7 Best and Most Trusted Pet Shipping Services of 2023

Pet Shipping Services - Are you thinking of relocating and need to transport your pet? This can certainly add an extra layer of stress to the already chaotic process. Fortunately, there are numerous reliable pet shipping services available that not only transport your pet from one place to another but also provide additional services to ensure their comfort.

It's advisable to choose companies that have a pet cargo area that is climate-controlled, offer exercise and support for your pet during transit, and even have a veterinarian on staff in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

What is a Pet Shipping Service?

In order to simplify your relocation tasks, we have compiled a list of the top pet shipping services. These companies ensure a secure and comfortable journey for your pet, no matter where their final destination may be.

A pet shipping service is a company that helps pet owners transport their pets from one place to another. For example, if you are moving to a new city or country and want to bring your pet with you, a pet shipping service can help you with the process. 

These services can help you with many aspects of pet transportation, such as arranging for your pet's travel, providing a carrier for your pet, and handling the necessary paperwork and permits required for pet travel. 

Pet shipping services can also help ensure that your pet is transported safely and comfortably. They may provide additional services such as pet feeding and watering during transit, and they may have climate-controlled vehicles or facilities to ensure that your pet is comfortable during the journey. 

Overall, pet shipping services can be very helpful for pet owners who need to transport their pets over long distances or across borders. They can help take care of the logistics involved in pet transportation, and can help ensure that your pet arrives at its destination safely and comfortably.

How Do Pet Shipping Services Work?

Pet shipping services typically work by providing a range of services to help pet owners transport their pets from one location to another. These services can include arranging travel, providing pet carriers, handling necessary documents and permits, and ensuring that pets are transported safely and comfortably.

The process of using a pet shipping service typically begins with the pet owner contacting the service provider and providing information about their pet and travel plans. The service provider will then work with the pet owner to determine the best travel arrangements for their pet, including the type of carrier that will be used, the route of travel, and any necessary permits or documents.

Once the travel arrangements have been made, the pet shipping service will typically handle all aspects of the transportation process, including picking up the pet from the owner's location, transporting the pet to the airport or other transportation hub, and ensuring that the pet is safely and comfortably transported to their destination.

Throughout the transportation process, the pet shipping service will typically provide updates to the pet owner, including information about the pet's location and any delays or issues that may arise. Once the pet arrives at their destination, the service provider will typically arrange for the pet to be picked up and delivered to the owner's new location.

Overall, pet shipping services can provide a convenient and reliable way for pet owners to transport their pets, whether they are moving to a new home or traveling internationally. By working with a reputable and experienced pet shipping service provider, pet owners can help ensure that their pets are transported safely and comfortably to their new destination.

Best Pet Shipping Services of 2023

In the following, we recommend 7 best and most trusted pet shipping services in 2023, let's see:

1. Airpets International

Airpets International is a highly recognized pet transportation company that operates out of Texas. With USDA certification and over two decades of experience in the industry, Airpets has been providing pet shipping services since before its official establishment in 2000.

This company transports a diverse range of animals, including dogs, cats, turtles, and rabbits. They guarantee that your beloved pet will always travel on a pet-friendly flight with temperature-controlled cargo.

In addition, this transportation service provides extra options such as grooming, exercise, and customized crates to ensure your pet has the best possible travel experience. They also have a veterinarian on staff in case of any emergency and offer ground transportation to and from the airport.

The cost of Airpets' services depends on the distance of your pet travel, whether it is domestic or international, and prices begin at $1,000. However, an international trip may cost over $2,000. Air Animal is known for its excellent communication.

Key Specs

• Minimum cost: $1,000 for a domestic move
• Transportation type: Air and ground
• Additional services: Grooming, exercise, custom crates, and veterinary services
• Domestic or International?: Both
• Superioritys: Airpets is one of the most reputable pet shipping services available, and they will ship several types of pets domestically or internationally.

Pros:

• Transports pets domestically and internationally.
• Provides both air and ground transport.
• Pet nanny services available.
• Lodging provided when needed.

Cons:

• Expensive.

2. Air Animal

Air Animal is renowned for its regular updates and excellent customer service, enabling you to keep track of your beloved pet from the moment they leave your care until they arrive at their destination safe and sound.

Established in 1977 by a veterinarian, Air Animal is a transportation service that can accommodate most domesticated animals. Its user-friendly website features instructional videos and tutorials to assist you and your pet in preparing for the journey ahead.

Air Animal provides a range of transportation options for domestic travel, from the basic "book and fly" package to a VIP service. The basic package includes a concierge who arranges and coordinates the move with an airline carrier. The VIP package, on the other hand, includes pickup and drop-off from your home, transfer to a commercial airline, and thorough health evaluations.

