How the adventure unfolds.
Four steps between "goodbye" and "we're here!"
The four steps
Request a quote
Tell us pickup, drop-off, and who's riding along.
Schedule pickup
We confirm your route and price, then send a handler to your door.
Track the journey
Get updates and photo check-ins as the trip rolls on.
Safe delivery
Delivered to the door, with a delivery update from your handler.
What's in every vehicle
- Climate control
- Crating for cats and small pets
- Regular rest and bathroom breaks
- A professional handler who monitors each pet throughout the trip
What you bring
We just need your animal's food and belongings, plus any medications with written instructions and current vaccination records. Send a favorite blanket or toy to keep things familiar.
If the plan changes
Weather and road conditions can change a route. Your coordinator adjusts the plan and keeps you informed, so you are never left guessing.
How long it takes
A coast-to-coast trip typically takes 3 to 4 days, with scheduled rest, feeding and exercise stops. Shorter regional moves can take 1 to 3 days.
Ground with a handler, versus the alternatives.
Questions worth asking any pet transporter, side by side.
Show the full comparison
| What matters | Happy Arrival Pets | Flying as cargo | Shared, hub-and-spoke shipping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who is with your pet | A professional handler, pickup to delivery | Airline and airport staff at each handoff | Different people at each transfer |
| Route | Point-to-point, door to door | Airport to airport, plus your own drive at both ends | Through a hub, possibly states away |
| Other owners' pets | Never combined on your trip | Typically alongside other cargo | Often shared with other owners' pets |
| Environment | Climate-controlled vehicle, crating for cats and small pets | Cargo hold, pressure changes | Varies |
| Breaks | Scheduled rest, feeding and exercise stops | Generally none while in transit | Varies |
| Updates | Photo check-ins along the route | Flight status | Varies |
How long does a cross-country ground pet transport take?
A coast-to-coast trip typically takes 3 to 4 days, with scheduled rest, feeding, and exercise stops. Shorter regional moves can take 1 to 3 days.
What does a Happy Arrival Pets vehicle include?
Climate control, crating for cats and small pets, regular rest and bathroom breaks, and a professional handler who monitors each pet throughout the trip. We just need your animal's food, and their belongings!
Ready to coordinate your transport?
Reach us by call, text or email during business hours. After hours, send a text and we'll respond when we're back.
- Call or text(214) 631-9555
- Emailhello@happyarrivalpets.com
- HoursMon–Fri, 8am–6pm CT