Pet Shipping Cost Guide: Cross Country & Ground Transport

When life circumstances require you to transport your beloved pet across the country, whether due to a family move, military deployment, or welcoming a new furry family member from a distant breeder, understanding your options becomes essential. Perhaps it’s because you’re moving, or you’ve adopted a dog from a breeder in another state. Whatever the reason, it’s helpful to know just how much you should budget for the journey. When it comes to the question of how much it costs to ship a pet across the US, the answer isn’t a simple, black-and-white figure.

How much does cross-country pet transport cost? The answer varies based on several important factors that ensure your pet receives the safest, most comfortable journey possible. Why? Several variables contribute to the equation of pet shipping costs, which we will cover in this article.

The most important factors that affect how much you can expect to pay for pet transportation are:

• Mode of transport
• Size and species of the pet
• Time of the year
• Distance traveled
• Urgency of the transport

Modes of transportation

The way you transport your pet has a major impact on the cost. There are three primary methods for transporting a pet: by air, by car, and by train. The best choice for your situation depends on factors like:

• Distance – how far does the animal need to travel?
• Timing – do you need the pet shipped quickly or is it less than urgent?
• Size – smaller pets have more options for transportation.

If you have to transport a pet thousands of miles but are short on time, air travel is probably the best choice. However, only small dogs can fly in the cabin of the plane, while larger pets must travel in the cargo area. While cargo transport meets safety regulations, many pet parents prefer options that allow for more personal interaction and comfort during the journey. Since we believe pets are family members who deserve the same level of care and comfort as any loved one, the cargo environment may not provide the personal attention and reassurance your pet needs during this stressful time.

If you have a large pet, ground transportation is the safest and most humane way to relocate an animal. It may take longer, but they’ll have a human being within arms reach for the entire journey, able to tend to their needs and take stops when needed.

If you have a small pet, air travel may be the most cost-effective choice. But for larger pets, the slightly longer travel time is worth their safety and happiness. And when you consider that you may need to buy a plane ticket for yourself or an air nanny, the costs are quite similar.

Pet shipping costs via airlines

Flying can make short work of a long trek across the US. Airlines have convenient flight paths, sometimes direct, that can traverse the country in just a few hours. As mentioned above, the cost to transport your pet via air transport depends on the details of your trip and the size, species, and needs of your pet.

Small pets like cats and some small dogs have the luxury of flying in the main cabin – and the good news is that most airlines allow qualified pets in the cabin. Pets must be small enough to fit in a carrier that can be placed under the seat.

• Most major airlines will charge between $90 and $200 per pet each way for domestic travel.
• Pets are limited to only one pet per person
• Each flight has a strict limit on the number of allowed animals per flight, based on the size of the plane.

Pet air transport will look different for those traveling with large dogs or multiple pets because they must ride in the airplane’s cargo hold. While cargo holds meet basic safety requirements with regulated pressure and temperature, this environment doesn’t provide the personalized attention and comfort that we believe every pet deserves during their journey. Pet parents of anxious or stress-prone animals often find that ground transportation provides the gentle, attentive care their pets need to feel secure throughout the journey.

The other issue is that the vast majority of airlines in the United States don’t allow pets in the cargo area for liability reasons. Currently, the only domestic airlines that allow pets in the cargo area are Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and American Airlines. Hawaiian Airlines has an extremely limited number of flight routes, making it only helpful for a limited number of pet-owning travelers.

Fees for cargo hold spaces vary with the airline company and the total travel distance. Most flights will start at $500 for cargo space and go upwards. Before reserving your flight, you should check prices and pet restrictions with your airline. Along with your dog’s reserved space in the cargo hold, you’ll need to invest in a large, approved crate for your dog to travel.

• Pros: Airlines can be faster than ground transportation, quickly getting you and your pet to the final destination. For small dogs and cats, transporting your pet costs between $90 and $200 for a domestic flight.
• Cons: Airline travel can be costly and prohibitive for large dogs riding in cargo. Brachycephalic cats and dogs cannot fly on a plane due to health risks. Airlines restrict cabin pets to just one per person, which can be difficult for people with multiple animals.

Pet shipping by train

While only a viable option for some, cross-country pet transport via train is exceptionally cost-effective. Amtrak trains allow a single pet under 20 pounds, including the carrier’s weight. Amtrak doesn’t allow pets on every train, so always check if your planned route allows pets.

