Next week, you and your family are making a big move across the country. You, your family, and your four-legged friend are ready to leave the hustle and bustle of the city and move to the countryside closer to the West Coast.
You’ve had a busy week of packing, planning how to move, and searching for a company to transport your vehicles.
The next dilemma you face is how will you transport your pup?
Start by researching the best pet shipping companies to find the right one to transport your pet for you. The best pet shipping service will take some stress off your shoulders while making sure your pet makes it safe to their new home.
Here’s how you can find the best pet shipping companies to make your move as smooth and easy as possible.
How Do You Transport a Pet Across the Country?
Moving a pet across the country is a stressful experience. Your pet will require special care, both physically and mentally, to ensure they get to their new home safely.
As you get ready to move, you have a couple of options when moving your pet.
The first one is to take your pet with you. Moving with your pet eases some of their mental stress as they’ll have their family with them. This can calm your pet and reduce their fear and anxiety.
The problem with this method is it limits you to travel by land. Not every family is up for traveling thousands of miles by car.
You can fly with your pet, but it will cost you more and you and your pet will need to follow strict airline rules and requirements. Flying may cause your pet to experience severe anxiety and fear.
The best way to move your pet is by land. If you can’t travel with your pet, your best solution is to find the best dog shipping company to move your pet for you.
The best pet movers have the skills, patience, and experience to meet your pet’s needs throughout the moving process. Their goal is to make traveling across the country the least stressful as possible.
How The Best Pet Shipping Companies Move Your Pet
If you’ve asked household moving companies to move your pets or plants, you may have received a resounding no. The reason behind this has to do with safety. Household movers don’t have the tools or experience to move living items and pets safe.
Not all families and individuals have the time or experience to move their pets across the country. This is why many pet owners need to find the best dog shipping company to move their pets.
The best pet movers will move your pet by land or by air. As your pet’s owner, you can decide which option is best for you and your pet’s needs.
From there, the pet moving service will offer extra services. These include pet grooming, temperature-controlled transport, and kennels. Some may offer services such as exercising, grooming, and more.
The pet moving service will send you updates throughout the moving process. This will assure you of your pet’s progress and help keep your mind at ease.
Look for reputable pet shipping companies sharing their pet transportation certifications and licenses. The pet carrier needs to register with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure the company’s legitimacy.
Look for companies that are members of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA). This membership provides that pet moving services follow humane practices and offer reliable pet moving services.
What To Look For In a Reputable Pet Shipping Company
There are a few more factors you need to consider when looking for the best dog shipping company.
The first factor to consider is what services does the company offer? If you have a very energetic pup, you may prefer a pet mover that offers regular exercising throughout the move.
Do you need to move more than one pet? Look for a company that offers services and discounts for moving multiple pets. Those with unique pets, such as rabbits, will want a service that can transport any pet you need to move.
The next step is to learn about the company’s reputation. Are they reliable and live up to the promises they give to their customers?
You can learn about a company’s reputation by reading customer reviews. Contact the company if you have questions and to learn about their customer service.
Pay attention to the company’s professional accreditations. Again, the best pet shipping service must have a USDA certification and IPATA membership. Other accreditations include International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Regulated Air Cargo Agents (RACAs).
Reputable pet shipping companies are willing to help pet owners through the intricacies of transporting a pet. They’ll provide you with information about:
- Necessary documents
- Vaccines
- Health checks
- Updates
- Special needs
- How the pet transportation service works
This information is valuable to those who’ve never shipped their pet before. This information will make sure you follow the proper steps to ensure your pet is ready to move.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship a Pet?
Shipping your pet during a major may not be the cheapest option, but it will make moving easier and less stressful.
The cost to ship a pet within the United States with a reputable company starts around $1,000. This includes pet moving, consultation, paperwork, crates, and economy options.
When shipping internationally, the cost starts closer to around $2,000 and increases with added features.
Start by checking the company’s prices and learn if they’re in line with other companies providing similar services. A company offering low prices may offer poorer services that you’ll want to avoid.
Look for a company that offers the services you and your pet need at a price that fits your budget.
What Companies Ship Pets?
Now that you have decided to search for the best dog shipping company, where do you start?
If you search online, you’ll find hundreds of different pet moving companies. Most will promise reliable pet transportation options at amazing deals.
The struggle pet owners face is finding a service that’s legitimate and reputable. You consider your pet family and want to make sure the service you choose will take your pet’s safety and health seriously.
Here are a few of the best pet shipping companies worth checking out.
