At Across The Pond Pets, we provide safe, door-to-door ground and air transportation for pets across all 50 states. Whether you’re relocating across the country, moving to a new city, or need to transport a pet that can’t fly due to breed restrictions or health concerns, our pet travel specialists handle every detail from pickup to delivery.
No breed restrictions. No complicated logistics for you to manage. Our experienced coordinators assign a dedicated ground or air liaison to every pet — ensuring continuous care, regular updates, and a smooth journey from start to finish.
Ground Transport vs Air Travel: Which Is Right for Your Pet?
Both ground and air transport have clear use cases. Understanding which is better for your pet’s specific situation — breed, distance, age, and health — is something our pet travel experts help you determine during your free consultation.
| Situation | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Trip under 500 miles | Ground Transport | Shorter travel time door-to-door when you factor in airport check-in windows and cargo handling. |
| Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Persians) | Ground Transport | Most major airlines ban flat-faced breeds from cargo due to respiratory risk. Ground avoids this entirely. |
| Senior or medically fragile pets | Ground Transport | Climate-controlled vehicle with attendant present throughout. No altitude pressure changes, no cargo holds. |
| Cross-country moves (2,000+ miles) | Air Transport | Significantly faster total journey time. We coordinate airline-approved crating and documentation. |
| Multiple pets traveling together | Depends on species & size | Ground often easier for multi-pet households. Air may require separate bookings per pet. We advise case-by-case. |
| International move originating domestically | Air + Ground combo | Ground transport to our LAX or SEA-TAC hub, then international cargo. Full coordination by our team. |
Coverage Area — Where We Operate
Continental U.S. — All 48 States
We operate ground routes throughout the continental United States, with primary hubs in Southern California (LAX) and the Pacific Northwest (SEA-TAC). Common routes include:
What’s Included in Our U.S. Pet Travel Services
Every domestic pet transport booking includes the following — no hidden extras, no surprise fees.
Dedicated Coordinator AssignedYour personal Across The Pond Pets coordinator manages every step and stays in contact with you throughout.
Door-to-Door Pickup & DeliveryWe come to you. Pickup at your home and delivery to your destination address — no drop-off locations required.
Climate-Controlled Vehicles with GPSAll ground transport vehicles are temperature-regulated and GPS-tracked throughout the route.
IATA-Approved Crates ProvidedCorrectly sized, airline-approved crates included — or see our crate size guide if you prefer to bring your own.
Regular Updates with PhotosYou receive check-in updates with photos at each rest stop and major waypoint. Always know where your pet is.
Special Care Instructions FollowedFeeding schedule, medications, behavioral notes — your pet’s individual care instructions are followed to the letter.
Routine Walks & Hydration StopsRegular breaks for exercise, water, and comfort throughout ground transport journeys. Your pet is never neglected in transit.
All Breeds & Species WelcomeNo breed restrictions — including brachycephalic breeds. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and small animals all accommodated.
Health Documentation CoordinationNeed a health certificate for your domestic move? Our documentation team coordinates with your vet and handles state-specific requirements.
Professional Drivers Trained in Live Animal HandlingEvery driver on our team is trained specifically in the safe transport and handling of live animals — not generic freight logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does cross-country ground pet transport take?
A coast-to-coast ground transport (Los Angeles to New York, for example) typically takes 5–7 days with regular rest stops and care breaks. We always prioritize your pet’s wellbeing over speed. For distances over 1,500 miles, we often recommend air transport for the main leg with ground pickup and delivery at each end — our team advises the best combination for your specific route.
Which dog breeds can’t fly as cargo?
Most major U.S. airlines ban brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds from cargo due to respiratory risks at altitude. This includes Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and their mixes. For cats: Persians, Himalayans, and other flat-faced breeds face the same restrictions. Ground transport is the safest and most practical solution for these breeds on domestic U.S. routes. See our dog travel services page for a full breed guide.
Do I need a health certificate for domestic U.S. pet travel?
For ground transport, federal law does not require a health certificate for domestic moves. However, some states have entry requirements for pets — particularly Hawaii (which has strict quarantine rules) and a handful of others with rabies documentation requirements. For domestic air travel, airlines typically require a health certificate issued within 10 days of the flight. Our documentation team verifies your specific state and airline requirements as part of your booking.
Can you transport multiple pets in one booking?
Yes. We regularly transport multiple pets from the same household in a single ground transport booking. Pets that are bonded and travel well together may share a vehicle. Each pet gets individual attention at every rest stop. For air transport, multiple pets may require separate bookings depending on airline policy — we advise you on the most cost-effective and comfortable arrangement during your consultation.
How far in advance should I book U.S. pet transport?
We recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance for domestic ground transport. For air transport, 4–6 weeks is ideal as live animal cargo space on specific routes fills up quickly. For military PCS moves or complex multi-leg routes, contact us as early as possible — ideally when your orders are confirmed.
Start Your U.S. Pet Travel Quote
Select the service that best matches your needs — or contact us directly if you’re not sure which applies.
Full Agent Support
Full end-to-end coordination — ground routing, airline booking, documentation, and delivery. Ideal for complete domestic relocations.
Request Full SupportDocumentation Assistance
Traveling in cabin or cargo by air? We ensure health certificates, state requirements, and airline documentation are all in order before departure.
Get Document HelpMilitary PCS Pet Transport
Domestic PCS move with pets? Priority scheduling around your orders. We understand military timelines and handle the logistics so you can focus on your move.
Military Pet ServicesConnecting to International Shipping
Domestic leg connecting to an international move? We coordinate ground transport to our LAX or SEA-TAC hub as part of a complete international relocation.
International ServicesReady to Start Planning Your Pet’s U.S. Journey?
Get a free quote — tell us your origin, destination, pet type, and timeline and we’ll build the right transport plan.
Get a Free Quote