***USDA certified***Pet CPR & First Aid certified****Insured***

PetBlue Travel
PetBlue Travel
  • Home
  • Why PetBlue?
  • Before PetBlue This is Us
  • Services
  • Request a Quote
  • Transportation Explained
  • Pet Airline Requirements
  • Contact Us
  • Our Podcast!
  • Videos
  • Where You Can Find Me
  • More
    • Home
    • Why PetBlue?
    • Before PetBlue This is Us
    • Services
    • Request a Quote
    • Transportation Explained
    • Pet Airline Requirements
    • Contact Us
    • Our Podcast!
    • Videos
    • Where You Can Find Me
  • Home
  • Why PetBlue?
  • Before PetBlue This is Us
  • Services
  • Request a Quote
  • Transportation Explained
  • Pet Airline Requirements
  • Contact Us
  • Our Podcast!
  • Videos
  • Where You Can Find Me

Frequently Asked Questions

Ground transportation within the US

Two dogs and a cat all sitting at the opened window of a red car with the window down.

Pet travel via ground transportation


It's important to note that the USDA does NOT ALLOW transportation of pets under 8 weeks of age.


Click here to view American Veterinary Medical Association's "Basic requirements and considerations when transporting animals"


Do I need a health certificate?

Yes, any transport crossing state lines we like to have a health certificate, issued by a vet within ten days of travel. We accept the Aphis 7001 Form or a state CVI.


So what DO you need for having your pet transported within the US?

  • A health certificate, also known as a CVI. Fit to Fly Health Certificate issued within ten days (in the US, this is known as the APHIS 7001 form)
  • Proof of current rabies vaccination.
  • Microchip (recommended but not required)


Some optional vaccinations for cats include:

  • Feline Enteritis (Feline Panleukopenia or Feline Distemper)
  • Rhinotracheitis
  • Feline Calicivirus


What else should I have available for the pet transportation company?

We all want the very best experience for our beloved pets. The more information you provide to us the better for everyone involved. Your veterinarian's contact information as well as information such as allergies, medications your pet is currently taking, and a history of previous injuries and/or illnesses. 


How early should I book my trip?

We recommend 4-5 weeks in advance for air and 2-4 weeks for ground.

Last minute transports (within a week of pickup) are possible at a premium. 


What forms of payment do you accept?

You can pay the full transport fee upfront if you wish. To confirm your booking, we require half of the transport fee (50%) to be paid 7 days before transport and the balance due at the time of pickup of your pet.

 Payments are accepted via Zelle, Apple Pay, ACH, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. We can accept a certified check but do not accept personal checks. 


What about Insurance?

We hold commercial pet insurance to protect your pet in the event of accident or injury. 


What is the difference between a private and a shared ride?

A private ride is a direct route with one pet on board going to a single client. A shared ride consists of multiple pets on board being picked up and delivered to multiple clients along the route. This is NOT always a direct route.


How much does private pet transportation cost?

We offer you a customized service plan based on your specific needs. Final pricing will depend on your location within the US, how soon you need a pickup, how many pets we are traveling with, and how quickly you want your pets to reach their destination. The average private ground transport starts around $1.25 per mile.


My pet needs medicine administered during transport, are you able to administer them?

Yes, if the meds are prescribed by a vet, we will follow the instructions on the medication.


Who will be driving my pet?

I will, Barbara. I am the owner and have traveled across the country, usually by myself (accompanied by pet companions/clients) since 1992. I LOVE to travel and my animal travel companions guarantee I am not alone. 


Do you have a reliable vehicle?

We most certainly do! As it would be most inconvenient to have vehicle troubles during a trip, our vehicles are meticulously maintained. We also carry AAA for unforeseen issues that may occur.



What do you need for your pet to travel from the US to another country?

Dark grey dog and an orange cat sitting together on an orange suitcase. Behind are two plants

Pet Travel Paperwork Explained

Pet travel paperwork can feel daunting and complicated. We have put together a guide below to help explain the sorts of documents that may be required for your pets relocation.


****** REMINDER !!! ******

It's important to note that the USDA does NOT ALLOW transportation of pets under 8 weeks of age.


