What to Expect During Pet Transport: From Booking to Delivery

Most of the anxiety around pet transport comes from not knowing what happens next. This is a walkthrough of the entire process, from posting your request to the moment your pet arrives at the destination. Knowing what to expect at each step makes the process much more manageable.

TL;DR

• Post your free request and receive bids within hours to a couple of days
• Message drivers before booking to ask your questions
• Payment is charged at booking, held until you confirm delivery
• You receive location check-ins and photo updates throughout the trip
• Confirm delivery in the app to release payment to the driver

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Step 1: Post Your Request

Go to Ferried and describe your transport. You'll enter:

• Pickup and delivery addresses
• Your pet's species, breed, and weight
• Preferred dates (or a date range)
• Any special requirements: medications, dietary needs, crate preferences, behavioral notes

Posting is free. You don't commit to anything at this stage.

Tips for a strong listing:

• Be specific. "10-year-old female Labrador, 65 lbs, arthritic hips, needs help in and out of the vehicle, experienced senior dog handler preferred" attracts the right drivers.
• Include your preferred date range rather than a single date. Flexibility usually lowers the price.
• Mention if your pet is friendly with other animals (or is not) so drivers can account for it.

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Step 2: Receive Bids from Drivers

Within hours of posting, drivers who service your route will submit bids. Each bid includes the driver's price and their profile, which shows their verified reviews, trip history, and rating.

You can receive bids for several days before you need to decide. There is no deadline forcing you to book before you're ready.

What to do at this stage:

• Read driver reviews. Look for reviewers who transported pets similar to yours.
• Message any driver you're seriously considering. Ask about their vehicle setup, rest stop frequency, whether other pets will be in the vehicle, and any other questions that matter to you.
• Compare prices, but don't decide on price alone. A driver with a long track record at $1,100 is usually a better choice than an unknown driver at $800.

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Step 3: Book Your Driver

When you've chosen a driver, accept their bid. At this point:

• Payment is charged to your card. This includes the driver's bid amount plus the Ferried fee (15% of the bid, capped at $180), shown as a line item before you confirm.
• The funds are held and not released to the driver until you confirm delivery.
• You and the driver are now in confirmed status. You can message each other directly through the app.

Confirm the pickup details with your driver: exact address, time window, any parking or access instructions, and the handoff plan.

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Step 4: Prepare Your Pet and Documentation

In the days before pickup:

• Vet visit and health certificate if crossing state lines (must be within 10 days of transport)
• Prepare a physical documentation packet for the driver: health cert, vaccination records, feeding schedule, medications, your contact info
• Light meal the night before to reduce motion sickness risk
• For cats: place a worn clothing item in the carrier the day before
• Do not bathe your dog immediately before the trip

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Step 5: Pickup Day

The driver arrives at your address during the agreed window. Plan to spend 10 to 15 minutes on the handoff. During this time:

• Hand over the documentation packet
• Walk through feeding schedule, medication instructions, any behavioral notes
• Take a photo or short video of your pet at handoff (good practice, time-stamps the condition at start)
• Confirm the driver's contact number and your number are current in the app

Your pet leaves with the driver. This is often the hardest moment emotionally. The discomfort is normal and it passes.

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Step 6: During the Trip

The driver sends location check-ins and photo updates through the app. You'll see where they are and get photos of your pet throughout the journey. You can message the driver directly through the app at any time.

Most drivers send a check-in after every major stop or once or twice per day on long trips. If you have a preference for update frequency, mention it to the driver before or at pickup.

What your pet is probably doing: sleeping. Most pets sleep significantly more than usual during long trips. This is normal and healthy, not a sign of distress.

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Step 7: Delivery and Confirmation

The driver delivers your pet to the destination address. Take a moment to check on your pet before confirming delivery.

When you're satisfied that your pet has arrived safely, confirm delivery in the Ferried app. This releases the payment to the driver.

Do not confirm delivery if there is a significant problem with the condition of your pet or the transport. Contact Ferried support through the app before confirming.

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What to Expect in the First 48 Hours After Arrival

• Dogs: likely tired, clingy, may sleep more than usual. Normal.
• Cats: may hide for 24 to 72 hours. Normal.
• Both: reduced appetite for a day or two, possible mild GI upset. Normal.

Have a vet appointment booked within 72 hours of arrival, especially for puppies, kittens, or senior pets.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I need to cancel after booking? Review Ferried's cancellation policy at the time of booking. Cancellation windows and refund amounts vary based on how close to the pickup date you cancel.

What if the driver cancels? If a driver cancels, you will be refunded and can rebook with another driver. Ferried's support team can help you find an alternative quickly.

Can I speak with the driver on the phone? Yes. Once booked, you have the driver's contact information and can call or text outside the app. Most communication happens in-app for record-keeping, but calling is fine for urgent questions during the trip.

What if my pet seems unwell during the trip? Contact the driver immediately. The driver should know the nearest emergency vet on the route. Ferried's $2,000 pet protection covers emergency veterinary care during transit. Do not wait to flag a concern.

Can I request a specific delivery time? You can specify a preferred delivery window. Ground transport has natural variability from traffic and stops, so drivers usually give a date with a morning/afternoon window rather than a specific hour. Confirm expectations with your driver before the trip starts.