Safety Protocols & Care Standards

This page explains the standards and resources that help support safe, responsible pet transportation on CitizenShipper.

Our Safety Philosophy

At CitizenShipper, safety is a shared responsibility among the platform, transporters, and pet owners. We provide tools, guidelines, and resources designed to support safer pet transport, while transporters apply their experience and judgment and pet owners prepare their animals for travel.

Recommended Transport Protocols

These protocols are based on widely accepted best practices for safe and humane animal transport. While requirements vary by state and transporter, the guidance below is intended to support a pet’s health and comfort during travel.:

Health Certificate for Interstate Travel

Most states require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for pets crossing state lines.

Issued by a licensed veterinarian, typically within 10 days of travel

Indicates the pet was examined and fit for transport at the time

Not the same as a vaccine record — it is an official health document

Pet owners should also ask their vet about any required vaccinations or supplemental documentation.

Adequate Rest, Food, and Water

Transporters should plan for a pet’s basic needs during travel, including:

Offering fresh water at appropriate intervals

Following the pet owner's feeding instructions

Providing regular potty breaks and opportunities to stretch, based on the animal’s needs

Climate-Controlled, Pet-Safe Vehicle

Transporters should use vehicles that allow for appropriate temperature management to help reduce the risk of overheating or temperature-related stress, particularly during warmer months.

Adherence to USDA/IPATA Best Practices

While CitizenShipper does not regulate transporters, we encourage alignment with industry standards on:

Crate fit and construction

Animal handling and restraint

Sanitation and ventilation

Travel duration guidelines

Referencing these frameworks can help promote consistency and care across the marketplace.

Emergency Preparedness

Transporters should consider having a plan in place for unexpected situations, such as

Access to veterinary contacts along the route

Identified safe stopping areas

Protocols for accidents, delays, or pet health concerns

Professional Conduct Standards

We encourage transporters to uphold professional, respectful, and transparent interactions with customers and pets.

Clear and Consistent Communication

Transporters should share updates before pickup, during the trip, and upon arrival, to help keep owners informed about their pet’s status.

Care Transparency

Customers should have visibility into how their pet will be transported, where the pet will ride or rest, how often stops will occur, and any special care instructions that will be followed.

Reliability & Punctuality

Transporters should make reasonable efforts to honor agreed-upon times and notify customers promptly of any delays or changes.

Tools & Education

We provide tools and educational resources designed to support safe, informed pet transportation for both transporters and customers.

Cat and Dog Transportation Safety Course

Transporters can complete CitizenShipper’s Cat & Dog Transportation Safety Course, an online educational course developed for the CitizenShipper marketplace and reviewed by a licensed veterinarian. The course serves as a practical guide to common considerations for safe and responsible pet transport.

The course covers:

Safe animal handling and care

Foundational pet first aid

Emergency preparedness

Special considerations for puppies, senior pets, and breed-specific needs

24/7 Veterinary Support Through Vetster

Eligible transporters have access to virtual veterinary consultations through our partnership with Vetster. This service allows transporters to connect with licensed veterinarians via video during active shipments to discuss pet health concerns and receive general guidance or referrals to local clinics, as appropriate.

This resource is intended to support decision-making when pet health questions arise during transport.

Help Center & Educational Resources

CitizenShipper’s Help Center provides educational resources and best-practice guidance for both pet owners and transporters. Topics include trip preparation, documentation considerations, safety tips, and common questions related to pet transportation.

These resources are intended to support informed decision-making and encourage consistent practices across the marketplace.