When choosing a pet shipping service, read testimonials and online reviews. Pet owners should also make sure the USDA licenses the company. Also, ask about the company’s safety protocols and whether they provide air or ground transport. Some companies offer shared transportation, while others only ship pets by plane.
Cost
When choosing a pet transport company, cost is an important consideration. However, it shouldn’t be the only factor. Pets are part of the family, and it’s worth hiring a professional to ensure a safe relocation experience.
Whether you choose to ship your pet in a shared ride, in-cabin air, or private transportation, pricing will vary depending on the size of your dog or cat and the distance of the journey. Prices will also vary based on the pickup location, destination, and time of year (weather conditions can affect travel times).
When requesting quotes, providing accurate information about your dog or cat is essential so that pet shipping companies can give you an exact price. Read online reviews and testimonials to learn more about what to expect from different pet transport services.
Reputation
A quality pet transport company will have a solid reputation among its customers. Look for testimonials online or ask friends and family about their experiences with a specific pet shipping service.
Whether moving across the country or sending your pet to visit relatives, a reliable pet shipping service will make the process less stressful for everyone involved. They’ll help you navigate all the paperwork and requirements and ensure your pet’s health certificates are current.
Red flags to avoid include companies that advertise on marketplaces and require payment via Moneygram, Western Union, or other services that don’t offer accountability or consumer protections. Also, avoid services that ask for a lot of personal information to give you a quote.
Experience
If you’re unfamiliar with pet shipping, trusting a stranger to shipping what is essentially a family member can be nerve-wracking. Choosing exemplary service can transform your anxiety into confidence that your pet is in good hands on a long-distance trip.
A reputable company should be licensed by the USDA and mention it on its website. You should also check online reviews to see how others have experienced their service and how well they communicated throughout the process.
On the marketplace, it’s easy to find safe and reliable pet shippers within your budget by creating a shipment listing with your pickup location, destination airport, type of vehicle (shared ground transportation or private), breed and size of pets, dates of travel, and any special needs. Shippers will then compete to send you personalized quotes that meet your expectations.
Insurance
If you are looking for a pet transport service, ensure it is certified by the USDA. The company should also require certificates of health from veterinarians and only employ drivers who have undergone background checks and drug tests. Moreover, it should not ask you to pay via MoneyGram or other marketplaces.
You can also check a pet shipping company’s reputation by reading customer testimonials. Look at how they answered questions during the quote process and whether they lived up to their promises. You can also find out about their reliability by examining their insurance coverage. You want to choose a service that offers all-risks full-value cargo insurance. This is a standard feature provided by many reputable companies.
Safety
When looking at different pet shipping services, it is essential to consider how the service will transport your pet. Look for options that provide door-to-door transportation to reduce travel time and stress. Knowing if your pet will travel with other pets or the company’s staff is also essential.
Choosing the exemplary domestic pet shipping service can help ease your move and ensure your pet’s safety. When searching for a pet transporter, check their reputation on sites to see how they compare with other companies and review their professional accreditations such as USDA approval. Then you can rest assured that your pets are in good hands and your move will go smoothly.
