How Can I Ship My Dog Alone?

Cagri Sarigoz Cagri Sarigoz · Updated November 12, 2024

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Nowadays, our dogs have become something more than a pet or simple companions – they’re family. Maybe you need to move to a new place. Or maybe you’re a responsible breeder who needs to have a puppy delivered to their new family. Whatever the case may be, we know that you really care for your dog’s well-being.

Choosing a pet transportation service that actually cares about your furry friend is something crucial when you need to move it out to a new home on its own. There are plenty of options: you might be able to choose to transport dogs by air, or maybe a ground transportation service better suits your needs.

It all depends on your needs and budget; the cost of transporting a dog might vary depending on the kind of transportation of your choice. What’s most important is to choose a service where you can feel true peace of mind while your beloved pet is being transported from one town to another.

Can I Ship My Dog Alone?

One of the first questions dog handlers and breeders have when it comes to transporting dogs by air or by ground is, “Can I ship my dog alone?”. The simple answer is yes, you can transport your dog by itself. But like most things in life, there are some important details you need to know. Long flights can take a toll on your dog’s mental and physical health. Because of this, some airlines won’t allow dogs on flights longer than 12 hours.

Can a Dog Fly Alone in the Cargo Area? 

Dogs over 25 pounds of weight cannot be transported inside the cabin. Instead, they must be placed in a kennel and transported within a special cargo area of the plane. Health certificates are required before checking in the pet. For health and safety reasons, snub-nosed breeds cannot fly in the cargo area. The price of transporting dogs by air in the cargo area depends on the size of the dog, but it tends to be the priciest choice. 

Hiring an Air Nanny 

Some dogs can live the high life and be transported in the comfy confines of the cabin. Dogs below 25 pounds can travel in the passenger area but need to be accompanied by a handler.  

If flying with your dog isn’t possible, hire an air nanny! They’re pros at transporting dogs by air, and taking care of your pooch from check-in to disembarkment.

Can I Ship My Dog Alone by Train?

Unfortunately, pets cannot be shipped by themselves by train. 

According to Amtrak, dogs and cats up to 20 pounds are welcome on their trains. However, they must be kept in their carriers or on a leash and never be left alone. Another important thing to keep in mind is that the maximum duration of the trip must not exceed seven hours in total. 

Can I Ship My Dog Alone By Ground?

One of the easiest and most cost-effect approaches to transporting a dog to a new place is ground transportation. Choosing the right pet transportation service is very important: remember, it’s a family member we’re talking about here. There are some things you need to keep in mind before making a final decision.

Hire a Pet Transporter to Ship My Dog

Luckily for you, pet transporters are a great option if you need to transport dogs from town to town by ground. But how do you pick the right one? 

A good pet transporter must meet or exceed the standards mandated by IPATA. But what is IPATA?  

  • It stands for The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association.
  • It’s a network of pet shippers founded in the United States in 1979.
  • This organization sets the standards and best practices every pet shipper must fulfill in order to provide a safe, trustworthy service.
  • Starting from a small network of six pet shippers in the U.S., it now has grown to have a membership of 485 members in over 90 countries.
  • All members are registered with the applicable organizations within their own country.
  • Each one of them adheres to the rules and regulations of the Live Animals Regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
  • All U.S.-based active IPATA members are registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and adhere to the rules and regulations of the USDA’s Animal Welfare Act.

Using CitizenShipper to Ship My Dog

If you are looking for a pet transporter you can really trust, Citizen Shipper is the way to go. At CitizenShipper, we are all about being the safest way to transport your dog, your cat and almost any kind of pet. With over 12 years of connecting dog owners with reliable drivers, we know you value your dog as a best friend and beloved member of your family. We strive to provide your pet with the best transport experience at a reasonable cost. 

With almost 80,000 pets transported successfully across the country, Citizen Shippers is a dog transportation marketplace that canine lovers can rely on. Create a post for dog transportation and get quotes within minutes!