Best Pet Shipping Companies (2023)

There are a few options at your disposal to make sure your dog, cat, or other pet makes it to its new home with you. You can drive it yourself or hire a professional pet shipper to drive it for you. You may also use a pet transportation company to fly your furry or scaly family member to you for a quicker relocation.

Each of these options comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, so when you look to move your pet it is important to consider which method works best for your animals. To help you get through the many professional pet shipping and moving services on the market, the This Old House Reviews Team has conducted in-depth research on the best pet shipping companies on the market.

Based on our research, we find the following companies to be the best pet shipping companies:

• uShip
• Air Animal Pet Movers
• Starwood Animal Transport
• Airpets International
• Blue Collar Pet Transport
• Royal Paws
• Happy Tails Travel, Inc.

Before having your pet shipped, make sure your pet is protected with affordable pet insurance coverage.

uShip: Best Mobile App

uShip is an online platform that connects you with available shippers that fit a job’s criteria. Carriers post bids on your job, and you pick the one that best suits your needs. Each job posting acts as a binding estimate for your job, so you pay the price that you accept. Think of uShip as eBay meets Uber for safe and reliable pet shipping companies.

uShip makes a great addition to any move for specific items or tasks that other moving companies might not handle, such as pet relocation. It offers a user-friendly mobile app through which you accept bids, create schedules, and track your pet’s location via GPS.

When you post a request to have your pet transported, you should provide its breed, age, and any special needs it may have.

Pros and Cons

✔ Provides useful mobile app for bids, schedules, and GPS tracking

✔ Offers flat-rate pricing through accepted bids

✔ Allows you to control the price and services included

✘ Options may be limited based on your location

✘ Includes an additional fee for its services

✘ Not a dedicated pet shipping company

Services

uShip’s pet shipping services depend on your location and the available shippers that fulfill your pet’s needs. Each pet shipper on uShip is vetted by the company’s ​​Trust & Safety team, so they meet all the guidelines and licenses required.

uShip also offers all-risk, full-value cargo insurance. This means you can be compensated for any losses or damage that may occur during transit. The company’s cargo insurance is backed by Lloyd’s, a global insurance specialist.

uShip Services

Here are the services you can receive through uShip:

• Ground transportation pet shipping
• Cargo insurance
• Moving tips and blog
• GPS tracking

Cost

Though the price is dependent on the bids you receive, uShip states on its website that its average cost is $350–$600 for long-distance moves and $100–$300 for shorter distances. You are able to see the cost of previous pet shipping jobs on uShip’s cost to ship index. To get started on posting your pet shipping job on uShip, complete this online survey.

State Availability

uShip connects you with pet shippers in all 50 states.

Why We Chose uShip

uShip provides a simple, user-friendly experience to pet shipping with its mobile app. The mobile app allows you to access the online platform at any time to check on bids, accept bids, create or change schedules, and track your pet. uShip also provides you to control by allowing you to pick and choose from binding-estimate bids.

Learn more: uShip Review

Air Animal Pet Movers

Since 1977, Air Animal Pet Movers has provided reputable international pet transport services. Founded by veterinarians, Air Animals provides excellent vet services in which a USDA-accredited veterinarian examines your pet and verifies the microchip to create a global health certificate. Air Animal offers both air transportation and ground transportation for domestic and international moves.

Pros and Cons

✔ Provides thorough vet services for health certificates
✔ Offers useful online resources, such as how-to videos
✔ Offers pet customs clearance at all major gateways
✘ Does not offer any pet lodging options
✘ Prices may run higher than some competitors

Services

Air Animal offers a comprehensive selection of pet shipping services. The company offers both shared and private ground transportation services, as well as air transportation options.

Air Animal Services

Here are Air Animal’s services:

• Shared ground transportation
• Private van transportation
• Air transportation
• Express pet shipments
• VIP transportation
• GPS tracking
• Vet services
• Concierge services for U.S. Customs clearance

Cost

We calculated the cost of shipping an animal between 25–50 pounds (including a kennel) with shared ground transportation going from the eastern United States to the West Coast for a total of $2,500.

State Availability

Air Animals helps move pets in all 50 states, as well as internationally.

Why We Chose Air Animals

Air Animals is a trusted name in the pet shipping industry. It features an accreditation with an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau.* With its strong background in veterinary services that it still provides today, Air Animals is a great option if you are looking to transport your animal long-distance and you are concerned about the overall health of your furry friend.

*BBB information accurate as of January 2023.

Starwood Animal Transport

Having safely shipped more than 10,000 household pets, Starwood Animal Transport is a great option for both domestic and international pet shipping services. The company works as a member of the International Pet and Animal Transport Association (IPATA) that partners with other businesses to provide comprehensive pet shipping services for door-to-door moves. Starwood offers peace of mind about your pet through its pet protection plans and its 24/7 dispatch teams.

