How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Dog to Washington?

Shipping a dog to Washington typically costs between $200 and $1,200 by ground transport, depending on distance, dog size, and the transporter you choose. On CitizenShipper, drivers bid competitively on your route — most pet owners pay between $0.50 and $2.00 per mile for door-to-door ground transport to Washington with a background-checked driver.

Whether you’re relocating to Seattle, adopting a dog from out of state, or sending a puppy to a new home in Washington, this guide covers the real costs of ground and air transport, Washington State’s specific dog import requirements, and how to find a driver you trust.

Of course, these transportation options vary greatly in terms of price, method, and timing. Before you get worried that you’ll have to leave your canine companion behind, know that several dog-friendly travel options are available.

When it comes to pet transportation, there are typically two main options. Either you can arrange for your dog to travel on a plane or for them to travel in a car. There are considerations for each method, but the first step is to decide which method is best for your dog’s needs. 

Ground vs. Air: Which Is Safer for Your Dog?

Why Most Pet Owners Choose Ground Transport to Washington

Ground transport is the preferred method for dog shipping to Washington State. On CitizenShipper, over 90% of pet shipments are completed by ground, and here’s why:

Your dog travels in a climate-controlled vehicle with a dedicated driver who provides regular potty breaks, fresh water, exercise stops, and real-time updates throughout the journey to Washington. Unlike air cargo, your dog is never left alone in a crate for hours, never exposed to extreme temperatures on a tarmac, and never handled by people who aren’t trained in animal care.

For routes to Washington from neighboring states like Oregon, California, or Idaho, ground transport is especially practical — the drive is manageable, and your dog arrives less stressed than after a flight with layovers and cargo handling.

Ground transport also accommodates dogs of all sizes and breeds — including brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs that are banned from airline cargo holds due to breathing risks. For many pet owners, the biggest advantage is peace of mind. You can communicate directly with your driver before, during, and after the trip to Washington.

Limitations of Flying a Dog to Washington

Air transport can work for small dogs traveling in-cabin with their owner, but it comes with significant limitations for Washington-bound pets:

• Only dogs under 20 pounds (including the carrier) can fly in the cabin.
• Larger dogs must fly in the cargo hold, separated from their owner.
• Brachycephalic breeds cannot fly in cargo for health reasons.
• Flights are canceled if temperatures at origin or destination exceed airline safety thresholds — a consideration during Washington’s colder winter months.
• Only three U.S. airlines currently accept pets in cargo.
• Airline staff are not trained animal care professionals.

If you’re flying to Washington yourself and your dog can’t join you in-cabin, ground transport with a trusted driver is typically the safer, less stressful option for your pet.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Dog to Washington?

If you’re planning your move to Washington, you are likely searching for an answer to the question “How much to ship a dog to Washington?” As much as we’d love to give you a simple answer to this question, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question. Your overall cost is going to be highly dependent on your situation.

What Goes into the Price of Transporting a Dog?

As we mentioned above, there are a lot of variables that go into the total cost of transporting your dog. While these variables can be hard to keep track of if you are simply trying to think of everything off the top of your head, if you think of them into the following five categories, it can be much easier to make an estimate.

1. Method of Transportation
2. Transportation Service
3. Travel Distance
4. Preparation Costs
5. Variable Fees

1. Method of Transportation

As we outlined above, you need to decide what type of transportation you want to use to transport your dog. Will you be looking for your canine air or ground travel services? This decision creates the basis for your estimation because air travel will automatically start your estimate much higher than ground travel will.

2. Transportation Service

Once you’ve chosen between air and ground travel, you can look for a service (or several service options) that you may want to use for your pet. You can gather quotes from these services or use any basic price guidelines they may provide. There are many different pet relocation services available for you to choose from, and this may take some time to research, but it will make up the bulk of your estimate, so it is an essential step.

3. Travel Distance

Many pet transportation companies will charge based on the distance your pet needs to travel, so if this is required, you will need to take note of this distance.

4. Preparation Costs

Are there any items you need to purchase for your dog to make the trip? For example, do you need to buy a crate or a pet carrier? Do you need to update your dog’s vaccines or shots before traveling? All of these miscellaneous costs will fall into this category.

5. Variable Fees

This last category will likely differ depending on what transportation service you select. For example, suppose you decide to go with CitizenShipper’s dog transportation service. In that case, you will gain access to comprehensive driver background checks, $1K of pet protection coverage, and 24/7 televet services for your pet during the trip in exchange for CitizenShipper’s service fee.

Wondering what drivers on your Washington route are actually charging? List your route for free and get real quotes within hours — no commitment until you choose a driver you trust.

