Can a Puppy Be Shipped to Your Door? The Complete Guide for Future Pet Parents

Looking for a furry friend but can’t find the perfect pup locally? You’re not alone! Many future pet parents wonder if they can have a puppy shipped directly to their doorstep.

Yes, a dog, cat, or other pet can be delivered to your house, but only if it’s done through a legitimate, ethical, and legal process. As of July 2, 2025, this practice continues to be common, especially for rare or designer breeds. But before you click “add to cart” on that adorable puppy listing, there’s a lot you need to know!

The Truth About Puppy Shipping – Is It Really Safe?

I’ve spoken with countless pet parents who were initially shocked to learn that shipping puppies is actually a thing And honestly, I was skeptical too when I first heard about it! The idea of putting a tiny furball in a box and sending them across the country sounds.. well, concerning.

But here’s the deal – professional pet transportation is a legitimate industry with strict regulations to ensure our four-legged friends travel safely.

Let’s dive into what you need to know if you’re considering having a puppy shipped to your door.

Ways to Ship a Puppy from a Breeder to Your Home

There are two primary methods for transporting puppies from breeders to new owners:

1. Ground Transportation

Ground transportation involves professional drivers with pet experience driving your puppy from the breeder to your home. Many reputable breeders have established procedures or connections with transport services.

Pros of Ground Transportation:

• More comfortable for puppies (temperature-controlled vehicles)
• Regular breaks for exercise and relief
• Door-to-door service
• Easier to keep in contact with the transporter
• Less exposure to extreme temperatures
• Less stressful than air cargo

Cons of Ground Transportation

• More expensive than air travel (can range from $500 to $2,000+)
• Takes longer – what might be a 1-2 day drive could take up to a week
• Risk of choosing an unreliable company

2. Air Transportation

For long-distance or overseas puppy transportation, air travel is often the preferred option. Puppies can either travel in the cabin (if small enough) or in the cargo hold.

Pros of Air Transportation:

• Faster for long distances
• Generally less expensive than ground transport for long distances
• Many commercial airlines specialize in pet shipping
• Some companies offer “airplane nanny” services where someone accompanies your puppy

Cons of Air Transportation:

• Potential exposure to temperature extremes in cargo
• No opportunities for breaks during the flight
• Special crates required (additional expense)
• Many airlines have suspended pet cargo programs
• Not all breeds are eligible to fly (especially brachycephalic/short-nosed breeds)
• More stressful for some puppies

What to Look for in a Pet Transportation Service

When choosing a company to ship your puppy, look for these critical qualities:

• Safety record – The business should have proven driving certifications and training
• USDA APHIS certification – This ensures they follow strict regulations
• Reliability – Research reviews and ask for references
• Climate-controlled vehicles – Essential for puppy comfort and safety
• Regular updates – The best companies provide frequent updates about your puppy
• Insurance or protection plans – Some companies like CitizenShipper offer pet protection plans
• Access to veterinary care – Some services provide 24/7 access to veterinarians during transport

The Cost of Shipping a Puppy to Your Door

Let’s talk money! Having a puppy shipped to your door isn’t cheap, but for many pet parents, it’s worth the investment. Here’s what you should budget for:

Transportation fees:

• Ground transport: $500-$5,000 (depending on distance)
• Air travel (cargo): $300-$1,000
• Air travel (carry-on): Approximately $125-$200
• Private pet transportation drivers: $2,000-$6,000 for cross-country

Additional expenses:

• Travel crate/carrier: $50-$300
• Veterinary exams and health certificates: $50-$200
• Customs fees (for international): $5-$800 depending on country
• Government permits and endorsements

Legal Requirements for Shipping Puppies

Before a puppy can be shipped, several legal requirements must be met:

• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection – Must be issued within 10 days of travel
• Rabies vaccination – Though many states waive this for puppies under 14 weeks
• Microchipping – Highly recommended for tracking and identification
• Age restrictions – Most transportation services require puppies to be at least 8-10 weeks old
• Breed restrictions – Some services won’t transport brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds
• Government permits – Especially for crossing state or country borders

