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Best Pet Shipping Companies (2024)
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Advertiser Disclosure
Packing up your pets for a long-distance move is difficult and even tougher if it’s international. We recommend Air Animal Pet Movers and Starwood Pet Travel to help simplify this process. These pet shipping companies can safely transport your pet to your destination by ground or air.
We spent more than 4,800 hours researching the top movers and pet shipping companies nationwide. We also analyzed sample quotes, security options, and additional services. Air Animal Pet Movers is our top pick because of its team’s strong background in veterinary services and commitment to pet health. Starwood Pet Travel is our second favorite because of its more than 50 years of experience in the industry. Airpets International rounds out our top three because of its comprehensive service selection. Learn more about our top seven pet shipping companies below.
Best Pet Shipping Companies of 2024
We crafted a 100-point scoring methodology and added or deducted points for providers based on their kennel and crate options, vet services integration, addition lodge options, reputation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and more. Here’s our list of the best pet shipping companies of 2024:
What Should You Know About Pet Shippers?
You should know how much it might cost to ship your pet, what credentials a pet shipper should have, and the types of pet shipping services available.
Our research shows that the average cost for a pet shipping company is around $2,526, based on the sample quotes we compiled for this article.
The cost of a pet shipping service may vary depending on several factors. Larger pets that require bigger crates will cost more to ship. Longer trips, such as interstate or international travel, will be more expensive. On the other hand, short in-state transports are generally cheaper.
Air travel is usually more expensive than ground transport by vehicle. You may also pay additional fees for veterinary health certificates, grooming before travel, medication administration, etc.
You need to verify the credentials and certifications of a pet shipping company before entrusting it with the transportation of your beloved pets. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to professionalism, adherence to regulations, and the highest standards of care for animals in transit. You should look for the following:
- Department of Transportation (DOT) licensing: The company should have appropriate licensing from the Department of Transportation if transporting pets domestically within the U.S.
- IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR) certification: This certification ensures that the company complies with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) regulations for the safe and humane transportation of live animals by air.
- IPATA membership: Membership in the International Pet and Animal Association (IPATA) signifies adherence to industry standards and best practices in pet transportation. IPATA members are required to meet specific criteria and undergo regular training.
- USDA Animal Welfare Act (AWA) compliance: Compliance with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal Welfare Act is essential for businesses involved in the transportation of animals, ensuring they meet certain standards of care and treatment.
You can get your furry friend to your new home in multiple ways. Each option meets different budgets and needs.
The most common pet shipping services available include the following:
- Air transportation: This involves shipping pets via commercial airlines. Pet owners can accompany their pets on the flight or arrange for them to travel separately as cargo. Some airlines offer specialized pet transport services with dedicated staff trained in handling animals.
- Ground transportation: Ground transportation services are available for shorter distances or pets who may not be suitable for air travel. This service can include door-to-door pet transport via car or specialized pet transport companies that operate vehicles equipped for animal travel.
- International pet relocation: Moving pets across international borders involves navigating complex regulations regarding vaccinations, health certificates, and quarantine requirements. International pet relocation services help pet owners with all aspects, including paperwork, transportation, and ensuring compliance with local laws.
- Pet boarding: Some pet shipping companies offer temporary boarding services for pets during transit, especially for long-distance moves where pets may need to stay overnight or travel for an extended period.
Compare Pet Shipping Companies
The table below notes each provider’s basic service options, tracking options, and average costs.
Company | Ground Transport | Air Transport | GPS Tracking | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Air Animal Pet Movers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $2,500 for ground cross-country move |
Starwood Pet Travel | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $1,800 for cross-country hub-to-hub service, $3,055 for cross-country door-to-door service |
Airpets International | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | Starts at $900 for U.S. moves, starts at $2,000 for international |
Blue Collar Pet Transport | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $1,600–$2,500 for in-cabin transport, $2,500–$7,500 for international flights |
Happy Tails Travel | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Starts at $300 for transports under 500 miles, starts at $950 for moves over 500 miles |
Royal Paws | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | Requires a consultation |
uShip | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | $350–$600 for long-distance, $100–$300 for short |
How Can You Find the Best Pet Shipping Company?
Pet shipping is a unique experience. Each pet shipping company brings something different to your move and your pets. It’s important to take the time to make sure your beloved animal is in good hands. Below, we’ve listed some of the most important factors to consider when picking a pet shipping company.
- Consider your pet’s needs: Your top concerns should be your pet’s safety and well-being. Answering these questions will help you determine which pet shippers function well with your pet’s needs. Can your pet travel in a shared space with other animals, or does it require private transportation? Does your pet need updated health certificates? How many breaks might it need? Is it better suited for ground transportation or air transportation?
- Check for USDA approval: The USDA is the licensing authority for pet shipping companies. Most companies should mention their approval and backing from the USDA somewhere on their website. If not, this might be a red flag for the company.
- Speak to a representative: A good way to get a feel for a pet shipping company is to talk to a representative directly. Think about how long it might take them to get to you and whether their demeanor seems professional. Note whether the company is getting an accurate idea of how it should handle your pet. It’s a red flag if a company doesn’t seem to care about getting the correct details from you.
- Read customer reviews: Another effective way to get a realistic glimpse into what it’s like to use a specific pet shipper is to read customer testimonials about the company through popular review sites such as the BBB and Yelp. Take note of how previous customers talk about the company’s customer service line and if the company lives up to promises made during the quote and consultation process.
Our Conclusion
All companies on our list have something to offer, but we recommend Air Animal Pet Movers. It provides the best combination of vet services, concierge services, insurance coverage, and tracking. We also recommend Starwood Pet Travel if you’re mainly concerned about additional protection for your furry friend. Airpets International is another great choice if you primarily want the best air transportation for your pet with its first-class air transport service.
We suggest getting an itemized quote from at least three pet transportation providers before making your decision. We also recommend carefully reading the fine print and ensuring your chosen company is USDA-approved.
FAQ About Pet Shipping
What is the cheapest way to transport a pet?
The cheapest way to transport a pet is with you in your vehicle. However, if this isn’t an option, using a pet shipper’s ground transportation services tends to be cheaper than its air transportation options.
Does UPS or FedEx transport pets?
No. UPS and FedEx don’t transport pets. You must use your vehicle or a properly licensed pet shipping company to transport your pet.
What documents are needed for pets to travel?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, you should supply a travel ID tag, medical records, a certificate of veterinary inspection, and an acclimation certificate for air travel (if using an airline).
How do you spot a pet scammer?
Credible pet shipping companies don’t sell pets, and if one reaches out to you saying you only need to pay for shipping, it’s a scam. Social media posts promoting this practice are also a scam. Check that the company name, website, and contact information match the company you want to engage with. Lastly, check for the company’s USDA approval.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling options, additional benefits and custom service options, and reputation among customers to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.