Here's what you need to know about safely transporting your pet to Los Angeles.
Mode of Transportation
Ground travel
Cost $
Time
Air travel
Cost $ $ $
Time
Ground and air travel have different associated costs. Flying is typically the fastest option, but also the most expensive and taxing on your pet.
Travel Distance
The further you need to transport your pet, the more it'll cost. If you're using ground transportation, you'll have to factor in fuel costs, lodging, meals on the road and wear-and-tear on your vehicle. These costs are applicable whether you drive the pet yourself or you hire a transporter through CitizenShipper. Airlines charge more for longer plane rides as well. This is due to the cost of fuel and the need compensate pilots and flight attendants.
Pet size
Smaller pets are easier – and less expensive – to transport. If you’re flying your pet to Los Angeles, they’ll need to travel in the cargo hold if they’re over 20 pounds. You’ll also need to buy a USDA-approved crate, which can cost around $200. With ground transport, it’s easier for shipping service providers to accommodate small pets.
Health clearance and travel equipment
The first step to transporting your pet to Los Angeles is ensuring they’re healthy enough to travel. Most species require a vet-issued health certificate to cross state lines. This will cost $50 to $300. You’ll likely need to purchase some equipment too – such as a crate and travel supplies.
Fast and easy Only pay when you book
100,000+ successful pet transports tell our story
Melissa Chenevert
I had my puppy ship from Illinois to Georgia. The driver was very courteous he kept me informed with calls text and pictures of my puppy along the way. I highly recommend them.
What Customers Say About What They Paid
★★★★★
Jaclyn A.
CitizenShipper helped me find someone to transport my puppy all the way from California to Michigan, and I wasn't able to fly out there.
★★★★★
CHARLiiE
What I loved about citizenshipper is that all the information is right there. First of all, you got access to several transport companies, several different. You just got options
★★★★★
Musbah S.
I put in the details on Citizenshipper, and in just a few moments, I was getting quotes from folks saying how much they want to charge me and also when they can pick up.
★★★★★
Janelle L.
The quote I got from any other company was $ 6,500 to get my kids out here. I recently relocated to the East Coast, and if it hadn't been for CitizenShipper, I wouldn't have been able to afford to get them all out here.
Transcripts of the video testimonials above
Jaclyn A.
Recorded
Hello. This is my new puppy, Nilla. We got her through Citizenshipper. They helped me find someone to transport my puppy all the way from California to Michigan, and I wasn't able to fly out there. And so this was just a much better route for us to take to get her. And so there's lots of different options between air nannies or having somebody to drive her, which is the option we chose just because it was the least expensive. And, yeah, they gave us video updates and photos and just kept us updated on timing the whole time. And, yeah, it was a good, smooth experience, and I'm so glad we had that option. Otherwise I wouldn't have her. So thank you.
CHARLiiE
Recorded
Lucky's home. Thank you, Citizenshipper. Lucky made it to Florida from New York. And it's all because of your help and support. I was able to get Lucky from New York to Florida using a transport company I felt I found through citizenshipper. Now, I went with PAWS and Pathways, who is basically run by. Which is basically run by Osman. And when I tell you this process was so seamless, so perfect, I will pay for convenience every single time. Okay? Every single time. Now, as I mentioned, I did not know how I was going to get Lucky from New York here, right? There clearly are options. The plane just felt too overwhelming. Like, there was all these rules I saw, and it was just very like, you may be able to fly with him, you may not it. And he's 21 pounds. So I know that they had, like, a certain weight requirement when it comes to the carrier and the dog. And so, like, that felt like, okay, like, I don't want to deal with that, the what if and the unknown. And so I was just like. And then when I realized I didn't want to drive, I had known about citizenshipper on social media. Someone had mentioned it, and I have researched it before, and I had looked into it and I saw that you could basically put up what you're looking for, like what you need, basically the dog, the size and everything from New York to Florida. And then companies will send you quotes. They will tell you how much it costs, when the dog will get there, and all those details. What I loved about citizenshipper is that all the information is right there. First of all, you got access to several transport companies, several different. You just got options. First of all, I love options, right? I want to decide what's in my budget. I want to decide. All right, Am I feeling this energy? Are you very organized? Right. Like, how's your communication? Right. Like, how often am I going to get pictures? Like, do you have a GPS option? Right. And all of that was there, right? Every company had their reviews. You got to see what people had to say about it. Like, everything is within the database within Citizenship, where once people, once the company starts sending you quotes, you also have access to their page. And within their page, they give you all this information. Now you can talk to the companies and, and figure things out, but you pay a broker fee to citizenshipper and you really. So my experience, you don't get to really, like, do the process with the company until you pay the broker fees to citizenshipper. And like I said, I will pay for convenience every single time when I tell you it was worth it. It was worth it because you get access to options, right? You don't have to go out there and search companies and find out who's. Whose reputation is good or bad, right? Like all that information was right there. And they were real reviews. Not everyone had five stars. Not everyone was a five star. Was a five star company. And so you got to see that. And for me, I went with Paws and Pathway because one, like their information was like, they told me upfront what the process was, right? Everything was so upfront. I had very little questions. My main questions was around my specific situation. For me, my dog was in New York with my uncle. And so I needed Osmond and Pause and Pathway to contact my uncle to get lucky. I needed us to be on a, a group chat, right, to make sure they get lucky. And once they get lucky, then I was the point of contact. And it just all went so smoothless. Like, smoothless. It all went so effortless. Like it was such a smooth experience. From Citizenshipper to. To Pause and Pathway to Lucky getting here to New York. I got pictures along the way. I was so geeked. Like, I learned so much random information through this process because I didn't know that companies can drive a certain amount of miles per day or a certain amount of hours per day, and they put that information there, they let you know what they're qualified to do.
