How to Ship Dogs Across Country Safely and Reliably

Shipping your furry friend across the country can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can ensure their safety and comfort. The American Kennel Club recommends booking a flight with a reputable airline that has experience handling pets.

To start, you'll need to choose a suitable airline and crate size. According to the article, a crate that's at least 1.5 times the length of your dog is recommended, and the airline you choose should have experience with your dog's breed.

Next, you'll need to prepare your dog for the journey. The article suggests getting your dog accustomed to the crate by placing treats and toys inside, and also acclimating them to the airline's crate size. This can help reduce stress and make the transition smoother.

It's also essential to ensure your dog has all necessary documents and health certificates, as outlined in the article. This includes a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and a rabies vaccination record.

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Flying with your dog can be a bit tricky, but it's definitely doable with some planning and research. Several airlines accept large dogs by storing them in the plane's cargo, which is temperature-controlled and pressurized.

Some of the larger domestic airlines that allow large dogs on flights include Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. These airlines have specific rules and restrictions, so it's essential to contact their customer service to know more about their policies.

A domestic flight in the US for a medium-sized dog in the cargo costs between $500 to $1,000, depending on the airline's assessment. Larger dogs, like Great Danes, can run their owners at an average cost of $1,000.

It's crucial to note that some airlines have become more restrictive in the pets they allow on their flights due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. So, it's always a good idea to check with your airline before booking a flight.

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Here are some airlines that allow large dogs on flights:

While flying with your dog is generally safe, there are risks involved, especially for larger dogs that travel in cargo. According to a Department of Transportation report from 2018, there were 40 animal incidents, with 24 resulting in pet death.

Your pet must be over eight weeks of age to fly with you. This is a non-negotiable rule, so plan ahead if your furry friend is too young.

To prepare your pet for air travel, start getting them accustomed to their crate a few weeks before the trip. Place treats or toys inside and reward them for going in. Gradually increase their time in the crate each day to make the transition smoother.

Your pet should have a veterinarian-issued health certificate stating they're in okay condition for air travel. This certificate must be issued within 10 days of the flight. Don't even think about boarding the plane without it.

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Make sure your pet has plenty of water and has gone to the bathroom before being placed in the crate on the day of the flight. This will prevent accidents and make the journey more comfortable for your pet.

Here's a checklist to ensure your pet is ready for air travel:

You've got a furry friend in tow and need to ship them across the country? Don't worry, there are options available.

You can use uShip to transport your dog. This platform connects you with reliable transporters who specialize in pet shipping.

Shipping your dog through uShip is a great option because it's easy to find the best transporters for your needs. Their marketplace allows you to compare quotes from multiple transporters and choose the one that suits you best.

Pet ground transport services are another option to consider, especially if you're moving within the United States. This is a good choice if flying isn't feasible due to airline requirements.

Shipping your dog by ground may be more expensive than flying, but it's a safe and reliable way to transport your pet.

Flying with your dog requires careful planning and adherence to specific rules and regulations. Your pet must be at least eight weeks old to travel by air.

Airlines will not allow your pet to board the plane unless they meet certain requirements. These include having an up-to-date rabies immunization and a veterinarian-issued health certificate that states the animal is fit for air travel.

The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the flight. This is a crucial step in ensuring your pet's safety and well-being during the journey.

Here are the key requirements for your pet to fly:

Flying with your dog can be the fastest way to travel, especially for long-distance transport. Travel won't be interrupted by as many breaks since the plane will fly straight to its destination.

Most pets traveling by plane have no issues and arrive safely at their destination. Airlines that allow pets in the cargo hold will typically have temperature controls similar to the cabin for the pets' safety and comfort.

You can expect to pay around $125 each way for your pet to travel in the main cabin with you. This fee varies depending on the airline, so be sure to check with your airline before booking.

Dogs must comfortably travel in a carrier that fits under the seat in the main cabin. This means choosing a carrier that's the right size for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Flying can be problematic with large dogs, as not all airlines accept pets and even fewer allow large dogs that need to be transported in the cargo hold.

You must read each airline's rules carefully before booking a flight, as weight limits vary between airlines.

Older dogs can often have heart risks or heightened stress levels when exposed to dramatic changes in their environment.

Connecting flights are more likely to have issues with baggage in general, so it's best to aim for direct flights when traveling with your large dog.

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If your dog is flying for the first time, it's hard to predict how they will react to the changes in air pressure, the noise, and being handled by multiple strangers.

You won't be able to check on them mid-flight if they are in the cargo hold, which could add a bit of stress to your journey.

Make sure your dog is wearing their collar with all identifying information attached to ensure you can find them easily after the flight.

Flying with your dog requires more than just a carrier and a ticket. Your pet must be over eight weeks of age.

A rabies immunization is a must, and it needs to be up to date. This ensures your pet's safety and the safety of others on the plane.

A veterinarian-issued health certificate is also required, stating that your pet is in good condition for air travel. This certificate must be issued within 10 days of the flight.

Airlines won't hesitate to turn you and your pet away if these rules aren't met. So, make sure you follow them carefully.

Here's a quick rundown of the pet air travel rules:

Typically, older dogs or those with pre-existing health conditions won't be certified for air travel.

If you're planning to travel with your pet within the United States, there are some important rules and requirements to keep in mind.

First, it's a good idea to microchip your pet, although it's not strictly necessary. This can make a big difference if your pet ever gets lost.

To ensure your pet's health and safety, a current rabies vaccine is recommended, but not required.

You'll also need a Fit to Fly Health Certificate, which is officially known as the APHIS 7001 form and must be issued within ten days of travel.

Here are the key requirements in a quick reference list:

If you're planning to move within the United States, you may encounter significant obstacles in booking a flight for your pet. Recent changes in airline requirements have made it more challenging to fly large dogs and snub-nosed breeds, especially within the continental US.

Using a professional pet transportation service is the best way to take the guesswork out of pet transportation. Professional services like CitizenShipper can help accompany your pet on a journey across the country, using either air or ground transport.

Hire a professional pet transportation company to ship your large dog overland. This option may be the best way to transport a large dog, especially if your pet has breathing problems like bulldogs and pugs.

Road shipping your large dog with specialized transport companies is a great way to ensure their comfort and safety during the journey. Proper preparation before a trip is still important, like visiting a vet before your pet travels.

Using pet ground transport services can be more expensive than flying, but it may be the only option feasible for your pets.

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