Can You Ship Pets Across The Country?

Moving to a new city or state can be an exciting adventure, but what happens when you want to bring your beloved pet along with you? This is where shipping pets across the country becomes a concern. There are many different ways to do this, and it’s important to choose the right one for your pet. In this article, we’ll discuss the different options for shipping your furry friends and what you need to do to prepare your pet for the journey.

What Is Pet Shipping?

Pet shipping is when a professional service transports your pet either within the United States or internationally. Most of these services use ground travel over air travel since it’s the safest and most reliable way to transport pets over long distances.

shipping pets across the country

These services also offer door-to-door service, meaning they will pick up your pet from one location and safely deliver them to another location for you. 

Things To Consider When Shipping Pets 

Before you decide to ship your pet, there are some things to consider first. When it comes to domestic, door to door ground transport, contact the pet transport company you choose to work with to find out if you’ll need any medical clearances or paperwork ready for them before the trip.

If you are planning for international air travel, check with the airlines and countries involved in the journey for any restrictions or regulations regarding transporting animals. Some countries have very strict rules about bringing animals to their borders, so it’s important to research this thoroughly before making any decisions.

When getting ready for a flight, it’s also important to make sure that all of your pet’s paperwork is up-to-date and in order; otherwise, they may not be allowed on the plane at all. Finally, make sure you select a reputable company with plenty of experience in international animal transport; this will ensure that your pet gets where they need to go safe and sound. 

Why Would Someone Need Pet Shipping Services?

Moving your pet can be a stressful and complicated process. The logistics of getting your pet to its final destination safe and sound can be daunting. That is why you may want to consider using pet shipping services.

These services provide pet owners with peace of mind that their furry family members will be taken care of during the transition, and will arrive safely at their intended location. 

pet travel ground pet transport

The Benefits Of Pet Shipping Services 

Pet shipping services offer a variety of benefits for both you and your pet. These include: 

Peace of Mind

A professional service will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to ensure that your pet arrives safely at its final destination without any unnecessary stress or delays. In the case of Your Choice Pet Transport, when you call us, you speak directly to the owner of the company who can answer any questions that you may have about the process. 

Professional Care

Professional pet shipping services provide experienced staff who specialize in caring for animals throughout their journey. They understand the needs of pets, from proper nutrition and hydration to providing them with a comfortable environment during travel. This ensures that your pet remains healthy and safe during transit.  

Reliable Timing

A professional service will provide you with reliable timing information so that you know exactly when your pet should arrive, as well as notification when they have arrived safely at their destination. This eliminates any potential worry or confusion on the part of the owner regarding the whereabouts of their beloved animal companion. 

What Do You Need To Do To Prepare Your Pet For Pet Ground Shipping

If you have ever had to transport your pet from one location to another, you know how much goes in to getting them ready for the trip. Not only do you need to make sure that your pet is safe and comfortable during the journey, but you also need to adhere to all of the necessary regulations for ground shipping pets. However, with some research and preparation, you can ensure that your pet is transported safely and securely. 

Research Regulations & Requirements 

Before shipping your pet, it is important that you research all of the regulations and requirements set forth by the carrier you will be using. Each carrier has its own specific guidelines that must be followed in order for the shipment to go through successfully.

There may also be additional requirements if the shipment originates from a different state or country. Make sure that all documentation required for transporting your pet is in order before beginning the process. This includes any health certificates or other paperwork required by the carrier. 

Make Sure Your Pet Is Comfortable 

When preparing for pet ground shipping, it is important to make sure that your pet is as comfortable as possible during its journey. Confirm with your transport service and make them aware of any special diet your pet is on or if they have any allergies. Provide food and treats and send them with a familiar toy or blanket which can help minimize stress while traveling long distances.

You should also provide them with a collar or harness which they are used to wearing so they don’t feel uncomfortable in their new surroundings. It’s also important to make sure that their crate or carrier meets all size requirements set forth by the carrier – this will help ensure that they don’t feel cramped during their trip.  

Plan Ahead & Have A Backup Plan 

It’s always best to plan ahead when transporting animals – this means giving yourself enough time before departure in case there are any delays due to weather or other issues. You should also create a backup plan in case something unexpected occurs during transit such as sickness or injury.

Having the service check in with you on the status of your pet periodically can help alleviate any potential problems early on before they become more serious issues down the line. Finally, make sure the pet transport service has your direct contact information just in case anything does happen during transit.  

dog crate pet travel shipping pets

Pet Supplies To Send When Ground Shipping Your Pet To Another State

Here are some ways to make sending your pet to another state an easier process and much less stressful. Providing the right supplies ensures that your pet will have a safe and comfortable journey while being transported via ground shipping. Here’s what you should send along with your pet when they’re on their way. 

Toy Or Blanket With A Familiar Scent 

When sending your pet on a long trip it is comforting to include something familiar to them. A toy or blanket that has been around their home or that they have slept with is the best way to provide comfort for them in an unfamiliar situation. You may want to send one of your own shirts or your used pillowcase along so your pet can smell you as well. The scent will help ground them and let them know that they are safe.  

