Sending your dog on a long trip with a transporter can feel nerve-wracking, especially if it's your pet's first time traveling without you. Most trips go smoothly when owners prepare well, the right paperwork, clear communication with the driver, and a few comfort items can make a significant difference in how your dog handles the journey. Here's what to do before the pickup day.

Step 1: Schedule a Vet Visit

Before any long-distance transport, your dog should see a vet, ideally within 10 days of the travel date if you need a health certificate.

Ask your vet to:

Confirm your dog is healthy enough to travel
Update vaccinations if needed (most drivers and states require current rabies vaccination at minimum)
Issue a USDA-accredited health certificate if you're crossing state lines (many states require this for animals entering; check your destination state's requirements)
Discuss whether any anti-anxiety medication would be appropriate, this is especially relevant for dogs with a history of severe travel anxiety

Do not administer sedatives or calming medication without veterinary guidance. Some medications that seem safe can have unpredictable effects on dogs in motion.

Step 2: Update Your Pet's ID

Before the trip, make sure your dog has:

A collar with an up-to-date ID tag (your phone number, not your address, in case the tag is read by a stranger)
A microchip with your current contact information registered in a national database

If your dog's microchip registration is out of date, which is common after a move, update it before the transport. This is your best recovery option if anything unexpected happens during transit.

Step 3: Communicate Everything to Your Driver

Before the pickup day, use your platform's messaging to share the following with your driver:

About your dog's needs:

Feeding schedule and how much to feed
Any dietary restrictions or allergies
Medications, including dosage and timing
History of car sickness, if applicable
Whether your dog is crate-trained and comfortable in a crate
Behavioral notes, is your dog anxious around strangers? Reactive to other dogs? Good off-leash or needs to be leashed at all times?

Logistics:

Confirm the pickup address, preferred time, and any gate or access codes
Confirm the dropoff address and who will be receiving the dog at the other end
Share a contact number for you and the person receiving your dog

The more your driver knows going in, the better they can respond to your dog's needs during the trip.

Step 4: Pack a Travel Kit

Your driver will appreciate, and your dog will benefit from, a clearly labeled bag or box with everything they need:

Food: Enough for the entire trip plus a day extra, pre-portioned if possible to make it easy
Water: If your dog is picky about water, send a jug of your home water to ease the transition
Treats: Familiar treats are helpful for positive reinforcement during stops
A comfort item: A worn t-shirt or blanket with your scent can significantly reduce anxiety in dogs during travel
Medications: Clearly labeled with name, dosage, timing, and what it's for
Bowls: Collapsible travel bowls if your driver doesn't carry them
A copy of your dog's health certificate and vaccination records
Your contact number and the receiving person's contact number printed on a card inside the bag

Step 5: Set Expectations for Communication

Discuss with your driver upfront how often you'll get updates. Many drivers send a photo check-in at each rest stop; others do morning and evening updates on multi-day trips. Some will share their live location.

Whatever you agree on, make sure it's documented in the platform chat so there's a record. If you don't hear from your driver at an agreed time, it's reasonable to send a message or call.

What to Expect on Pickup Day

Be ready on time. Drivers often have route schedules, and a delay at pickup can affect rest stops and accommodations down the line.

Show the driver where to find everything, food, medications, the comfort item. A quick 5-minute handoff with clear instructions is worth more than a last-minute scramble.

Let your dog meet the driver briefly before loading, especially if your dog is cautious with strangers. A calm introduction helps.

Stay calm yourself. Dogs read your emotional state. If you're anxious and tearful at the handoff, your dog is more likely to be unsettled. A confident, positive goodbye signals to your dog that this is okay.

What to Do If You Have Concerns During the Trip

If you haven't received an update when expected, reach out to your driver directly. A short message is fine, something like "Just checking in, hoping the trip is going smoothly."

Most delays are logistical (traffic, rest stop running long, a gas station stop) and not cause for concern. If you're genuinely unable to reach your driver after multiple attempts, contact the platform's support team.

At delivery, take a moment to check your dog over before confirming arrival. A good driver will want you to do this. Confirm that your dog looks healthy, is responsive, and has their belongings. Then release payment through the platform.

The Biggest Thing You Can Do

The most common reason pet transport goes badly is poor communication before the trip. Owners who don't share feeding schedules, don't mention that their dog is leash-reactive, or don't send enough food put both the driver and the dog in a difficult position.

Spend 20 minutes on a thorough handoff, written instructions, labeled supplies, a real conversation with your driver, and the trip will almost certainly go well.

How to Prepare Your Dog for Long-Distance Ground Transport