How to Get the Best Ground Transport for Cats

There will come a time when you will need pet transport services, and more specifically, if you have a cat, you will need cat transport services. You may be thinking of moving to another state or country. Or maybe you already accepted a job somewhere else. There’s the possibility of going on vacation and you want to bring your feline friend with you, too. Whatever the reason, you’re probably wondering how to get the best ground transport for cats.

Look, your cat is part of the family, so that means you need the best out there. You don’t want to risk it. If something happens to your kitty on the way to its final destination, it’s going to be traumatic. That means you need the cream of the crop. You need a cat ground transport company that will take care of your cat as if it were their own.

We’ll go through the factors of how to get the best ground transport for cats. We will also take you to various other options in cat transportation, as well.

Potential Reasons Pet Owners May Need Cat Transport Service

There are many reasons why pet owners need cat transport service. Let’s take a look at some of them right now.

Reason 1: You’re hired for a job that’s located across the country — you have to pack up your entire life and move to a new destination. Your beloved cat is a member of the family and has to go with you and your family.

Reason 2: Your sick aunt needs help around her house, and you decide to help her out – after all, she’s helped you out all these years. You work remotely and only need to stay with her for a few months. Your cat has to come with you, of course.

Reason 3: You want to go on vacation and bring your kitty cat with you. Simple as that.

All three of these reasons have one thing in common — you need to transport your cat from Point A to Point B. But, how do you do it? Well, let’s take a look at the options.

What Cat Transport Service Should I Choose?

There are various options when it comes to choosing your cat transport service. Some of them look attractive and others don’t. Let’s look at some of your options.

Air Travel

Air travel is the fastest way to travel with your cat. Airlines may pose several requirements you will have to adhere to. There is a limit on which cats you can take and usually those that are restricted are those snub-nosed breeds. Make sure you check with the airline to see if your cat breed is on the no-fly list.

If your cat is small, it can fly in the cabin in a carrier placed under the seat in front of you. Airline policy only allows one or two pets per flight, so it’s important to call beforehand to reserve that coveted pet spot. If you have a larger cat, you will have to check it into the cargo hold. Doing so may stress your cat out, so it’s important to know your cat’s emotions and behaviors before going this route.

Train Travel

When it comes to train travel, there’s good news on the horizon. Amtrak allows pet transportation, but just like airlines, only cats and small dogs are allowed. Having a cat on board the train only costs $25, but they have to fit in a carrier underneath the seat in front of you. This is good news for you and your cat, and are traveling a short distance. If you have a larger cat that can’t fit under the seat in front of you, then this option is not for you.

Driving Yourself

The third option we have is the do-it-yourself approach. You can simply grab your car and drive with your feline friend to your final destination. It will be an adventure to remember!

It’s also an easy option because there won’t be any regulations or outside requirements besides the documentation you need. However, this option has several variables that could impact you on a financial basis, including accommodation, food expenses, car wear and tear, and gas costs. During the road trip, you also have to be aware that you should stop periodically for potty breaks, food and water breaks, and time for your cat to adjust to the confined travel space.

Ground Transport

You hire a ground transportation company to ship your cat from Point A to Point B. They will take care of all the logistics for you so you don’t have to worry about it. They may provide the equipment, which means that will be an extra charge or you may also provide it yourself.

Flying with a Cat

Flying with your cat could be hard, but by following these simple steps, it will save you time and ease your stress.

Adjusting your Cat to the Carrier

Prepare your cat for the flight by having them adjust beforehand to being in a confined space for lengthy periods of time. Put them in the carrier weeks before departure until they get more comfortable being inside the carrier.

Take a Comfort Break Before the Flight

Right before the flight, make sure your cat takes a comfort break so they can release any energy they may have and be as comfortable as possible during the flight. It’s also important that your kitty cat goes potty right before the flight.

Provide Food, Water and an Accessible Litter Box

It’s always best to provide food, water and a litter box for your cat during the flight. There are carriers that come with all of that, which can be convenient for you. However, the carriers with those added additions may be too big to fit underneath the seat in front of you. This means you’ll have to transport your cat in the cargo hold.

Pack the Essentials

Pack the essentials — like food, water, a litter box, and some toys that your cat likes. Flights can produce some anxiety so buy a calming spray or some catnip toys. A first aid kit is a good thing to have in handy, too.

Ground Transportation for Cats

There are various options when it comes to ground transportation and the ultimate cost lies with these factors.

