#1 pet transportation platform in the US

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Dog Domestically?

Shipping a dog domestically usually costs over $125 for a place in the main cabin. It costs more if they travel in the cargo hold. Remember that each airline has special regulations regarding the type of crates they accept, which may incur an additional cost. The price of an approved crate depends on the size of your pet, but for large dogs they can be upwards of $150.

Many countries require import paperwork and special procedures that a professional and knowledgeable company must complete.

Most airlines will only allow you to ship your dog in cargo on domestic flights. International flights will require special pet transport designed specifically for animals.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Pet in Cargo?

Large dogs have to go into the cargo space aboard the plane, incurring extra costs. While the price varies between individual airlines, the cost to secure space in the cargo hold is typically between $500 and $1,000 per pet. Keep in mind that many airlines have strict regulations outlining the size of the pet crate. Purchasing an additional crate that meets the criteria could incur high costs.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Dog by Itself?

The cost of shipping a dog alone on a flight will largely depend on the airline used and the route taken. At a minimum, you'll have to pay a special fee to hold your pet in the cargo space. Typically, this fee is around $500, but the cost varies between airlines. Keep in mind that these expenses can add up quickly when shipping a dog by itself. You'll need to consider the route your flight takes and whether there is a layover. A layover for a pet can add more fees, especially if a person will have to look after the pet or board the pet in a specialized pet-friendly hotel. Of course, checking with the airline directly before budgeting for your pet's travel is always best.

How Much Are Pet Ground Transportation Prices?

Domestic ground transport is a great alternative that uses the services of a professional pet transporter. Pet transport services are ideal for larger animals that cannot travel by train. The cost of your transport will largely depend on the travel distance and the size of your pet.

A small fee is added to the total cost based on the total distance traveled for pet ground transportation. When using CitizenShipper, this fee accounts for the benefits we offer, including driver background checks, $1000 Pet Protection insurance and 24/7 TeleVet care through FirstVet. The fee is paid upfront with no hassle or confusion.

What Is The Cheapest Way to Transport a Dog?

The cheapest way to transport a pet is by train. However, Amtrak has strict pet transport regulations and will only allow cats and dogs under 20 pounds. If you have a large dog, train transport is not an option.

An affordable and versatile alternative is ground transport utilizing a pet transport service. Pet ground transport prices for a short trip could be as little as $100, while a cross country pet transport will cost more.

Health Checks

Before embarking on a journey, your pet must receive a health check from a veterinarian. Routes between states or countries require a document called a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.The National Veterinary Accreditation Program issues the certificate, often abbreviated as a CVI.

When making an appointment for your pet, tell the veterinarian about your travel. Your vet will make sure your pet is up to date on any necessary vaccinations and medications. Before issuing the certificate, the vet will also look for potentially harmful parasites, like heartworm.

A health check with an issued CVI is usually required 30 days before pet travel. Some countries need specific certification from a veterinarian to ensure your pet is not carrying a potentially dangerous and infectious disease.

Keep in mind that many airlines will require a CVI at a minimum, and others may ask for additional health checks and certifications.

Documentation

A CVI is required to transport your pet between state lines or internationally. Certain airlines could ask for additional required documentation. Some common additional required documentation could include:

• Quarantine certificates
• Pet passports
• International Health Certificates
• Acclimation Certificates (waiving the regulated temperature requirements for your pet)

Every destination and airline provider can be slightly different, so it is always best to check the current requirements before arranging transportation. While some states like California and Texas don't require a CVI, others like Washington require a rabies vaccination certificate instead of a health check. Illinois and Michigan require a CVI for dogs but not for cat transport.

Variations in required documentation are greater when traveling internationally. Always check with the local embassy of your final destination country to ensure you have the proper health certificates before travel.

Cargo Crate

Before starting a journey with your pet, you'll want to consider the appropriate cargo crate. A cargo 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 cargo crate options include:

• Hard-Sided — A hard-sided crate is one of the most popular types of cargo crates. These crates are usually made with hard plastic materials for the sides, with metal used on the front gate. Hard-sided crates can be heavier to transport but offer more protection. They’re also easier to clean, give your pet more room and are often required for air transport.
• Soft-Sided — Soft-sided carriers are ideal for smaller dogs or cats. These carriers are typically made from durable fabric and have a soft, foldable structure. Soft-sided carriers are easy to pack away when not used, and smaller styles can fit conveniently under an airline seat. The Center for Pet Safety will test and approve many soft-sided carriers, ensuring crash standards.
• Wearable Carries — A wearable carrier could be an excellent option for small pets traveling on a quick trip. These carriers come in several styles, including shoulder sling carriers or soft-sided backpacks. Wearable carriers are typically washable and portable and leave your hands free.
• Permanent Fixture — A permanent crate fixture could be the best option if you frequently transport your pets in your vehicle. Designed for you to fit inside your vehicle, permanent fixtures have several benefits. They are long-lasting, durable and stay in place, saving time loading and unloading your pet. Plus, your pet will quickly become accustomed to a permanent fixture since it never changes.

Prepare Your Pet

Preparing a pet for the move is the most important and time-consuming step for many pet owners. You want your pet to remain healthy, calm and safe throughout the process. Preparing for your trip ahead of time can help reduce stress for you and your pet.

To prepare your pet for travel, you'll want to:

• Ensure your pet's identification tag is up to date with accurate contact information. While it’s unlikely your pet will get lost during transit, you want your pet to be protected.
• Have your pet microchipped before transport. Microchipping your pet is painless, quick and can be completed by most rescue shelters or veterinarians.
• Check with your veterinarian to ensure your pet is healthy enough to travel and obtain your CVI. Pack your pet's medication with appropriate dosage instructions for your pet handler.
• Provide your pet with enough food for the entire trip. Use a food they’re already accustomed to. The trip can be stressful enough without having to adjust to a new food!
• Take time to get your pet acclimated to its new crate. Getting your dog used to relaxing inside the crate can take time, so be patient. Gradually increase the time your pet stays inside the crate until it feels comfortable. Offering plenty of treats and praise can help expedite this process.

Moving your dog to a new location can be stressful. Not only are there new sounds, sights and smells, but your pet will undoubtedly feel your stress. You'll reduce your pet's stress and your own by taking steps to prepare ahead of time.

How to Transport Your Pet with CitizenShipper

Are you interested in a smooth transition to a new location for both you and your pet? Our services are easy to quote and reserve. With a few simple steps, you'll be well on your way to a safe journey to your destination.

• Create an online account at CitizenShipper's website.
• Detail your transport needs, including the start and end point and some basic information about your pet.
• Receive free quotes from pet transporters, and choose the best one for you. You can rest assured that drivers on CitizenShipper are vetted and background-checked.
• Negotiate the rate of transport with the driver via our 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. Drivers on CitizenShipper are experts when it comes to ensuring a stress-free transition. Posting a listing or getting a quote on CitizenShipper is free; you don’t pay until you book. Get a free quote now for safe and reliable pet transport.