Travel requirements for pets within the United States vary by airline and destination state. (Please check out this page for airline requirements)

Some requirements include: 

  • Health certificates: Some airlines and states require health certificates for pets. These certificates can only be completed by a federally accredited veterinarian. 
  • Acclimation certificates: Some airlines require acclimation certificates for pets. 
  • Pet carriers: Pets must travel in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The carrier must have ventilation openings. 
  • Microchips: All dogs traveling into the United States must be microchipped, regardless of their state of origin. The microchip must be detectable by a universal scanner.
  • Age: All dogs must be at least six months old to enter the US, even if they are coming from a rabies-free country.  
  • Proof of import form: The CDC requires proof that a dog import form was submitted to the agency's website. 
  • Special service counter: Some airlines require you to visit the special service counter to check in your pet. 


All importers (including dog owners returning with their dog to the US from an international trip) must submit a CDC Dog Import Form prior to entering the US with their dog. Importers and dog owners can submit the Dog Import Form electronically; this action will automatically generate a receipt within minutes of submission.  

CDC recommends printing a copy of the Dog Import Form receipt and traveling with at least two copies of it, although they state that a digital copy is also sufficient. The receipt is valid for six months and can be used for repeated entries into the US as long as the dog has not entered a designated high risk rabies country during that period of time. There is no fee associated with the form.  


Do I need a health certificate?

Yes, any transport crossing state lines we like to have a health certificate, issued by a vet within ten days of travel. This way we can feel confident we are delivering a happy, healthy pet. We accept the Aphis 7001 Form or a state CVI.


What is a USA pet passport?

A pet passport is a term for the collection of documents that you will need to take your pet from the USA to another country. Depending on where you will travel will determine what documents are required and these can vary between species. It isn’t a passport in the strict sense of the word, it’s the selection of documents you require. For example, an export health certificate among others.

A USA pet passport will show that your animal is fit and healthy and ready for travel out of the USA.


You do not need a USA pet passport for transport within the US. 


Requirements for US-vaccinated dogs

As long as their rabies vaccine is current, dogs vaccinated for rabies in the US may reenter the US with the CDC Dog Import form  AND: 

  • a USDA-endorsed Certification of US-issued Rabies Vaccination form. This form can be submitted electronically for endorsement through the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS), and must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. 
  • or, until July 31, 2025, a USDA-endorsed export health certificate (international health certificate) that includes the dog’s age, microchip number, and rabies vaccination information (including expiration date) on the form may be substituted for the Certification of US-issued Rabies Vaccination form. 


Veterinarians can and should start preparing for their patients to enter (or re-enter) the US 30-90 days ahead of time so that their owners have all the necessary documents completed, especially if the dog has spent any time in a high-risk rabies country. This includes ensuring that each dog has a working microchip and a valid rabies vaccination.  


Traveling abroad from the US and then returning

In the case where a dog is leaving with their owner from the US and then returning, US veterinarians should also conduct a physical exam and complete the Certification of US-issued Rabies Vaccination form or export health certificate (if indicated) and send it for endorsement through VEHCS before the dog leaves the US, she added.  

Ultimately, though, it is dog owners, not veterinarians, who are responsible for completing and submitting the CDC Dog Import Form, which should be done 2-10 days before returning to the US. This form does not need to be endorsed.   


Please check out this page for airline requirements


How early should I book my trip?

We recommend 4-5 weeks in advance for air and 2-4 weeks for ground. However, we absolutely understand this is not always possible. We are here to help! Let's work together.


What forms of payment do you accept?

You can pay the full transport fee upfront if you wish. To confirm your booking, we require half of the transport fee (50%) to be paid 7 days before transport and the balance due at the time of pickup of your pet.

 Payments are accepted via Zelle, Apple Pay, ACH, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. We can accept a certified check but do not accept personal checks. 


What about Insurance?

We hold commercial pet insurance to protect your pet in the event of accident or injury. 


Copyright © 2025 Pet Blue Travel - All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • Why PetBlue?
  • Before PetBlue This is Us
  • Services
  • Reviews!
  • Request a Quote
  • Transportation Explained
  • Pet Airline Requirements
  • F.A.Q's
  • Contact Us
  • Our Podcast!
  • Videos
  • Where You Can Find Me
  • Privacy Policy

Powered by

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept