How to Ship Your Dog Alone: Every Option Explained

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.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Dog?

Dog shipping costs vary widely depending on the transportation method, travel distance, dog size, and level of service. In general, ground transport is the most popular option for domestic pet relocation because it offers door-to-door service, flexible scheduling, and less stress for many dogs compared to air travel.

Air cargo shipping is typically the most expensive option for larger dogs. Domestic airline cargo rates usually range from approximately $200–$1,000+ depending on the airline, crate dimensions, flight route, and the combined weight of the dog and kennel. International flights can cost significantly more once import paperwork, veterinary requirements, and customs fees are added.

Flight nanny services — where a professional escort accompanies a small dog in the airplane cabin — commonly cost around $300–$600 for domestic routes. Pricing depends on airfare, distance, scheduling flexibility, and whether the nanny is already traveling on the route.

Professional ground dog transport generally costs around $0.50–$1.50 per mile. Most transporters also maintain minimum trip pricing, especially for shorter regional routes. Coast-to-coast transport often ranges from approximately $800–$2,000 depending on dog size, route popularity, and whether the transport is shared or private.

Several factors influence dog shipping prices:

• Distance traveled
• Dog breed and size
• Crate requirements
• Airline restrictions
• Time of year
• Shared vs. solo transportation
• Pickup and delivery accessibility

For more accurate pricing estimates, use this pet transport cost calculator. If you’re trying to save money on long-distance relocation, this guide explains the cheapest way to transport a dog across the country.

How to Ship a Dog to Another State

Shipping a dog to another state usually requires advance planning, veterinary paperwork, and selecting the right transportation method. For most domestic relocations, ground transport is the most common and flexible option because it provides door-to-door service with regular breaks, food, water, and direct supervision throughout the trip.

Most interstate dog shipments require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), commonly called a health certificate. These certificates must typically be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 10–30 days of travel, depending on the destination state’s rules. Some states also require proof of rabies vaccination, additional vaccinations, or import permits before entry.

Requirements vary by state, especially for:

• Hawaii
• Alaska
• California
• States with agricultural inspection checkpoints

Airline transportation may involve additional kennel specifications, breed restrictions, and temperature embargoes. Because rules can differ significantly between states and carriers, many owners work with experienced transport professionals familiar with interstate pet travel regulations.

Ground transport remains one of the most popular options because it avoids many airline restrictions while allowing pets to travel in climate-controlled vehicles. If you’re comparing providers, review this guide to the best dog shipping companies.

Airlines That Ship Dogs Unaccompanied

Several airlines previously offered unaccompanied pet cargo programs, but many major carriers reduced or suspended these services after 2020 due to operational changes, staffing shortages, and animal safety concerns.

Currently, Alaska Airlines remains one of the few major U.S. airlines still operating a dedicated pet cargo program through Alaska Air Cargo Pet Connect. American Airlines also offers limited pet cargo transportation on select routes through its cargo division, subject to weather restrictions, breed rules, and route availability.

United Airlines previously operated the well-known PetSafe program for unaccompanied pets, but the service remains largely suspended for most household pet shipments. Delta Air Lines also significantly scaled back live animal cargo services in recent years.

Airline pet cargo programs typically involve:

• Airport-to-airport transport
• Airline-approved kennels
• Temperature restrictions
• Breed limitations
• Health certificate requirements

Because many airlines now limit live animal cargo availability, professional ground transport has become increasingly popular for interstate dog relocation. Ground transport avoids many airline embargoes, cargo delays, and breed restrictions while providing direct human supervision throughout the trip.

Documents and Health Certificates Required

Most dog shipping methods require veterinary documentation before travel, especially for interstate or airline transportation. The most common requirement is a USDA-issued health certificate completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. These certificates confirm that the dog is healthy enough for travel and free from contagious disease.

Additional documentation may include:

• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Proof of core vaccinations
• Import permits for certain states
• Microchip information
• Airline-specific travel forms

Airlines may also require acclimation certificates during colder weather or additional paperwork for snub-nosed breeds. Some states enforce stricter entry rules than others, particularly Hawaii and Alaska due to rabies-control regulations.

Health certificates are usually only valid for a limited period — commonly 10–30 days depending on the destination and transportation method — so timing your veterinary appointment correctly is important before shipping your dog.

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you ship a dog by itself on a plane?

Yes, most major U.S. airlines allow dogs to fly unaccompanied in the cargo hold as air freight. Dogs must be in an IATA-compliant kennel and have a valid health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. However, many airlines have restricted or suspended their cargo pet programs since 2020. Check directly with your airline before booking. Dogs under 25 pounds can also fly in the cabin if accompanied by a flight nanny.

How much does it cost to ship a dog to another state?

Shipping a dog to another state typically costs $200 to $600 by ground transport, depending on distance. Air cargo costs $200 to $1,000+ depending on the dog's size and the route. A flight nanny costs $300 to $600 for a domestic flight. Use CitizenShipper's pet transport cost calculator for a personalized estimate.

Can dogs fly alone without an owner?

Dogs can fly without their owner in two ways. Dogs over 25 pounds can fly as cargo in a pressurized, climate-controlled hold on select airlines. Dogs under 25 pounds can fly in the cabin with a flight nanny — a professional who books a seat and accompanies your dog during the flight. Dogs cannot fly completely unattended in the passenger cabin.

Can I ship a puppy to another state?

Yes. Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned before transport. Most airlines and ground transporters require a health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel. Ground transport is the most common method for shipping puppies to another state because it avoids the stress of air cargo.

Does FedEx or UPS ship dogs?

No. FedEx, UPS, and USPS do not ship live dogs. To ship a dog, use an airline cargo program or a professional pet transporter. Platforms like CitizenShipper connect you with independent, background-checked drivers who transport dogs by ground.

What is the cheapest way to ship a dog?

Ground transport with an independent pet transporter is typically the cheapest way to ship a dog, averaging $0.50 to $1.50 per mile. For a 500-mile trip, that's roughly $250 to $750. Air cargo and flight nannies cost more. Read our full guide on the cheapest way to transport a dog across the country.