When you fly, all you have to do is go online to purchase a ticket, pack your bag, and head to the airport. There are a few simple rules about what you can carry on board and the weight of your checked baggage, but that’s about it.
Shipping a pet is not that simple. Most of the time it is a complex process that requires flight arrangements, or if going via ground transport, planning out a safe route as well as travel kennel requirements, pickup, and delivery arrangements, and even occasionally quarantine and/or boarding reservations.
When you arrive at your destination, you collect your baggage and start settling in. When traveling with a pet, especially a young puppy you need to leave nothing to chance.
With the right pet shipping company on your side, you won’t have to worry. Your pet’s travel plans may not be as simple as yours, but it will be as smooth as possible.
There are a couple of ways to go when you are unable to transport your pet yourself.
Air Pet Transport
With this type of pet transport service, your pet will go on an airplane with a nanny to reach its final destination. The animal shipping company will make sure your pup gets from point A to point B with as little stress as possible.
Pros
Arguably, the biggest pro to choosing air pet transport is the fact that this is the quickest way for your pet to reach you.
Cons
The downside to air pet transport is some pups do not do well with travel so adding lift-off and landing to that can be rough. However, I will add this short discomfort may still be preferred to multiple days of driving for travel-weary pets.
Ground Pet Transport
Ground pet transport is where an individual or pet shipping company picks up your pup and drives it to you.
Pros
If you’re working with a tight budget, then this is the most affordable pet transport service that’s available to you.
Cons
While this may be the most cost-effective pet transport option, it does come with its caveats.
For one, you don’t have the flexibility or speed that flying offers. If there’s a specific time you need to get your pup to your destination, then ground pet transport might not work out for you. This is because driving across the country or even state to state takes time. Especially if using a company that has more than one pup on board so they’ll have to make multiple stops to pick up or drop off other pets on the way.
Also, your pup may be exposed to multiple other dogs/pups and germs while in a group transport situation.
Private Pet Transport
With this option, your pup will receive more one-on-one care.
Pros
When you choose this transportation method, your pup will have their transporter’s undivided attention.
With only one pup in tow, it is much easier for the transporter to send you pictures or updates.
Another pro of private pet transport is the company will work around your schedule, not theirs.
Cons
The main con of this transport method is it’s pricier than the others.
Questions you may want to ask before selecting a transporter:
- How long has the transporter been transporting pets?
- Does the transporter require that the breeder pack any supplies for the dog’s trip?
- How often does the transporter stay in contact with the dog owner and breeder during the trip?
- Will the puppy be exposed to other dogs/puppies?
- Does the transporter require proof of vaccinations before transporting a dog/puppy?
- What is the protocol for offering the dogs food and water while in transit?
- What does the transporter do with dogs that stay with them overnight?
- How will the dog be restrained while in the vehicle?
- Is the vehicle climate-controlled?
- What information does the contract with the transporter contain?
- Does the transporter carry insurance?
The transporters listed below have not been vetted by Spottadachs or Good Dog. Before working with any transporter (including those on this list), you should personally verify that they have the proper licensing, registration, and insurance as required by law.
