What to Look for When Selecting a CitizenShipper Transporter

We know some of our Good Breeders are interested in providing transportation options to buyers who might be a good fit but don’t live nearby, so we're excited to offer our community an exclusive new discount with CitizenShipper (see below for details)!

CitizenShipper is an online platform that connects you with vetted drivers to get your puppies to their new homes. You create a listing for transportation and within a few minutes receive competitive bids from transporters who are available to fulfill your request. You choose the driver that’s right for you!

Each driver is background checked, but will have a different level of experience transporting pets. That’s why it’s a good idea to get to know potential drivers to make sure they’re a good fit for your needs before hiring them.

CitizenShipper displays information on a shipper’s profile about their background check and whether they have verified USDA registration and pet insurance. We highly recommend using a transporter that is both registered and insured. If your puppies are being transported from one state to another, there may be state-specific requirements, including health certificates and proof of vaccination. 

CitizenShipper driver profiles include detailed descriptions that give you valuable insights about their experience (e.g., how many shipments they have completed), equipment and any areas of expertise (such as with pets or more specifically, puppies). Every driver has an average rating from their customers, as well as client reviews that you can peruse to learn more. On top of that, an internal messaging system makes it easy to communicate directly with drivers to discuss details of the transport.

In addition to finding a driver with the right experience who fits into a buyer’s budget, you want to make sure your transporter communicates with you quickly, and is friendly and professional.

Suggested questions to ask your driver include:

• What is their experience with transporting pets?
• Do they have experience transporting puppies?
• Is the transporter a member of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association?
• How often does the transporter stay in contact with the dog owner and breeder during the trip?
• Will they be transporting your dog/puppy ONLY?
• What health and safety protocols do they follow to reduce the spread of disease?
• How often during the trip can the dogs stretch their legs or stop to eliminate?
• How do they handle their own bathroom breaks?
• What is the protocol for offering the dogs food and water while in transit?
• What does the transporter do with dogs that stay with them overnight?
• How will the dog be restrained while in the vehicle?
• Is the vehicle climate-controlled?
• How do they handle medical emergencies or concerns with any animals they are transporting?

For more on safe transportation for puppies, see our article Making transportation even safer for your new puppy. 

Exclusive CitizenShipper Good Breeder Benefit 

• Breeders receive a one-time $35 off their first pet transport with CitizenShipper, plus, get 50% off the booking fee for each additional pet transport booked in 2023
• Use code GOODDOG35 to claim your discount when checking out on the CitizenShipper website (https://citizenshipper.com/breeders) 

Don’t forget to update your transport information on your Good Breeder profile to let buyers know of any new transportation options you’re now able to offer!

And of course if you have any questions, you can reach out to support@citizenshipper.com or email us at breederteam@gooddog.com.

CitizenShipper Webinar

Want more information on our partnership with CitizenShipper? Want to see a walkthrough of their platform? Watch the recording of the webinar we did with their CEO, Richard Obousy.