Patrick MacFarland ·
Updated April 21, 2026
The cheapest way to ship a pet is ground transport through a peer-to-peer marketplace like CitizenShipper, where independent transporters compete for your listing and drive prices down. Ground pet transport typically costs $0.50 to $1.50 per mile — significantly less than air shipping, which runs $200 to $1,500+ depending on whether you fly with your pet or hire a flight nanny. For a 500-mile shipment, expect to pay $250 to $500 by ground versus $300 to $800+ by air. Below, we break down every option by cost, speed, and pet type so you can choose the right method for your budget.
One thing to keep in mind is that the cheapest way to ship a cat or dog isn’t always the best approach. With the right research — you’re already on the right track by reading this article — you can save money and get great service. One of the biggest keys is planning ahead — we’ll show you what pet shipping options are available, how to choose the right shipping method, and other considerations to take before hiring a pet transport service.
Types of Pet Shipping
When it comes to pet transport, there are two main options available. You can use two types of pet shippers — a ground shipping approach or air transportation. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages; at the end of the day it’s most important to choose the approach that’s best suited for you and your pet’s needs.
Ground Shipping
For shipping pets short distances, using a pet shipping service is usually the cheapest way. Pet transport is usually priced per-mile. While long-distance transport will have a higher overall price, the pet shipping cost per mile will be lower than short jaunts.
Other benefits include:
- Ground shipping services typically provide door-to-door service.
- Most ground transport services move pets in climate-controlled vehicles.
The biggest downside in choosing a pet transportation company is it usually takes longer than air travel. However, air travel is extremely unpredictable, making a ground transportation service a more reliable option.
Air Shipping
As mentioned above, air shipping is usually the faster choice to ship a pet. A plane can get your pet across the country in a matter of hours — it’ll take at least a week for most cross-country ground transports.
Despite the speediness of air travel, there are some downsides:
- Your furry friend won’t be able to leave its carrier in the terminals and during the flight.
- Large pets must fly in the cargo hold, and many airlines have put a moratorium on this practice.
- Snub-nosed breeds cannot fly in the cargo hold for health reasons.
- It’s not a great option for pets that are easily stressed or don’t behave well around strangers.
Beyond these negatives, air shipping can be more expensive than ground transport. The cost to ship a pet will range from as little as $90 to a bit over $125 for a “pet ticket,” plus you’ll need to buy your own plane ticket. If you hire an air nanny, you’ll have to buy the pet’s ticket (for a cat or dog) plus a round-trip ticket for the animal’s chaperone.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Pet?
Shipping a pet can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on factors like distance, transport method, and level of service. For shorter trips under 100 miles, prices typically range from about $250 to $450, while regional transport (100–600 miles) can cost between $450 and $1,200. Cross-country ground transport often falls between $1,200 and $3,500 or more, especially for dedicated or VIP services.
Air transport, such as using an in-cabin flight nanny, is usually more expensive, ranging from around $1,500 to $5,000+. Many ground transporters also price by mileage, averaging roughly $0.50 to $1.60 per mile. Costs can increase based on the size of the pet, special care needs, urgency, and time of year. Most services include door-to-door delivery, rest stops, food and water, and regular updates like photos or GPS tracking.
Overall, while budget-friendly options exist for shorter distances, longer or more specialized transports require a higher investment to ensure safety and comfort.
Ground Transport’s More Reliable & Often the Cheapest Way to Ship a Cat or Dog
At the end of the day, ground transportation is much more reliable than air travel. Like pet transport specialists have said, “Ground transportation is often one of the most affordable ways to move a pet, especially for medium and large animals that can’t travel in the cabin.”
There are several reasons why it’s a better option than flying.
- Most airlines have a prohibition on pets other than cats and dogs.
- Your pet may be stressed when flying, especially if they are in a kennel in the cargo hold.
- Most airlines prohibit pets in the cargo hold, with the notable exception of Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines.
- With the recent flight cancellations over the holidays, flying can be unreliable because of weather and other factors.
- Ground travel logistics are easier and can offer door-to-door delivery, which is impossible with air travel.
- If the weather is too hot or too cold, airlines won’t allow pets in the cargo area and will cancel your pet’s ticket.