Transporters recommended on gooddog.com
National Puppy Transporters in the US
– Katie Harrison
– Jamal Wilson
– Exotic Angels
– Elite Pet Transport
– Jared Schorr
– Kristy Novian
– Fuzzy Fur Babies Flight Nanny
– Couture Lap Nanny
– Runway Pets
– Paw Paws Express
– Sunshine’s Transport
– Travelers Care
Puppy Transporters Based in the Eastern US
– Paws Express Transportation
– Great Lakes Pet Transportation
– D&Js Pet Transport
– CJs Pet Transport
– Coast 2 Coast Pet Transport LLC
– Go CATS Custom Animal Transport
– Pups on the move
– Deborah Joffre
– Julie Smith
– Bobby Eller
– Carly Kramer
– Britney Azzopardi
– Tim the Clipper Guy
– Shirly Lifford-grabill
– Andrea Casterline
– Robert Lopez
– Hunter Chase Land
– Liotto Boxers
– Homeward Bound Transports
Puppy Transporters Based in the Central US
– Gundog Express
– Blue Collar Carriage
– Purfect Paws Pet Transport
– Robert Carrera
– Frankie Dubman (Legado Pet Services)
– Airbound Pets
– Michael Hale
– Lucky Penny Transport
– Deena Hazlett
– Carol Harris
– Pet Air
– Jeff Pyle
– Mike Witt
– Hunter Calvelage
– Wonder Tails Canine Transport
– Kelli Wisdom
– Puppy Travelers
– Julie Wilmore-Martinez Olympic Boxers
– Northern Odyssey Gun Dogs and K9 Transport
Puppy Transporters Based in the Mountain US
– Mary Crane James
– Paula Thompson
– Cindy Honebein
– Crown Jewel Transport
National Puppy Transporters in the US
Katie Harrison
USDA Registered
Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
She has flown several puppies for us. She’s insured, great communications and very dependable.
I have used her to transport a puppy. Excellent, she was great at communicating and flew into a local airport. She took our puppy from us and delivered him into the arms of his waiting family. The family was pleased with communication and the puppy traveled for less than 3 hours. Excellent way to ship a puppy.
Jamal Wilson
USDA Registered
Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
They have transported 8 of my puppies. They did a good job. It was a positive experience. They prefer to fly from one major airport to another. It is more difficult to reserve them on routes which require them to fly in or out of smaller, regional airports.
Exotic Angels
USDA Registered
Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
One of the owners is a personal friend. They transported my last pup from Russia. They were very easy to work with and provided regular updates and pictures on the trip from pick up to drop off. They are all pet owners themselves and treat every transport as if it was their own.
Elite Pet Transport
USDA Registered
Air Transport
Jared Schorr
USDA Registered
Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Communicates very well, fast, safe and efficient.
Kristy Novian
Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Kristy has transported many puppies for us and has always done an A+ job. Kristy is both a dog breeder and former flight attendant and knows the flight nanny profession very well. She’s very professional and knows the airports very well and how to transport puppies safely. As a breeder she knows what other breeders expect and always delivers exceptional service. We are extremely type A as a breeder and only use the best when it comes to our repro vet and flight nannies…after using some other flight nannies (horrible experiences) and then finding out about and using Kristy ever since, we will never use anybody else.
Fuzzy Fur Babies Flight Nanny
Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
I have used them multiple times, and have recommended them to others. They were reliable and and easy to work with. Pricing seems to be in-line with the market. It is a team of flight attendants.
Couture Lap Nanny
Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
I have used them twice, both times no issues. Very friendly, personable and able to work with me.
Runway Pets
Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Pretty good! Very cheap and well known.
Paw Paws Express
USDA Registered
Air & Ground Transport
About Paw Paws Express:
Specializing in long distance pet transport via ground or air. We offer shared ground transport, private ground transport, nanny in cabin air service, accompanied/unaccompanied pet cargo air service.
Sunshine’s Transport
USDA Registered
Ground Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them: I watched them care for the animals, before I ever introduced myself. I was impressed with the consistent level of attentive care that the animals received. I have since watched their journeys online and am continuing to be impressed with the communication, interaction with each puppy/dog, and the complete transparency that is Sunshine’s Transport. These ladies will be my first choice when needing transport for a puppy.
Travelers Care
USDA Registered
Air Transport
What the transporter says: Our business is based on humanity, People or Pets, We CARE.
Puppy Transporters Based in the Eastern US
Paws Express Transportation
USDA Registered
Primary Location: Georgia
Ground Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Used them to transport 3 adult dogs from CA to OH. Amazing! Wonderful communication, great service and on time!
Great Lakes Pet Transportation
USDA Registered
Primary Location: Taylor, Michigan
Ground Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
We have used them for several years for transport of dogs that we have both bought and sold. Very happy with them and their service. Great communication.