Transporting your pet on Amtrak ranges between $29 and $39, depending on the route. You’ll need to purchase your pet’s ticket in advance, and each train is limited to only five pets per trip.

• Pros: Train transport on Amtrak is extremely affordable and safe for small dogs and cats.
• Cons: Only very small dogs and cats qualify for train travel, and space is limited to only one pet per person.

Pet shipping by ground

Ground transportation is safe, affordable, and efficient. This is especially true if you have a large dog or are moving with multiple pets. You can drive your pet yourself or use a pet transportation service.

• Cross-country pet transport cost varies depending on the distance traveled.
• Long trips will cost more, although shorter trips tend to cost more per mile.
• Most people expect to pay about $0.50 to $1.60 per mile.

Keep in mind that ground transport can have some indirect expenses associated. You’ll have to invest in a large, sturdy crate for your pet – though many ground transporters provide their own carriers. For long trips across the US, you may have to budget for an overnight stay in a hotel.

Regarding the safety and well-being of your pet, ground transport is the clear winner. This type of pet transport is perfect for anxious animals or pets needing frequent bathroom breaks or medication stops. Ground transport is the only safe option for brachycephalic cats and dogs.

• Pros: Ground transportation is one of the most affordable transit options and is an excellent choice for those with multiple pets. Large dogs and brachycephalic animals are much safer traveling on the ground.
• Cons: Ground transport takes more time than air travel, but many pet owners find the extra journey time worthwhile for the personalized care and peace of mind it provides. Stopping mid-way across the country for an overnight stay at a hotel can complicate logistics and add more expenses to your trip.

Pet transportation service

Moving across the country can be complicated and time-consuming, but pet transportation services are there to make your life easier. From managing logistics to accompanying your pet on their journey, pet transporters provide invaluable peace of mind and expertise that ensures your pet’s safety and comfort throughout their journey

But where do you find the right pet transportation company? There are so many different providers out there, with a wide variety of quality. The good news is that there’s one place where you can find the right transporter for your needs. A pet transportation marketplace, CitizenShipper connects you with a network of thoroughly vetted, experienced pet transporters, giving you the freedom to choose the perfect match for your pet’s specific needs and your budget.

It’s free to post a listing for your trip with basic information about your pet, a date range for transport, and any special requests. Within minutes, vetted, experienced, and professional pet shippers send you price quotes. From there, you can browse driver profiles, chat with the transporter, and read reviews from previous customers so you are confident in your choice.

Because every pet and trip is different, prices for a pet transporter will vary. Large dogs typically cost more than smaller pets, and puppies and kittens will cost more because of their extensive care needs.

• Pros: Pet transportation services are cost-effective options that help manage complicated logistics for you. Throughout the trip, your transporter will stay in regular contact with you, sending up-to-date photos and videos of your pet.
• Cons: You must provide your transporter with a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, ensuring your pet is healthy enough to travel. Be sure to include your visit to the veterinarian and any needed vaccinations in your travel budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the cheapest way to ship a pet?

A: Driving the pet yourself is almost always the lowest-cost option. If that isn’t possible, booking a vetted ground transporter on CitizenShipper usually costs less than flying. Expect to pay roughly $0.50–$1.60 per mile, depending on distance, pet size, and timing.

Q: How much does airline cargo pet shipping cost?

A: For most domestic trips, cargo rates start around $500 and can reach $1,000 or more for large dogs or long routes. Small pets that qualify for cabin travel cost less—about $90–$200 each way—but space and size limits apply. Always confirm exact fees and rules with the airline before booking.

Q: Can I ship my dog or cat through FedEx?

A: No. FedEx ships only certain live animals such as fish, insects, and non-venomous reptiles. Household pets like dogs and cats are not accepted. Use an airline that allows pet travel or book a licensed ground transporter through CitizenShipper instead.

Q: Why are professional pet shippers so expensive?

The price reflects fuel costs, driver time, insurance, specialized crates, required permits, and extra care such as feeding, walking, and medication stops. Longer routes, larger animals, and time-sensitive moves add to the total. Comparing quotes on CitizenShipper lets you see exactly how each factor affects the bid.

Pet shipping cost conclusion

Whether it’s dog or cat transport, traveling across the country with your pet can be expensive. Understanding your travel options can help you better choose the safest and most affordable pet transportation option. Using a pet transport service is a great way to streamline logistics, reduce costs, and keep your pet safe.

Create a listing for pet shipping on CitizenShipper and book a reliable and experienced transportation professional.