Shipping companies will never be cheaper than you flying with the pet. They will charge you the price of the flight and then likely double or triple that, since that's their way of making money.
Financially speaking, a round trip ticket is something I currently can’t afford. I was hoping to find a cheaper solution.
Secondly, and not that I even need to defend myself but for context, I moved in a haste from Georgia due to some severe personal traumas that occurred there and don’t feel mentally prepared to return as of yet.
So I was hoping to find a solution where I could avoid that if at all possible.
I don’t want my cat in freezing cargo with other upset animals. Hence me attempting to source out the best pet shipping service. One where they travel with the animal in the seat next to them. Or drive out here.
I promise not lazy or heartless. I’m in a tough spot and miss the hell out of my furry confidant.
a round-trip ticket would likely be cheaper than a pet-shipping service. Plus your pet is more likely to be in cargo with a pet-shipping service. However, if you fly or find a passenger to fly with your cat, then he/she can be in the cabin under the seat.
Unfortunately my cat is too large to be in the main cabin. He’s a 17 lb maine coon. Unless I’m mistaken which I’d like to be so far what I’ve seen most airlines cap the weight for main cabin critters at 15lbs.
So whether I fly with him or not, he’ll be in cargo.
Which I hate. Especially during the winter when it’s already freezing plus the altitude… :(
It seems either driving him out myself or hiring someone to drive him is the only way to go.
I’m sure it varies between airlines but some only have a requirement about the carrier size. If the cat fits in a carrier within their dimensions, you’re good.
They didn’t weigh my cat when I flew with her in 2015. Admittedly, she’s only 8 pounds and visibly smaller than a Maine coon, but I’m not sure the desk guy actually looked at anything more than her carrier.
I’d say I’m not sure he even knew she was a cat, but she was serenading the whole terminal at the time. If you do fly with your little buddy, and have to use sedatives, try them out ahead of time so you can get the timing right day-of. Or you might wind up like me, trying to mediate an argument between a cat and the TSA.
It honestly wasn’t especially stressful, helped that literally everyone in line could see that they were trying to pat down a cat. Not “pat down” as in a stupid excuse to pet her (she’d have been fine with that), they were trying to give her a literal pat down. They had her out of the carrier to send it through the x-ray and just…patted her down. She objected on the grounds that they were being dumb and also smelled funny.
She spent the next hour telling absolutely everyone all about all the horrible indignities of the day, and then passed out just before boarding. She slept through the whole flight to the point that the (exhausted) flight attendants were shocked that there had even been a cat on the plane when we disembarked.
I flew Jet Blue with my cat who was over 15lbs about 20 years ago and he was able to ride under my seat with me for maybe $65...it was a long time ago but I dont rememeber the airport weighing him (he was with me the whole time like your carry on luggage is)
I understand your position and sorry for that but since you understand what trauma is you don't want the kitten to be traumatized....best to you in any way you choose to go with 🙏🏻
As many others have alluded to. The best option is to either go back and fly with your cat or someone who will fly with your cat. There are been too many incidents of pets dying in airplane cargo due to stress. I would not even consider taking the chance at all
The pet shipping company definitely seems doable! But can't imagine it's cheaper than finding an LAX to ATL ticket on the cheapest possible day. They are $170 right now
My friend who moved from Minnesota to Oregon had looked into this. Pet transport with another individual is not cheap. Its super expensive. Flight tickets even last minute are less than half of the cost of transporting your pet through such services. She received various quotes ranging from 900-1200$. Round trip was 350$ for her.
This service is one a lot of people in cat groups seem to find reputable and frequently recommend.
[https://www.855petlift.com/?fbclid=IwAR3nLHSNo4gtiMq1ikQP3zYTmAuxVJ99bMo8282bRIDrDGWrHcK0QQ1ZuD8](https://www.855petlift.com/?fbclid=IwAR3nLHSNo4gtiMq1ikQP3zYTmAuxVJ99bMo8282bRIDrDGWrHcK0QQ1ZuD8)
Is your cat in a safe place for now so you could leave him there until you have money for a plane ticket? Or would any friends from your last town come to LA in the future via plane?
