Matt Matasci · Updated January 27, 2026
CitizenShipper cares about everyone involved in the process of pet transportation — pet owners, the animal themselves, and the transporter. We are constantly committed to improving the experience for all parties involved; part of that commitment involves giving our transporters resources to succeed.
Introduction: Safety Comes First
Unlike other transportation fields, transporting pets isn’t just logistics, it’s a responsibility. To help establish shared safety standards and build trust across the marketplace, CitizenShipper created the Cat & Dog Transportation Safety Course, designed to support safer, more professional pet transport.
A Course Built Specifically for Transporters
Our safety course is one-of-a-kind and custom-designed for transporters that use our service — not general pet owners. It focuses on real-world transport situations, practical decision-making, and the responsibilities that come with caring for animals while on the road.
Completing this course not only increases your knowledge and expertise, it also signals to potential customers that you’re someone they can trust with their beloved pet.
Developed With Veterinary Oversight & Federal Guidance
To ensure accuracy and responsible animal care practices within this course we’ve had it reviewed by a licensed veterinarian. Dr. Hood, a licensed veterinarian in the state of Virginia, reviewed and approved the contents, which were also informed by standards outlined in the Animal Welfare Act (USDA Blue Book). Working with Dr. Hood and using these standards aligns the training with federally recognized animal welfare expectations for humane handling and transport.
Why The Safety Course Matters for the CitizenShipper Marketplace
For Customers
When you complete the safety course and earn a safety badge, you offer pet owners greater transparency and confidence when choosing a transporter they can trust.
For Drivers
The safety course signals to pet owners that you’re a knowledgeable and credible transporter. It also gives you shared safety expectations on how to react to situations on the road and it gives you improved preparedness.
Transporters who complete the course receive a Pet Safety Trained badge on their profile making it easy for customers to identify trained drivers while helping transporters stand out and build trust. For more information about the lesson, how it works, and how to get the “trained” badge on your profile, visit our article in the Help Center.
For the Pets
When pets ride with trained transporters who understand proper handling and care, they’ll experience a safer, calmer and more comfortable journey.
What the Course Covers
What is included in the Cat & Dog Transportation Safety Course? The training provides a foundational, comprehensive overview of essential topics, including:
- Business essentials and professional best practices
- Safe handling techniques for cats and dogs during pickup, transport, and delivery
- Crate safety and construction, including proper sizing, ventilation, securement, and material considerations
- Emergency preparedness while on the road
- Feeding and nutrition guidelines during transport
- Basic first aid, including heatstroke awareness and monitoring vital signs
A Foundation for Ongoing Learning
This course is just the starting point, not the finish line in your journey to become a better pet transporter. Animal care is always evolving, with best practices shifting as more knowledge emerges. CitizenShipper’s goal is to encourage transporters to continue learning beyond the platform and seek additional education whenever possible.
Get Started on the Cat & Dog Transportation Safety Course Today!
By combining veterinary review, federal welfare guidance and transporter-specific training, CitizenShipper is helping raise the bar for pet transportation creating safer journeys for pets and greater peace of mind for everyone involved. Click here to start the course!
About Dr. Hood
Dr. Hood began her professional life in public relations in New York City, followed by a career in journalism in Nashville. Then, she attended the University of Central Florida for pre-veterinary studies and graduated from North Carolina State Veterinary College.
While in vet school she was an active member of Christian Veterinary Missions and went on five trips to the Cherokee and Navajo reservations. She also volunteered with the ASPCA, deploying three times with the medical team to care for animals following hoarding and dog-fighting raids.
Dr. Hood is USDA certified and has been working in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia for the past six years in small animal general practice and urgent care. Her interests include preventative care, geriatric medicine, dentistry and laser surgery.
Content Writer at CitizenShipper. I’ve also been published on The Penny Hoarder, Mommy Poppins and mxdwn.
