What are the Most Reliable Pet Shipping Companies?

You’ve decided to take the plunge and ship your pet across the country — or even around the world! Congratulations on taking this big step. Now it’s time to decide which pet shipping companies are the best for your pet. After all, you want your beloved four-legged family member to get to their destination safe and sound.

But with so many horror stories about pet shipping gone wrong — lost pets, delays, or even worse — you may wonder if it’s even possible to find a reliable pet shipper.

Don’t worry — we have all the answers you need to make sure your pet arrives at its destination safely. Read on for an overview of the most reliable pet shipping companies and our top product recommendations.

What Kinds of Pet Shipping Companies Are Available?

Pet transport has come a long way since the days of loading your pup into the family station wagon. Today, plenty of companies offer pet shipping services, from traditional ground and air transporters to marketplaces that connect pet owners with drivers.

Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular pet shipping options:

#1. Air Transport

Air travel is one of the most popular pet transport methods. This is usually a good option for longer distances, especially if time is of the essence.

Expect to pay a tidy sum, though — air travel can be expensive — and you’ll need to ensure your pet’s vaccinations and health certificates are up-to-date if they’re flying out of the country. Add that to a couple of other airline requirements, and you have a ton of paperwork to take care of.

One of the major downsides to air travel is that some airlines have strict regulations about the size and breed of pets they will transport. For instance, they often restrict snub-nosed breeds like pugs and bulldogs from the cargo area because of potential breathing problems.

There’s also the risk of flight delays or cancellations, which can disrupt your pet’s travel plans. And if safety is your number one priority, you might want to pay attention to concerns about pets getting lost, injured or even killed during air transport.

Although the leading cause of these issues is usually human error and staff negligence, it’s still best to be aware of the risks. To manage these risks, you can hire an air nanny to accompany your pet on the flight. Air nannies help supervise your pet during their flight and ensure they get all the attention and care they deserve. 

But keep in mind that they won’t offer much protection or supervision if your pet is flying in the cargo hold.

#2. Train Transport

Train travel is a great option for pet owners on a budget. Depending on the company, train transport can be more cost-effective than air travel.

The major drawback is that train transport will usually take longer than air travel, so it might not be the best option if you need to get your pet to their destination quickly.

Remember that some train lines only accept pets of 20 pounds or less, and your pet’s carrier will go underneath the seat in the train seats.

This could be a good option if you are comfortable transporting your dog with several other animals. But, if you prefer to have your pet transported alone, then you be prepared to pay extra for other options.

#3. Ground Transport

Ground transporters usually have more flexibility when it comes to breed restrictions and pet size, making them a great option for larger or more exotic pets.

Regardless of the size or breed of your pet, you can be sure that they’ll have a comfortable ride in the back of a van. And depending on your budget, preference or timeline, you can choose from a variety of ground transport options. Some of them include:

DIY Car Transport

If you’re willing to take the wheel yourself, this is the cheapest option. However, it might not be the safest. Even if you’re a great driver, you should consider the risk of distracted driving, exhaustion and unfavorable weather conditions.

When taking bathroom breaks or grabbing a bite to eat, you’ll have to leave your pet in the car — meaning they could risk getting sick from heat stroke or, worst case scenario, getting stolen.

Then, you’d have to factor in the cost of gas and other expenses that come with a road trip. So, even though you’re saving money by driving your pet yourself, you’d be taking a risk and could end up paying more than you bargained for.

Also, consider the burden of finding pet-friendly accommodation during your trip and the stress it can put on your pet. Nobody wants to put their pet through that kind of discomfort. So, hiring professional pet transporters is usually the best option.

Traditional Pet Transport Services

For a few extra bucks, you can hire a professional ground transporter to do the job for you. Professional pet transporters have years of experience handling animals and do so with the utmost care and compassion.

While you can find some of them in your local area, you can also look online to find one that better meets your needs. CitizenShipper is a great place to begin.

Online Pet Transport Marketplace — CitizenShipper

Shopping around for the best pet transport company can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. Fortunately, CitizenShipper makes it easy to find the right transporter for you.

With CitizenShipper, you can compare quotes from different transporters and get an accurate idea of how much it will cost for you to ship your pet. Plus, you can read reviews from past customers and contact different transporters directly to get more information.

CitizenShipper uses a unique bidding system that allows you to compare offers from different transporters and get the best deal for your pet shipping needs, saving you time and money.

Some of the perks you can expect from a CitizenShipper pet transport service include:

• 24/7 FirstVet service
• Vetted transporters
• $1,000 Pet Protection Guarantee
• An instant messaging system that allows you to track and communicate with your driver

Whether you’re looking for a reliable pet transport service or just a way to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable while in transit, CitizenShipper is the best place to find the most reliable pet drivers.

How Reliable is Shipping a Pet By Plane?

Transporting your cat or dog by plane can be a stressful experience for both the pet and its owners, and it also comes with some serious safety concerns.