D&Js Pet Transport
USDA Registered
Primary Location: Florida
Ground Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
They are always excellent. They have smaller routes and less travel times.
What the transporter says:
We have not had any USDA violations in five years and have zero customer complaints! We serve Eastern states only. Trips start and end in Florida. We have five years of experience, and $50k insurance for the pups.
CJs Pet Transport
USDA Registered
Primary Location: Pennsylvania
Ground Transport
Coast 2 Coast Pet Transport LLC
USDA Registered
Primary Location: South Carolina
Ground Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Recommended by a breeder. We have shipped several puppies through them. They have an excellent transport along with top notch cleaning routine. GPS location is given so you can track where you puppy is, and daily phone calls and pictures and/or videos are given to the seller and buyer during transport.
Go CATS Custom Animal Transport
USDA Registered
Primary Location: Rockmart, GA
Ground Transport
Pups on the move
USDA Registered
Primary Location: Atlanta, GA
Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
I’ve used them several times. All positive so far. They meet you curbside to pick up puppy. No need to pay to park. They deliver curbside to clients.
Deborah Joffre
USDA Registered
Primary Location: Atlanta, GA
Ground and Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
A friend shared Deb’s name and number with me about a year ago, I have used her many times since. I have hired Deborah to transport 8 Collies for me within the lat year. She is fast and reliable. She has a vet tech who she can rely on if a pet gets sick. She has flown several puppies for me and has driven puppies for me from PA to TX, MI, SC, and several to FL. I have also hired her to bring some puppies to me. Deb has every puppy ride in its own crate and she stops periodically to give the pup a walk and to text pictures to the sender and receiver. Deborah is dependable and has lots of experience. Fast, reliable, and dependable.
Julie Smith
Primary Location: Pendleton, KY
Ground Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Julie is a close friend. We show and travel together. She’s retired air force, loves dogs and is very responsible. Your dog or puppy would be well taken care of and spoiled rotten on their journey with her!
Bobby Eller
USDA Registered
Primary Location: Charlotte, NC
Ground and Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Bobby has transported for me for over four years. Bobby is excellent, very knowledgeable, very professional, and stays up on the latest information around the region and the world. Bobby will travel stateside and internationally.
Carly Kramer
Primary Location: Georgia
Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Carly is a breeder of merit in my breed, transported for me before. Carly is very kind, flexible and delivers the puppies in excellent condition. A true love for dogs – you will love her!
Britney Azzopardi
Primary Location: Metro Detroit Area
Air Transport
What the transporter says:
Britney is a fellow Good Breeder! Britney would be happy to help deliver fellow Good Breeder puppies to their families!
Tim the Clipper Guy
Primary Location: Naples, FL
Ground Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Equine services. Very reliable – will take pets when hauling horses…
Shirly Lifford-grabill
Primary Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Ground and Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
I was a client of Shirley’s for years. Everything she does is personal to my needs and professional. She is very good with dogs, has done rescue for many years, and is experienced with French Bulldogs and their special needs.
Andrea Casterline
Primary Location: Florida
Ground Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Professional, experienced & punctual. Travels all over & takes good care of the dogs onboard.
Robert Lopez
Primary Location: Atlanta, GA
Ground & Air Transport
What the transporter says:
I have 20 years of experience transporting dogs. I am especially cognizant of communicating to clients. My wife and I are on Good Dog under Two By Two Lagotto.
Hunter Chase Land
USDA Registered
Primary Location: McDonough, GA
Air Transport
What the transporter says:
Hi there! My father and I have been transporting puppies and kittens for a little over 3 years now. We have been looking for more local breeders here in Georgia to work with. We can pick up and drop off at just about any major airport now. The puppies would fly in cabin with us on Delta Airlines and sit right between our legs or in the open seat right next to us. We also provide the flight numbers so you can track the puppies in the air at all times. We would love to meet and talk more if you have the chance! Feel free to reach out at any time, thank you, and have a blessed day!
