How to Relocate With Pets Safely: What to Know Before Choosing Air or Ground Transport

There will come a time when having a pet that you may need the services of a pet transporter, either by air or ground transportation. Why? You could be moving to another state, or you could be vacationing somewhere else. In fact, two-thirds of dog owners took their pets on a flight at least once throughout 2024, according to a recent survey from the American Pet Products Association (APPA). The many reasons will prompt you to do research, as you should. In this guide, we will give you all the information you need to know to relocate with pets safely before you choose air or ground transport. So, grab your notepad and let’s delve in!

Understanding Your Pet’s Relocation Needs

The first part you determined was the need for pet relocation. Now, you have to identify the factors to which method of pet transport is best. Let’s explore each of these factors that affect your transfer choice below. 

Factors That Affect Your Transport Choice

• One of the factors that affects your transport choice is the distance of the trip — if it’s an international move, you will need to fly. If it’s domestic, you have options.
• How quickly you need your pet to arrive at its destination will depend on whether you choose air or ground transportation.
• Your budget will determine your mode of transportation.
• The temperament of your pet —  whether they have high anxiety or they are aggressive or laid back, can determine the mode of transport you will choose.
• Finally, your pet’s size will determine the mode of transport. If you have a bigger pet, they’ll go in the cargo area, but there are limited airlines that allow that.. If you have a smaller pet, they can go in the cabin.

When Ground Transport Is the Safest Choice

Pet ground transport is usually a safer choice because of a myriad of issues. Why? Because airlines can provide hassles that you may not want to deal with. Let’s explore  why ground transport is a safer choice below.

Benefits of Ground Travel

There are benefits to pet ground travel. It’s a better option because it allows your dog to be less constrained. They can have their potty breaks, stretch their legs, and overall, experience a more comfortable journey. 

Ground travel logistics are also easier to handle and can even offer door-to-door delivery. Lastly, ground transportation is more reliable because airlines can cancel flights due to weather, understaffing, and overbooking.

Moreover, ground transportation is a good choice because you can find less expensive options, especially if you’re not in a particular hurry for your pet to reach its final destination. Transporters can also move multiple dogs at once (called stacked shipments), which can save you a lot of money. 

How Professional Transporters Keep Pets Safe on the Road

When you have pets, they are part of the family. So when you have decided to transport your pet from one location to another, one of your concerns will always be how professional transporters keep your pets safe on the road. They do so in different ways, so let’s explore all the ways.

1. Specialized climate-controlled vehicles will make sure your pet is nice and comfy throughout the journey.
2. They adhere to the USDA’s rules and regulations in pet handling and follow the guidelines that IPATA dictates.
3. They stop every so often for potty breaks, exercise breaks, and food breaks throughout the journey.
4. Transporters communicate with you with regular updates concerning your pet.
5. They provide excellent care for your pet throughout the journey to their final destination.

Situations Where Ground Transport Is Recommended for Safety

There are situations where pet ground transport is better and recommended. Here are possible situations where that may be the case.

• If your dog is brachycephalic, or snub-nosed, they will not be allowed to be on the cargo hold of airplanes. Although they can be in the cabin, that’s only if they are small dogs. 
• If you have an anxious, aggressive, or loud barking dog, air transport won’t be an option. 
• Health issues are also a common reason to do ground transport over air travel.
• With flight cancellations or government shutdowns that can affect air travel, ground transportation can be more reliable and safer, as well. 

When Air Transport Is the Right Choice

Alternatively, you may decide you want to transport your dog via the faster way: by flying. This option has a lot of pros attached. For one, it’s faster than ground pet transport. You will arrive with your pet in a safe manner within hours. If you’re traveling internationally, it is the only way to transport your pet. 

Sometimes, you don’t want to deal with the hassle of coordinating everything via ground, and instead, you opt for a more seamless transition by air. Remember that air travel bypasses geographic barriers that oftentimes ground transport cannot.

Cabin vs. Cargo vs. Private Pet Flights

When it comes to pet air travel, the question posed is usually whether your pet is going to ride in the cabin or as cargo. The answer is simple — if you have a small dog or cat, they can fly in the cabin. They have to be in a carrier that fits underneath the seat in front of you. If you have a large dog, they will have to fly in cargo. 

Most big airlines allow pets in the cabin, as well as in the cargo area. You should always check with the airline directly about your pet travel details. The most pet-friendly airlines are Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

You’re probably seeing videos on TikTok or Instagram about influencers traveling with their large pets in the cabin. They most likely booked a private pet flight. As you probably guess, these private pet flights can be quite expensive.

Air Travel is Best for International Moves and Long-Distance Relocation

What happens if you are moving to another country where air travel is the only option? You have the ability for ground transport if you’re moving to Mexico and Canada; however, if you plan on moving to France (or even Hawaii or Alaska), that’s not going to cut it. So, realistically, you will have to go the air travel route for these kinds of long-distance moves. 

There are many companies that specialize in pet air transport. One of them is Starwood Pet Travel, whose comprehensive and meticulous approach to both domestic and international pet relocation is top-notch. They even offer door-to-door service with the utmost safety and care. Starwood handles every aspect of your pet’s journey — from veterinary checks to customs paperwork. They even have a comprehensive insurance coverage package you can choose.

