How are transporters verified?

Transporters on CitizenShipper are independent service providers who manage their own transport operations and interact directly with customers.

CitizenShipper conducts verification and account review procedures related to transporter identity and platform activity. These procedures are intended to support accountability and transparency but do not involve supervising how transport services are performed.

Identity & Background Verification

Every transporter on CitizenShipper undergoes identity verification and a background check before they can accept shipments. The platform validates government-issued IDs, conducts background checks to flag potential risk indicators, and manually reviews each application to reduce the risk of impersonation.

What We Review

Identity verification, including government-issued ID validation

Background checks, conducted to help identify relevant risk indicators

Manual application review to confirm submitted information and reduce impersonation risk

Purpose of verification

Identity and background review procedures are used to support accountability and provide customers with additional information when selecting a transporter. Automated tools and human review are combined to evaluate submitted information.

Optional Industry-Related Credentials

Transporters can upload professional credentials to their profiles, giving customers more information when choosing a provider. Available credentials include USDA registration, insurance documentation, USDOT numbers, and a "Pet Safety Trained" badge earned by completing CitizenShipper's vet-reviewed safety course. Transporters also have access to 24/7 veterinary telehealth support through Vetster during active shipments.

Transporters can upload:

USDA number verification

Insurance documentation

USDOT number verification, for shipments where applicable

Relevant professional experience with specific types of pets or transport

Additional safety indicators

A “Pet Safety Trained” badge indicating completion of our Cat and Dog Transportation Safety course

Participation in programs that offer access to 24/7 virtual veterinary support during transport

These indicators describe information provided by the transporter and help customers understand a transporter’s stated qualifications and practices.

Profile Transparency

Every transporter profile on CitizenShipper shows verified reviews, experience details, photo documentation, and achievement badges so customers can compare providers before booking. Customers can also message transporters directly through the platform to ask questions and discuss service details before committing.

Verified Reviews

Customer reviews from completed transports are displayed on the transporter’s profile.

Experience & Expertise

Profiles may include self-reported handling experience, specializations, and types of pets transported.

Photo Documentation

Profiles may include photos of vehicles, crates, equipment, pets, and the transporter.

Direct Messaging

Customers and transporters can communicate before booking to ask questions and discuss service details.

Achievement Badges

Profiles may display indicators such as background check status, certifications, shipment count, or years of platform activity.

Purpose of profile details

Profile details allow customers to compare transporters and evaluate available information before selecting a service provider.

Account Monitoring & Marketplace Integrity

CitizenShipper monitors transporter accounts on an ongoing basis to maintain marketplace quality. Periodic reviews check that profile information stays accurate, platform policies are enforced when issues arise, and patterns in feedback or activity are flagged for attention. Customer support is available seven days a week to address concerns from both customers and transporters.

Account Review & Monitoring

Transporter accounts may undergo periodic review to support marketplace integrity. Reviews may include checks intended to confirm that:

Profile information remains accurate and up to date

Platform policies are applied when issues are identified

Patterrns in feedback or activity do not indicate potential concerns

These reviews are intended to identify issues that may require attention and support transparency on the platform.

Support availability and assistance

Customer support is available seven days per week to address questions and reported issues from customers and transporters. When concerns arise, the platform may facilitate communication and provide guidance toward resolution as appropriate.