Adaeze Nwakaeze ·
Updated May 15, 2026
USPS does not ship cats, dogs, or any other mammals. The United States Postal Service allows only limited live animal shipments: day-old poultry from NPIP-certified hatcheries, certain adult birds, small harmless cold-blooded animals (some reptiles and amphibians), live bees, and live scorpions. All live animal shipments must go via Priority Mail Express and follow USPS Publication 52 packaging and labeling rules. For shipping a dog, cat, or other pet, you’ll need a specialized pet transport service like CitizenShipper, which connects pet owners with background-checked, independent drivers for door-to-door ground transport.
This comprehensive guide will look closer at the best alternatives to USPS for shipping your pet. So, grab a cup of coffee and read on to discover the best options for pet shipping that will make your pet’s journey as stress-free as possible.
What Is USPS?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent agency of the federal government responsible for delivering mail and packages across the United States. From birthday cards to online purchases, USPS is a familiar name to most Americans.
While USPS primarily handles mail and packages, they offer limited options for shipping live animals, including birds and reptiles. Although, it’s important to note that not all USPS locations offer pet shipping services, and USPS does not ship mammals such as cats and dogs.
But the good news is that plenty of other reliable and safe pet shipping alternatives are available. In the next section, we’ll explore some of these options so you can find the best fit for your pet’s needs.
Alternatives to UPS for Pet Shipping
While UPS could be a convenient option for shipping packages, it may not be the best choice for transporting your furry friends. UPS will ship some animals, but not mammals. Fortunately, there are alternatives to UPS and USPS pet shipping available. Here are some of the most popular alternatives:
#1. Specialized Pet Shipping Companies
If you want to ensure that your pet receives the best care during transportation, consider using a specialized pet shipping company. These companies have extensive experience in pet transportation, and they know the specific regulations and requirements for shipping pets. They also have specialized equipment and vehicles to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort during transport.
With a specialized pet shipping company, you can have peace of mind knowing that your pet is in the hands of trained professionals who understand your pet’s unique needs.
#2. Professional Pet Transporter
For a more personalized experience, consider hiring a professional pet transporter. These individuals offer door-to-door service and often have experience and knowledge of the specific needs of different pets, including temperature control, feeding schedules, and exercise requirements.
Professional pet transporters are also equipped to handle any unexpected situations that may arise during transportation, such as a sudden illness. They provide one-on-one attention to your pet and can offer additional services, such as grooming and veterinary care during transport.
#3. Airlines
Many airlines offer pet transportation services for both domestic and international travel. While this option may require more planning and preparation, it provides dedicated pet compartments, trained pet handlers, and temperature-controlled cabins for pets.
How to Choose the Right Pet Shipping Option
When choosing the right pet shipping option, several factors must be considered. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice for your furry friend:
#1. Research the Company
Before choosing a pet shipping company, it’s important to do your research. Look for reviews and testimonials from other pet owners who have used their services. Check the company’s website and social media pages to learn more about its experience, expertise, and customer service.
#2. Check for Proper Licensing and Insurance
It’s essential to ensure that the company you choose is properly licensed and insured to transport pets. This ensures they have the expertise and resources to keep your pet safe and comfortable during transit.
#3. Ensure They Offer the Necessary Services for Your Pet’s Specific Needs
Every pet has unique needs, so choosing a pet shipping option is important to accommodate them. Whether your pet requires special handling, temperature control, or additional services like grooming and veterinary care, make sure that the company you choose has the necessary capabilities.
#4. Prepare your Pet for Travel
Before your pet travels, preparing them for the journey ahead is important. This includes ensuring they are up-to-date on vaccinations and health checks, packing necessary items like food, water, and medication, and acclimating them to their travel carrier. A reputable pet shipping company will also provide guidance and support to help you prepare your pet for travel.
#5. Ensure that all Necessary Paperwork and Requirements are Met
Shipping a pet can involve a lot of paperwork and requirements, including health certificates, import/export permits, and customs documentation. It’s important to work closely with your pet shipping company to ensure all necessary paperwork and requirements are met to avoid delays or complications during transit.
Can You Ship Pets Through FedEx or UPS?
Many pet owners search for alternatives to airline cargo and wonder whether major shipping companies like FedEx or UPS will transport household pets. In most cases, the answer is no — neither company offers standard pet shipping services for dogs, cats, or household companion animals.
FedEx Pet Shipping Policy
FedEx does not accept live animal shipments from individual consumers for household pets. You cannot ship a dog, cat, rabbit, or other common pet through regular FedEx Ground or FedEx Express services.
FedEx Custom Critical does handle certain live animal transportation for approved business and commercial clients, including:
- Laboratory animals
- Specialty livestock
- Zoological animals
- Aquatic species
However, these services are highly specialized and generally unavailable for standard household pet transportation.
