pet transportation marketplace

Leading pet transport service platform in the US

The easy, safe and stress-free way to transport your pet. Match with trusted drivers in just minutes!

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Trusted Pet Shipping Services

  • Dog Transportation

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    #1 Dog Transport Service

  • Cat Transportation

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    #1 Cat Transport Service

  • Breeders’ Top Choice

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    Puppy Transport Service

    Safe, affordable puppy transportation for breeders

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We're leading the pet transport pack

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CitizenShipper is the first and only shipping platform to offer a Pet Protection Plan for every journey.

Our promise: safe and happy pets at every step

Your pets are so much more than four legs and a tail — they're members of your family and best friends for life. We’re proud to be the nation’s top-rated and leading service for pet transportation. Our unique process matches you with a fleet of pre-screened drivers that you have the luxury to choose from.

$1k Pet Protection Coverage

Up to $1,000 pet protection guarantee1. to give you peace of mind when booking.

24/7 TeleVet Access

Through our partner FirstVet. Just in case.

Booking Assurance Guarantee

From quote to delivery, so you can select and ship with confidence2.

Caring drivers you can trust

Background checks3, direct contact with drivers and thousands of customer reviews at your fingertips. Because your pet should only be in the best of hands.

The Guide to Finding a Safe and Simple Pet Shipping Service

Transporting your pet can be stressful. By understanding the options that are available, you can make an informed decision. This reduces the stress of moving. Hiring a professional animal moving business is one of the most convenient and safest ways to transport your fur-baby. With their expertise, you can rest assured that they'll be in good hands.

CitizenShipper is a safe, cost-effective, professional pet shipping platform. You can use it to find a professional that gets your dog or cat delivered safely to your door. We've facilitated the safe transport of over 100,000,000 animals and are the #1 pet transport platform in the USA.

Table of Contents

What is an Animal Transport Company?

Benefits of Using a Pet Shipping Company

How Much Does Transporting a Pet Cost?

How to Prepare Your Pet for Transport

Finding Pet Relocation Services with CitizenShipper

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What is an Animal Transport Company?

Pet transporters are USDA-registered professionals that move cats and dogs (and other furry friends!) from point A to point B. There are several ways for a pet shipper to use a transporter:

Pet Ground Transport

Simple. This is a vehicle service that delivers your pet to a new location. Sometimes, though, it can refer to train travel. 

Pet Air Transport

For longer moves, flight is another option. This is a way to quickly ship pets across the country.

  • Airlines charge a fee to fly with an animal in addition to the cost of your own ticket.
  • Large dogs — usually those over 25 pounds — must fly in the cargo area
  • Small pets may qualify to travel in the main cabin as "carry-on" luggage.

One solution for air travel is to hire a flight nanny — also known as an air nanny. Flight nannies are professional pet transporters who meet you at the airport, care for your pet on the plane and deliver them safely at the arrival airport. It's easy to find fly nanny flight on CitizenShipper.

Benefits of Using a Pet Shipping Company

Easy Logistics — Travel logistics are handled for you. Simply give your transporter your pet, and many of the arrangements are taken care of.

Reliable — Transporters care about pets and are passionate about providing high-quality, safe and trustworthy service.

Experienced — Most owners don't have experience moving animals across the country. Hiring experienced professionals gives you peace of mind.

Affordable Cost — At CitizenShipper, our costs are lower so you can worry about more important things.

Pet Transport Service Ensures Safety

Your pet’s safety throughout the journey is the most important factor. We know that its health and well-being are essential.

  • Your pet needs access to food, water and necessary medications throughout the trip.
  • It'll need frequent breaks throughout the trip — not only to go to the bathroom but also to stretch its legs.

Short and Long-Distance Pet Shipping

Overall, the distance will largely determine how you travel. For example:

  • A simple move within the same city can be accomplished by a short car ride. 
  • Moving across the country  requires careful planning.
  • Documentation and health certificates are usually needed to transport a pet to a new state.

