Index to Reviews – Locus Online
The 7 Best Pet Shipping Companies (2024)
After reviewing the pet shipping industry, we've narrowed our list of recommended providers to the following companies:
Just like choosing long-distance moving services, it is important to pick the right pet transportation services for you and your pet. When considering a pet shipping company, you must also consider your pet's health and safety needs. You can use these tips to choose the best domestic or international pet shipping company to balance your budget and peace of mind.
Your Pet Type and SizeMost pet transportation companies only move cats and dogs, so you might need to choose a special provider if you're moving another type of animal. Airpets International and uShip are two options that allow you to ship additional types of animals. Some pet transport companies also ban certain types of breeds of dog from travel, which you'll need to consider if you have a breed commonly subject to restrictions. Blue Collar has no breed restrictions as long as your pet weighs less than 200 pounds.
Additionally, most companies restrict pet size based on your travel type. For example, Air Animal Movers will not air-transport pets that weigh more than 100 pounds, including the kennel. To eliminate billing surprises, you can weigh your pet in and out of a carrier or kennel before pricing transport services.
Your Destination and DistanceThe distance your pet must travel, plus the location of your final destination, plays a role in picking the best pet shipping company. If your pet has to travel a longer distance, consider specializing in comfort, such as Royal Paws. Additionally, some companies may restrict moving services to certain route lengths because of the limited ability to give pets breaks or exercise on longer routes.
Not every moving company can offer all types of transportation. If you're moving internationally, you might want to consider Airpets International, Air Animal Pet Movers and Starwood Animal Transport, which specialize in helping with customs documentation. For shorter moves within the Florida area, consider locally owned provider Blue Collar Pet Transport.
Your Budget and ExpensesPet shipping companies use proprietary pricing structures and underwriting systems to price moves. Some of the factors that will contribute to the price of your transportation services include:
If price is your main concern when moving a pet, you might want to consider listing your pet on uShip's site. We found that uShip offered the most affordable pet shipping service options overall — and with its marketplace-style system, you can invite local movers to compete for your job, potentially lowering prices even further.
Your Timeline and ScheduleIt's best to schedule transportation for your furry friend as early as possible. Moving long-distance with a pet might require air transportation, which means you or your pet shipping company will need to budget time to book the flight and ensure proper documentation is in order. Scheduling in advance also provides a wider range of pickup and delivery date options, which you can customize to fit your professional mover's schedule.
If booking a last-minute move is unavoidable, consider Air Animal Pet Movers, which allows customers to book up to 14 days before their pet needs to move. While last-minute services are more expensive, these companies are a reputable last resort for transporting your pet to your new home.
The best moving company on the market depends on what you need from the company, your pet's characteristics and your destination. For example, if you need the most affordable pet transportation service, uShip's moving marketplace could be ideal. Happy Tails could be the best option if you're making a military move and you'd like special attention paid to the filing process. If comfort is key or your pet suffers from separation anxiety, Royal Paws' extra comfort could be worth the increased price.
No matter what type of pet transport you prefer, we recommend getting a quote from all of our recommended providers. Some companies may have local hubs or service centers located closer to your destination or current location, allowing you to access lower rates. Remember that each company has a specialized pricing process — so it's possible to get five different prices for the same services from five different companies.
Our team created a comprehensive moving company methodology based on industry standards and customer experience to rank moving companies. We called each moving company to speak with representatives, simulated the quote process online and over the phone as applicable, reviewed each company's contents protection (insurance) plans, and examined customer reviews for each provider. Based on a 100-point scale, we gave each provider a score out of five stars. We used ten key factors to score providers including moving services, additional services, payment process, contents protection plans, scheduling process, trailer and container sizes, additional benefits, state availability, reputation and type of mover.
Our team created a comprehensive moving company methodology based on industry standards and customer experience to rank moving companies. We called each moving company to speak with representatives, simulated the quote process online and over the phone as applicable, reviewed each company's contents protection (insurance) plans, and examined customer reviews for each provider. Based on a 100-point scale, we gave each provider a score out of five stars. We used ten key factors to score providers including moving services, additional services, payment process, contents protection plans, scheduling process, trailer and container sizes, additional benefits, state availability, reputation and type of mover.
3 Pet Insurance Moves New Dog Owners Should Make
By applying for pet insurance when their dog is young owners will improve their chances of securing cost-effective and comprehensive coverage. Jonathan Downey/Getty Images Pet ownership can be fulfilling and exciting, particularly after adopting or buying a new pet. For dog owners, there will be many items to account for ranging from vaccinations and veterinarian visits to house training and teaching your dog how to walk on a leash. It's also smart to consider pet insurance at an early age.
Pet insurance is both a cost-effective and helpful way for owners to reduce pet care costs while maintaining a steady stream of coverage and care for their furry friend. That said, this unique form of insurance doesn't operate like traditional insurance policies. New dog owners, then, should take certain steps now to protect both their finances and their new pet. Below, we'll break down three pet insurance moves new dog owners should make now.