Cheapest Way to Ship a Cat
The cheapest way to ship a cat usually comes down to choosing the right transport method, minimizing distance, and keeping things simple. In most cases, ground transport is the most affordable option, especially for short to medium distances. Pet transport services often charge per mile, and while long trips cost more overall, the per-mile rate is typically lower.
If you’re looking to save the most money, the lowest-cost options are:
- Driving the cat yourself (just fuel + supplies)
- Shared ground transport (cheaper than private/VIP trips)
- Flying with your cat in-cabin (often ~$100–$150 each way on major airlines, making it one of the cheapest long-distance options if you’re already traveling)
To keep costs down further, avoid rush bookings, stay flexible with dates, and choose standard (not VIP) service. Also, having your own airline-approved carrier instead of renting one can reduce expenses.
Cheapest Way to Ship a Dog
The cheapest way to ship a dog depends on distance and size, but in most cases ground transport is the most affordable overall option. Professional ground pet transport typically costs about $0.50 to $2.00 per mile, with short trips (under 300 miles) costing as little as $100–$300 and longer trips ranging from $300 to $800. For many routes, especially under 1,000 miles, this is significantly cheaper than flying and is often less stressful for the dog.
If you’re looking for the absolute lowest-cost option, driving your dog yourself can be cheapest upfront, but costs like gas, hotels, and time off work can add up quickly—sometimes making it comparable to hiring a transporter.
For small dogs, another budget-friendly option is flying in-cabin with you, which can cost around $90–$150 plus your own ticket. However, this only works for small breeds; larger dogs usually require ground transport or expensive cargo shipping.
To save money, choose shared (not private/VIP) transport, book early, and stay flexible with timing. In general, the cheapest approach is:
- Cheapest overall: drive the dog yourself (if practical)
- Best budget without driving: shared ground transport
- Cheapest for small dogs long-distance: in-cabin flight
Just keep in mind that the lowest price isn’t always the best choice—comfort, safety, and reliability matter just as much as cost.
Considerations for the Shipping Method That Fits Your Budget
When determining the cheapest way to ship a cat or dog, there are several factors to consider.
Distance
The distance between your pet’s origination and destination is a key factor in determining the best shipping method. For shorter distances, ground shipping is almost always the best choice. For longer distances or tight delivery windows, air shipping has the benefit of speed.
Size and Weight of Pet
The size and weight of your pet can also impact the type of transport you choose. Airlines have a strict weight limit for pets — check with the carrier before booking. Large pets aren’t allowed by most airlines.
Ground transportation can accommodate any size dog. However, you may pay more for a large dog because they leave less space for additional riders.
Time
Finally, you should consider the timeframe for your pet’s shipment. Ground shipping can take several days, while air shipping can take only a few hours. If you need your pet to arrive quickly, air shipping is the better option.
Timing is also a factor when it comes to finding the cheapest way to ship a cat or dog. The summer months tend to be busier for pet transporters, so the high demand drives up costs. The opposite is true in the winter. Inclement weather leads to fewer transporters on the road and the lack of supply can leave you paying more.
Ground shipping could be beneficial because pets won’t be stressed out during the airline onboarding and offloading process.
Finding The Cheapest Way to Ship a Cat, Dog or other Pet
Once you’ve determined the best shipping method for your pet, the next step is to find reliable pet shipping companies. You need to make sure your pet is in the best of hands with a mode that is pet-friendly. The best way to do this is to research different pet transport companies and read customer reviews.
- You can also ask friends and family for recommendations.
- Join Facebook or other social media groups to find the best pet shipping companies out there that will ensure the safety and well-being of your pet.
- Consider using a pet transport marketplace like CitizenShipper to find qualified, caring transporters.
CitizenShipper is the number one pet transport marketplace in the country and has delivered tens of thousands of pets over the years. Post a pet shipping listing on the marketplace and you’ll receive quotes within minutes. The best part is that it’s free to look at quotes, read reviews and browse driver profiles before choosing the right transporter.
Because transporters compete for your business, CitizenShipper can often be the cheapest way to ship a pet. Create a pet shipping listing today and find out how much you can save!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a cat to another state?
How do you ship a dog to another state?
Can large dogs fly on airlines?
Patrick MacFarland has been a teacher, a candidate for public office, and a local tour guide. But now he dedicates his time writing full-time, currently at CitizenShipper and VeraContent.
