Care & how-to
How to Ship a Dog to Another State
To ship a dog to another state, you have three main options: an airline's pet cargo service, which flies your dog in the temperature-controlled hold without you on board; a professional ground pet transport company; or driving yourself or with a trusted friend. Whichever you choose, your dog needs an airline-approved or sturdy travel crate, current rabies records, possibly a health certificate, and a careful check of the weather and the company's safety record.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 9, 20264 min read3 sources
Option 1: Airline pet cargo
Some airlines fly dogs as cargo when the owner is not on the flight. Alaska Airlines, for example, offers a service that ships dogs to another city in the baggage compartment, booked through its cargo call center, with travel embargoes posted in advance. The dog travels in a pressurized, temperature-controlled area in a hard-sided crate.
The AKC notes that the combined weight of dog and crate for checked or cargo travel typically tops out between 70 and 150 pounds, depending on the airline. Not every airline still carries pets as cargo, and those that do often restrict flat-faced breeds and refuse pets in extreme heat or cold, such as above 85°F or below 45°F on the route.
Option 2: Ground pet transport
Ground transport companies drive dogs between states in vans fitted with crates, often making stops for walks and meals. This can suit large dogs, flat-faced breeds that should not fly, and routes where cargo flights are not available. Trips can take several days for a cross-country move, with other dogs on board.
Ask any company how long the trip takes, how often dogs are walked, fed and given water, how the vehicle is temperature controlled, whether someone is with the dogs at all times and what happens in an emergency. Ask about insurance and licensing, read recent reviews, and get the agreement in writing.
Option 3: Drive your dog yourself
For many families, the safest option is a road trip. Your dog stays with people it knows, you control the stops and the temperature, and there is no handover to strangers. The ASPCA recommends a secured, well-ventilated crate or a harness attached to a seatbelt in the back seat, and building up to long drives with shorter trips. For road trips, browse our dog seat belts and car harnesses, such as a pet car seat belt, and dog car seat covers.
Plan dog-friendly lodging along the route, pack food, water, travel bowls and water bottles, a leash and records, and stop every couple of hours. Never leave your dog alone in a parked car, which the ASPCA warns can be fatal in heat and cold alike.
Crate rules for shipping a dog
For air cargo, the crate must be airline approved and large enough for your dog to stand, sit, turn around and lie down. Alaska Airlines adds that the ears should not touch the top. The ASPCA suggests a USDA-approved crate with absorbent bedding, a water dish frozen the night before so it does not spill, a small bag of food taped outside, and Live Animal labels.
Put your contact details and a photo of your dog on the crate, and make sure your dog wears an ID tag and has a registered microchip. Start crate training weeks before the trip by feeding meals inside the crate, so it is a familiar, safe place rather than a scary box. Our airline-approved dog crate guide covers what to look for.
Paperwork for interstate travel
Carry proof of rabies vaccination for any interstate move. The ASPCA advises checking whether your destination state requires a health certificate for interstate travel, and airlines and transport companies often ask for one regardless. The ASPCA suggests one dated within 10 days of departure for air travel.
Hawaii has much stricter entry rules than the rest of the country, so start planning months ahead for a move there. Keep copies of your dog's vaccination history and any prescriptions with the dog, and give the transport company your vet's phone number.
Is shipping right for your dog?
A calm, healthy adult dog usually copes best. Puppies, senior dogs, anxious dogs, flat-faced breeds and dogs with heart or breathing problems face more risk, and may be better off driving with you or traveling later. Ask your vet whether your dog is fit for the journey and whether any extra precautions are needed.
Never give a sedative before shipping unless your vet has advised it, because the AKC warns sedatives raise the risk of heart and breathing problems and airlines generally do not accept sedated pets.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Can I ship my dog on a plane without me?
On some airlines, yes, through their pet cargo service. Alaska Airlines, for example, offers one. Availability, breed rules and weather limits vary, so check with the airline's cargo team before planning.
What is the safest way to transport a dog across the country?
For many dogs, driving with their own people is safest, using a secured crate or seatbelt harness and regular stops. Air cargo and ground transport can work well, but ask detailed safety questions first.
Does my dog need a health certificate to move states?
Sometimes. The ASPCA advises checking whether your destination state requires one, and airlines and transport companies often ask for one anyway. Always carry proof of rabies vaccination.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