Washington State Dog Import Requirements

Washington State regulates the entry of dogs through the Washington Department of Agriculture (WSDA). Requirements differ depending on whether you’re traveling with your dog or having them shipped by a transporter — an important distinction for anyone using a pet transport service.

Rabies Vaccination

All dogs entering Washington State must have a current rabies vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian. Washington does not offer any exemptions to the rabies vaccination requirement for dogs over 90 days of age. Puppies under 90 days old are exempt. Keep your dog’s rabies vaccination certificate readily available during transport to Washington — your driver or the receiving party may need to present it.

Heartworm Testing or Prevention

Dogs six months of age or older entering Washington must either test negative for heartworm or be currently on a heartworm preventative. Your veterinarian can confirm your dog’s status and provide documentation. This requirement applies regardless of whether your dog is coming from a high-risk or low-risk heartworm area.

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)

This is where Washington’s requirements differ depending on your situation:

If your dog is being transported by a third-party driver (which includes CitizenShipper drivers or any pet transport service), a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is required. The CVI must identify your dog and certify that all vaccination and health requirements are met at the time of entry into Washington State.

If your dog is a family pet traveling with you (the owner), and has been owned by you for more than one month, and has a current rabies vaccination, a CVI is not required, though carrying a current rabies vaccination certificate is.

For rescue dogs or dogs being rehomed, additional requirements apply, including a CVI regardless of who is transporting. Contact the WSDA Animal Health Program at (360) 902-1878 for specifics on your situation.

Tip: If you’re using CitizenShipper or any other pet transport service to ship your dog to Washington, ask your veterinarian to prepare the CVI at least 10 days before your dog’s scheduled transport date. CVIs are typically valid for 30 days.

How to Ship Your Dog to Washington with CitizenShipper

CitizenShipper is a pet transportation marketplace that connects you with background-checked, independent drivers who specialize in animal transport. Unlike traditional pet shipping companies that assign you a driver, CitizenShipper lets you choose who transports your dog to Washington.

How It Works

1. Post a free listing describing your dog, pickup location, and Washington destination (Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, or anywhere in the state).
2. Receive competitive bids from available drivers familiar with Washington routes — most listings get their first quote within hours.
3. Review driver profiles — read reviews from past pet owners, view driver ratings, and message drivers directly before booking.
4. Book the driver you trust and exchange contact information so you can stay updated throughout the journey to Washington.
5. Your dog arrives safely at your Washington destination with real-time updates along the way.

What’s Included with Every Booking

Every CitizenShipper booking includes protections designed to keep your pet safe during transport to Washington:

• Pet Protection Plan — up to $1,000 in coverage
• 24/7 Vetster access — your driver can consult a licensed veterinarian at any point during the trip
• Booking Assurance Guarantee — your payment is protected until transport is confirmed
• Background-checked drivers — every driver on the platform passes a background check
• Direct communication — message your driver before, during, and after the journey

With over 135,000 successful pet transports completed, CitizenShipper is the most trusted pet transport marketplace in the United States.

Get a Free Quote for Dog Transport to Washington

Every dog and every Washington route is different, so the best way to know your exact cost is to get real quotes from drivers who travel to Washington regularly.

Post your listing for free on CitizenShipper — you’ll receive competitive bids within hours, and there’s no obligation until you choose a driver you trust. Compare prices, read reviews, and message drivers directly before booking your dog’s transport to Washington.

Your dog’s safety and comfort are worth getting this right.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to ship a dog to Washington?

The two most common methods are air transport and ground transport. Ground transport is often the most flexible and pet-friendly option because it has fewer breed restrictions, allows for door-to-door delivery, and is typically less stressful for dogs.

2. How much does it cost to ship a dog to Washington?

The cost varies depending on factors such as travel distance, your dog’s size and breed, the transportation method, and preparation costs like crates and veterinary certificates. Ground transport is usually priced per mile, while air travel often has higher base fees.

3. Can my dog fly in the cabin to Washington?

Only small dogs—usually under 20 pounds including their carrier—can fly in the cabin. Larger dogs must travel in the cargo hold, and some breeds, especially brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs, may not be allowed to fly in cargo for safety reasons.

4. What paperwork is required to transport a dog to Washington?

Washington requires dogs to have a current rabies vaccination and a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). Some transport providers and airlines may also require proof of vaccinations and health records before travel.

5. How do I choose the best dog transport service to Washington?

Look for transporters with verified credentials, positive customer reviews, and experience handling pets. Using a marketplace like CitizenShipper allows you to compare quotes, read reviews, and choose a driver that meets your dog’s specific needs.