If you’re flying with pets, research airline requirements. Many have strict regulations on required documentation, health certificates and cargo carrier sizes. They also limit the number of animals on each flight, so reserve your spot as soon as possible.

Door-to-Door Pet Transport Service

Many pet owners prefer door-to-door pet transportation services. What does door-to-door delivery mean? Having your dog or cat delivered right to your home instead of at a terminal. This option may cost more, but eliminates stress and guesswork. 

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Where pets are family, not cargo

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How Much Does It Cost to Ship Your Pet?

With several options, it can be confusing to determine the best pet transportation service for you and your animal. The safest and cheapest option for pet transportation will depend on your pet's size, and the distance traveled.

How Much Does it Cost to Keep Your Pet in Cargo or in the Cabin During a Flight?

Large animals have to go into the cargo space aboard the plane, which is more expensive than traveling in the cabin. If you own a snub-nosed (also known as brachycephalic) breed of dog or cat, it won't be able to fly in the cargo area.

  • The price varies between carriers, but usually, it's between $500 and $1,000 per pet to be shipped in the cabin.
  • Shipping a dog domestically usually costs over $125 for a place in the main cabin.
  • Many airlines allow domestic and international pet shipping.

What's the Cost of Hiring a Ground Pet Transport Company?

It's difficult to give an exact figure on how much you'll pay to relocate an animal. This is because there are many factors that determine the cost to ship a pet.

  • Distance traveled
  • Method of transportation
  • Time of year
  • Solo VIP service vs. traveling with multiple pets
  • Special medical conditions
  • Number of pets being transported
  • Size of your pet
CitizenShipper

Pets are the family you choose

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Customer satisfaction rating: 4.8

48,624 reviews

How to Prepare For Moving With a Pet

Preparing for the move is the most important step of pet relocation because it can reduce stress. To prepare an animal for travel with pet shipping experts, you'll want to:

  • Make sure your pet's identification tag is up to date with accurate contact information.
  • Have your pet microchipped before transport.
  • Obtain your Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).
  • Provide enough food for the entire trip and use food they're used to.
  • Take time to get your pet used to its new kennel.
  • Research more information on the subject at the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) website.
  • Many transportation services are members of IPATA.

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection

Before embarking on a journey, animals must receive a health check from a veterinarian. Routes between states or countries require a document called a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).

  • The National Veterinary Accreditation Program issues the CVI.
  • Your vet will make sure vaccinations and medications are up to date. 
  • They'll also look for parasites, like heartworms.
  • Airlines require a CVI at a minimum, and others may ask for additional health checks and certifications.

Getting Used to a Carrier

Before starting a journey with your pet, you'll want to consider the appropriate pet carrier or kennel. A pet crate gives your pet a private, protected and contained area for travel. The crate you’ll need will largely depend on your pet's size, the duration of the trip and specific vehicle/airline size regulations. Some of the most popular options include:

  • Hard-Sided
  • Soft-Sided
  • Wearable Carrier
  • Permanent Fixture
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Mark Kushing

See why our customers love CitizenShipper

Based on 4k+ reviews

Pet owners love CitizenShipper!
Here's what they're saying...

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Charlette Small
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CitizenShipper: A Great Choice
Was in a tizzy about getting my newly adopted puppy to me from OH to MT. Didn't realize he was a "snub nose" breed and couldn't fly in cargo. Started intense and avid research. So glad I found CitizenShipper. I had control in my decision in reviewing the offers which came in, selecting my transporter based on my personal needs/criteria...
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Melissa Chenevert
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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.
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Germaine Danielle Stone
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Couldn't ask for a better experience. Tobey was fantastic the entire transition. The entire experience went smoother than I could have imagined.
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Alison Sinnott
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Listed a trip for a service dog
Listed a trip for a service dog for a trip from Florida to New York and had 5 quotes within 15 minutes. Very easy to use website and a LOT of choices!
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Maya Emelle
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The best pet delivery service
Reliable dependable and accommodating beyond expectations would definitely use them again! Erica& Bill sent photo updates throughout the journey from Danville, CA to Los Angeles, CA
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Angelina Sudakova
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I didnt realize you could basically pay…
I didnt realize you could basically pay people to ship things. I needed to get my 12 year old pup to Maryland from Oklahoma, but I was about to move to the complete other side, California. Flying her only gave me nightmares. The site is well constructed and you put in your details, and drivers bid on the shipment. You can then review the shippers profiles and pick the one that best fits you. My driver and I had a miscommunication at first, but he quickly fixed it and gave me some of my money back for the mistake. Overall, a great service.

