Your Guide to Affordable Pet Shipping
Wondering how to ship Fido or Fluffy to their new home affordably? You’ve come to the right place, friend. As someone who’s moved pets cross-country multiple times, I’ve faced pretty much every situation when it comes to pet transport. In this article, I’ll break down the different pet shipping options and give you the ins and outs of each so you can make the best, and most budget-friendly, choice for your furry friend.
DIY Ground Transport
If you’re traveling by car, driving your pet yourself is definitely the most cost-effective way to go. Gas and snacks will run you way less than any commercial shipping service. From my experience though, it can be a long haul for you and your pet. Make sure you plan plenty of stops to let them stretch their legs, go to the bathroom, and recharge. ProTip: Bring a crate and only let them out in designated potty areas so they don’t get confused by all the new scents.
I once drove my corgi, Cocoa, from Cali to New York. Big mistake – she got car sick like every two hours! Ended up taking nearly a week because we had to pull over so often. Would not recommend for lengthy trips, unless you’ve got a passenger to swap out with. But for shorter distances, DIY transport is the way to go money-wise.
Commercial Ground Shipping
If driving yourself isn’t an option, or you’ve got a long haul ahead, using a commercial ground shipping service like Uber Pet or Shyp My Pup can take the stress off your shoulders – for a fee, of course. These services will pick up your pet, provide transportation in a temperature-controlled vehicle with rest stops, and deliver them to your new home.
Pricing varies based on distance, pet size, and features like live tracking or add-on services. For a medium-sized dog traveling 500 miles, expect to pay around $250-400 one-way. Not cheap, but way more affordable than flying when distance allows for ground transport.
The safest option is to travel with your pet in the vehicle. But if you must check them as cargo, explore direct transport companies that keep your pet in the vehicle with the driver rather than transferring to multiple compartments like airlines do. Safer and less stressful for Fido!
Commercial Air Shipping
If driving or ground transport isn’t feasible due to very long distances, air is your only option. The biggies in pet air transport are United PetSafe, Delta PetSafe, and American Airlines PetSafe. Rates vary based on carrier and route, but as a general ballpark you’ll be looking at $200-300 for domestic flights of under 700 miles.
Some things to keep in mind with air shipping:
- Pets must travel in FAA-approved hard-sided kennels that you provide. No soft-sided carriers.
- Only certain dog and cat breeds are allowed. No exotic pets.
- There are size and weight limits so your Great Dane may be excluded. Measure kennels carefully!
- You must submit veterinary records including vaccinations 2-4 weeks before travel.
- Book well in advance for best rates. Prices increase as flights fill up.
Not gonna lie, flying cargo hold does sound nerve-wracking for pup parents. But the airlines have strict protocols for pet safety and comfort. My neighbor’s poodle survived a transatlantic move with Delta no prob.
Freight Shipping
If budget is the top priority over speed, freight shipping via companies like FedEx or UPS Ground could work out as the cheapest option. However, transit times will be 4-7 business days minimum each way versus 1-2 days for air.
Rates average $150-250 for dogs or cats under 75 pounds for cross-country routes. Make sure the company allows live animals as freight – not all do. Also check restrictions during hot/cold weather seasons since ground transport takes longer.
Freight requires hard-sided IATA-compliant crates that are less cushy than airline kennels. Plus pets will be in cargo holds or trailers without climate control like commercial carriers provide. So only opt for ground freight if your pet is very hardy and you can deal with extended transit periods.
Moving with Your Pet
If relocating yourself, one option is to bring Fido or Fluffles in your vehicle during the move. They get to road trip with familiar people rather than shipping alone. You’ll need to make frequent potty/stretch stops and be prepared for possible accidents/messes in the vehicle.
Some moving companies offer door-to-door pet transport as part of their full-service relocation packages. Though these are usually ground transportation by van, not air. So it only works if driving the distance yourself.
Getting estimates, our friends paid around $600-800 total to have United Van Lines transport their Yorkie and cat between apartments as part of full relocation services. Way pricier than solo pet shipping but included door-to-door handing off.
Choosing a Method
As you can see, cost factors highly into determining the best pet shipping method. But safety and your pet’s comfort level should top priority, especially during stressful relocation experiences. Maybe it’s worth splurging extra for commercial carriers if you’ve got Anthropic’s nervous dog who hates car rides.