For international pet travel, the basic travel option starts at around $1,750, while the VIP package can cost up to $8,895. Throughout your pet's journey, you will receive regular updates on their progress, providing peace of mind until you are reunited with your furry friend.

Key Specs

• Minimum cost: $1,750 for domestic ground transportation
• Transportation type: Air and shared ground
• Additional services: Home pickup and drop-off, health reviews, travel updates
• Domestic or International?: Both
• Superioritys: Air Animal will consistently monitor the health of your animal while in transit and provide you with regular updates.

Pros:

• Veterinarian founded.
• Concierge services and U.S. customs clearance offered.
• Offers health exams and international pet health certificates.
• Provides regular feedback on traveling pets.

Cons:

• Expensive
• International logistics can be tricky

3. Happy Tails Travel, Inc.

Shipping multiple pets can be costly, but Happy Tails Travel provides a discount for transporting multiple furry friends. This Arizona-based company ships pets to most countries and has an excellent safety record.

Happy Tails Travel provides ground transportation with no breed restrictions for domestic travel, making it an excellent alternative for those who wish to avoid long-distance air travel. Additionally, they offer a discount for military personnel who are relocating.

Apart from the travel expenses, Happy Tails Travel levies a consultation fee that begins at $300 for ground transportation and $425 for air travel. Although the company can generally make arrangements for sudden moves, rush transportation services incur additional charges. Nevertheless, Happy Tails Travel remains one of the most reasonably priced alternatives.

Key Specs

• Minimum cost: $775 and up, depending on airfare
• Transportation type: Air and private ground
• Additional services: Private pickup and delivery, purchase of an air-approved pet carrier, and arrangement of boarding or grooming
• Domestic or International?: Both
• Superioritys: Happy Tails Travel is one of the most reasonably priced pet shipping services available, and it offers discounts for multiple pets.

Pros:

• Reasonably priced.
• Offers a mailed VIP pet packet, including all documentation.
• Provides customs clearance.

Cons:

• Your animal flies alone.

4. Royal Paws

Although air transportation is considered safe, certain pet owners prefer the idea of their pets being transported on the ground without sedation. Fortunately, Royal Paws specializes in private ground transportation services for cats, dogs, and other animals throughout the United States.

Royal Paws offers door-to-door pickup and drop-off services using a fully climate-controlled vehicle. Additionally, they can also transport your pets in your own vehicle if needed. To reduce stress, your pet will be taken for regular walks during transportation.

During the journey, you have the option to either crate your pet or avoid confinement if your pet is well-behaved and experiences anxiety in enclosed spaces. The pricing for the service varies, but you can request a quote online.

Key Specs

• Minimum cost: Varies
• Transportation type: Private ground
• Additional services: Transportation services for other animals like ducks, birds, mini cows, and turtles
• Domestic or International?: Domestic
• Superioritys: Royal Pets offers door-to-door ground service nationwide and assures your pet will never be left unattended.

Pros:

• USDA certified.
• No sedation required.
• No health certificates or vaccinations required.
• Drinking water always available.

Cons:

• Scammers have disguised themselves as Royal Paws.

5. Blue Collar Pet Transport

Blue Collar is a USDA-registered company that provides top-quality ground transportation (in USDA-approved kennels) or air transportation services to customers in the United States and Canada. After booking your preferred transportation type, the customer service team will assist you in setting up a tracking system so that you can monitor your pet's journey. All pet handlers have undergone a rigorous background check and screening process, so you can rest assured that your pet is in capable hands.

The cost of pet transportation will differ based on the option you choose, whether it's shared ride pet transport, private pet transport, or in-cabin air pet transport. Please contact the company for more information on pricing details.

Please keep in mind that although you can usually arrange for transportation services at the last minute, availability may vary depending on the time of year, and there may be an additional charge for expediting your request.

Key Specs

• Minimum cost: Varies
• Transportation type: Shared and private ground, air, and private jet
• Additional services: Pet tracking, private jet transport with luxury care
• Domestic or International?: North America
• Superioritys: Blue Collar Pet Transport allows you to track your pet's progress every step of the journey. Plus, you can receive photo updates if you chose to transport via private jet.

Pros:

• Experienced airplane nannies.
• No cargo transport.
• Accommodates last-minute scheduling.
• Constant updates.

Cons:

• Ground transport can take longer than quoted.

6. Starwood Pet Travel

Starwood Pet Travel offers its services in three different tiers: economy, business, and premium. These plans provide customers with the flexibility to choose the level of service that best fits their budget. The premium package includes a pre-travel check-up by a veterinarian and Starwood's Pet Protection Plan, which covers the expenses of any medical treatment or boarding costs that may be necessary for the pet during travel due to unexpected situations. Customers can also opt to add the Pet Protection Plan to the economy or business packages.

