How to Ship a Dog to Another State

Whether you’re moving for work, relocating your family, or helping a rescue dog find a new home, there are times when dogs need to travel across state lines. Shipping a dog isn’t just a matter of booking a ticket, though. It requires careful planning to ensure your pet is safe, comfortable, and compliant with state and airline regulations.

This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping your dog to another state, from choosing the right transport to preparing your pet for a stress-free journey.

Different Transportation Options

When you’re moving your dog to another state, the biggest decision is whether to go by air or ground. Each option has its own advantages and challenges, and the right fit depends on your dog’s size, breed, and comfort level, as well as your own travel plans.

Air Transport

Flying is often the fastest way to get your dog from one state to another. Small dogs that meet airline size and weight limits can travel in-cabin under your seat in an approved carrier. 

Larger dogs usually have to fly as cargo in the plane’s temperature-controlled cargo hold, unless they are official service dogs. Airlines have detailed requirements for crate dimensions, check-in procedures, and weather restrictions.

Pro: Cargo is a safe, efficient mode of transport for live animals. Air travel gets your dog to their destination quickly. It’s ideal if you’re moving cross-country or have limited time. 

Con: Certain breeds, particularly snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds and strong-jawed dogs, may not be allowed to fly. There may be scheduling limits around periods of extreme heat or cold.

Ground Transport

If flying isn’t the right choice or isn’t an option for your dog, ground transport is an alternative. You can drive your dog yourself or hire a professional pet transport service. 

Professional transporters can provide shared rides with other animals or private, door-to-door service that’s much like a personal chauffeur for your pet.

Pro: Ground travel allows dogs that can’t fly based on breed, age, health, or other concerns to get to their destination. It also has more stops for dogs who need it.Con: You lose time. Driving across several states takes longer. If you prefer a private trip with a pet transportation company, it can be expensive, especially when it’s a long distance. 

Vaccination and Microchip Requirements

Before transporting your dog to another state, you’ll need to make sure their vaccinations and microchip information are up to date, no matter how you’re getting there. If you’re working with breeders, ensure all vaccinations and health certificates are provided before interstate transport.

Here’s what you’ll typically need or want to have ready:

• Rabies vaccination: Every state in the U.S. mandates a current rabies vaccine for dogs traveling across state lines. You’ll usually need to provide a valid rabies certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian, listing the vaccination date and expiration date.
• Core vaccines: While not required by law, most pet shipping services expect dogs to be current on DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus). A boarding facility may also require vaccine protection against Bordetella and canine influenza.
• Microchip: Even if your state doesn’t require it, microchipping is the best way to ensure your dog can be identified and reunited with you if separated in transit. Choose an ISO-compatible microchip that works with universal scanners.

If you’re flying domestically, airlines set their own pet travel policies. Assume that if your pet is traveling in cargo, proof of rabies vaccination is mandatory.

Necessary Documents 

The exact requirements can vary depending on your destination and the transport method, but most pet owners will need some combination of the following:

• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI): If your pet is traveling as cargo, most airlines require a health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited vet. It confirms your dog is healthy and free from contagious diseases and is valid for 10-30 days from the exam date. 
• Rabies vaccination certificate: Every state requires proof of a current rabies vaccination. It should include the dates of vaccination and expiration, vaccine manufacturer, product name, serial number, and your vet’s signature and license information.
• USDA-endorsed documents: For most domestic state-to-state moves, endorsement isn’t required, but your dog’s health certificate may need it for U.S. territory travel to destinations like Hawaii. 
• Medical records: If you’re traveling with a dog that has any chronic conditions or medication requirements, it’s best practice to carry their recent medical records with you. 

Important note: Most major airlines don’t require a health certificate for pets traveling in-cabin. Some may ask for one depending on the destination, your pet’s age, or if they suspect your pet has health issues, so it’s always a good idea to have those documents ready.

