Does a pet transporter have to be USDA registered?

Yes — under the Animal Welfare Act, anyone transporting pets commercially in the U.S. must be registered with USDA APHIS as a Class T carrier or be exempt under specific limits.

What questions should I ask a pet transport company?

Ask for their USDA registration number, proof of insurance, written quote, route plan, climate-control details, driver experience, and references from recent customers.

What are red flags when hiring a pet transporter?

No USDA registration, no written contract, refusal to share photos of the vehicle, large upfront cash deposits, and no verifiable reviews are common red flags.

How to choose a pet transport company

Pet transport is a high-trust purchase. Your pet can't tell you how the trip went, so the only protection you have is what you verify before you hand over a deposit. Use the checklist below — it's the exact criteria we apply to every company in our directory.

1. Confirm USDA APHIS registration

In the United States, any company moving pets commercially is required to register with USDA APHIS under the Animal Welfare Act. A real, active registration means the company has been inspected and is on file with the federal government.

Ask for the company's USDA registration number (it usually looks like 43-T-####).
Confirm the status is Active — not expired, suspended, or cancelled.
Cross-check the name and address against the company's website.

Every listing on Pet Transport Verify shows USDA status pulled directly from the APHIS public database. Read more about USDA APHIS →

2. Check insurance and a written contract

Cargo and liability insurance — request the certificate.
A written contract with itemized pricing, pickup/drop-off windows, and what happens if a trip is delayed.
Clear policy on emergency vet care during transit.

3. Verify the vehicle and route plan

Climate-controlled cargo area (not the cab) with continuous temperature monitoring.
How often the driver stops for water, food, and bathroom breaks.
Whether your pet is the only passenger or shares the vehicle with other animals.
GPS tracking and check-in cadence (photo/video updates are a strong sign).

4. Read reviews — but read them critically

Look for reviews that describe the actual trip, not just "great service!"
Check how the company responds to negative feedback.
Be skeptical of dozens of 5-star reviews posted in the same week.

5. Watch for red flags

No USDA number, or one you can't find in APHIS records.
Pressure to pay a large deposit in cash, Zelle, or gift cards.
Vague or rotating company name, no physical address.
Refuses to share vehicle photos or insurance certificate.
Quote is dramatically lower than every other company you've called.

6. Trust your gut — and get it in writing

If a company won't answer the questions above on a phone call, that's your answer. A professional transporter expects these questions and has the documents ready.