Starwood provides ground transportation services in partnership with another company, but it is not clear whether the service includes door-to-door transportation. Customers who are interested in availing ground transportation services should contact a customer service representative either before or during the quote process. It is important to note that Starwood has partnered with a separate company to provide this service.

Customers who are interested in Starwood's ground transportation service should inquire about it before committing, as the company does not provide details regarding its partners or how the service works. Starwood's expertise lies in international travel, and it maintains a database of pet travel requirements for numerous countries. Customers can utilize these resources to prepare for their pet's trip.

Key Specs

• Minimum cost: Varies
• Transportation type: Ground and air
• Additional services: Completion of health certificates, boarding at a local top-rated kennel
• Domestic or International?: Both
• Superioritys: Starwood offers customizable pet moving packages so owners can get the right amount of comfort and security their pets need.

Pros:

• Customizable moving plans.
• Pet protection plans available.
• Boarding services offered.
• Online pet travel guides for individual countries.

Cons:

Unclear service terms around ground transportation.

7. Citizen Shipper

Citizen Shipper is an online platform that enables you to collect quotes from experienced and skilled pet transporters from all over the country. This way, you can find the ideal solution that aligns with your budget and requirements.

Once you create a listing that contains all the necessary details of your pet, such as location, breed, weight, and any restrictions like crate anxiety, the process begins. Citizen Shipper matches you with pre-vetted pet transportation experts and provides you with estimated quotes and specific information about each option.

Every pet transportation expert on Citizen Shipper has reviews and testimonials, which ensures that you can trust the driver responsible for your pet's transportation. For anyone who has a limited timeframe or wants to compare prices for their pet's move, this online marketplace is an excellent solution.

Key Specs

• Minimum cost: Varies
• Transportation type: Ground
• Additional services: Varies by driver
• Domestic or International?: Domestic
• Superioritys: Citizen Shipper is like an Uber service for shipping a dog or cat. Simply fill out the form to receive bids from professional drivers before choosing the best match.

Pros:

• Aggregator for pet transporters offering several bids.
• Offers $1,000 in pet protection.
• Available in all 50 states.
• In business since 2009.

Cons:

• You work with individual drivers instead of a certified company.

Keep in mind, before you sign up for a pet transport service, be sure to inquire about the type of crate or carrier (if any) your pet will need for the trip. Some transportation services provide this as part of the travel package, while others will require the owner to provide it himself.

For example, you may need an airline-approved travel operator if your pet is flying, or you may need to provide a suitable crate for use in the car, if your pet will be traveling by car. Also, speaking of pet travel, be sure to get a carrier specifically designed to accommodate pets in the cabin if you plan on flying with a dog.

And in the end, Airpets was voted the top pet transportation service because of its great reputation and ability to transport a wide variety of animals, such as dogs, cats, turtles and rabbits, both domestically and internationally. Airpets offers ground and air transportation, as well as additional services such as grooming, exercise, special crates and veterinary care. The company is USDA certified, and while it may be expensive, Airpets guarantees the best experience for your pet.

Tips for Selecting the Top Pet Transportation Company

1. Pet Needs

When choosing a company or transportation method for your pet, consider their specific needs first. Does your pet get anxious easily? Does your pet have a weak bladder? Are they crate trained? To minimize stress, select a company that can accommodate these needs. Some companies provide nannies for air travel, while others don't require crating for ground transportation. Research each company's services to ensure they offer exactly what your pet requires.

2. Mode of Transport

When transporting your pet overseas for a prolonged vacation or relocation, it is imperative to find a company that specializes in air transport. Some companies use commercial airlines to transport pets, while others offer private jet transport for an additional cost. Ground transportation may be appropriate if you are shipping your pet within the country, and some services offer private transport, while others transport multiple pets simultaneously.

3. USDA Certification

Ensure that the company you select is USDA certified, as this certification guarantees the highest standards of practice and provides guidelines for the appropriate care and comfort of your pet. Furthermore, companies licensed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) must undergo a stringent screening process to ensure compliance with all regulations. APHIS-licensed companies must have proficient handlers and adhere to crate and restraint protocols, as well as specific procedures for removing the pet from its shipping enclosure.

4. Door-to-Door Delivery

Pet transportation companies provide varying levels of service for receiving a customer's pet. Some services offer door-to-door delivery, where the company collects the pet from the owner's residence and transports it to its final destination, whether it be a hotel or another residence. Other services require the customer to drop off and pick up the pet at the airport. Door-to-door delivery services are typically more costly than those that only facilitate airport drop-offs and pickups.

