How to Find a Pet Transportation Service

For a number of reasons, such as a relocation, you may find yourself needing to transport your animal a far distance. We are frequently asked about transportation companies and how to ensure that your animal is well cared for on a long journey where you are not present.

1. Know the law. Any person with a commercial business that moves animals from one location to another must obtain a Class T registration from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as required by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). AWA regulations require humane transportation of animals, including specifications for dogs and cats (page 132), rabbits (page 184), birds (page 295), and more. This USDA video provides a great overview of these regulations, including specific examples of compliance and non-compliance.
2. Identify a pool of potential transportation companies. The search for a transportation company can begin by asking friends, neighbors, and other pet owners for personal recommendations. Additional leads might come from your veterinarian, groomer, trainer, boarding facility, or another pet professional.

The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) is a trade association that may be helpful. However, not every transporter is a member of this organization and owners should still do due diligence on any potential carrier being considered, regardless of whether they are a member.  

A valuable source of information when identifying potential carriers is the USDA’s Animal Care Public Search Tool, which you can use to confirm that they are registered as Class T. To find this information, 

• Go to the search tool. 
• Then scroll down and click on List of persons licensed or registered under the Animal Welfare Act. This will automatically download a spreadsheet to your computer. The carrier(s) you are considering should be listed and have a Class T registration. 

You can also access and review any carrier’s USDA inspection reports. To do so, 

• Click on Inspection reports. 
• Use the search field(s) to locate the carrier. (Note that when the database returns its findings it defaults to showing the “View Licensees” tab, which will NOT have information on carriers because carriers are registered, not licensed.) 
• Click on the “View Inspection Reports” tab to review any and all inspection reports of the carrier.

3. Research potential transportation companies. The following is a list of important questions to consider when entrusting a pet with a transportation carrier where you won’t be present. 

• Are they USDA registered? As discussed above, you can use the USDA’s Animal Care Public Search Tool to confirm that they are Class T registered. (You can also check if the carrier has ever been cited for an AWA violation, as explained above.)
• Are they a member of IPATA? While not required, this can be an indication that they are committed to following the live animal regulations laid out by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
• Can you track your pet? Do they give you regular updates throughout the journey?
• Do they have insurance?
• What do they do if there is a medical emergency? Are their transporters experienced in identifying signs of illness? 
• What kind of and how many breaks do they take along the journey?
• Do they have requirements and recommendations for supplies that you must provide for your pet’s travel?
• Are their vehicles temperature controlled? 
• Do they offer door-to-door service or do you drop off your pet and pick them up at the destination? 
• Do they specialize in dogs, cats, or other animals? How many years of experience do they have with specific types of animals?
• Are they transporting multiple animals in one vehicle? If so, are the animals kept in secure, separate spaces? 
• Do they give you the price upfront? Do they discuss possible additional fees? 
• Do they ever leave the vehicle unattended with pets inside?
• Are drivers able to properly administer medications? Do they hold any certifications such as from the Red Cross’s Cat & Dog First Aid Online Training?
• How is their customer service? Are they easily reachable for questions and concerns?
• Do they have good reviews? 
• Viewing specific examples of compliance and non-compliance in this USDA video may help you to think of additional questions.

4. Additional considerations for the health and well-being of your pet. The following is a list of important factors to consider as you select your transporter and prepare your pet for transportation. 

Age and special health considerations 

• Many pet transportation companies have age restrictions. In general, your pet should be at least 8 weeks old.
• Brachycephalic or short-nosed breeds (both dogs and cats) have a higher risk of health complications in flight, and so it is better for them to travel via ground transport if possible. If they must fly, see the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) FAQ about short-nosed dogs and air travel.
• Other health conditions like arthritis, respiratory issues, etc. can complicate pet transport.
• It is always important to consult your veterinarian before making any travel plans for your pet.

Sedation

• The AVMA recommends that pets are not sedated or tranquilized, because it removes their ability to balance themselves, which increases the risk of injury, and because the high altitude places them at higher risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
• If it is medically necessary for your pet to be sedated, you will need a signed letter from your veterinarian. 
• Instead of sedation, it is recommended that pet owners acclimatize their pet to the carrier that will be used for transport.

Vaccines and health

• To cross state lines, you need a certification of good health for your pet.
• Vaccination requirements vary from state to state. You can look up specific states on this USDA webpage.

Before Traveling

• Crate training: One of the best ways to reduce your pet’s stress while traveling is to acclimate them to their carrier beforehand.
• ID tags and microchips: The AVMA recommends microchipping your pet in order to help locate it in the event of getting lost. Note that while you are not required for your pet to be microchipped to travel within the U.S., microchips are required to enter the U.S. and many other countries. Whether your pet has ID tags or a microchip, make sure that they are up to date before traveling. 

Additional Resources:

• USDA – Travel With a Pet 
• International Pet and Animal Transportation Association
• AVMA – Air travel and short-nosed dogs FAQ 
• AVMA – Traveling with your pet FAQ
• Animal Welfare Act Transport Regulations (see page 126)