Shipping a dog across the country is straightforward when you use a ground transport marketplace. Post a free request, receive bids from verified drivers, choose the one you trust, and your dog is picked up at your door and delivered to the destination — no airports, no cargo holds, no crates in the dark.

This guide covers everything you need to know: cost, timing, finding a reliable driver, and how to prepare your dog for a long trip.

TL;DR

Ground transport is the safest and least stressful option for most dogs
Cost ranges from $400 to $1,800+ depending on distance
LA to NY typically takes 4 to 5 days by ground
Use a marketplace like Ferried to get competitive bids from verified drivers
Post your request free, compare bids, and book when you're ready

Why Ground Transport Is Better Than Flying for Most Dogs

Airlines allow small dogs in-cabin on some flights, but medium and large dogs must travel as cargo or checked baggage. The cargo hold is loud, dark, and unfamiliar — your dog has no human contact for the entire flight.

Ground transport is the opposite. Your dog travels in a climate-controlled vehicle with a driver who can stop for water, walks, and bathroom breaks. They're not alone, they're not crated in a hold, and they're not subjected to the pressure and noise of an aircraft cargo bay.

Veterinarians frequently recommend ground transport over air, particularly for:

Large and giant breeds that can't fly in-cabin
Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs — many airlines ban them from cargo entirely
Senior dogs with health conditions
Anxious or stress-prone dogs

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Dog Across the Country?

The price depends primarily on distance. Here are typical ranges based on driver bids on Ferried:

Distance	Typical Range
Up to 500 miles	$200 to $500
500 to 1,000 miles	$400 to $900
1,000 to 2,000 miles	$700 to $1,400
2,000+ miles (coast to coast)	$1,200 to $1,800+

These are market ranges based on actual bids. Because Ferried uses a bidding model, multiple drivers compete for your trip — which generally keeps prices competitive. The Ferried booking fee is 15% of the transport price, capped at $180, and is shown as a line item before you confirm.

Factors that affect your specific price include your dog's size, your preferred travel dates, how quickly you need transport, and the specific route.

How Long Does It Take?

A rough rule: experienced drivers cover 600 to 700 miles per day, with regular rest stops for the dog.

Route	Approximate Distance	Typical Days
Los Angeles to New York	2,800 miles	4 to 5 days
Chicago to Miami	1,380 miles	2 to 3 days
Dallas to Seattle	2,100 miles	3 to 4 days
Atlanta to Denver	1,400 miles	2 to 3 days

The driver will share a schedule when they bid. Ask about rest stop frequency, overnight accommodations, and how many other pets (if any) will be in the vehicle.

How to Find a Trustworthy Driver

The biggest risk with cross-country dog transport is hiring someone unverified. There are transporters who misrepresent their experience and operate without proper checks.

On Ferried, every driver must complete:

Government ID verification
Criminal background check
Driving record review
Vehicle documentation

You can see each driver's profile, their verified reviews from past customers, and their rating before you book. You also communicate directly with the driver before committing.

Things to look for when evaluating bids:

Reviews mentioning dogs similar to yours (size, breed, temperament)
Response time and communication quality — a driver who answers quickly and clearly is a good sign
How they describe their setup: solo vehicle, what kind of crate or loose-in-car arrangement, how often they stop
Whether they have prior long-distance experience

Avoid drivers who can't answer basic questions about how they handle dogs, who pressure you to book quickly, or whose price is dramatically below the market without a clear explanation.

Step-by-Step: How to Ship Your Dog

Step 1: Post your transport request

Go to Ferried and describe your dog, pickup address, destination, preferred dates, and any special needs. Posting is free. You don't commit to anything until you book.

Step 2: Receive and compare bids

Drivers who service your route will submit bids within hours. Compare their profiles, prices, and reviews. Message any driver you're considering with your questions.

Step 3: Book the driver you trust

Accept the bid from the driver that best fits your needs. Payment is charged at booking and held securely — it's released to the driver only after you confirm safe delivery.

Step 4: Prepare your dog

See the preparation checklist below.

Step 5: Handoff and transit

The driver picks up your dog at your address. You'll receive GPS location check-ins and photo updates throughout the trip. Message the driver anytime through the app.

Step 6: Confirm delivery

When your dog arrives, you confirm delivery in the app. Payment is then released to the driver.

What to Prepare Before Pickup

Vet visit: Schedule a vet appointment before the trip. Get an updated health certificate if crossing state lines, confirm vaccinations are current, and ask your vet about anti-anxiety options if your dog is prone to travel stress.

Documentation pack for the driver:

Health certificate
Vaccination records
Vet contact information
Emergency contact for you at origin and destination
Feeding schedule and food (enough for the trip plus a few days)
Medications with clear labeling
A familiar item: a worn t-shirt or blanket with your scent

The night before:

Confirm pickup time and address with your driver
Walk through the handoff instructions: where food is, what the routine looks like, any behavioral notes
Keep your dog's final meal light to reduce motion sickness risk

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my dog ride loose in the vehicle, or does it need to be crated? This depends on the driver. Most drivers have crates available. Some experienced drivers allow calm, well-behaved dogs to ride loose. Discuss this when messaging the driver before booking.

What if my dog has a medical condition? List it in your transport request. Drivers review all requirements before bidding. You'll only receive bids from drivers comfortable with your dog's needs. Share documentation and instructions in detail during the handoff.

Is my dog protected if something goes wrong? Every transport booked through Ferried includes $2,000 pet protection covering emergency veterinary care during transit. Your payment is also held until you confirm delivery, so you're not expected to release funds if the transport didn't go as agreed.

How do I know the driver won't subcontract the trip to someone else? This is a legitimate concern with some pet transport companies. On Ferried, you book a specific driver by name. The person whose profile you reviewed is the person doing the transport.

What breeds have restrictions? Some breeds — particularly large, powerful breeds — may have fewer available drivers. Brachycephalic breeds are generally fine for ground transport but cannot travel by air cargo on most airlines. Note your breed in the request so drivers know what to expect.

Ready to ship your dog? Post a free transport request on Ferried and receive competitive bids from verified drivers within hours.

How to Ship a Dog Across the Country (2026 Guide)