Liotto Boxers
USDA Registered
Primary Location: Gonzales, LA
What the transporter says:
We added a transportation division to our show dog handling business in March 2020. Please reach out with any questions or inquiries!
Homeward Bound Transports
Primary Location: Corinth, ME
What the transporter says:
This business was created after personal, negative, experience with pet transports. I realized that people and their pets deserve a safe loving way to get their babies home. We will do private and semi-private transports.
Puppy Transporters Based in the Central US
Gundog Express
USDA Registered
Primary Location: Tower City, ND
Ground Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
We have used them for our services. Very happy with their services. Flat rate on most places.
They have transported for me a handful of times now. Great! They definitely aren’t the transporters for those who want hourly updates though. They transport more than just gun dog breeds. They have never been more than a full day off from delivery estimate in the 10 times I’ve personally used them. They are not the transporters for you if you are expecting hourly updates as they only are on their phones at rest stops checking in with people.
Blue Collar Carriage
USDA Registered
Primary Location: Missouri
Ground and Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
I personally use them often. They are amazing, professional and love animals like they are their own. All around great company with great prices.
Purfect Paws Pet Transport
USDA Registered
Primary Location: Missouri
Ground Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
I used them once transporting a puppy from NJ to CO. Very positive. I have never used a ground transporter before. They communicated very well and sent me updates and photos of their travel daily. It took 3 days for them to get here but my puppy was well taken care of. They get booked right away and can only transport a few at a time for certain routes so it’s best to reserve a spot a few weeks prior.
Robert Carrera
USDA Registered
Primary Location: San Antonio, TX
Ground Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Robert is great, punctual, detailed, and on time. Best deal in town….
Frankie Dubman (Legado Pet Services)
USDA Registered
Primary Location: St Louis, MO
Ground and Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Frankie is a fellow member of GDCA. I know Frankie personally from showing and from the Great Dane community. I know five other breeders who have used Frankie for transporting their puppies. Frankie is insured and bonded and experienced with all breeds, specially large breeds. Frankie is a fellow Great Dane breeder owner handler who I have known for approximately 3 years. He is very personable and reliable.
Frankie is a fellow Great Dane breeder owner handler who i have known for approximately 3 years. Very personable and reliable.
Airbound Pets
USDA Registered
Primary Location: Kansas City, MO
Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Been flying puppies with them for 10 years. Great! They take great care of the puppies, making sure they get on the right flight and have everything they need. They pick up puppies in many towns across Missouri. They are kind, courteous, and make sure the puppy has clean paper in the shipper before placing on the plane.
Recommended by another breeder. Very professional. Our puppies are always well taken care of by Airbound until they get on their flights.
We have used them exclusively for the past 12 years. They are a family run business. I believe they only provide service in Missouri – they transport puppies and dogs to Kansas City International where the puppies fly out of. My experience has been wonderful. They have calmed all my fears about flying pets over the years. They are extremely helpful with necessary paperwork and information about flying pets. They may only work out of Missouri – they fly out of Kansas City, MO airport. They pick up pups and dogs along a route to the airport. Airbound pets also can book your flight for you to take your pup to the airport if you like. They are very helpful with the whole shipping process. They keep up to date with airline changes. They handle everything from airline reservations; crate purchase; and transport to the airport.
Michael Hale
USDA Registered
Primary Location: Michigan
Ground Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
I have used him recently for transporting a puppy. 100% satisfied.
Lucky Penny Transport
USDA Registered
Primary Location: Tulsa, OK
Ground Transport
What the transporter says:
I have transported for many Good Breeders. We are breeders, ourselves, and started this transport company to assist breeders who were affected by the airlines reducing pet cargo. We treat every transported animal with the same love and care we have for our own animals.
Deena Hazlett
USDA Registered
Primary Location: Southeast Michigan
Ground Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Deena is my dog sitter. She is awesome! Deena is dependable and communicates with you. She does her job perfectly.