Musbah S.
Recorded
Yeah, I needed to get my French bulldog from Philadelphia up to Massachusetts, and it was urgent. And so I put in the details on Citizenshipper, and in just a few moments, I was getting quotes from folks saying how much they want to charge me and also when they can pick up. I ended up choosing someone based on. On the fact that it was the soonest that I can get my dog up here. And also I was looking at the reviews and there was a lot of positive reviews. And so I communicated with that driver and we talked about the details from then. It was really smooth sailing. She let me know when she was going to be there to pick up the dog and sent me pictures regularly. And this is not the first time I use Citizenshipper, and this is, you know, this is my second time. And it is very, very positive experience. I was really worried about handing my dog up to strangers. And so it worked out really well. And I have my dog up here, and honestly, it was cheaper than having to drive down and back or do something else. And so I'm very happy with my experience. Check it out if you need it.
Janelle L.
Recorded
Hey, my name is Janelle Laird and I have three kids at my age that mean the world to me. I recently relocated to the east coast and if it hadn't been for Citizenshippers and avl, I wouldn't have been able to afford to get them all out here. I'm on a fixed budget, as any senior citizen knows. Well, unless we're like a totally rich, we're on a fixed income. This is David, and he is one of my main flame men. There, David. Say hi, David. Yeah, that's David. He hasn't been out here very long. He not. He's not going to tell you if he likes it here or not, but he likes being back with me. And this is Noah. This is David, and this is David's baby boy. Yeah, there he is. It's okay. That's Noah. Say hi there. These two boys mean the world to me. If it hadn't been for the fact that I ran across a company called Citizenshipper, I wouldn't have gotten them out here. I wouldn't have been able to afford it. The quote I got from any other company was $6500 to get my kids out here. Outrageous. I was in despair. So let me tell you something. If you're like me and you need to get your kids with you, give them a call. Give them a call and don't despair, because there is a way to do it. They help me do it and they'll help you, too. Thank you very much.
How expensive is it to own and care for a pet in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is a great city for any pup, but it might be tough on your wallet. Living in Los Angeles costs more than twice the US average, making pet ownership a difficult reality. Here's what you can expect to spend on common pet expenses.
First year of pet ownership
$100 - $2,000Purchase/acquire pet
$100 - $300Average of first year vet bills
$37 - $210Licensing/registrations
$125 - $700Average food costs (dependent on size of dog/brand of food)
$20 - $50Dog walking supplies
$25 - $150Toys and treats
$650 - $750Grooming (once a month)
$1,057 - $4,160Total yearly expenses
How Transporters Get Your Pets to Los Angeles and surrounding areas?
When it comes to getting your pets to Los Angeles and surrounding areas, CitizenShipper is the best choice for connecting you with reliable transporters. Transporters using our platform have different methods of transportation to ensure your pet’s safe arrival.
The most common way to get your pet to Los Angeles is via the highway. The I-5, I-10, and I-15 all lead to Los Angeles, and transporters using CitizenShipper are able to use these highways to get your pet to its destination. There is also the I-405 which connects Los Angeles to Long Beach and Anaheim.
For those who prefer to transport your pet by air, there are several airports in the Los Angeles area. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main airport in the city and serves both domestic and international flights. Long Beach Airport (LGB) is another option for pet transportation and is located in Long Beach, CA. John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County is also close by and is the main airport serving Anaheim.
At CitizenShipper, we make sure that all transporters using our platform are reliable and have the necessary experience, vehicles, and equipment to transport your pet safely. transporters using our platform are also licensed and insured, giving you the peace of mind that your pet will arrive in Los Angeles and surrounding areas safely and on time.
Navigating the Final Mile and Reducing Wait Times
To ensure that your driver reaches the destination the quickest, provide them with instructions on navigating the house or building's exact location. Additionally, you can request your driver to provide you with a tracking link using Google or Apple maps. This will not only reduce wait times at delivery but also reduce any anxiety you may have.
How CitizenShipper Works
No matter what you’re transporting, CitizenShipper has got you covered. We connect you with professional drivers eager and able to meet your requests.
Here's how.
Step #1: List your transport for free
Step #2: Select your favorite driver
Step #3: Stay in touch with your driver
Step #4: Rate and review your experience
What is the cost to ship your precious items to Los Angeles, CA?
What you're transporting to Los Angeles and how you choose to do it will determine the cost. Check out the examples and breakdown below.
