Need to transport dog from California to Tennessee...how?

[scrapperluv]

Hi all,
We're relocating from the Los Angeles area to the Nashville area on August 1st. We know we shouldn't fly our dog there in the middle of the summer because he'd have to go in the cargo area. He's 55 pounds (pit mix) and won't fit as a carry-on.
I've seen pet transportation services online that offer to drive the dog for a fee. Has anyone used one of these? I'd like to get some quotes but I don't know which ones are better and which ones to avoid.
I'd really appreciate any info you can share. If you can recommend a transporter, that would be great! My dog is a big baby (yes, and he's part pit!) and he gets depressed easily. I need to know he's being transported by people who will treat him well, you know?

 

[milos_mommy]

Is there any way for you to drive him personally? Like rent a car in LA and return it in Nashville? That might make a little more sense than flying and using a service, depending on who you're going with and if you drive, etc. I'd figure out the costs of that and then choose.

Otherwise, I've never used a transport service, but I think for the most part they're reliable.

 

[Libbys person]

If you can spare the time, I second the idea of driving. For the price of an airline ticket, you can rent a comfortable car and cover the cost of the gas, and you would have the peace of mind of knowing that your dog was being taken care of wonderfully well! Moving can be very stressful for any dog, and he will be happiest if he gets to stay with his people during this time.

We drove from LA to PA when we moved, and parts of the drive were spectacular. Of course, August isn't a great time of year to drive through the southwest - driving at night and early morning is recommended there! Recorded books are essential for me on long drives; a really good book can keep me going for a long day's driving.

 

[Libbys person]

You might also explore flying on PetAirways (petairways.com) to the east coast (Atlanta or Baltimore?), and driving the rest of the way. Dogs get to fly in the main cabin rather than as 'baggage', so it's safer and you can visit with them in flight. The schedule is limited, and it's probably more expensive than a regular flight, but it's an option worth looking into.

 

[CaliTerp07]

You might also explore flying on PetAirways (petairways.com) to the east coast (Atlanta or Baltimore?), and driving the rest of the way. Dogs get to fly in the main cabin rather than as 'baggage', so it's safer and you can visit with them in flight. The schedule is limited, and it's probably more expensive than a regular flight, but it's an option worth looking into.

You can't fly with your pet--it's an animal only airline. It takes a couple days to fly from coast to coast, as the company only operates a single plane last I knew, and makes stops at each of their hubs on their way across the country. From LA to Baltimore is ~$1000 per dog each way.

I loved the idea when I first heard it, as I travel to California a lot to visit family...but ugh, it's not realistic in the least.

I would drive, personally. I wouldn't trust a service to take Lucy, and I would worry constantly about her escaping on a potty walk in a strange city or overheating in a vehicle or something if I weren't with her I'm sure there are reputable companies, but I'm a worry wart.

 

[Renee750il]

If you can spare the time, I second the idea of driving. For the price of an airline ticket, you can rent a comfortable car and cover the cost of the gas, and you would have the peace of mind of knowing that your dog was being taken care of wonderfully well! Moving can be very stressful for any dog, and he will be happiest if he gets to stay with his people during this time.

We drove from LA to PA when we moved, and parts of the drive were spectacular. Of course, August isn't a great time of year to drive through the southwest - driving at night and early morning is recommended there! Recorded books are essential for me on long drives; a really good book can keep me going for a long day's driving.

I'd second this. It's a gorgeous drive, if you route it right. Go through the Grand Canyon, Albuquerque. The only bad part is going through the Texas panhandle and Arkansas. Don't spend the night in Memphis, and do check ahead to see where BSL laws apply. BSL ALERT LIST(The list covers communities in 42 of the 50 states throughout the US and in Can - BIG BREED INTERNATIONAL. Forum

 

[ChrisWB]

I've done that drive. Heck, I just drove from LA to Albuquerque last week. It's a relatively quick, inexpensive drive - just take i40 straight across the country. i40 starts in LA and stops in Nashville. Expect it to take 3 days of 12 hour driving with a few stops, 4 days of 9 hour driving with stops, etc.

 

[Pops2]

I 40 ends at Raleigh NC.

 

[Renee750il]

I40 ends in Wilmington, NC now Coast to coast.

 

[filarotten]

I would drive it. Why fly your dog and yourself when you could enjoy the scenery and get in some awesome bonding time.

I have used a transport service before to have Cleo brought to me, but he was recommended from someone who had used him many times.

 

[Teal]

I never understood why people don't want to drive distances... I love road trips!

 

[Renee750il]

Road trips with the dog are the BEST.

 

[Barb04]

I agree that you should drive with your dog. Most hotels/motels allow you to take your pet(s) in the room with you.

 

[~Jessie~]

Road trips with the dog are the BEST.

I agree!

We drive from Orlando to Tennessee every December with all 5 of our dogs They're great little travelers.

I would definitely make the drive from CA to TN if I were you. It's going to be a beautiful drive, and I'm sure your dog will love seeing all of the places and smelling all the smells!

 

[Teal]

Thinking about it... if YOU don't want to make the drive, I'd be happy to be a paid driver for you!