Cagri Sarigoz ·
Updated January 15, 2026
At 52, William Dougherty found himself at a pivotal moment in life. Unable to continue in his previous career, serendipity stepped in when he received two dogs from an animal rescue. As he picked them up, he was overwhelmed not only by the joy of the dogs but by the happiness it brought to others. It was then, at the junction of life changes and newfound passion, that he knew transporting animals was his calling.
The Instagram Inspiration
It all started with a post on Instagram. An advertisement for CitizenShipper caught William’s eye, and he felt an instant connection to the idea of being an animal transporter. “That’s what I’ve been looking for but didn’t know where to find it,” he recalls. The platform offered him a chance to combine his passion for travel and animals into a fulfilling profession.
A Day in the Life: From Chihuahuas to Akitas
William’s first task with CitizenShipper was returning an adorable Chihuahua puppy to its breeder—a gentle entry into his new world. Since then, he has transported predominantly dogs, with each journey offering its own set of adventures. One of his most memorable trips involved Micah, a two-year-old Akita from Dupree, South Dakota. Describing this experience, William affectionately recounts the stubborn dog’s initial resistance turning into a newfound friendship once safely home.
From Denali to Subaru: Adapting and Advancing
Starting his venture with a GMC Envoy Denali, William has shifted to a Subaru Forester, reflecting an adaptation to the demands of pet transport. Ensuring the safety and comfort of his furry passengers is paramount. “I keep them in the rear area of the vehicle with plenty of water and frequent breaks,” he notes.
Advice for Aspiring Pet Transporters
For those considering becoming transporters, William offers sage advice: “Do it for the love, not the money. The money will come.” His approach, filled with warmth and passion, models the way for new drivers in the community.
A Nation Yet to Be Explored
Despite being on the road frequently, William is still eager to see more of the country. “There’s a lot of this country I have not seen in my 52 years on Earth,” he says, emphasizing his willingness to drive anywhere. His openness to new routes and experiences is a testament to his adventurous spirit.
Keeping Customers in the Loop
William understands the importance of communication when transporting cherished pets. “I communicate from start to end, every couple of hours,” he explains. His method includes frequent text updates and sharing photos, ensuring pet owners remain calm and informed throughout the journey. “Constant communication is extremely important when you’re carrying around someone’s loved one,” he adds, highlighting the emotional aspect of his work.
More Than Just Driving
Beyond the driving itself, the job comes with its unique set of challenges. From breakdowns to finding hospitality amidst seedy scenes, William takes each day as it comes. He credits preparedness and choosing familiar hotel chains as strategies for overcoming obstacles on the road.
The Role of Technology
Utilizing GPS tracking not only helps in navigation but also in providing peace of mind for clients. “GPS tracking is really just for the clients. It makes them feel at ease,” William says, underscoring the considerate service he aims to provide.
Crafting a Unique Service
William’s approach focuses on offering VIP, solo rides for each pet, ensuring personalized and dedicated care. He prices shipments based on desired daily or multi-day earnings rather than arbitrary hourly rates, reflecting a tailored service philosophy. His strategy of crafting engaging introductory pitches when bidding on jobs is aimed at catching the interest of potential clients, a move that speaks volumes of his business acumen.
Fostering Customer Engagement and Satisfaction
“I politely ask them at the end of the journey if they would leave me a review,” William shares when discussing encouraging feedback from clients. He maintains diligence in ensuring no room for negative reviews, attributing dissatisfaction to factors outside animal care and transport.
Learning and Evolving with CitizenShipper
Though relatively new to the platform, William is optimistic about its features, particularly its user-friendly text-based job listings and bidding opportunities. He looks forward to increasing proficiency and possibly expanding his services with a team of drivers.
The Rewards of the Journey
For William, the most rewarding part is the emotional impact of delivering animals to their eagerly awaiting families. “It’s so emotional and gratifying,” he reflects. Among his many trips, a journey through South Dakota stands out, marking a powerful memory of his emerging career.
Conclusion: A Career of Connection and Compassion
William Dougherty’s path to becoming a CitizenShipper driver speaks to the unexpected turns life brings and the fulfillment found in following newfound passions. For William, it’s about more than just transporting animals; it’s about creating connections and spreading joy. His journey exemplifies the benefits, joys, and community spirit woven into the fabric of CitizenShipper. Every mile is another story, and for William, each trip opens a new chapter in a rewarding journey filled with purpose and connection.
Marketing and product leader with over 14 years of experience, proficient in growth marketing, product management, and team development in fast-paced environments. Experienced in establishing and growing marketing functions and teams from the ground up.
