Handing your dog to someone else for a long trip is a decision built on trust. A polished website is not proof of a safe operation. Clear, specific answers to the right questions are. Use this checklist with any dog transporter, including us.
1. Licensing and registration
Ask what the company is legally required to hold, and ask to see it.
- Is the business registered and in good standing in its home state?
- Does the transporter hold any USDA registration or state license that applies to its type of operation? Requirements vary by state and by service, so ask which apply and why.
- Can they explain how they handle health certificates and the paperwork required when crossing state lines?
A trustworthy transporter answers plainly and without irritation. Vague answers or “we don’t need that” deserve a follow-up question.
Precious-Passengers credentials: [Owner to supply: business registration details, any licenses held, and how documentation is provided to clients.]
2. Insurance and liability
- What insurance covers your dog while in transit: vehicle, general liability, or animal-specific cover?
- Can they provide a certificate of insurance on request?
- What does their agreement say if something goes wrong, and who pays for veterinary care?
Read the agreement before you pay a deposit, not after.
Our coverage: [Owner to supply: insurance types, coverage summary, and certificate availability.]
3. Communication during the trip
Most owner anxiety comes from silence. Ask:
- How often will I receive updates, and by what channel (text, call, photos)?
- Who is my single point of contact, and are they reachable if the driver is?
- What is the process if the schedule changes?
Our update policy: [Owner to supply: update frequency, contact method, and photo/location sharing.]
4. Stops, comfort, and care on the road
- How often is my dog let out for exercise and bathroom breaks?
- How are dogs kept safe in the vehicle: crates, climate control, separation between animals?
- Will my dog travel alone or with other dogs? Can I choose a solo trip?
- How are food, water, and medications handled?
- Are dogs ever left unattended in the vehicle?
Solo-passenger travel is a good fit for anxious, senior, or reactive dogs, and it is one of the VIP options we offer. Ask any transporter how they set expectations for stops and overnight arrangements.
Our stop schedule and overnight arrangements: [Owner to supply.]
5. The emergency plan
Every long trip needs a plan for the unexpected.
- What happens if my dog becomes ill or injured en route?
- Do they have a veterinary plan along common routes, and will they contact me before authorizing treatment?
- What is the backup if the vehicle breaks down?
- What if a dog escapes or weather closes a route?
A good answer is a described process, not just “that never happens.”
Our emergency protocol: [Owner to supply.]
6. Experience and references
- How long have they transported dogs, and over what routes?
- Can they put you in touch with past clients or rescue partners?
- Do they welcome questions about your dog’s temperament and needs?
Experience and references: [Owner to supply real figures and permissioned references. Do not use placeholder numbers.]
7. Pricing and paperwork
- What does the quote include, and what could change it?
- What are the deposit, cancellation, and refund terms?
- Is everything in writing?
Red flags
- No written agreement
- Unwillingness to share insurance or registration details
- Pressure to pay in full immediately through untraceable methods
- No named contact or update plan
- Vague answers about where your dog will stay overnight
Final thought
The right transporter welcomes your questions. If you are planning a move and want to talk through your dog’s needs, contact Precious-Passengers and ask us anything on this list.