How Do I Ship My Dog?

Moving is stressful enough on its own — throw a canine companion into the mix, and it can get even more chaotic.

And that’s where pet transport services come in. Shipping your pets to your destination can help take a little moving pressure off of you while ensuring your four-legged friend arrives at their new home safe and sound.

If you’re asking yourself, “How exactly do I ship my dog?” Don’t panic! We’re here to help.

‘How Do I Ship My Dog?’ Your Complete Checklist

As with most things, the trick to moving your pet somewhere is knowing where to start.

Here’s your complete step-by-step guide to help you prepare your four-legged friend for transport.

Pin Down a Date

Before you can even start shopping around for different pet transport services, you need to figure out exactly when you’re going to need to move your pet.

If you’re moving to a new home and are sending your pet over separately, you’ll need to make sure there is someone there to collect your pet once they arrive.

If you’re picking up a new pet from a breeder, you’ll need to work with them to figure out the best date for your transport service to pick your new four-legged friend up.

Depending on the service you choose and the distance your pet needs to travel, you’ll likely need to plan on your pet’s journey taking around five days.

Because drivers could be picking up and dropping off other pets along the way, the trip can take a bit longer. That said, most pet parents get their canine and feline companions back within a week.

Start Training

Depending on the service you choose and the method of transport you’re going to employ, there’s a good chance your furry friend is going to need a little extra training before they hit the road.

First, you’ll need to make sure your pet is comfortable walking on a leash. You want to get your pet to walk without pulling, struggling, or attacking the lead.

You may also need to start crate training your pet. By crate training, you’ll help your animal grow accustomed to staying in confined quarters for extended amounts of time, which can help ease the stress that comes with traveling.

Learn the Rules

Some pet transport services have strict breed restrictions that can make finding the right fit for your furry friend difficult. But, at Blue Collar Pet Transport, all breeds are welcome.

That said, there are a few stipulations your pet must be able to adhere to if they’re going to hitch a ride with one of our drivers.

For safety reasons, all pets must be under 200 pounds. Pets also need to meet some training and behavioral standards. While your pooch won’t need to know how to roll over or play dead, they will need to know how to walk on a leash.

Because your pet could wind up riding with a few new furry friends, you will also need to make sure their social skills are up to snuff, so they don’t get into any disagreements with their animal or human companions during their journey.

Visit Your Vet

There are a few reasons why you’ll need to visit your pet’s vet before they hit the open road.

First, no matter what service you decide to use, you’ll likely need to present a certificate of health. A certificate of health confirms that your pet is healthy enough to travel long distances and be in close quarters with other animals.

If your pet is on any medication, you’ll need to visit your vet to get a new prescription so you can pick up enough medicine to cover your pet’s immediate needs as well as some extra in case of delays.

Finally, if you’re moving, you may also need to pick up a copy of your pet’s medical records so you can have them on hand to give to your pet’s new vet after you arrive at your new home.

Book a Service

The service and method of transport you pick depends entirely on your pet’s needs, how far they need to travel, and how quickly they need to get to their destination.

At Blue Collar Pet Transport, we provide a wide range of services tailored to meet your specific requirements. From private transport to various other options, you’re certain to discover the ideal method to accommodate you and your beloved pets.

Pack Your Pet’s Bags

Once you have your pet’s ride ready to go, you’ll need to make sure they have everything they need to complete their journey.

Many pet transport services provide food for your pet’s journey. But, if your animal is on a strict or special diet, you’ll need to pack food for them and instructions on how to feed them. While you should have an estimate of how long your pet’s trip should take, plan on packing a few extra meals in case of delays.

You should also pack your pet’s leash and harness or walking collar (if they have one), so their human companion can exercise them during the trip.

Make sure to pack enough of your pet’s vital medication to cover the duration of the trip and instructions on how to administer it. Like with the food, you may want to consider packing some extra in case the trip takes longer than expected.

Finally, while pet transporters are experts in caring for animals on the road, traveling away from you can be a highly stressful experience for your furry friends. So, you may also want to pack your pet’s favorite toy or a shirt or blanket that smells like you for them to cuddle.

Get Your Papers in Order

Aside from your pet’s certificate of health, you’ll also need to make sure you, or whoever you’re trusting to drop off or collect your pet, have a valid photo I.D. on hand.

On top of that, if your pet has a chip, you’ll want to make sure all of your contact information associated with it is up to date. You should also make sure the info on your pet’s tags is up to date as well.

Say Goodbye!

Finally, all that’s left to do is give your four-legged friend a big hug and say goodbye!

While it can be tough to trust a pet transport company with your canine or feline companions, hiring a professional service is the best way to ensure your four-legged friend arrives at their destination safely.

Moving Your Four-Legged Friends

Transporting a pet can be confusing and stressful. But, by following this helpful guide, you’ll be saying, “I’m ready to ship my dog!” in no time.