Because FedEx does not provide consumer pet shipping, most pet owners instead use:
- Airline pet travel
- Professional ground transport
- Air nanny services
- Dedicated pet transportation companies
UPS Pet Shipping Policy
UPS also prohibits shipment of most live mammals through its standard shipping network. The company does not transport household pets such as:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Rabbits
- Ferrets
- Small mammals
UPS only permits shipment of certain live animals under tightly controlled conditions, including limited categories such as:
- Day-old poultry
- Some insects
- Certain aquatic life
- Approved scientific specimens
These shipments typically require specialized packaging, labeling, and regulatory compliance.
Best Alternatives to FedEx or UPS Pet Shipping
Because traditional parcel carriers are not designed for transporting companion animals, most pet owners choose dedicated pet transport solutions instead. Ground transportation services are especially popular because pets travel in climate-controlled vehicles with regular breaks, food, water, and direct human supervision throughout the trip.
For domestic U.S. moves, platforms like CitizenShipper connect pet owners with experienced animal transporters who provide door-to-door transportation nationwide.
CitizenShipper connects pet owners with background-checked drivers for safe, door-to-door pet transport. Listing your shipment is free, takes under two minutes, and comes with no obligation. You’ll receive quotes from multiple verified drivers and only pay when you book. List Your Pet Shipment Free →
How Much Does Pet Transport Cost?
Pet transportation costs vary depending on the travel method, distance, pet size, and level of service required. In general, ground transportation is often more flexible and affordable than airline cargo shipping, especially for long-distance domestic moves.
Ground Pet Transport Costs
Professional ground pet transport typically costs around $0.50–$1.50 per mile, though pricing varies based on:
- Distance traveled
- Number of pets
- Vehicle type
- Route popularity
- Solo vs. shared transport
- Special care requirements
Most professional transporters also maintain minimum trip pricing, which commonly falls between approximately $200–$500 even for shorter regional moves.
For long-distance or coast-to-coast transportation, pet owners generally spend between $800–$2,000 depending on the route and pet size. Large dogs, multiple pets, or private VIP transportation usually increase the final price.
Ground transportation is popular because pets travel in climate-controlled vehicles with regular bathroom breaks, exercise stops, food, water, and direct supervision throughout the trip.
Airline Pet Cargo Costs
Airline pet cargo shipping for domestic U.S. flights typically costs around $200–$500 for larger pets traveling in the cargo hold. Final pricing depends on:
- Airline policies
- Crate dimensions
- Pet weight
- Flight distance
- Seasonal restrictions
Small pets flying in-cabin are often less expensive, while international pet flights can cost significantly more once veterinary paperwork and import permits are added.
Comparing Quotes on CitizenShipper
Because pricing varies widely between providers, many pet owners compare multiple transport quotes before booking. On CitizenShipper, pet owners can list their shipment for free and receive quotes from verified drivers nationwide. Comparing bids helps owners find transportation options that match both their budget and their pet’s travel needs.
Conclusion
When it comes to shipping your furry friends, there are various options. While UPS may be a convenient option for packages, it’s important to consider the specialized needs of your pet when it comes to transportation.
If you’re looking for a pet transportation company that ticks all the boxes, look no further than CitizenShipper. With their commitment to safety, comfort, and excellent customer service, you can trust that your pet will be in good hands every step of the way. So why wait? Start planning your pet’s journey today with CitizenShipper!
Frequently Asked Questions
No. USPS does not ship dogs, cats, or any other mammals. The United States Postal Service only allows limited live animal shipments under strict guidelines, including certain birds, reptiles, amphibians, bees, and day-old poultry from approved hatcheries. If you need to transport a dog or cat, you’ll need to use a professional pet transportation service, airline pet program, or ground transport provider. USPS allows only a narrow range of live animal shipments, including: All live animal shipments must comply with USPS Publication 52 packaging, labeling, and shipping requirements and must typically be sent using Priority Mail Express. Generally, no. FedEx and UPS do not transport household pets like dogs or cats for consumers. FedEx only handles certain live animal shipments through specialized commercial services such as FedEx Custom Critical for laboratory animals or livestock. UPS prohibits shipment of most live mammals entirely. Because standard parcel carriers are not designed for companion animals, most pet owners use dedicated pet transport companies instead. Pet transportation costs vary depending on distance, pet size, and travel method. Typical price ranges include: Additional costs may include travel crates, veterinary paperwork, health certificates, and special handling services. Many pet owners prefer ground transportation because pets remain under direct supervision throughout the trip. Ground transport often includes: Ground transportation is especially popular for senior pets, brachycephalic breeds, puppies, and pets with medical concerns that may make air travel riskier.Can USPS ship dogs or cats?
What live animals can USPS ship?
Can you ship pets through FedEx or UPS?
How much does pet transport cost?
Is ground pet transport safer than airline cargo?
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.