How to Prepare Your Puppy for Transportation

The breeder should take several steps to prepare your puppy for the journey:

• Comprehensive vet examination to ensure overall health
• Plenty of exercise and positive attention before the trip
• No feeding 2-3 hours before travel (prevents upset digestion)
• Proper identification (microchip, tag, labeled crate)
• Comfortable crate with proper feeding bottles for hydration
• Familiar blanket or toy to reduce stress

Is it Safe to Buy a Puppy Online and Have Them Shipped?

This is the million-dollar question! And the answer is… it depends.

Shipping puppies is relatively common and generally considered safe when done properly. However, accidents can happen. The best way to ensure your puppy’s safety is to:

1. Only work with USDA APHIS-certified transport services
2. Research the breeder thoroughly (video calls, references, reviews)
3. Avoid “click and ship” transactions
4. Consider getting pet insurance before shipping
5. Be wary of unusually low prices or “too good to be true” offers

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not all puppy shipping services are created equal! Watch out for these warning signs:

• Unwillingness to provide references or credentials
• No health guarantees or certifications
• Pressure to wire money quickly
• No video calls with the puppy before purchase
• Prices significantly lower than market average
• Poor reviews or limited online presence
• No detailed contract or shipping plan

What Professional Breeders Say About Puppy Shipping

It’s worth noting that many professional breeders avoid shipping their puppies, especially by air. The most responsible breeders often prefer that you drive to pick up your puppy personally. This allows them to meet you and ensure their puppy is going to a good home.

If a breeder eagerly offers to ship a very young puppy with minimal questions about your home situation, this could be a red flag. Responsible breeders care deeply about where their puppies end up.

Alternatives to Having a Puppy Shipped

If you’re nervous about having a puppy shipped, consider these alternatives:

• Drive to pick up the puppy yourself – The safest option, though not always practical
• Meet the breeder halfway – A compromise that reduces travel time for the puppy
• Hire a pet transport service with reviews you can verify – More expensive but potentially less stressful
• Look for local breeders or rescue organizations – Eliminates shipping concerns entirely
• Through Delivered by Adopt-a-Pet.com – A certified dog trainer will deliver your newly adopted dog to your home and provide a free training session

Final Thoughts: Should You Have a Puppy Shipped to Your Door?

I’m not gonna lie – having a puppy shipped to your door isn’t ideal in many situations. The best scenario is always to pick up your puppy in person, see the breeding facility, meet the parents, and ensure everything is legitimate.

However, I understand that’s not always possible, especially with rare breeds or if you live in a remote area. If you must have a puppy shipped, do extensive research, verify credentials, and be willing to pay for quality service that prioritizes your puppy’s wellbeing.

Remember, your puppy is a living, breathing creature with feelings and needs – not a package or product. Their safety and comfort should always be your top priority.

Have you had a puppy shipped to your door? What was your experience like? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!

FAQs About Puppy Shipping

Can any puppy be shipped?
No. Most shipping services have age restrictions (typically 8-10 weeks minimum), and some won’t ship certain breeds like Pugs or French Bulldogs due to breathing concerns.

How long does puppy shipping take?
Air shipping typically takes 1-2 days, while ground shipping can take anywhere from 2-7 days depending on distance and rest stops.

Is it normal for breeders to ship puppies?
Professional breeders often avoid shipping puppies, especially by air. Many responsible breeders prefer you to pick up the puppy in person.

What documentation do I need when having a puppy shipped?
You’ll need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, vaccination records, and possibly additional permits depending on your location and the puppy’s origin.

What’s the safest way to have a puppy shipped?
Ground transportation with a reputable, USDA-certified company is generally considered safer than air cargo shipping, especially for short-faced breeds.

Remember, shipping a puppy to your door is possible, but it requires careful planning, research, and consideration of your new furry friend’s wellbeing!