How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Dog To Texas?

Matt Matasci Matt Matasci · Updated February 23, 2024

Ensure Your Furry Friend's Comfort!

  • Fast and easy
  • Only pay when you book
https://citizenshipper.com/blog/furniture-shipping-company

For most people, the process of shipping a dog is a new experience. Unless you’re a professional breeder or actually involved in the pet transportation industry, it’s a foreign process to ship a dog.

There are many reasons to research pet transport to Texas. Maybe you’re moving to the Lone Star State, buying a dog from an out-of-state breeder or even just taking a long-term vacation. Whatever your reason, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost to hire a transporter to ship your dog.

First, it’s important to understand the different options available in terms of traveling methods for your canine friend. Each option has variables that affect not just the cost of transport but the safety and comfort of your dog. Your dog’s breed, age and health condition affects what options are available to you.

Ship a dog to Texas using CitizenShipper!

Ground Vs. Air Travel for Animals

Air

Most people’s first thought when moving from one state to another is to travel by plane. It’s no secret that traveling by plane is faster than driving, but even if speed is your top priority, there are some conditions to consider with air travel.

Pet Shipping with CitizenShipper

Before your pet takes to the sky, there are a few steps you need to take in advance:

  • Be sure your dog’s vaccination status is up-to-date and he’s had a health check from a vet.
  • Purchase an appropriate carrier that’s approved for air travel.

Pros of Air Travel

Your dog qualifies as a carry-on if it weighs under 20 pounds (combined with the carrier) and fits under the seat. Airlines’ pet fees are relatively affordable so carry-on is the cheapest option for the narrow range of pets that meet the criteria. Another advantage is you can be with your dog for the duration of the flight.

If you have a larger breed dog, don’t despair! You can check a dog as luggage to get them to the destination. Space is limited in the cargo area, so you’ll need to plan your trip well in advance.

Cons of Air Travel

First of all, your dog must remain in its carrier for the duration of the trip. Once you arrive at the airport, your dog cannot get out unless using a specified pet relief area. Depending on the length of the flight, that could add up five or more hours.

Only a few airlines — American, United and Delta — allow pets in the cargo area. This can limit your travel options significantly. And unlike checking your dog as a carry on, the tickets for the cargo area can be much more expensive.

Unfortunately, not all dogs can fly in the cargo area. Brachycephalic breeds, aka snub-nosed breeds, aren’t allowed in the cargo area. This is because they are at a greater risk for health complications while in flight.

Hire an air nanny to ship your dog to Texas.

Air Nannies

Maybe plane travel does seem like the best method for you to ship a dog to Texas. But what if you’re not able to join the flight? An air nanny is a great alternative.

Air nannies are pet transporters that take to the air with your pet. It doesn’t matter if your dog is flying in the cabin or in the cargo area — an air nanny can accompany your dog. You’ll need to pay for the dog’s one-way ticket, the air nanny’s roundtrip ticket and a fee.

Ground Ship a Dog to Texas

The other type of transportation that you can use to bring your dog to another state is ground transportation. Technically this type of transportation includes all methods of travel that are on the ground — such as cars, buses, and trains — but usually, when it comes to transporting our four-legged furry friends, we are referring to travel via a car.

When it comes to road travel, we are mainly focusing on road trips made in cars for dogs. Now, you can make this trip yourself with your dog in your own car (or a rental car) or opt for hiring a professional dog transporter. Both options have advantages, and if you enjoy long cross-country drives, you might love bringing your pet yourself. If, however, you do not have the time to or simply cannot stand the idea of being in a car for more than a few hours, opting for a professional service might be the better option for you.

Ground transportation is generally more manageable and less expensive for dogs because they can have breaks to use the bathroom and feel the ground underneath their feet. In addition, most dogs are not used to being unable to be outside for long periods, so ground transportation is generally easier on them.

Use CitizenShipper to Ship a Dog to Texas

If you are unable to transport your dog yourself, consider using our five star rated marketplace and find the perfect driver for your furry friend. There are many advantages to using CitizenShipper versus traditional pet shipping companies.

  • It’s free to post a listing on our marketplace, review quotes and even communicate with transporters!
  • The drivers on the marketplace pass a stringent background check.
  • A booking assurance guarantee which provides top-notch customer support, refund guarantee in case of a driver cancellation and rebooking assistance.
  • Every transport includes a pet protection plan that provides up to $1,000 in coverage.
  • CitizenShipper is the number one rated pet transport platform and over 100,000 customers have trusted us to ship their dog.

Rules and Laws Regarding Moving Your Pet to Texas

Texas requires that your dog be vaccinated against rabies in order to be brought to the state.

Unlike some other states, Texas doesn’t require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for incoming dogs. However, some airlines may still require one in order for animals to travel at all. Check the USDA APHIS website for specific information about bringing pets into the state.

How to Pick the Best Pet Relocation Services for Your Dog

Picking the right pet transportation service for your canine friend is crucial to ensuring a pleasant and stress-free moving experience for both you and your pet. However, there are a few things that you should consider when deciding which transportation service to go with.

First and foremost, you should consider the needs of your pet.

  • Will your pet do well in a plane, or will they do better in a car?
  • Can they travel in a shared space with other pets, or do they need to travel privately?
  • Are all of your pet’s vaccines and shots up to date?
  • How often will your pet need to take breaks during the drive?

Once you have determined your pet’s needs, you can start looking for pet relocation services that match your requirements. You will likely need to spend some time assessing and researching different options before you can make an informed decision about which service is the best fit for you and your pet.

Another thing to consider is that you will likely want to opt for a service that allows you to select your driver. While this is not strictly necessary, it can do a lot to ensure that you and your canine will be more comfortable with the trip. In addition, you want to ensure that your pet will be traveling with a trustworthy and friendly driver. This is why thousands of pet owners use CitizenShipper to transport their dogs across the country. CitizenShipper provides high-quality and intensive driver vetting and background checking services that you can use to pick the perfect driver for your dog.

Conclusion

While there is no clear and simple answer to how much it costs to transport your dog to another state, there are some common variables that affect the price. Post a listing to ship your dog to Texas and get free quotes within minutes!