Carol Harris
Primary Location: North Alabama
Ground Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Friends for 25 years. Professional, caring, dependable, prompt. She was a dog breeder and semi truck driver.
Pet Air
Primary Location: Kansas City, MO
Ground Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
John McGee is the principal contact and I consider him a good friend after all these years. I spoke with him this morning and he was delighted to hear that I planned an excellent recommendation to you.
Jeff Pyle
Primary Location: Ohio
Ground Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Professional handler – treats the pets great
Mike Witt
Primary Location: Kansas City, MO
Ground and Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
He is very good with animals and people. Very professional. He loves dogs and loves bringing people joy by delivering their new baby.
Hunter Calvelage
Primary Location: Midwest Ohio/Indiana
Ground and Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
She is my personal dog handler. Hunter is young, but she is experienced and gracious. She has recently aged out of Juniors, but is hardworking and mature beyond her years. She knows dogs, and is confident and capable. She is really unflappable. She can handle multiple dogs, people and personalities with confidence and commitment. Hunter is young, but totally capable. I have observed her in high pressure situations and be very mature and confident. I have entrusted my high value dogs to her care and appreciate her communication and capable handling.
Wonder Tails Canine Transport
Primary Location: South Texas
Ground and Air Transport
What the transporter says:
Kellye is a fellow Good Breeder! They offer competitive rates for flight nanny or ground transport in South Texas and East Texas.
Kelli Wisdom
USDA Registered*
Primary Location: Chicago, IL
Ground and Air Transport
What the transporter says:
Hello! I have done a few transports for some friends of mine who are breeders. It’s been a blast and an honor that they trust me with their furry loved ones. I have made connections with other breeders now and would like to continue expanding my experience and connections. I even have a chihuahua of my own called Itchy that I picked up myself because I wanted to make sure he received the best possible care in transit to his new home! I promise to treat all commuters like my own Itchy. Take care!
*USDA license is pending approval
Puppy Travelers
USDA Registered
Primary Location: Neosho, MO
Ground Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them: I have only had wonderful experiences with using Puppy Travelers. They are very reputable, professional, provide excellent customer service and prompt pick-up/deliveries and are fantastic with the pets they transport! I highly recommend Puppy Travelers and cannot praise them enough! Puppy Travelers also have very affordable pricing for their transportation services in the $200.00-$300.00 range depending on the weight, age, and size of dogs/puppies. Multiple dogs can be transported and delivered to the same person at a discounted price as well.
Julie Wilmore-Martinez Olympic Boxers
Air Transport
Email: sasjul69@aol.com
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them: Boxer Breeder that also provides puppy flight service
Northern Odyssey Gun Dogs and K9 Transport
Primary Location: Park Rapids, MN
Ground Transport
Puppy Transporters Based in the Mountain US
Mary Crane James
Primary Location: Chandler, AZ
Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Mary is very professional. She offers reasonable prices, good availability and communication. Mary is kind, responsive, and easy to work with.
Paula Thompson
Primary Location: Arizona
Air Transport
What your fellow Good Breeders are saying about them:
Paula was recommended to me by a fellow GANA breeder!
Cindy Honebein
Primary Location: Denver, CO
Air and Ground Transportation
Email: cindyhonebein@gmail.com
What the transporter says: I offer one on one care & transport of smaller to medium dogs & puppies. I am easy access to DIA for flight nanny service, or will personally drive your pet to it’s destination.
Crown Jewel Transport
Primary Location: Austin, CO
Ground Transportation
USDA Registered
What the transporter says: We offer high quality loving transportation coast to coast for your furry babies. All crates and food dishes are provided, all we need is a valid CVI and copy of vaccination records. We have a strict no paws on the ground policy for pets 6 months of age and younger. No animals are taken out of the transport vehicle (with the exception of potty breaks for our older passengers) for the duration of the trip, we live eat and sleep in the vehicle with your baby. All enclosures are cleaned and sanitized between passengers!