Food, Water, & Treats 

Having food, water, and treats available for your pet during their travels is essential for keeping them healthy and in good spirits. You should include enough of their regular food for the entire duration of their trip as well as extra in case of any delays along the way.

Having some treats available during stops on the journey will also help keep your pet’s spirits up by providing a reward after each break from travel. 

Travel Documents 

Health Records & Documentation – It’s important to include all medical documents related to your pet when shipping them across states; this includes medical records, vaccination records, and any other pertinent documents necessary for crossing state lines (such as permits).

This will ensure that all legal requirements are met before crossing into a new state and that any potential health concerns can be addressed if needed while en route.  

pet shipping to another state

What Are The Risks Of Shipping Pets Across The Country?

As a pet owner, when you ship your precious four-legged friend across the country, be mindful of some of the following considerations. With all the pet transportation services available now, it’s becoming increasingly easier to transport pets across state lines.

Health Risks Associated With Shipping Pets 

Shipping pets is very safe and there is little risk of potential health risks – especially when health clearance has been provided by all pets being transported. However, stress from being in an unfamiliar environment or from being away from its owner for long periods of time can take a toll, depending on how adaptable your pet is. Additionally, pets shipped in cargo can be exposed to extreme temperatures and air pressure changes.

Stress can lead to dehydration and exhaustion in extreme cases. To avoid these risks, it is important to select an experienced ground pet shipping service that is knowledgeable about caring for animals during transit. 

Safety Risks Associated With Shipping Pets 

In addition to health risks, pet owners are often concerned about their pet’s safety associated with pet transport needs. Animals can become injured while in transit due to rough handling or poor crate design. If crates do not meet airline standards or if they are too small for the animal, pets can become injured during transport due to lack of space or inadequate padding and cushioning.

It is important to choose crates made specifically for either airline or ground transport travel and ensure that they meet size requirements before booking a trip for your pet. 

What Affects The Cost Of Pet Shipping By Ground Transport?

Many pet owners who need to transport their your furry friends by ground transport wonder – How does the cost of pet shipping work? What kind of regulations and requirements must be met in order for your pet to travel safely and legally? Here is an overview of what affects the cost of pet shipping by ground transport. 

Distance Traveled 

The distance that your pet needs to travel will play a large role in the overall cost of their shipment. The farther they need to go, the more it will cost. It is possible to ship pets both domestically and internationally, but keep in mind that international shipments require additional paperwork for customs clearance before they can cross borders. This means extra fees and paperwork for you as well as longer transit times for your pet. 

Size & Weight Of Your Pet 

Another factor that plays into how much it will cost to ship a pet is how big and heavy they are. Smaller pets like cats or small dogs usually don’t require additional fees beyond the base shipping rates, but larger pets may have an added fee associated with them due to their size and weight being more difficult to accommodate while still ensuring their safety during transit.  

Shipping Crate Requirements 

In order for your pet to travel safely, it must be contained in an approved shipping crate that meets all applicable regulations set forth by the pet transport service handling the shipping. These crates should provide adequate space, ventilation, protection from extreme temperatures, and visibility into the container so that any problems with your pet can be quickly noticed during transit.

The cost of these crates depends on several factors including size and type (soft-sided vs hard-sided). Fortunately, most pet transport services offer these crates at reasonable prices so you won’t have to worry about spending too much money on one.  

Who provides pet shipping ground transportation?

Your Choice Pet Transport has been shipping dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and other family pets professionally via door to door ground transport across the USA since 2012. We’ve enjoyed providing safe and reliable pet moving services for all our clients and our online reputation and reviews demonstrate the positive impact we’ve had for hundreds of families.

We have experience transporting all sizes and breeds of dogs and other animals and deliver superior care and customer service. We promise to transport your pet as though they were a member of our own family. Learn more about our private ground pet transport, semi private, shared ground pet transport and international pet transport services now.

Final Thoughts About How You Can Ship Pets Across The Country

Pet relocation across the country can seem like a process of complex logistics when you try to make those arrangements on your own. With the right preparation, and professional door to door ground pet transport services, moving your pet can be an easy and stress-free experience.

Make sure to choose an approved shipping crate, research any applicable regulations, and prepare your pet for the journey by getting them used to being in the crate. If you follow these tips, your pet will have a safe and comfortable trip to their new home.

pet shipping ground transport

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can You Ship Pet Ashes?

A: Shipping the ashes of a loved pet can be an emotional process, but it is legal and not difficult to do. Pet ashes can be sent to other family members safely and without worry by shipping cremated remains through the USPS.

Shipping firms including UPS, DHL, and FedEx will not knowingly receive or transport cremated remains via mail. The only authorized method to send cremated remains from the United States to a domestic or foreign address is through the USPS.

Priority Mail Express postage with tracking must be used to send them. The U.S. Postal Service is able to offer specialized materials and labels to make sure that these valuable and sentimental items are secure and visible throughout their voyages.

Q: How Do You Ship Pet Fish?

A: There are a few ways you can ship pet fish. You can either ship them in a live cargo container, which is an air-tight and water-tight container used to transport live animals; or you can use a bag of oxygen gas to keep the water in the bag fresh.