$4,200
Miami, FL South Lake Tahoe, CA
2,972 mi
$1,500
Mesquite, TX Encinitas, CA
1,389 mi
Cost to ship a car
$1.00/mi.
A host of factors determine how much it’ll cost to ship your vehicle to the Los Angeles area. This includes its size and condition, the time of year, pickup and drop-off locations, travel distance, whether you use an open or enclosed trailer and mode of transport.
Vehicles include:
Cars/light trucks, RVs, camper trailers, oversized/lifted trucks, antique/special care vehicles, and others.
The origin state and transport distance will impact the cost of shipping your motorcycle. An enclosed trailer will protect your bike much better, but an open trailer costs significantly less.
Motorcycles include:
Racing bikes, dirt bikes, scooters, cruising bikes/choppers, ATVs, 3-wheelers, and others.
Cost to ship a boat
$1.38/mi.
Typical cost per mile has held roughly steady over 2025 Q3 to 2026 Q2.
Your boat is an investment – finding safe transportation should be too. The cost will vary based on your boat’s measurements, the season, and other factors, such as the mode and method of shipping.
Boats include:
Power/motorboats, fishing boats, sailboats, and others.
Numerous variables determine the cost of freight shipping to the Los Angeles metropolitan area, such as how far it needs to go, its density or volume, whether you need extra accessories and the type of carrier you choose.
Freight include:
Less than a truckload, or a full truckload.
Cost to ship household items
$0.70/mi.
You can use various options to move your household items to the Los Angeles area. The most common choices include renting a van and doing it yourself, hiring a furniture-moving company and utilizing peer-to-peer platforms like CitizenShipper to connect with qualified experts.
Household Items include:
Furniture, kitchen appliances, and boxes.
Cost to move
$1.32/mi.
Moving homes is a hassle. Transporting your belongings doesn’t have to be. You can rent a van and move everything yourself or hire a company. Using professional movers will make the transition to the Los Angeles area less stressful and help prevent damage.
Apartment and House Moves include:
1 bedroom apartments, 2 bedroom apartments, 3 bedroom house, 4 bedroom house, and a 5 bedroom house.
Cost to ship heavy equipment
$1.06/mi.
The size of your equipment will directly affect the shipping cost. Flatbed hauling is the standard solution and sufficient for most heavy equipment transports.
Heavy Equipment include:
Tractors, excavators, backhoe loaders, skid steer loaders, forklift/telehandlers, and others.
Cost of running errands
$0.70/mi.
The average cost of hiring an errand service in Los Angeles is around $30 per hour. Depending on the type of service you need, when you need it and how far the driver travels, you can spend as little as $15 per hour or as much as $100.
Local Errands include:
Grocery and meal delivery, office supplies shopping, sending and receiving packages and moving services.
Cost to ship fragile items
$1.52/mi.
Transporting fragile items requires extra attention and care. The travel distance and mode and method of transport will determine the cost. CitizenShipper can connect you with qualified drivers who specialize in safely handling hard-to-ship items.
Special Care include:
Antiques, heirlooms, musical instruments, artwork, wine & spirits and other fragile items.
Fast and easy Only pay when you book
100,000+ precious items safely transported
Eleanor Preston
Plenty of transporters
Really appreciated the sheer AMOUNT of transporters on this site to choose from - they made the selection easy, and the communication a breeze.
Ali Flihan Preston
I really like CitizenShipper, they are amazing
I really like CitizenShipper because i can ship anything by them and its easy to use. I shipped my Jetski from Kansas to Iowa. I would use them again and again for anything i want to ship.
Nick Deleasio
Trusted pet transport
Whitney was amazing! Very friendly, she arrived promptly and provided updates & pictures along the way; we felt very comfortable knowing she took great care of our puppy! Beyond happy and I totally recommend her!
Charlene Carmel
Will be recommending CitizenShipper!
Love Citizenshipper! They do a fantastic job in weeding out great trustworthy drivers for your precious cargo. I have recommended them several times already. It's a very fast and efficient process. Thanks again!
Meet the Shipping Service Providers
Find feedback-rated and background-screened shipping service providers who can safely and reliably transport just about anything. Match with a trusted shipping service provider who's perfect for your budget, schedule and shipping needs.
“Perfect job and communication for my old Harley Davidson Sportster! Thank you so much! See you next time.”
100+ completed shipments so far
Nico & Mica were amazing! They transported my silver lab puppy from MN to ME... They’re extremely on top of keeping you in the loop with the whereabouts in travel they are with your pup and very understanding when you ask lots of questions! I’d use them again in a heartbeat and I highly recommend them to anyone. Thanks again Nico & Mica ❤️
16+ completed shipments so far
Wow—this was a great experience! The word ‘care’ in the company name isn’t just a throw-in. It shows in how Shaun & the team help to make transporting a family member less stressful especially if you [like us] have never done this before. Special thanks to our driver, Larry. He’s caring, professional, flexible and someone we felt immediately comfortable with entrusting our daughter’s dog for a 3-day trip. Hard to see how you could do better than Bailey’s Best Care!
164+ completed shipments so far
Ready to make the move to the Los Angeles area?
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