How to Ship a Dog With Ground Transportation
Many families are unsure of how to transport their dogs to a new location when moving or otherwise traveling long distances. If transportation by airplane or in the family car is out of the question, shipping your pet by ground is the next best option. When making shipping arrangements, consider that while you're aware of what's going on, your dog isn't. Arranging your dog's safety and comfort is of paramount importance when shipping him.
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Things You'll Need
- Airline-approved shipping crate
- Attachable food and water bowls
- Pet bedding, toys and treats
Instructions
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Contact the transportation company of your choice. There are dedicated dog transportation companies as well as other transport options such as checking your dog as cargo on a train. Gather details such as size, weight and crate requirements. Make sure to research the company thoroughly--recommendations from friends or neighbors who have used the service are always best. At the very least they should have USDA Certified Handler or IPATA status.
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Prepare your dog for shipping. Purchase an airline-approved pet crate, as these will be very sturdy--a necessity when your dog might be packed among the other cargo on a bus, train or truck. Check with your vet to make sure that your dog is in good health prior to traveling.
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Place your dog in the shipping crate along with food, water, toys and bedding. Either arrange with the shipping company to come pick it up, or transport the dog to the station or depot and check it in.
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Meet your pet at the end of its journey, or find someone who can. Your dog may be shaky and weak, and will probably have soiled itself depending on the length of the journey. Be prepared to offer lots of praise and love to your dog when you meet it, as being shipped is stressful for it.
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Tips & Warnings
Include food and water when you crate your dog for shipping. Freeze the water in a container that will latch to the front mesh panel of the crate.
Accustom your pet to the crate by feeding it inside the crate for two weeks prior to departure. Your dog will begin to associate the crate with good things and will be less traumatized when shipped.
It is not recommended to sedate your dog unless there is a specific medical condition that requires it. Sedatives can cause nausea and lung or heart ailments in your dog.
Paying a reputable dog-shipping company is generally the best way to ensure your pet arrives safely. Most train and bus companies will not accept liability for your dog's injury, whereas a pet shipping company will.
If the trip will be an especially long one (for example, more than 24 hours) consider shipping your pet by air or bringing him with you in the family car. Twenty-four hours without food, water or human interaction is stressful for the dog--and any longer than that will cause undue harm.