5. Customer Reviews

One of the most effective ways to ensure that you are selecting the right company is by reading customer reviews. Positive and recent reviews can provide you with a quick overview of the company's performance. It is recommended to choose a company that has received excellent reviews, where customers have taken the time to praise various aspects such as customer service, the pet's travel experience, and the handler's communication.

6. Grooming and Boarding

Certain pet transportation services offer grooming and boarding options as part of their services. Some services may provide grooming services for the pet after its journey, prior to delivering it to the owner. Other services have facilities where pets can be boarded during layovers or delays, so they don't have to spend an extended period of time in their crate.

7. Pet Travel Updates

Certain pet transportation services not only offer details on the whereabouts and well-being of the pet during transit, but also keep customers informed about their pet's location and status throughout the relocation process. The nature of travel updates provided to pet owners differs from one service to another. Some services allow owners to monitor their pet's real-time location using GPS, while others enable direct communication with the pet's designated animal handler for updates.

8. Customer Support

A reliable pet transport service must provide customer support that is accessible to the pet owner throughout the travel process. During the journey, customer support should be readily available to address any concerns that may arise, such as unexpected delays or potential health issues that the pet may encounter. Additionally, customer support should be easily reachable for any inquiries that the pet owner may have before and during the trip. If the company offers tracking, the service should assist the client in setting up this feature and be available to resolve any issues that the customer may encounter while using it.

FAQ

Can you ship pets internationally?

Yes, it is possible to ship pets internationally. However, shipping pets internationally requires careful planning and understanding of the policies and regulations involved. It's important to work with a reputable pet transportation company or airline to ensure a safe and stress-free travel experience for both you and your pet. When shipping a pet internationally, it's important to research and comply with the destination country's regulations and the health and vaccination requirements for the pet. Additionally, some countries may require a quarantine period for the pet upon arrival.

Can you ship a pet alone?

Yes, it is possible to ship a pet alone. However, it's important to keep in mind that shipping a pet alone can be stressful for the animal, so it's important to ensure that the pet is comfortable and well-cared for during the transportation process. When shipping a pet alone, it's important to work with a reputable pet transportation company or airline that has experience in transporting pets and can provide a safe and stress-free travel experience for the animal. It's also important to research and comply with the destination country's regulations and health requirements for the pet, and to ensure that the pet is properly vaccinated and has all necessary paperwork and documentation for travel.

What courier delivers pets?

There are several courier companies that specialize in transporting pets, such as PetRelocation, Happy Tails Travel, and Air Animal Pet Movers. These companies have experience in handling all aspects of pet transport, including documentation, customs clearance, and arranging transportation. It's important to choose a reputable company that is experienced in transporting pets internationally to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet.

Can I ship my pet without me?

Yes, it is possible to ship your pet without you. Many pet transportation companies specialize in transporting pets internationally, and they can handle all aspects of the process, including documentation, customs clearance, and arranging transportation. However, it's important to choose a reputable company that is experienced in transporting pets internationally to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet. Additionally, you will need to provide the company with all necessary information about your pet, including health records and vaccination certificates, and comply with any regulations or requirements of the destination country.

How much does it cost to ship a Pet across the Country?

The price of transporting a pet can vary significantly based on various factors such as the distance, mode of transport, and additional services required. For instance, if the ground trip is less than 300 miles, the cost can range from $200 to $500, whereas air shipping can cost thousands of dollars.

How do I ship my Dog to another State?

If you need to transport your pet over long distances, the fastest option is to use an airplane. Ground transportation can take many hours or even days, while domestic air travel may only take a few hours, which can be less stressful for your pet. However, it's important to consider your budget and your pet's specific needs before making a decision. Take the time to research and choose a company that you feel confident in.

Is there an Airline for Dogs?

Yes. Pet Airways is a private airline that exclusively transports pets in the main cabin of their planes, rather than in the cargo hold. When pets arrive at the airport, they are checked in at a pet-friendly lounge, then escorted to their crate and onto the plane with other crated pets. Once onboard, the crates are secured for takeoff and landing. Pet Airways has their own pilots and onboard attendants who continuously monitor the crated animals during the flight.

Can you send a Pet on a Plane by Itself?

Yes. Many airlines that are pet-friendly allow you to book a one-way or round-trip ticket for your cat or dog. Additionally, most airlines have designated compartments for pets that are temperature and pressure-controlled, similar to the main cabin.

Final Words

Pet shipping services are a convenient and safe way to transport your furry friend when you need to move to a new location. By researching the company, considering the mode of transportation, ensuring that your pet is healthy, and preparing them for the trip, you can ensure that your pet is transported safely and comfortably to their destination.

If you're planning to use a pet shipping service, be sure to start the process well in advance of your move to ensure that everything is in order and that your pet arrives at their destination on time and in good health.

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