How Much Do Pet Transportation Services Cost? Professional vs DIY Price Comparison
As pet owners, we all want to make sure that our furry friends are safe and comfortable during travel. Whether it’s a short road trip or a long-distance move, transporting your pet can be stressful for both you and your furbaby. You have two options when it comes to transporting your pet: 1. Doing it yourself. 2. Using a pet transport service like Delifurry Pet Transport.
1. TIPS to Transporting Your Pet Yourself
Plan Your Route
Pack for Your Pet
Prepare Your Vehicle
Keep Your Pet Secure
Transporting your pet yourself can be a cost-effective option if you’re traveling a short distance. You’ll need to plan ahead to ensure that you have everything you need to keep your pet comfortable and safe. Here are some steps to follow if you decide to transport your pet yourself:
Plan your route:
If you are driving, plan your route ahead of time and ensure that it is pet-friendly. This means finding rest stops and pet-friendly hotels along the way. Pets stay free at Red Roof Inns. Although these are not the nicest hotels, Red Roofs are great ways to save money if you are on a tight budget. All major hotel chains have locations where pet are welcome as well, just make sure you check with the property prior to booking if they allow pets. Most pet fees range from $50-$100 per night.
If your pet has all vaccinations, you should also plan for breaks every few hours so that your pet can stretch their legs and use the bathroom. Why not make these stops fun places for both you and your pet? Here is a helpful article that shows how to find hidden gems to stop at along the way.
2. Pack for your pet:
Pack all the necessary items your pet will need during the journey. This includes food, water, bowls, bedding, medications, and toys. Also, don't forget to bring a crate or carrier that is appropriately sized and comfortable for your pet.
3. Prepare your vehicle:
Before embarking on your trip, ensure that your vehicle is pet-friendly. This involves checking that the air conditioning is working correctly and that there's enough space for your pet to move around comfortably. We recommend getting a car seat cover as well that way your pet’s fur does not get everywhere.
Also, make sure you clean your vehicle before the trip to remove any harmful substances or objects like chocolate that did not quite make it to your mouth or a lipstick lid that your pet could choke on.
4. Keep Your Pet Secure:
During travel, ensure that your pet is buckled in with a dog seat belt or secure in their carrier or crate. If in a crate, make sure the carrier is strapped down with bungee chords or tightening straps. This will keep them safe in case of a minor accident or sudden stop. If your pet is not accustomed to being in a carrier, you can gradually introduce them to it to minimize stress during travel. You should avoid letting your pet roam freely in the car if they are not used to riding, as this can be dangerous and distracting for the driver.
2. Using Delifurry Pet Transport
Using a pet transport service like Delifurry Pet Transport can be a convenient option if you’re traveling a long distance or if you don’t have the time to transport your pet yourself. Here’s how the process works:
Contact Delifurry Pet Transport:
Contact Delifurry Pet Transport, provide your pet's information, and choose pickup and delivery locations. We will then arrange to pick up your pet from your chosen location at a date that is convenient for you.
Arrange payment:
Arrange payment for your pet’s transport. Delifurry Pet Transport accepts various payment options, including credit cards and PayPal.
Check out our INSTANT QUOTE Calculator to see what our services would run for your trip!
Get a Health Certificate:
Since we are USDA registered and want to ensure the safety of all passengers aboard, we will need a health certificate from a USDA verified veterinarian. They look like this. The health certificate lets us know that the pet has been deemed in good health and cleared to travel by a veterinary professional.
Let Us Transport Your Pet:
That’s the whole process with us! Delifurry will transport your pet in a safe and comfortable manner. Your pet will be secured in a crate or carrier during the journey and you will be provided with picture and video updates every 4-6 hours to ensure that your furry one is in good hands! For additional information, check out our FAQs page.
3. Cost Comparison
When it comes to the cost of transporting your pet, there are several factors to consider. If you decide to transport your pet yourself, you’ll need to factor in the cost of gas, food, lodging, and any other expenses associated with the trip. On the other hand, using a pet transport service like Delifurry Pet Transport will involve paying a fee for the service and that is it. We will handle all of the logistics.
Here’s a cost breakdown for a 1,000-mile trip:
Transporting Your Pet Yourself
Gas: $150 (based on an average of 20 miles per gallon and a gas price of $3 per gallon)
Food: $50
Lodging: $100 (based on an average hotel cost of $100 per night for one night)
Other expenses: $50 Total cost: $350
Your Time: 20 hours
Using Delifurry Pet Transport
Delifurry Pet Transport fee: $679 (to find your exact trips price checkout the Pet Transport Quote Calculators).
Whether you transport your pet yourself or use a pet transport service like Delifurry Pet Transport depends on various factors. If you're traveling a short distance, transporting your pet yourself can be a cost-effective option. However, if you're traveling long distances or don't have the time to transport your pet yourself, using a pet transport service can be a convenient option. Regardless of the option you choose, always ensure that your pet is safe and comfortable during the journey.