Des Moines Pet Transport that Delivers Peace of Mind
Find trusted animal transport services in Des Moines, IA
Are you looking for pet transportation services to or from Des Moines, IA? You’d never settle on your pet’s comfort or safety — and we won’t either. Within minutes of posting a listing on our online marketplace, you'll receive free quotes from caring Des Moines pet transport experts dedicated to excellence. With the freedom to read reviews and chat with drivers in Des Moines or nearby areas, you’ll feel confident in your pet shipping professional you choose.
Recent Des Moines pet transport deliveries from our marketplace
Des Moines, IA to other cities
Teddy Bear New puppy
Des Moines, IA 50309 to Billings, MT
small
939mi
$450
A Simple Harmony LLC
5 of 5 stars
Goldendoodle Bailey
Des Moines, IA 50309 to Naples, FL
medium
1506mi
$1700
Ahava Transport Services
5 of 5 stars
Domestic Shorthair Yona and Lili
Des Moines, IA 50315 to Sacramento, CA
small
1703mi
$1350
Pet Tasker
5 of 5 stars
Other cities to Des Moines, IA
Pit Bull Moo
Coeur d'Alene, ID to Des Moines, IA 50320
small
1455mi
$1000
JPR Transport
5 of 5 stars
No idea but she’s cute Banyan
Denver, CO to Des Moines, IA
medium
672mi
$525
Mark L
5 of 5 stars
Australian Shepherd Unnamed
Niangua, MO to Des Moines, IA 50321
small
379mi
$225
Fur Baby Transport *the original*
5 of 5 stars
What do you need for pet shipping to or from Des Moines, IA?
Before you hire a Des Moines 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 Des Moines, IA 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 Des Moines, Iowa?
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 Des Moines 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
Des Moines 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 Des Moines, Iowa charge a premium due to limited availability.
3
VIP Service
You can expect to pay extra for VIP service. Some transport companies in Des Moines, IA 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 Des Moines, Iowa?
Of course you want to hire the best pet transport service to ship your pet to or from Des Moines, Iowa. But what steps do you take to find the right Des Moines 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.
$1k Pet Protection Coverage
Up to $1,000 pet protection guarantee1 to give you peace of mind when booking.
24/7 access to TeleVet Care
Offered through our partner FirstVet for your peace of mind.
Booking Assurance Guaranteed
From quote to delivery, so you can select and ship with confidence2.
$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.
Discover Des Moines, Iowa
The Great Outdoors
Des Moines, Iowa, is the perfect place for outdoor activities with your pet. With a number of parks, trails, and lakes, there’s no shortage of places to explore with your furry friend. Gray’s Lake Park is a picturesque lake, perfect for taking a stroll with your pup. The park has plenty of walking trails, and is even home to the largest inland marina in the state. There’s also the Jester Park, which has trails for both hiking and biking, as well as plenty of wildlife to observe. For something more adventurous, you can take a short drive outside of the city to the Ledges State Park. This park is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs, making it the perfect place to take stunning photos with your pet.
Pet-Friendly Places
Des Moines, Iowa, is full of pet-friendly places to explore. First and foremost, there’s the Water Works Park, which is a perfect spot for a picnic with your pup. The park has plenty of grassy areas for running and playing, and even a few fountains for a quick dip. Another great spot for spending time with your pet is the Des Moines Dog Park. This park is full of wide open spaces, and has a special area for small dogs. There are also plenty of benches and tables for resting, and a few water fountains for your pup to stay hydrated.
Exploring the City
Des Moines, Iowa, is full of attractions that are perfect for exploring with your pet. For starters, there’s the Des Moines Art Center, which has a number of interactive art installations that are perfect for taking pictures with your pup. For something a bit more interactive, take a trip to the Science Center of Iowa. This center is full of hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, perfect for learning and having fun with your pet. If you’re looking for something more laid back, head to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. This park is filled with a variety of sculptures and artwork, as well as plenty of grassy areas for playing and running around.
Ship. Stay. Enjoy!
We're here to help your pet have a safe, stress-free and comfortable journey. Check out our recent articles for useful travel tips.
939mi