Ready to get started? Get a free pet insurance quote online here.
3 pet insurance moves new dog owners should makeHere are three smart pet insurance moves owners of new dogs should consider making now.
Get startedThe first pet insurance move new dog owners should make is to simply get started. Pet insurance will only grow more expensive and less comprehensive the longer owners wait to act. They should look to secure a plan now, then, when premiums will be cheaper and pet insurance companies are more likely to offer more in-depth care. By acting at an early age owners will also circumvent issues with covering their dog's pre-existing medical conditions. Since a new dog is unlikely to have these issues, owners will lock in a better plan than if they had waited for those conditions to develop (pet insurance companies won't cover pre-existing conditions until they've healed completely).
Don't wait to consider pet insurance. Get a free price quote in less than 30 seconds.
Shop around for providersThere are multiple pet insurance companies on the market right now so don't feel compelled to accept the first policy you get a quote for. Instead, shop around and see what each provider is willing to offer (and at what price point). You may be surprised to discover some of the items a robust pet insurance policy will cover and you don't need to necessarily spend a lot to get those protections. You won't know all of your potential options, however, until you shop around and compare providers, policies and prices.
Speak to your veterinarianIf you have a veterinarian you trust, whether from another pet or just one you've recently started using to care for your new dog, then speak to them about pet insurance. Not only is your veterinarian well-versed in your pet's medical history but they're also likely familiar with your dog's breed and medical condition. This knowledge is important as it can help you tailor your potential pet insurance coverage to what your dog needs now or will in the future. By incorporating your veterinarian into the conversation you'll improve your chances of paying for care that you can actually use - and you'll save some money in the process.
The bottom lineThere are many things to add to the checklist for dog owners. But pet insurance should be near the top of that list. This unique form of protection can safeguard both your wallet and your new dog's health. To that end, new dog owners should get started early to save money on a policy and shop around to find the best provider for their needs. They should also consider speaking to their veterinarian to more effectively personalize their new dog's pet insurance options. By making these moves at an early age they can better improve their chances of securing valuable insurance protection for the months and years to come.
Matt RichardsonDomestic Violence Shelter To Add Pet-friendly Rooms
Jan. 14—Dottie Bromley has aimed for many years to bring more pet-friendly services to survivors of domestic violence who are fleeing abusive situations and seeking shelter at Amity House.
As executive director of Glynn Community Crisis Center, which runs the shelter, Bromley often sees how important this kind of service is to women, men and their children who are victims of abuse. Pets are an important source of emotional support and are members of the family that cannot be abandoned.
"Many victims will not leave their abusive situation and leave that pet behind because that pet's already been abused in some fashion," she said. "It's been used to control the victim."
During previous work out of state with the humane society, Bromley saw firsthand how crucial pet-friendly services are for survivors of domestic violence.
"Our staff worked with the domestic violence task force there, and if somebody had to move out and get away, somebody from our staff would meet them on site and get their pets to our shelter where we would house them at no charge for six to eight weeks, sometimes longer if necessary, until that family could get re-homed and stabilized," Bromley recalled.
Since moving to Glynn County, she has hoped to bring pet-friendly services to abuse victims in this area, and several partnerships are now making that vision a reality.
Renovation work will begin this spring to create a pet-friendly shelter.
Greater Good Charities' Rescue Rebuild shelter renovation program and RedRover's animal charity program are providing funding, design and labor to renovate two of Amity House's four family rooms to be pet-friendly. The work will include the installation of dog/cat doors and the creation of a private pet relief area connected to the room, as well as a play area.
The crisis center has a longstanding partnership with Ahimsa House, a nonprofit based in Atlanta that coordinates foster families throughout the state who can care for pets.
Ahimsa will also provide training to the shelter's staff to help them best support shelter residents with pet care.
Other partnerships supporting this new pet-friendly initiative are veterinarian Dr. Nicola Overman and Castaways Pet Rescue Inc., who will provide other needed services for the pets.
Nearly 70% of pet owners who enter a domestic violence shelter report that their abusers threatened, injured or killed a family pet, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and more than half of domestic violence victims and their children report that their pets are an important source of emotional support.
"Most of us don't want to put our pets into foster care, and we sure as heck are not going to leave them behind," Bromley said.
The Glynn Community Crisis Center provides many types of support to abuse victims, including a housing assistance program, assistance with legal bills and victim compensation and access to legal support and to counseling.
The addition of pet-friendly services will be especially important for the emotional well-being of those the shelter serves, Bromley said.
"It makes their life easier," she said. "Pets provide emotional support for the pet parent. It helps that pet parent not feel so alone and stranded."
To learn more about the crisis center, visit https://www.Amityhouse-gccc.Com/.
The center's annual fundraiser, A Taste of Glynn, will take place from 5-8 p.M. Sunday at the King & Prince Resort on St. Simons. Tickets can be purchased online at www.Atasteofglynn.Com/.
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