Pros and Cons

✔ Awarded Pet Relocation Company of the Year by the Australian Emigration Awards
✔ Offers comprehensive pet protection plans
✔ Holds more than 50 years of experience in pet shipping
✘ Requires you use one of its 12 travel hubs for cheaper prices
✘ Does not feature an accreditation on the BBB*

*BBB information accurate as of January 2023.

Services

Starwood Animal Transport provides a comprehensive selection of pet shipping services, including both ground and air transportation options. Its pet protection plans provide additional security to your pet’s transportation and include options such as up to $2,500 in veterinary expenses, up to $4,000 in emergency representations, and up to $1,500 for trip interruption expenses.

Starwood Animal Transport Services

Below are Starwood Animal Transports Services’ options:

• Hub to hub transport
• Hub to door transport
• Door to hub transport
• Door to door transport
• Pet protection plans
• Flight nanny services
• Vet services
• GPS tracking

Cost

We obtained two quotes from Starwood Animal Transport Services to move a German shepherd (roughly 70 pounds) from Atlanta to Los Angeles. Using its hub-to-hub service would cost $1,800. You would need to take your German shepherd to Jacksonville, Florida, and pick it up in Los Angeles on your own. The company’s all-inclusive door-to-door service would cost $3,055.

State Availability

Starwood Animal Transport Services can help move your animals in all 50 states. To get the cheapest rates, you can choose to transport between the 12 hubs below:

• Baltimore
• Boston
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Dallas
• Houston
• Jacksonville, Florida
• Los Angeles
• New York City
• Phoenix
• San Francisco
• St. Louis
• West Palm Beach, Florida

Why We Chose Starwood Animal Transport

Starwood Animal Transport offers competitive rates if you are willing and able to travel to one of its travel hubs. Its pet protection plans offer additional peace of mind when it comes to any roadblocks your move might run into.

Airpets International

Airpets International has been shipping pets for more than 30 years. The company is backed by the USDA, and it ensures that your pets will be on a pet-friendly flight with temperature control. Airpets International also provides various additional services, such as grooming, exercise, and custom crating and kennels.

Pros & Cons

Here are some of the major pros and cons of using Airpets International:

✔ Uses IATA-approved sky kennels
✔ Features on-staff veterinarians
✔ Offers discounts on military moves
✘ Prices may run higher than competitors
✘ Customer reviews mention long hold times on the phone

Services

Airpets International offers a variety of pet shipping services to provide as much comfort for your furry friend as possible. One notable service is the company’s pet lodging services that include spacious, temperature-controlled overnight accommodations. This allows you to have control over when your pet reaches your new home while they remain comfortable.

Airpets International Services

Read over Airpets International’s services here:

• Pet ground transportation
• Pet air transportation
• First-class air transportation
• Pet lodging
• Pet transit permits, custom clearance, and quarantine arrangements
• Cat and dog grooming
• Veterinary services
• Crate preparation and training
• Pet exercise

Cost

In order to receive accurate pricing, Airpets International holds a consultation with you and your pet to figure out what services are required for relocation. The company does state that moving a small animal in any of the 48 continental states starts at $900. International moves with small animals start at $2,000.

State Availability

Airpets International is available in every state, as well as internationally.

Why We Chose Airpets International

Airpets International provides plenty of service options to match your animal’s specific needs. The company’s consultation process helps you understand what services your pet may need. Airpets International makes the legal and customs paperwork simple, too, with its backing by the USDA accredited International Boarding & Pet Services Association.

Blue Collar Pet Transport

Blue Collar Pet Transport (BCPT) is another USDA-backed pet shipper. The company provides GPS tracking and assistance with bonds and insurance coverage, as well as assistance with USDA registration. Blue Collar Pet Transport primarily deals with long-distance pet shipping, but it does offer local pet moves in central Florida.

Pros & Cons

Read about some of the perks and drawbacks to Blue Collar Pet Transport here:

✔ Offers private jet pet shipping services
✔ Maintains a regularly updated pet shipping blog
✔ Provides pet purchase fraud protection for customers buying from breeders
✘ Local pet moving limited to Florida
✘ Due to the way BCPT creates routes, you may experience a long wait time for shipping just one state over

Services

BCPT offers a wide selection of pet shipping services for long-distance and international pet moves. Some standout services include its luxury private jet pet shipping service and its user-friendly mobile app.

Blue Collar Pet Transport Services

Here are Blue Collar Pet Transport’s services:

• Shared ground transportation
• Private ground transportation
• Shared air transportation
• Private air transportation
• Private jet pet shipping
• GPS tracking
• Central Florida pet transport

Cost

BCPT creates customized pet shipping packages through a thorough consultation process. Because of this, it does not offer much pricing information online. It does share that its in-cabin air transport runs between $1,600–$2,500 in the 48 contiguous states.