Check Specific State-To-State Rules

When traveling with your dog across state lines, you’re not just dealing with airline policy differences. You’ll also need to comply with the receiving state’s animal entry rules. Each state or territory, not APHIS, sets its own requirements for new pet arrivals.

Rabies vaccination rules are universal. In the U.S., every state requires a valid rabies vaccination for dogs 3-4 months of age. Here are a few examples of how rules differ state-by-state beyond rabies:

• Colorado: Dogs entering the state must have a CVI issued within 30 days of entry. The only exception is Colorado-origin dogs that leave the state for 30 days or less.
• Hawaii: Much like countries like Australia, Hawaii’s strict rules keep the islands rabies-free. Dogs must meet rabies titer and vaccination requirements to avoid a lengthy quarantine. Pets that meet all criteria may qualify for direct release at the airport or a 5-day or less quarantine.
• Minnesota: Almost all mammals must arrive with an original CVI issued by a veterinarian. A copy must be sent to the state animal health office within 7 days of a pet’s arrival.
• Nebraska: Nebraska requires a CVI for dogs entering the state, issued within 30 days of entry. Your pet’s CVI should include information about the purpose of travel.

Because states have different entry rules, it’s essential to check the exact requirements for your pet’s destination well before travel. Verify those using the APHIS guides for interstate travel. 

Choose the Right Crate or Carrier

When selecting the right travel crate or carrier for your dog, your pet’s comfort and safety should be the top priority. The crate protects your dog during their journey but also helps reduce stress, whether you’re traveling by car, plane, or using an animal transportation service.

For air travel, there’s an important distinction between in-cabin and cargo kennels:

• In-cabin: Small dogs that fit under the seat travel in soft-sided carriers approved by the airline. Most airlines require that your dog be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the pet carrier. In-cabin carriers are typically limited to 18-20 inches in length and between 15-20 pounds combined with the pet.
• Cargo: Larger dogs travel in hard-sided crates designed for the cargo area. These crates must meet IATA standards for size, ventilation, and durability. They should be labeled “live animal,” have leak-proof bottoms with absorbent bedding, and secure food and water bowls inside. Airlines may require them to be slightly larger for certain breeds.

For ground transport, soft-sided crates may work for very short trips, but for longer journeys, a hard-sided crate with proper ventilation is safer. You’ll still want to make sure the crate is big enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

If you’re using a service, the pet shipping company may have additional standards (or tips) for choosing the right crate. If you’re not sure about sizing, use our Crate Calculator to guide you.

Prepare Your Pet for Travel

We have a detailed pet packing list that’s useful no matter the mode of transport, but here are a few tips we always share with our clients before we transport pets:

• Get a vet check-up: Your vet will make sure your dog is healthy and up to date on vaccinations, and provide you with any paperwork you need if you’re flying.
• Update their identification. Make sure your dog’s collar, tags, and microchip information are current, and include your contact information on their crate.
• Start crate training early. Introduce your dog to their crate well in advance, making it a positive space with treats, praise, and sessions that gradually increase in length.
• Pack familiar items. Place absorbent bedding and a favorite blanket or piece of your clothing inside their crate to provide comfort and a sense of familiarity.
• Exercise your dog before travel. Give your dog plenty of physical activity before the journey to help them relax.
• Keep your dog hydrated. Ensure your dog is well-hydrated and avoid overfeeding immediately before travel to reduce the risk of nausea.
• Never sedate your pet. Avoid using sedatives, as they can interfere with breathing and circulation, especially during air travel. Airlines don’t allow sedated dogs in cargo.
• Use calming aids if needed. Talk to your vet about pheromone collars or sprays, or products that mimic swaddling effects for anxious pets.

FAQs

We’re the Experts in Pet Shipping, so You Don’t Have to Be

Shipping a dog across state lines may sound simple at first, but missing just one step can turn the journey into a stressful experience for you and your pet. We can guide you every step of the way, from pickup to drop-off, ensuring your dog gets to where they need to be safely and comfortably.

Ready to get started? Each pet relocation situation is different, so to get an idea of the costs involved, fill out a quote request.