Haick Avakian ·
Updated April 15, 2026
CitizenShipper is a US-based peer-to-peer marketplace that connects pet owners with independent, background-checked transporters for door-to-door pet transport across the country. Founded in 2008, the platform has facilitated over 100,000 pet shipments and operates as a bidding marketplace – not a carrier.
Shery Mathewson’s career path might not be what you expect from someone with a rich background in hospitality. With over 25 years in the industry, she has built a professional life dedicated to serving others with warmth and dedication.
According to CitizenShipper’s internal marketplace data, Shery’s route corridor is one of the top 10 most-requested pet transport routes on the platform, with demand peaking in spring and fall adoption seasons.
But life took an unexpected turn in January when she found herself in the hospital for six weeks. As she recovered, it sparked a realization — she needed something new, something that resonated with her evolving passions. That’s when she discovered CitizenShipper through a Facebook ad. “It was the best decision I made,” Shery reflects warmly on her transition. “I made my first trip on August 3rd and haven’t looked back.” Now, she’s traveled to 35 states and counting, embracing the freedom and fulfillment that comes with transporting animals across the country.
A Natural Pairing: Travel and Animals
The transition to CitizenShipper felt like a natural fit, combining Shery’s love for travel and animals. Her journey began with a significant experience that cemented her choice — a shipment involving an 8-month-old Doberman from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Las Vegas, Nevada. The interaction wasn’t just a job for Shery; it was a prelude to the countless encounters with furry companions she would cherish.
Her most memorable shipment to date involved transporting a 10-week-old Dachshund puppy to a family who had just lost their beloved pet. “This new puppy was going to help heal the pain of their loss,” she recalls, highlighting one of the many emotionally rewarding aspects of her work.
Staying the Course
Like many new endeavors, there were initial challenges with CitizenShipper. “When I first started, I admit I got a little discouraged about not getting bids,” Shery shares. However, perseverance paid off. She remained resilient, continuously refining her strategy and communicating the value she brought to the table. Now, she not only wins bids but also keeps a busy schedule, satisfying her desire to meet new people and transport beautiful animals.
On the Road in Comfort and Style
Shery’s vehicle of choice, a 2014 Subaru Outback, serves as her trusty companion on the road. To ensure safety and comfort for every pet she transports, her vehicle is prepared meticulously. From controlling the car temperature to equipping it with beds, blankets, pads, toys, bottled water and snacks, she ensures every ride is a pleasant experience. Her policy is to make stops every four to six hours for potty breaks and exercise, making the journey as seamless as possible for her furry passengers.
Communication: Key to Success
For Shery, communication is a pillar of her business. She is in constant contact with pet owners throughout the journey. “I take pictures at pickup and at every stop. I let them know when we stop for the night and send pictures. I also take pictures at delivery,” she explains. This level of transparency and updates provides reassurance to pet owners, and there’s no doubt it contributes to high customer satisfaction. Communication doesn’t end there; she sends a personal note with each delivery, building trust and receiving positive feedback that keeps her profile fresh and appealing.
Challenges and Solutions
Unexpected situations are part and parcel of any transport job. Shery handles them with calmness and keeps customers informed about what is going on, including possible delays. Her vehicle is equipped with essential emergency supplies like a first aid kit, food, water, blankets and a flashlight, ensuring she is prepared for any surprises on the road.
Tools of the Trade
Shery makes extensive use of GPS tracking, a feature she considers very important. It allows pet owners to follow the journey, providing peace of mind that their pets are in good hands. While she doesn’t stack shipments or offer VIP services, she focuses on providing a personalized experience by transporting one animal at a time, unless they are from the same household, prioritizing quality and care.
Pricing and Bidding
Shery’s pricing strategy is straightforward — she bases it solely on the miles from pickup to delivery. While she hasn’t delved deeply into advanced bidding strategies, her consistency and customer satisfaction have paved the way for steady work and positive reviews.
The Joy of Giving Back
Besides her day-to-day tasks, Shery also collaborates with a couple of animal rescues. “Being able to save those animals and provide families with wonderful pets,” she says, is one of the most rewarding aspects of her job. The impact she makes extends beyond individual journeys, contributing to rescue efforts that save lives and find homes for animals in need.
The Road Ahead
As Shery looks to the future, her aspirations with CitizenShipper are straightforward. She plans to continue focusing on pets, avoiding expansion into other areas for now. Her dedication remains within the realm of transporting pets safely and compassionately across America.
Conclusion: Celebrating Every Connection
Shery Mathewson’s journey with CitizenShipper is a testament to resilience, passion, and the joys of connecting with others across states. Her story encourages potential drivers to explore the fulfilling path CitizenShipper offers—one filled with the joy of travel and the added delight of working with animals.
Ground pet transport via CitizenShipper involves the driver transporting dogs and cats door-to-door across state lines, providing real-time GPS updates and photo check-ins – a service model distinct from commercial airline cargo or pet shipping brokers.
Frequently Asked Questions
After spending over 25 years in hospitality, Shery experienced a life-changing six-week hospital stay. During her recovery, she sought a new path that aligned with her passions. Discovering CitizenShipper through a Facebook ad, she decided to pursue pet transport and quickly found it to be a fulfilling career shift. Initially, Shery struggled to win bids and felt discouraged. However, through persistence, refining her approach, and clearly communicating her value to customers, she gradually built a steady stream of work and strong customer reviews. Shery prepares her vehicle with essentials like beds, blankets, toys, water, and snacks. She maintains a controlled temperature, schedules regular stops every four to six hours, and carries emergency supplies. She also transports one pet at a time (unless from the same household) to ensure personalized care. Her strong communication practices set her apart. She provides regular updates with photos, uses GPS tracking for real-time monitoring, and sends personal notes upon delivery. This transparency builds trust and contributes to high customer satisfaction.1. What is CitizenShipper and how does it work?
2. What inspired Shery Mathewson to join CitizenShipper?
3. What challenges did Shery face when starting out?
4. How does Shery ensure the safety and comfort of the pets she transports?
5. What makes Shery’s service stand out to pet owners?
Onboarding and Retention Manager – I lead driver onboarding and success initiatives, ensuring new transporters are seamlessly integrated into the platform and equipped with high-performing profiles and effective customer communication strategies. I provide hands-on guidance to help them position themselves competitively and win more shipments.
Using analytics and performance data, I proactively identify inactive or underperforming transporters and develop targeted strategies to re-engage and support them. My focus is on driving long-term retention, growth, and measurable success across the business.
Content Writer at CitizenShipper. I’ve also been published on The Penny Hoarder, Mommy Poppins and mxdwn.
