If you’re thinking about moving across the country, you might have a lot of choices to make—especially if you have a dog and are trying to figure out how to get your cherished pet to your new home. Whether you choose to transport your dog by land, sea, or air, you should make sure that it is comfortable and that you have treats or toys on hand at all times during the lengthy move.
If you’re moving to a new city, you can use the following information to decide how to transport your four-legged family member across the nation:
Whether you’re dining at a place that accepts dogs or simply relaxing in a dog park, you’re always looking for ways to do more things with your dog. But for spending time with other people or your dog, long road trips are the best option. Taking a road trip is frequently recommended as a way to lessen any separation or travel anxiety that your dog may experience. Additionally, it will allay your own worries because you won’t have to leave your dog behind to be crated and stored away and will be traveling with them the entire time.
It should not be possible to travel from one coast to another in a single day, let alone several days. The best way to make your trip with your dog across the country an experience in and of itself is to stop off at some of the national parks along the way. Prior to arriving at your destination, give yourself some extra time to go on an adventure. Who knows, you might decide to start a trip-related blog!
Every state has attractions and events to attend, so wherever you start or end your trip, there is a good chance you can find dog-friendly things to do. To keep your dog tired (and your sanity intact), just make sure you take lots of breaks throughout the day and give him or her a chance to run around and let off some steam.
Furthermore, when traveling by car with your dog, there are no additional pet transportation costs. You could even decide to “rough it” out at one of the safe campgrounds at night.
Traveling across the U. S. A great way to travel the nation is by bus. It can help you save money and reduce your own carbon emissions.
If you’re considering taking a bus across the country with your dog, you’ll need to do some research and confirm the bus company’s pet policy. The majority of bus and van transportation options are open about letting your cherished pets travel with you. You’ll probably be able to bring your pet along if they’re there as an emotional support animal or for medical reasons.
If you’ve located a bus route that gives you the all-clear, you should consider how the trip might affect your dog. Buses must stop frequently in order to move from point A to point B, so the entire trip may take much longer than you anticipate. This implies that you’ll need to schedule time for them to walk around and relieve themselves in between stops. Additionally, you should confirm with the bus company whether you can simply leash your dog or if a travel carrier is required.
Additionally, some bus companies might require you to have documentation of your dog’s current vaccinations. Furthermore, you might want to consider other accommodations for your trip if your dog has the temperament to become anxious or scared around other people.
Although there are a few things to consider, flying will be the fastest form of transportation. You have the option to bring your small dog into the main cabin if it weighs less than 20 pounds or is larger than a carrier.
You’ll need to take all necessary precautions to ensure that your dog is ready for the flight if it is too large. If your dog has never taken a flight, it’s possible that you don’t know how they will respond to the noise, changes in air pressure, people, and the crate.
Additionally, short-faced dogs, like Bulldogs, are at risk when flying, according to the Department of Transportation. This is most likely brought on by the respiratory and cardiac conditions that these breeds tend to have. Additionally, dog owners need to be aware of the heart risks brought on by anxiety and stress in dogs, particularly in older dogs.
PETA and the Humane Society have advised pet owners not to transport their animals in the airplane cargo hold due to certain health issues that pets face. Animals transported in the cargo area may be subjected to harsh conditions, poor airflow, and noisy surroundings that could make them panic
Remember to do your research on airline policies, consult your veterinarian, and decide what would make your dog most comfortable when flying because it can be stressful for a dog of any age, but the majority of them make it safely to their new home!
The safest and most cost-effective way to ship your dog anywhere in the nation if you can’t personally travel with them is through a licensed ground shipping company.
One of the top companies that transports dogs and other animals across the U.S. is TLC Pet Transport, Inc. S. , and this pet shipping business will be able to ease your concerns no matter what your individual needs are. The company provides both group and private ground transportation options, and in some cases, moving dogs doesn’t even need a cage.
Dogs can travel in style in the back of minivans with their favorite toys and beds thanks to these private transportation services. The business guarantees that dogs are walked every four hours, regardless of the solution that is best for you. The business specializes in working with senior dogs, large breeds, and dogs with disabilities.
You could ask a friend to drive your dog to the destination if you don’t want to use a large freight shipping company, or you could use a technology company like GoShare to hire an independent shipping contractor.
Goshare promotes itself as “your friend with a truck” and works to connect customers and companies with delivery specialists. The company works similar to Uber, but for moving cargo. You might be able to locate a willing independent contractor using the GoShare app, depending on how far the drive is.
Every dog wants to be a salty dog, and there is no better way to travel with pets than by sailboat, even though we know this sounds a little crazy.
Even though it might take a lot longer, this method of pet transportation will be the least stressful and most enjoyable. This is the route to take if you have the resources (money, time, and sea legs). It might be a good idea to consider hiring a sailboat and a captain if you’re traveling along the coast or from Houston to New Orleans.
No matter what decision you make, you’ll want to be aware of all your options and potential risks in order to make the best choice for your dog, who is your best friend and deserves to travel safely.
Landing provides pet-friendly and fully furnished apartments in over 375 cities across the U.S. if you’re looking for a new city. S. Additionally, our leases are flexible and cost-free. Take a look at our available apartments right now.
Bri Hand is Landings Content Marketing Manager. She currently resides in Salem, Massachusetts, with her partner and dog Arlo, but she loves to travel whenever she gets the chance so she can experience new cuisines, take in breathtaking scenery, and daydream about moving to a new place after only spending a short amount of time there.
2Confirm you have the right kennel for your pet
We can’t emphasize enough how important it is for your pet to have the right travel kennel because your pet’s comfort is the most crucial aspect of their journey.
To ensure the highest standards of safety and comfort for animal transportation, we provide a variety of solutions. We advise booking accommodations for your pets at least 24 hours and up to 10 days before departure (or 30 days if flying into London Heathrow).
Make sure to sign up for alerts to receive emails with your pet’s tracking information.
1Confirm your pet’s eligibility for travel
Please take a moment to make sure your pet is allowed to travel on American Airlines because animal safety is our top priority.
Give your pet plenty of rest stops
Stop frequently to allow your pet to exercise and eliminate. However, never let your pet exit the vehicle without a leash, collar, and ID tag.
Share driving and pet-care responsibilities with a friend or family member whenever possible. Knowing that someone you can trust is watching out for your pets will allow you to use the restroom or purchase food at rest areas.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to transport a dog?
The least expensive way to transport a pet is in your own car. However, using a pet shipper’s ground transportation services is typically less expensive than using its air transportation options if this is not an option.
How do you transport dogs across the country?
- 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.
What’s the best way to transport a dog in a car?
Use a pet carrier or crate that has been crash-tested and certified for safety when transporting your dog in a vehicle. The ideal materials are aluminum and fiberglass-reinforced plastic, and you should make sure the crate is the right size for your dog. The crate should be insulated and have good air circulation.
What is the safest way to transport a dog?
The best way to keep your dog safe and prevent them from distracting you while you drive and navigate is to keep them in kennels. However, you can buy a harness or car seat that connects to your vehicle’s seatbelt system if you’d like to keep an eye on your traveling companion.