Starwood Animal Transport
Based in the UK, Starwood Animal Transport is a high-rated pet transportation company. They specialize in both domestic and international pet transportation. Depending on the final destination, Starwood offers ground and air travel options.
Starwood’s mission is to make sure your pet moves as safely and comfortably as possible while minimizing your pet’s stress and fear.
Starwood is a member of IPATA and has partnerships with other businesses around the world. They make transporting your pet easy by offering door-to-door services.
As for the company’s reputation, Starwood boasts high recommendations and outstanding customer reviews. The Australian Emigration Awards awarded Starwood as the Pet Relocation Company of the Year.
The advantage of Starwood is they’re one of the best companies for shipping your pet abroad.
Not moving or traveling abroad? Starwood offers great pet transportation services within the continental United States. They have hubs in most major cities, including New York, Portland, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, and more.
They offer flat-rate shipping and all drivers have the training and skills to groom, exercise, and care for your pet during the trip.
Happy Trails Travel, Inc.
Happy Trails, based in Arizona, is one of America’s best pet shipping companies. They have a 100% safety and success record that spans back to their origins in 1995.
Happy Trails gives pet owners the option to choose between ground and air travel, depending on the destination and your pet’s needs. They also offer safe and reliable international transportation for those moving across the world.
A unique aspect of Happy Trails is they specialize in military relocations. They have the skills to help you and your pet during Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves. Happy Trails offers discounts to veterans and active military members for any type of move.
Are you moving more than one pet? Happy Trails offers all of their customers additional discounts for moving multiple pets at the same time.
What makes Happy Trails the best pet shipping service is it specializes in large and “dangerous” dog breeds.
The disadvantages of this service are they focus on moving cats and dogs and don’t offer features such as grooming and boarding services.
Airpets America
Are you looking for a customizable pet moving company offering extra features? Airpets America is the right company for you.
With over 39 years of pet care experience, Airpets has the skills and experience to transport your pets safely and reliably. They offer land and air shipping services, along with domestic and international options.
What sets Airpets apart from other companies on this list is they’re willing to transport all types of animals. Any pet owner with unusual pets, such as birds, reptiles, or rabbits, can benefit from this great service.
All pets traveling by air will travel in temperature-controlled cargo with regular updates and checks. Airpets offers additional services such as grooming, exercise, and custom crates designed to meet your pet’s unique needs.
A major advantage of Airpets is they have experienced veterinary professionals on staff. They can accompany your pet throughout land-based travel, and to and from the airport.
The only disadvantage is their prices tend to be higher than other rates when you add extra features. To offset this, Airpets offers discounts and specials to keep pricing affordable.
Airpets is the best pet shipping service for moving unique animals and its outstanding service and reliability.
Animals Away
Animals Away has over 25 years of experience caring for and transporting animals around the globe. They offer door-to-door pet shipping services to make transporting your pet quick, easy, and hassle-free.
Animals Away specializes in transporting indoor pets, such as dogs, cats, and other small animals. They do, however, offer services to transport any animals.
Animals Away offers unique services such as pet boarding, pet travel consulting, and customs clearance. They handle all of the paperwork associated with international travel.
The main goal of Animals Away is to protect the safety, health, and well-being of your pet when they move. They continue to edit their services and offerings to ensure both pet and pet owners enjoy the best experience during the move.
National Geographic Wild featured Animals Away as one of the best pet shipping companies for transporting pets.
The only drawback to Animals Away is they don’t offer many add-ons, such as grooming and boarding services or discounts.
How Much Do Pet Transporters Charge?
The prices of these reputable companies fall within the going rates mentioned above of other pet transportation companies.
Animals Away and Airpets offer similar rates, but you will have to contact them directly to learn about their pricing.
The most affordable pet transportation company is Happy Trails Travel, Inc. Their prices start at $425 for domestic travel within the continental United States. Hawaii, Alaska, and international destinations start at $500 and go up from there.
Starwood offers safe shipping, but at a much higher cost. Their pricing starts at $1,000 and rises from there based on additional features and distance.
To receive the most accurate pricing for your pet and moving needs, you’ll need to request a quote or contact these companies. You can choose the services and features needed to transport your pet in the safest way possible.
Move Your Pet With the Best
Moving is one of the most stressful experiences. When you’re moving with a pet, that stress can add up.
Make your moving experience easier by working with one of the best pet shipping companies. They have the skills and experience to ensure your pet’s move is smooth and as stress-free as possible.
Do you need help moving other items, such as your car or truck? Let us know! We’re happy to help make your next big move quick and easy.