It also shares that flights involving Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and other international flights tend to cost between $2,500–$7,500. Your final price is also subject to additional fees based on the airline you use.

State Availability

Blue Collar Pet Transport operates in every state and internationally.

Why We Chose Blue Collar Pet Transport

Blue Collar Pet Transport provides custom pet shipping packages with reputable services. The company provides documentation on all of its experienced handlers, so you can ensure your animal is in good hands. BCPT’s private jet pet service is ideal if you want your pet to be relocated in luxury.

Royal Paws

Royal Paws focuses on private, ground transportation for cats and dogs across the United States. All shipments are door-to-door and feature climate control. Each transport is run by a two-person team, which allows your pet to be walked every four hours. Though the company is accustomed to cats and dogs, it has also transported various other pets such as ducks, birds, mini cows, and turtles.

Pros & Cons

Here are some of Royal Paws’ pros and cons:

✔ Uses climate-controlled, spacious vans
✔ Provides fresh litter boxes for each cat family
✔ Provides real-time updates via Facebook when requested
✘ Only provides U.S. private, single-family pet moves
✘ Does not help arrange the purchase or adoption of any animals

Services

Royal Paws only provides private ground transportation for single-family pets. This means your pet or pets will not share a space with other animals. These moves are conducted with its regularly cleaned, climate-controlled, roomy SUVs or minivans.

Royal Paws Services

Below are Royal Paws’ service options:

• Private dog ground transportation
• Private cat ground transportation
• Other private ground pet transportation
• Updates over the move via Facebook

Cost

Royal Paws custom-tailors its services according to a consultation it holds with pet owners and their pets. As such, it does not feature any online pricing information.

State Availability

Royal Paws offers its services in every state except for Hawaii.

Why We Chose Royal Paws

Royal Paws offers excellent private ground transportation pet shipping services. If you are not looking to conduct an adoption, purchase, or bulk shipment then Royal Paws provides high-quality, two-teamed SUVs and minivans for your pet. The company is also backed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and USDA.

Happy Tails Travel, Inc.

Happy Tails Travel offers domestic ground transportation services for cats and dogs, with discounts available for shipping multiple pets. It also acts as a global logistics network that ships to most countries around the world, helping to streamline the customs clearance process.

Pros & Cons

Check out some of Happy Tails Travel’s benefits and downsides here:

✔ Offers discounts for shipping multiple pets
✔ Helps with pet adoptions
✔ Member of the International Pet and Animal Transport Association
✘ Does not offer lodging options
✘ Only works with cats and dogs

Services

Happy Tails Travel provides a wide variety of services for cats and dogs for both domestic and international moves. The company also works with shelters and veterinarians to provide adoption services including providing kennels, pre-flight conditioning, and other air and ground transportation needs.

Happy Tail Travel, Inc. Services

Here are Happy Tail Travel’s services:

• Shared ground transportation
• Private ground transportation
• Shared air transportation
• International pet shipping services
• Military moves
• GPS tracking
• Adoption services

Cost

Happy Tails Travel provides pricing information on its website including what factors influence your overall cost. The company states that standard ground transportation for one pet costs about $300. It also states that its private ground transportation service for one pet for a move exceeding 500 miles costs between $950–$4,500.

State Availability

Happy Tails Travel provides its services in all 50 states and across the globe.

Why We Chose Happy Tails Travel

Happy Tails Travel is a great option if you are looking to ship multiple pets or looking to adopt an animal. The company provides a variety of discounts for shipping multiple pets, working with rescue shelters, and military families. Happy Tails Travels also provides plenty of information through its website’s resources and GPS tracking.

How to Pick a Pet Shipping Company

Pet shipping is a unique experience. Each pet shipping company brings something different to your move and your pets. It is important to take the time to make sure your beloved animal is in good hands. We have listed some of the most important factors to consider when picking a pet shipping company below.

1. Consider Your Pet’s Needs

Your top concerts should be your pet’s safety and well-being. Answering these questions will help you narrow down 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?

2. Check for USDA Approval

The United States Department of Agriculture (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.

3. Speak to a Representative

A good way to get a feel for a pet shipping company is to directly talk to them. Think about how long it might take them to get to you and if their demeanor seems professional or not. During the quote process, take note of whether or not the company is getting an accurate idea of how it should handle your pet. If a company does not seem to care about getting correct details from you, this is a red flag.

4. Read Customer Reviews

Another effective way to get a realistic glimpse into what it is like to use a specific pet shipper is to read customer testimonials about the company through popular reviews sites like 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 Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team backs 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, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.