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Santa Cruz's Premier Pet Transportation Service

Your Go-To Guide for Santa Cruz Pet Transport Needs

Discover the best solution in Santa Cruz, CA, for pet transportation that puts your furry friends first. At CitizenShipper, we connect you with professional pet transporters who prioritize your pet’s safety and comfort. Start your journey with confidence knowing our network includes the most caring and reliable drivers in Santa Cruz.

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What do you need for pet shipping to or from Santa Cruz, CA?

pet shipping Santa Cruz, CA

Before you hire a Santa Cruz pet transport company, there are a few important steps. These tasks comply with local pet transportation law, ensure your dog or cat is healthy enough for the trip and arrives at its destination safely.

First, obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from a licensed and certified veterinarian in your city. This document must be issued within 10 days of pet travel.

Next, your pet needs a signed rabies vaccination health certificate. This must be issued within 30 days of the pet transport.

Some pet transportation companies in Santa Cruz, CA provide their own pet carriers. If they don’t, you’ll need to purchase one. The pet carrier you purchase should meet the following standards:

  • The animal should be able to stand, sit and turn around in the carrier.
  • The carrier needs adequate ventilation and a solid bottom in case of an accident. This will help your pet stay calm and not stress out.
  • The door must close securely.
  • The crate must have padded walls if you’re transporting puppies or kittens so they feel safe and comfortable.
  • If boarding a plane, ensure it meets airline pet carrier size requirements.

What determines the cost of pet shipping in Santa Cruz, California?

It’s hard to give an exact estimate of the cost of pet transportation because of the variables:

1

Method of Transport

First, you’ll decide between air or pet ground transportation. Small animals can be checked as carry-on luggage on flights, which is the least expensive option — keep in mind you’ll need to buy a ticket for your pet as well as yourself. Larger breeds must fly in the cargo area, which can cost as much as $1,000 or more depending on the pet shipping airline’s policy.

Save money on Santa Cruz pet transport service with the CitizenShipper marketplace. Drivers bid on your transportation listing, lowering costs. Once you receive bids, read reviews and communicate directly with them to find the perfect match.

2

Timing and Distance

Santa Cruz pet transport companies charge a per-mile rate for ground transport; the further the distance, the lower your pet transport cost per mile.

The timing of the transport matters. Because summer and holidays are the busiest times of the year, pet shipping companies in Santa Cruz, California charge a premium due to limited availability.

3

VIP Service

You can expect to pay extra for VIP service. Some transport companies in Santa Cruz, CA transport your pet alone in a pet taxi. Why is VIP service preferential?

  • VIP service maintains quarantine for young pets who aren’t fully vaccinated.

  • The transporter’s sole focus is your pet, ensuring it travels stress-free.

  • You won’t need to stress about the behavior of temperamental dogs or cats.

How to find the best pet transport service in Santa Cruz, California?

Of course you want to hire the best pet transport service to ship your pet to or from Santa Cruz, California. But what steps do you take to find the right Santa Cruz pet transport company?

There are many obstacles to pet shipping, whether it’s price, the age of your puppy or kitten, availability of transporters, business hours or a pet that can’t be transported via airplane.

  • It’s hard to estimate the cost of pet transportation because there are so many variables.

  • Look for driver profiles on CitizenShipper that include detailed information about past experience, special equipment and professional qualifications like USDA T Registration.

  • You can discuss every trip detail with transporters using CitizenShipper’s internal messaging system.

  • Cost is always a consideration, but sometimes the best pet transporters charge more for superior service — your pet’s comfort and your peace of mind are well worth it.

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.

You’ll know exactly who’ll care for your beloved pet, whether it's a puppy, kitten or a full-grown cat or dog.

protection

$1k Pet Protection Coverage

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

vet

24/7 access to TeleVet Care

Offered through our partner FirstVet for your peace of mind.

trust

Booking Assurance Guaranteed

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

guarantee

$1k Pet Protection Coverage

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.

We are committed to building a safe, caring environment for people and animals on the road

  • We carefully background check all drivers.

  • We verify transporter addresses and contact information for additional protection.

  • Photos of drivers and their vehicles help confirm who and what to expect.

  • Detailed customer reviews provide insight and transparency to your selection process.

Real User Reviews: Here's Why CitizenShipper is the #1 Choice for Pet Shipping!

Discover Santa Cruz, CA

Welcome to the picturesque coastal charm of Santa Cruz, California, where the sun-kissed beaches meet the majestic redwoods, creating a paradise for pet lovers and their furry friends. This vibrant city is not just a haven for surfers and nature enthusiasts but also offers a warm embrace to those traveling with pets. With a unique blend of outdoor serenity and urban excitement, Santa Cruz promises an unforgettable experience for both you and your pet. Whether you're planning to move here or just passing through with your companion, explore all that this pet-friendly city has to offer.

The Great Outdoors

Santa Cruz is a gem for pet owners who cherish the great outdoors. Your four-legged companion will love the feel of the soft sand under their paws at one of the several dog-friendly beaches, such as Mitchell's Cove Beach, where dogs can run off-leash during designated hours. For those who prefer the shade and tranquility of the forest, the numerous hiking trails within the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park permit leashed pets and offer a perfect setting for a nature walk surrounded by ancient giants. Witness the majesty of the old-growth redwood groves as your pet frolics along the forest floor, making memories under the canopy of towering trees.

Seek adventure with your furry pal at the Pogonip Open Space Preserve, featuring several pet-friendly trails where your dog can explore diverse habitats, including meadows, creeks, and dense woodlands. For a more leisurely outdoor experience, enjoy a picnic and playtime at the It's Beach area, with its stunning coastal views providing the perfect backdrop for an afternoon filled with relaxation and joy with your pet.

Pet-friendly Places

When it comes to bonding with your pet, Santa Cruz offers a multitude of pet-friendly places that cater to the needs of your furry sidekick. Many cafes and restaurants warmly welcome pets in their outdoor seating areas, making dining out with your dog a breeze. The Buttery's sunny patio is a local favorite, where you can savor a cup of coffee alongside your pet. Moreover, numerous pet stores in the city, such as the friendly Pet Shop Santa Cruz, offer treats and accessories that ensure your pet stays happy and stylish during their travels through the city.

For those playful moods, visit one of the city's dedicated dog parks, like the University Terrace Dog Park, which provides a safe and enclosed space for your pet to run free and socialize with other dogs. If you're in the market for some pet-friendly events, keep an eye out for the community calendars as Santa Cruz often hosts fun festivals and gatherings that celebrate pets and their owners, fostering a deeply connected local pet community.

Exploring the City

Santa Cruz is teeming with attractions that will delight pet owners and their companions. Stroll along the iconic Santa Cruz Wharf with your leashed pet and soak up the bustling waterfront atmosphere. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean, and you may just spot sea lions lounging beneath the pier. Take a leisurely walk down Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, where many shops and outdoor vendors are happy to greet pets with a smile, and some even offer a bowl of water for your furry friend to quench their thirst.

Don't miss the opportunity to capture the perfect photo of your pet against the backdrop of the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. While pets are not allowed on the boardwalk itself, there are plenty of surrounding areas that offer magnificent views and are pet-friendly. In the heart of the city, you'll find ample green spaces, like the San Lorenzo Park, which is perfect for an afternoon jaunt, offering both you and your pet a peaceful retreat amidst the urban scenery of Santa Cruz.

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