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Home Movers Pet Movers: The 3 Best Pet Transport Companies

Pet Movers: The 3 Best Pet Transport Companies

Last updated on: May 16, 2024

Long-distance, cross-country and international moves with pets present a number of challenges. It can be stressful and complicated to manage the costs and logistics of a pet move. Hiring a pet shipping company brings relief to most. Pet moving services help you worry less and give your pet a more pleasant experience.

In addition, for some people, hiring a pet transportation company is not a choice but an obligation, as some airlines only accept pets being carried by professional pet transporters. This is because pet owners frequently present incorrect documents, are missing documents, or bring the wrong types of crates.

At MovingWaldo, we understand that it is hard for you to leave your faithful companion during his journey. It is also difficult to find a trusted pet transport company that suits your needs. To make this process easier, we have compiled a list of the 3 best transport companies servicing the United States and Canada!

MovingWaldo’s list of the 3 Best Pet Moving Companies:

What is MovingWaldo?

MovingWaldo is a technology company that specializes in simplifying the moving process for individuals and families. Our comprehensive suite of services includes booking trustworthy movers, comparing internet plans, and automating administrative tasks, which can save users hours of paperwork.

How are moving companies selected?

Our network of movers you can trust is carefully built based on professionalism, years of experience, accreditation, awards and social proofs from customers. We care to help you through the maze of information the web provides about this unique industry. You can trust the movers listed here to guide you and your family safely into moving day!

Are you a good moving company?

1. Blue Collar Pet Transport

 4.4/5

4.4 stars based on 313 reviews from around the web

Best for Canadians

About

Blue Collar Pet Transport (BCPT) is a pet relocation and shipping company based in Orlando operating since 2019. The pet transport company is USDA-certified and serves the United States and Canada through ground and air transportation. BCPT allows all pets to use their transport services as long as they are domestic and weigh less than 200 pounds.

Services offered

Shared Ride Pet Transport
Private Pet Transport
Air Pet Transport
Private Jet Pet Transport
Central Florida Pet Transport

Available on demand

BBB Bureau Rating

N/A

In Business Since

2019

Area Covered

North America

Pros

Offers shared rides
No pets in cargo
User-friendly mobile app
You can schedule last-minute rides
Flight nannies for pets under 20 lbs
Coverage costs are included in the price of animal transport services
24/7 pet tracking & update pictures with the private pet transport

Cons

Possible long wait time for ground shipping due to BCPT’S shared-ride pre-planned routes
Local door-to-door pet relocations limited to Florida only*

*Door-to-door moves available for long distance moves

Why choose this pet transport company?

As one of the best pet movers, BCPT is dedicated to having your pet′s move be as safe, comfortable and stress-free as possible. With this pet shipping company, you can typically schedule last-minute rides. Their pet transport services include pet purchase fraud protection, insurance coverage, and more.

This pet transport company offers door-to-door transportation for dogs and cats weighing less than 200 pounds within North America. BCPT can also fly your pets under 20 lbs anywhere in the United States or Canada. Not to mention, your pet won’t be in a cargo hold but accompanied by a trusted flight nanny in the cabin of the airplane.

While sharing a ride is an option they give you to make you save money, you may consider their private pet transport. With this service, choosing BCPT will ease your mind and stress as the customer service department helps you set up a tracking system so you can watch your pet’s journey. Your pet will also be given 30 minutes walks during breaks and can benefit from a customized experience.

 4.4/5

2. Air Animal Pet Movers

 4.6/5

4.6 stars based on 210 reviews from around the web

Best for Air Transportation

About

Air Animal Pet Movers is a veterinarian-owned, domestic and international transportation company based in Florida. Since 1977, they transport most domesticated animals with high standards in humane pet transportation. The company’s comprehensive network includes over 225 airlines around the world.

Services offered

Shared ground transportation
Private van transportation
Air transportation
Express pet shipments
VIP transportation
GPS tracking
Vet services
Concierge services for U.S. Customs clearance

Available on demand

BBB Bureau Rating

A+

In Business Since

1977

Area Covered

More than 165 countries

Pros

Door-to-door, private ground transportation options for domestic trips
Excellent customer service
High-quality vet services (including a vet checkup before every trip)
Various transportation levels
User-friendly website with useful how-to videos
BBB accredited

Cons

No ground transportation within Canada

Why choose this pet transport company?

As a highly trusted company with over 45 years of experience, Air Animal Pet Movers provides its customers with various pet moving services. They offer shared and private ground transportation services, as well as air transportation options. Their website’s user experience is optimized and features many useful resources and explanation videos.