Finding Reliable Pet Relocation Services with CitizenShipper

Are you interested in a smooth transition to a new location for both you and your pet? With a few simple steps, you'll be well on your way to a safe journey to your destination using CitizenShipper.

  • Create an online account.
  • Detail your transport needs.
  • Receive free quotes from pet transporters that are certified with the USDA.
  • Choose an experienced pet professional that works best for you.
  • Chat about details of the trip with the driver using an internal messaging system.
  • Reserve your transport and pay the CitizenShipper success fee.
  • Meet your pet transporter on the day of transport for a successful, smooth handoff.

Moving your pet from one location to another has never been easier, safer and more efficient. Posting a listing or getting a quote on CitizenShipper is free; you don’t pay until you book. Let us help you get your furry family member to its destination safe and sound. We are able to provide free quotes within minutes!

Popular Pet Transport Destinations

happy pet owners after having their pets delivered by pet transport service on CitizenShipper

Meet the drivers
Nico & Mica Transport
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16 completed shipments so far
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on call vet 24/7 On-call vet
usda verified USDA Registered
insurance verified Insurance verified

Recent Review

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 ❤️

paw $1,000 Pet Protection Plan - Included with all pet transports

CitizenShipper

Get your pet on the road in three easy steps

phone conversation discussing pet transportation

Select and ship with peace of mind

  • Stringent background checks4 .
  • USDA-certification and Driver ID verification.
  • Detailed profiles and customer reviews help you select with confidence.
  • Photos of drivers and their vehicles so you know who and what to expect.
  • Pet Protection Plans and 24/7 mobile access to veterinary care.
  • Drivers who have completed Pet First Aid certifications from the Red Cross.
  • Unmatched customer support for any questions or concerns along the way. We’re here for you 7 days a week!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really free to list a pet shipment?

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Absolutely. There are no "listing fees" involved. You don't pay a dime before negotiating the cost of transport with the driver you choose to hire.

How much does it cost to transport a pet?

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The cost varies, depending mostly on the mileage. When drivers send in their quotes, it'll be up to you to choose whatever sounds reasonable. Typical rates are between $.5 and $1.60 per mile, but this can skew higher on shorter trips. Some shipments are more expensive than others: puppies, for example, require more attention so they often cost extra to transport.

How stressful is the journey for a pet?

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For most animals, the stress of road transportation is kept to a minimum. For animals with elevated anxiety issues, please consult your veterinarian. If you want special attention paid to your pet, that’s usually doable. Each driver offers a slightly different level of service — with a little extra effort, you can find people with animal care degrees able to provide your pet with the greatest level of comfort available.

How should I prepare my pet for the move?

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Different animals have different requirements, but in general you should try to provide:

  • Basic car training: Try to make sure your pet is used to riding in a car and spending time inside a carrier crate.
  • Health certificate: Take the pet in for a check-up so the vet can verify they’re fit to travel. Food supply: Pack their favorite snacks, but try not to feed the pet for 2-3 hours before they hit the road
  • Extras: If you can, also pack their favorite toys or blankets to keep them calm and comfortable.

Leading Pet Transport Service Platform In the US

You wouldn’t settle on your pet’s comfort or safety. And we won't either. Our online marketplace swiftly matches you with caring pet transporters committed to excellence.

You’ll have the freedom to read reviews and chat with drivers before booking. Match with trusted drivers in just minutes.

Stellar customer support – anytime, anywhere