Safety Considerations for Air Travel

Air travel is safe. According to the Department of Transportation, major airlines are required to report animal losses, injuries, and deaths, and in 2024, there were just 13 incidents (a total of 0.01% chance of something going wrong). But there are caveats to this, and at the end of the day, it’s not that humane.

Small breeds have the luxury of traveling in their cabin, but larger breeds have to go in the cargo area. It can be relatively physically safe, as long as you don’t sedate your dog. “An animal’s natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation, and when the kennel is moved, a sedated animal may not be able to brace and prevent injury,” states Dr. Patricia Olsen. It’s important to note that brachycephalic dogs (or snub-nosed dogs) are not allowed in the cargo area because of extreme health issues.

So, it’s safe, but do you really want your dog to be stressed during the flight? Dogs traveling in the cargo area can be exposed to temperature extremes, loud noises, and even pressure changes. These risks can be dangerous for dogs. Apart from that, they can also feel anxious and stressed. It’s important to know that, although it’s safe, your dog could be harmed during the flight, especially if there is turbulence or flight disruptions.

Preparing Your Pet for a Safe Move

Before moving, people usually have to prepare for these big changes. The same goes for pets.  It’s important to prepare your pet for the move in an organized way. There is a checklist that you should follow so that when moving day comes, you are prepared. Let’s go through some suggestions that you should follow so that everything runs smoothly. 

Vet Visits, Vaccinations, and Health Checks

When it comes to pet travel, there are certain health requirements that owners should travel. It is the number one item on your checklist prior to traveling. You should make an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian. Ensure the veterinarian is accredited by the USDA. Since they will certify the health certificate and vaccines, your pet will not be allowed to travel if they are not USDA-registered.

Veterinarians will provide you with a CVI (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection). For air travel, the health certificate must be completed with the veterinarian 10 days before travel in order for them to be up-to-date. You will be asked at the gate for this health certificate and the immunization paperwork.

When it comes to animal transportation, all pets should have the required vaccinations in order to be allowed to travel to another state. There is a list of vaccines your pet should be immunized with no more than 21 days before travel.

Vaccinations for dogs

The list of required vaccinations for dogs:

• Canine parvovirus
• Distemper
• Canine hepatitis
• Rabies

The list of recommended vaccinations for dogs:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica
• Borrelia burgdorferi
• Influenza
• Leptospira bacteria

Most states require the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and an up-to-date list of vaccines, but sometimes there may be states that require more paperwork. You can find a list of states’ Department of Agriculture pages on the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture website. You can also find a list of requirements for animal transportation from each state on the USDA’s page for interstate pet travel. When it comes to international travel, all dogs entering the US should have a CDC Import Form.

Crate Training and Comfort Items

To prepare your dog, you have to crate train them to be comfortable inside the carrier for long periods of time. If it’s air travel and you are going somewhere far away, they have to be in the carrier for several hours. 

First off, you have to have the right carrier. There are two types of carriers — soft-sided carriers and hard-sided carriers. Let’s go through the two options you have.

Soft Sided Carriers

Soft-sided carriers are perfect for small dogs, especially if they go in the main cabin of an airplane. A soft-sided carrier is the right choice because it is compact and flexible. If your dog will be traveling by ground, a hard-sided carrier for both small and big dogs is best.

Hard-Sided Carriers

If your dog needs to be in the cargo hold or your dog will be transported on the ground, the smartest carrier to buy is a hard-sided. A hard-sided carrier is easier to transport, easier for ventilation, and you can attach food and water to the side of the carrier. You just need to make sure you follow some simple rules when buying a hard-sided carrier.

• Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around in the carrier, and not touch the top.
• The carrier should be able to lock securely with pins that extend past the extrusions above and below the door. The pins should be metal instead of plastic.
• It must be ventilated on all sides.
• Your dog’s name and your contact information must be easily visible.
• Water and food bowls should be attached to the door and accessible from outside the carrier.

After buying the right carrier for your dog, start training them little by little until they have adjusted to being in the carrier for several hours. Having comfort items, like their favorite toy or blanket, inside the carrier with them will alleviate their anxiety or stress when inside the carrier.

Feeding, Hydration, and Exercise Before Travel

Just like people, pets also have to eat, stay hydrated, and exercise before traveling. You should time their meal before going on the road (or getting on the plane), so their stomachs are full. But don’t time it too close because you have to make sure they go potty (especially if they’re flying). 

It’s also important to make sure they exercise. Take them for a walk or run before traveling so they have the chance to stretch their legs. Remember, once they’re inside the crate, although they can stand or turn, their movements will be limited.

Final Thoughts: Making the Safest Choice for Your Pet

Relocating with a pet — whether for a move, vacation, or long-distance travel — will require you to follow a good checklist and do your research. You have to choose between ground transport or air transport, and the method you choose depends on several factors, including distance, urgency, budget, pet temperament, size, and health.

Pet ground transport is frequently the safer and more comfortable option. It allows pets regular breaks, minimizes stress, and avoids airline-related issues such as cancellations, weather delays, and cargo restrictions. Air transport, however, is faster and necessary for international or long-distance moves. Although statistically safe, air travel can expose pets — especially large breeds in cargo — to stressors like temperature fluctuations and loud noise.

Finally, you should always prepare your pet for the move to ensure seamless travel. Choosing the right transport method and preparing thoroughly ensures a safe and smooth relocation for pets.