As an A+ BBB accredited company, Air Animal Pet Movers guarantees that a USDA-accredited veterinarian will examine your pet and verify its microchip before every trip.

Air Animal offers different transportation levels reaching from the most affordable to the most expensive. The basic travel package includes a concierge to book and coordinate a move on an airline, whereas the VIP package offers extra options such as health reviews and a pickup and drop-off from your home to a commercial airline.

 4.6/5

3. Starwood Animal Transport

 4.7/5

4.7 stars based on 168 reviews from around the web

Best for Ground Transportation

About

Since 1984, Starwood Animal Transport has been recognized worldwide as a leading pet relocation company. They strive to have your pet′s move be as safe, comfortable, and stress-free as possible. To give you and your pet the best experience, they pay particular attention to details such as routing, weather, aircraft type, and other factors that may affect your pet’s ability to travel in comfort and safety.

Services offered

US domestic and international transport:

- Hub to hub transport
- Hub to door transport
- Door to hub transport
- Door to door transport
Pet protection plans
Flight nanny services
Vet services
GPS tracking
Military Moves

Available on demand

BBB Bureau Rating

A+

In Business Since

1984

Area Covered

Nearly worldwide

Pros

More than 38 years of experience in pet shipping
Door-to-door transportation for pets across the US and from the US to many countries
GPS tracking with real-time tracking updates
Pet protection plans
Transparent pricing

Cons

Ground transportation limited to the United States
For international or long-distance moves, you can only ship you pet FROM the United States not from another country*

*For example, you can’t transport your pet with Starwood within Canada or from Canada to another country.

Why choose this pet transport company?

With overs 3 decades of experience as pet movers, Starwood Animal Transport offers air transportation in the United States and Canada. They also provide ground transportation within the continental USA.

To give you peace of mind, Starwood offers a pet protection plan covering your pet during his journey. The plan includes three coverage benefits: veterinary expenses, trip interruption expenses and emergency repatriation.

This pet transport company has transparent pricing and offers 3 levels of services based on your needs (economy, business and premium). You can even select a door-to-door option. Pet tracking portal and door-to-door service are available for business and premium packages.

 4.7/5

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Transport Companies

Ground transportation: How much do pet transport services cost?

The cost of pet transport services for ground transportation varies according to the length of the journey and the pet movers you choose. It can cost as little as $100 to ship your pet to a close location and as much as $1500 – $2500 for a 10-hour drive. Prices can even increase to around $4000 – $6000 for a cross-country journey.

Shared-ride: For American customers, the average cost for a shared ride is $0.40 per mile with a handling fee of about $350. In Canada, it’s about $0.80 per mile plus a handling fee of approximately $700.
Private pet transport: In the United States, the average rate is $1 per mile plus an additional $900 handling fee. In Canada, the average rate is $1.5 per mile plus a handling fee of about $1,800.

(*PetRelocation & Blue Collar Pet Transport)

Air transportation: How much do pet transport services cost?

Each move has lots of variables. The cost of pet transport services for air transportation varies depending on your pet’s size, the airline and the distance of the flight. Flying one small dog in cargo with a pet-friendly airline costs between $200 and 300$. The cost to fly a larger dog can go up to around $1000 for a domestic move, while international flights can cost up to $2000 – $3000.

(*PetRelocation & The Spruce Pets)

Is it safe for pets to travel in cargo?

Yes, it is safe for pets to travel in cargo, but it is safer for them to travel in the cabin as carry-on luggage. However, animals that are not allowed in the airplane cabin must travel in cargo. Airlines make it as safe as possible for your pet travelling in cargo. They are kept separate from luggage in climate-controlled units. Most airlines require an up-to-date health certificate from a licensed veterinarian to confirm your pet is in good health given the level of stress cargo travel places on pets. Note that some airlines also refuse to fly pets when it is too hot or too cold.

Is quarantine required for my pet?

When bringing a pet to the U.S. or Canada, you must adhere to the rules established by the country concerned. Every country has its own rules for pet shipping. Typically, your pet won’t have to spend time in quarantine. It is however important to keep in mind that some countries (especially those that are rabies-free) require a short quarantine. To obtain the latest quarantine requirements, you must call the Embassies and Consulates or rely on your pet transport company.

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Pet Movers: The 3 Best Pet Transport Companies

MovingWaldo’s list of the 3 Best Pet Moving Companies:

1. Blue Collar Pet Transport

2. Air Animal Pet Movers

3. Starwood Animal Transport

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Transport Companies

Ground transportation: How much do pet transport services cost?

Air transportation: How much do pet transport services cost?

Is it safe for pets to travel in cargo?

Is quarantine required for my pet?

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