• Moving Distance: This is the primordial factor because distance is everything. The further the distance, the more expensive it will be. Of course, if you are transporting multiple cats, then it will be cost effective. Sometimes, a shorter distance will be costlier, so it’s best to check with the cat ground transport service about this factor.
• Pet Size: Ground transportation companies have different rules regarding cats. If they’re smaller, they’re going to be placed in a carrier and transported more easily. If you have a larger cat that requires more equipment, things will be more expensive. A good thing to consider is that if you do have multiple cats, you may be able to get a package deal.
• Health Documentation: There are rules and regulations regarding health documents that you need in your destination state. Check online to see what requirements are needed. Most states and cat transportation companies will require your cat’s vaccination documents and a health certificate filled out by a veterinarian.
• Equipment: The cat transport service may require a carrier or crate for traveling, especially if they are traveling with other pets. There are soft carriers that are mostly used for small pets. There are also hard carriers for larger pets or those that need the equipment like litter boxes. We recommend a sturdy, more expensive hard carrier because it won’t run the risk of breaking during the journey.
• Time of Year: Like other sectors of the transportation industry, seasonality has an effect on the cost of transporting your cat. Summer and around holidays are a popular time for pet transportation, driving up demand and cost.
• Extra Perks: If you want something like VIP service, door-to-door delivery, or the extra perks to ensure your cat is as comfortable as possible, this will increase the price tag.

Vaccinations

Here’s a list of vaccines your cat should be immunized with no more than 21 days before travel:

The list of required vaccinations for cats:

• panleukopenia (feline distemper)
• Feline calicivirus
• Feline herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis)
• Rabies

The list of recommended vaccinations for cats: 

• Feline leukemia virus
• Bordetella
• Chlamydophila felis
• Feline I immunodeficiency virus

Take These Steps to Find the Best Ground Transport for Cats

The best pet transport companies have qualities that stand out from the rest. When you’re doing research, look out for these amazing qualities.

• Make sure they have IPATA membership. Because the organization is dedicated to the safe and humane transport of pets, you can trust their members are legitimate.
• Excellent customer service and communication means that the cat transport company will take care of your cat as if it were their own.
• The best cat transport company should have pet safety as their number one priority.
• All cat transport companies should adhere to the USDA’s rules and regulations in pet handling. USDA certification is necessary because it means they follow the law.
• If the cat transport company has climate controlled transport, then that means your cat’s safety is key for them during the journey.
• If the cat transport company offers door-to-door delivery, then it can make your life easier and stress-free.

Find Reliable Cat Transport Services with CitizenShipper

Using a two-way marketplace like CitizenShipper to find an independent pet transporter is a great solution if you don’t want to deal with the stress of driving to the final destination yourself or hiring a cat transport company that is too expensive. You can save money on transportation costs because drivers bid for your business, most often saving up to 60%-70% compared to a traditional pet transportation company.

Using CitizenShipper is Easy!

• Once you post a free listing on our marketplace, a fleet of vetted and screened, USDA-registered drivers will send you quotes within minutes. 
• You can compare bids and instantly chat with drivers across our network. Because drivers compete for your business, you’ll be able to select a quote that fits your budget.
• Once you choose the driver you like best, you’re ready to book your trip! 

We don’t recommend booking a driver based only on price. Usually the best transporters charge a little more. Read reviews, communicate with the driver through the instant-messaging system and look at past experience before making your decision. The bottom line is your beloved kitty cat will be in good hands with CitizenShipper’s qualified drivers, who are animal lovers who will treat your cat like they are a part of their family. 

We also work hard to ensure your peace of mind throughout the entire transaction. CitizenShipper also provides some added benefits for you so you’re even calmer — up to $1,000 Pet Protection guarantee, a messaging system where you can communicate directly with the driver and 24/7 TeleVet access through our partner FirstVet.

Conclusion

Researching the best cat ground transportation services can feel overwhelming. There are a lot of factors to consider. Each company has their own requirements and rules, their own fees, and they may not accommodate what you are looking for. Finding the right one at the right price can be hard work. 

But don’t fret! The alternative is going through CitizenShipper’s marketplace. It is safe and secure, and drivers on CitizenShipper understand your cat means everything to you. They will ensure proper, loving care during the journey, whether long or short. By trusting drivers on CitizenShipper, you will have peace of mind and comfort knowing your cherished cat is absolutely in the best of hands. 

Transporting your cat doesn’t have to be expensive, stressful or overwhelming. Start the easy process today. Post your cat’s transport today, and get free quotes in minutes!