usually, the best way to transport a dog to or from New York isn’t necessarily the cheapest way. Try to strike a balance between choosing a driver that provides the best service for your dog and one that fits within your budget.

The best way to find a reliable, vetted pet transporter at a price you can afford is by using the CitizenShipper marketplace. After you place a listing for dog transportation, you’ll receive quotes within minutes. You can read reviews, view driver profiles and even chat with transporters to help you make the right decision for you and your pet.

If you are curious about the cost of transporting your dog to or from New York, post a listing today! It only takes a few minutes, and you’ll receive a wide range of quotes.