The 6 Best Pet Transportation Services of 2023

The 6 Best Pet Transportation Services of 2022 — Spruce Pets / Design by Amelia Manley

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Airpets International
Best Communication: Air Animal
Best for Multiple Pets: Happy Tails Travel, Inc.
Best for Ground Transportation: Royal Paws
Best for Tracking: Blue Collar Pet Transport
Best Marketplace: Citizen Shipper

Airpets International is one of the most well-known pet transport companies available.

Based in Texas, Airpets International (formerly Airpets America) is backed by the USDA and has been in the business since 1990. They ship a wide assortment of animals, so whether you own a dog, cat, turtle, or rabbit, Airpets will help you get your pet where it needs to be. Your furry friend will always be on a pet-friendly flight with temperature-controlled cargo, and the service also offers add-on options like grooming, exercise, and custom crates—so you can give your pet the best experience possible.

Prices depend on how far your pet is traveling, but Airpets International offers both domestic and international pet transportation. Domestic moves start at roughly $1,000, while an international trip will cost you more than $2,000.

The company even has veterinarian care on staff if needed, and offers ground transportation to and from the designated airport. Airpets International is a great choice for your pet’s comfort and peace of mind.

Air Animal Pet Movers with hot hair balloon illustration — Air Animal

It can be unnerving when your pet is traveling separately from you. Air Animal is known for its frequent updates and customer service, so you can monitor your furry friend from the moment they leave your arms to when they arrive back safe and sound.

Founded in 1977 by a veterinarian, Air Animal will transport most domesticated animals. Its customer-friendly website offers many videos and tutorials to help prepare you and your pet for the big trip.

Domestically, Air Animal offers various transportation levels ranging from the most basic “book and fly” option to the VIP option. The basic travel package includes a concierge to book and coordinate a move on an airline, and pricing starts at about $1,140. The most extensive package—the VIP—includes pickup and drop-off from your home to a commercial airline and extensive health reviews. This package starts at approximately $2,815.

International pet travel plans start at roughly $1,495 for the basic travel option and reach about $8,895 for the VIP package. When your pet is traveling, you will receive constant updates alerting you to their progress, helping put your mind at ease until you are reunited again.

Happy Tails Travel, Inc. Featuring image of a globe with a dog on horseback — Happy Tails Travel, Inc.

Transporting multiple pets can get expensive, but Happy Tails Travel, Inc. offers a discount for more furry friends. Based in Arizona, Happy Tails Travel ships to most countries and has a stellar safety record.

If you are traveling domestically, Happy Tails Travel offers ground transportation without breed restrictions, which is a great option for anyone who wants to avoid long-distance air travel. It also helps your pet during a military move as well.

In addition to travel costs, Happy Tails charges a consulting fee that starts at $250 for ground transportation and $425 for air travel. They also offer a discount for transporting multiple pets for a single customer. Happy Tails also offers discounts for military moves and relocations. While it can typically accommodate last-minute moves, there are additional fees for rush transportation services.

That said, Happy Tails Travel is a more affordable option that’s great if you want to save money while transporting your whole furry family.

Royal Paws

While air transportation is safe, some pet owners feel better knowing their pets are moving on the ground. Royal Paws focuses on private, ground transportation throughout the united states for your cat or dog.

The services are door-to-door and entirely climate-controlled. Your pet will be routinely walked to reduce stress, and you can even have your pet transported in your vehicle.

You can opt to crate your pet during this journey or avoid confinement if your pet experiences anxiety in closed spaces. Pricing varies, but you can request a quote online.

Royal Paws is a great choice for anyone hunting for an exclusive transportation service that offers hands-on care and ground transportation only.

Blue Collar Pet Transport

We love Blue Collar Pet Transport because it allows you to track your pet from the minute it leaves your house to when it arrives at your front door.

Blue Collar is USDA registered and serves the United States and Canada with premier ground transport (USDA Approved Kennels) or air transportation. Once you book your transportation type, the customer service department will help you set up a tracking system so you can watch your pet throughout their journey. Every pet handler has been thoroughly background-checked and screened, so you can be sure your pet is in good hands.

Pricing varies depending on whether you choose shared ride pet transport, private pet transport, or in-cabin air pet transport. Check with the company for details.

It is important to note that while you can typically schedule last-minute rides, availability may change throughout the year and you can expect an added fee for expediting.

Citizen Shipper

Citizen Shipper is a website that allows you to gather bids from qualified, professional pet transporters from across the country, so you can find the solution that fits your budget and needs perfectly.

The process begins once you create a listing that includes all of your pet’s details: location, breed, weight, and any restrictions your pet may have, such as crate anxiety. Citizen Shipper then matches you to pre-vetted pet transportation experts and allows you to read through estimated quotes and specifics regarding each option.

All pet transportation professionals on Citizen Shipper have reviews and testimonials so you can be sure you can trust the company in charge of your pet’s move.

This online marketplace is a great solution for anyone with a tight timeline, or who wants to shop around for the best price for your pet’s move. Plus, Citizen Shipper has in-depth reviews from real customers.

The cost of pet transportation depends primarily on how far your pet has to travel. A cross-country trip will likely be less expensive than going overseas, but it also depends on the amenities you arrange for your pet. Add-ons could include special crates, grooming, or exercise options. Expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $10,000 per pet, depending on the destination and any added amenities.

While most pet transportation companies specialize in cats or dogs, many will help you transport a wide variety of other animals such as hamsters, rabbits, or even livestock. Though not as common as cat and dog transportation services, you can find a professional company that can help get most animal companions from one place to another.

The beauty of pet transportation services is that they can often fill any transportation need, including international dog transport. While most dog transport services are from state to state, many companies will help get your pet from one country to another. You can transport a dog almost anywhere with many of these professional services.

The first step is to find a reputable pet transportation company that can comply with all of the laws and actions required to get your pet from one country to another. Transporting a pet out of the country is not easy, but the right company can help make it less complicated. You will need to get your pet vaccinated according to the local rules and regulations. Some countries may impose a quarantine before entering the destination.