For starters, airlines have strict regulations on what type of animals they can transport. Not all pets will qualify for transport, so you’ll need to double-check with the airline before booking a flight.

Also, there have been reports of pets being injured or even killed during pet transport by air. This is due to the high pressure and low oxygen levels inside the cabin or cargo hold.

Snub-nosed and flat-faced breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Persian cats are more prone to serious health issues when flying.

For these reasons, shipping a pet by plane is not always the safest option. If you must ship your pet by air, research the airline’s pet safety policies and ensure your pet is healthy enough for travel.

Overall, always juxtapose your pet’s safety with convenience. If the latter is more critical, then flying your pet might be an option for you. However, if safety is of utmost priority, you may need to consider other options like ground transportation.

How Reliable Are Ground Pet Shipping Companies?

Ground pet transportation is generally considered to be much safer than air travel because ground transport companies have specially designed vehicles and containers that keep pets safe while in transit.

These companies also employ experienced and professional drivers trained to handle pets, ensuring that your pet will be in good hands during its journey.

Plus, ground transportation companies usually offer door-to-door delivery, pet travel logistics, VIP pet transport service, and everything you need to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable throughout their journey.

Where Do I Find Reliable Pet Shipping Companies?

You can find a reliable pet shipping company right at Citizen Shipper! 

CitizenShipper has a comprehensive network of pre-vetted pet shipping companies that have proven reliable and trustworthy. Plus, they offer various services, from door-to-door delivery to VIP pet shipping.

CitizenShipper’s solo pet transport is a specialized service for pet owners who want to ensure the safety and comfort of their furry friends. This service involves a solo ride for your pet with a professional pet driver.

Though the solo service might cost an extra fee, it’s definitely worth the care and attention your pet will enjoy during the trip. You should consider a solo pet shipping service if your pet requires special care due to the following conditions:

• Old or young age
• Pregnancy
• Disability
• Medical/health challenges

During the ride, your pet will be monitored and taken care of every step of the way. The pet transporter will also ensure that your pet’s needs are met and their safety is not compromised in any way. Think of what a solo service could mean for you and your adorable pet:

• The driver’s undivided attention
• Faster travel time due to fewer stops
• Less chance of injury
• No extra paws or claws to worry about
• No chance of being lost or stolen
• Peace of mind knowing that your beloved pet is in safe hands

Save Money with Shared Transport

Not every dog needs to ride solo — in fact some dogs may prefer to have a furry travel companion. You can save money by booking a transporter that will be moving multiple pets at once. Because they’re already on the road near your drop-off point, they can offer reduced rates.

Product Recommendations for Pet Shipping 

Safety begins with the right products and supplies. As you search for the most reliable pet shipping companies, also take some time to invest in the right pet transport supplies.

Here’s a list of products you should consider when shipping your pet:

#1. Pet Travel Crate or Carrier

Consider this one of the most important items for your pet’s safety. Make sure that the size and shape of your pet’s crate or carrier is appropriate for their size and breed.

#2. Feeding Supplies

This includes food, water, medications and feeding bowls your pet might need. Make sure to bring enough supplies to last the entire trip.

#3. Pet Travel Crates/Carriers

Pet crates and carriers are specially designed to ensure your pet’s safety while in transit. Choose one that is well-ventilated, comfortable and spacious enough for your pet.

#4. Toys and Other Comforts

Bring a few of your pet’s favorite toys to help keep them entertained during their journey. It is key to ensure they have something to take their mind off the transition.

#5. Pet Travel Bag

Invest in a pet travel bag that is spacious, durable and waterproof. This will help make transporting your pet’s supplies easier and safer.

CitizenShipper — The Most Reliable Place to Find a Pet Transporter

When looking for a reliable pet shipping company, it pays to look for one who is experienced and trustworthy.

CitizenShipper has all the necessary tools to help you find the best pet shipping company for your needs. With our extensive network of pre-vetted pet transporters, you can get the assurance that your pet is in good hands.

Rated the #1 pet transportation platform in the United States, CitizenShipper is trusted by over 100,000 pet lovers in the country. 

Whether you’re looking for the safest, most reliable pet shipping companies or just want to save some cash on transport costs, CitizenShipper is here to connect you with some of the safest and most reliable pet drivers in the United States.

Ready to get started? Here’s how it works:

#1. Create a CitizenShipper account.

#2. Submit your pet’s shipping details.

#3. Receive bids from experienced pet transporters.

#4. Compare bids, profiles and reviews and select the best transporter for your pet.

#5. Finalize your booking via the instant messaging feature and get ready for your pet’s safe journey!

Conclusion

Pet transport doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right knowledge, you can ensure that your pet’s needs are met and their safety is not compromised over costs.

Consider utilizing a trusted marketplace like CitizenShipper to ensure that your pet’s journey is taken care of by the most reliable pet shipping companies.

We make it easy to find the best pet shipping companies and get your furry friend where they need to be, safe and sound. 

So what are you waiting for? Post a free pet travel listing and get instant bids from experienced pet transporters today!

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