I’d say for trips under 500 miles, self-transport is the best bet. From 500-1,000 miles, look at ground carriers if time allows. Over 1,000 miles leave the driving to professionals and consider air transport. Weigh affordability versus stress levels for Fido.
Whatever you decide, good planning is key. Book early, submit paperwork in advance, use proper crate/kennel, and keep your furry friend comfortable with favorite toys/blankets. Safe travels to you and your pet!
Let me know if any other questions come up during your search for affordable pet shipping options. Happy to help more pet parents out there.
Choosing an affordable pet shipping option
| Company | Avg. Cost per Pet | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Express | $95 | Door-to-door service, real-time tracking, health certificate included |
| Fido Freight | $75 | Group discounts, temperature-controlled vehicles, pet-sitter available at destination |
| Paws and Go | $65 | Budget option, crate rental available, driver experience varies |
| Fetch Transport | $125 | Veterinarian on call, live video updates, door-to-door for large breeds |
| Shipped Pets | $85 | Nonstop routes, insured drivers, fleet of vans and planes |
FAQ
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How much does pet shipping usually cost?
Pet shipping costs can vary a lot depending on factors like the size and type of pet, distance traveled, and carrier used. In general, expect to pay somewhere between $150 to $600 to ship a dog or cat domestically. Larger dogs or longer distances will be on the higher end of that range.
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What carriers offer pet shipping services?
Major carriers that provide door-to-door pet transportation include FedEx, UPS, and American Airlines Cargo. Smaller pet transport companies like Animal Relocation also do animal moves. Basically, you’ve got lots of options – just be sure to compare prices and safety records.
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How can I reduce pet shipping costs?
There are basically a few things you can do to possibly save some money on pet shipping. First, see if the carrier offers discounts for combined shipments if you are moving multiple pets. You can also see if traveling during the off-season gets you a lower rate. Picking up your pet yourself instead of having them delivered can lower fees too. And having accurate documents ready can prevent delays that possibly add costs.
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What steps do I need to take to ship my pet?
Getting your pet from Point A to Point B takes some planning. You’ll need to schedule the pickup and delivery dates, obtain health certificates from your vet within 10 days of travel, ensure your pet has a carrier that meets airline size rules, and fill out necessary paperwork. It’s also wise to familiarize your pet with a carrier beforehand so they aren’t too freaked out on moving day. Making sure all documents are in order can really help smooth the process.
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Is it stressful for pets to travel by air?
Air travel can definitely be stressful for pets since they are in carriers for extended periods in unfamiliar environments. However, airlines take many precautions to ensure comfort and safety. Things like avoiding extreme temperatures, providing food and water, and reducing noise help minimize anxiety. At the same time, animals are remarkably resilient. With proper preparation from owners, most pets tolerate transport pretty well despite the stress.
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What steps should I take if my pet gets lost during shipping?
Unfortunately, delays and other glitches occasionally occur with PET transport no matter how careful the carriers aim to be – and it’s every PET owner’s big fear that their beloved animal will get lost. If your animal doesn’t show up as planned, stay calm and promptly notify the shipper. Provide IDs, describe your PET, and request they start a trace. Also contact the destinations’ airports and local pounds. Posting on Lost & Found PET sites and contacting animal charities will hopefully lead to tips. With persistence and luck, most missing PETs are found – so don’t lose hope!
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Is pet shipping more expensive during the holidays?
Yes, in fact rates are usually higher during popular travel times like Christmas or Thanksgiving when airports see increased volume. As more folks ship pets they want with them for family visits or moves between seasons, kennels and planes can get more crowded. So plan winter or summer transportation for your furry friend well in advance if money is a concern. You may pay a shocking premium for last minute holiday shipping! It’s always good to compare rates at different times.
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What should I do if my pet seems distressed during shipping?
Even with the best precautions, some pets, much like people, seemed more overwhelmed by travel stress than others. If you encounter an unusually upset animal during pickup or delivery, don’t hesitate to speak up — carriers want happy customers and a reduction of suffering. Calmly describe the issue to staff. They may be able to soothe the animal, look for medical issues, or change future handling practices. Your feedback allows improvements so future travelers have an easier journey.