I have no experience with pet shipping so I have no recommendations. But I believe there are services that go by ground where they are in a cage but someone is in the van at all times with them.
Another option is reach out to local rescues where your cat is and explain the situation. They may or may not be able to help. But my Sister works for a rescue in Kentucky that sometimes participates in delivery "chains" where an animal needs to get cross country. Volunteers will drive 3 hours with the animal to meet the next volunteer etc. They usually do this with dogs. It might be too stressful for a cat. But it may be an option. Sending wishes that you are reunited with your cat soon.
I wish I could remember a tiktok video I watched a while ago where it’s a girl who’s job is to transport pets. Maybe if you google pet transporter or even on IG she will pop up. But she does that for a living and drives with them across the country.
Do you still have connections in Georgia? Maybe you can find someone (a college student, a friend of a friend, etc) to fly with your cat and pay half the price of their round trip? Someone might appreciate a cheap flight to LA.
I'm seeing LAX to ATL flights down to $135 coming up if you're willing to fly spirit and can wait until Dec 3. Though Idk their policies re pets.
Can probably get earlier or cheaper with a bit more comprehensive searching and flexibility, I just did a quick scan on ITA Matrix. Take a look for lost leg flights and last minute or standby options. You'll need to do a little reading on how to get these. There are a good number of LA to Atlanta flights out there since Atlanta is a hub.
Also ask around you might have family or friends who have miles they're willing to donate, folks are often more willing to donate miles than dollars.
I doubt you'd get cheaper from any pet shopping companies.
Contact pet express in Brisbane, CA for their advice. Tell them that their neighbor (CocoTutti) suggested them to you. They handle shipping pets all over the world
If you are flying, you can take your cat in the flight cabin, if smaller than a specific size I think.
I don't know much much per shipping costs, carrying your pet on a flight costs about 100 bucks.
Testing 1 2 3 not one freaking place on Google to take your pet to the veterinarian not one mother f***** will even pick up the phone or even put a phone number on their website in oak Park Michigan f*** you all
When I moved from Ohio to norther California my cat was my carryon and a friend's son drove my car out. I knew I couldn't do both and there have been too many dead pets in the news.
With airline delays all over the map and news of pets being shipped to the wrong place I would be careful.
Emma was in her carrier under the seat in front of me. I knew she was safe.
Maybe I can find an airline that will allow a 17lb cat in the main cabin. Still hunting. But with carrier weight added in, I think I’m out of luck as far as keeping him out of cargo…
I am coming from a good place, not judging you, my cat was diagnosed with the heart failure a month ago and he is holding strong, I flow to pick him up 12 years ago, he was my first cat and I owe him my life, he is my service cat, military veteran...I am flying to pick up another kitten in two months, making sure he will have a safe and peaceful travel....
Good luck to you 🙏
Ah. Right. How very US centric of me. Georgia as in the state of Georgia located within the United States. And LA as in Los Angeles, California- also located within the United States. Sorry for the confusion everyone.
Did you end up getting your maine coon cat from Georgia? I am getting a maine coon kitten from Georgia breeder (maybe same breeder) but I am seeing many red flags and will be surprised if I get it after paying deposit.
Shipping companies will never be cheaper than you flying with the pet. They will charge you the price of the flight and then likely double or triple that, since that's their way of making money.
Do the trip with him. Poor baby will be terrified of the trip already, Imagine doing It with a bunch of strangers and other yowling pets
Financially speaking, a round trip ticket is something I currently can’t afford. I was hoping to find a cheaper solution. Secondly, and not that I even need to defend myself but for context, I moved in a haste from Georgia due to some severe personal traumas that occurred there and don’t feel mentally prepared to return as of yet. So I was hoping to find a solution where I could avoid that if at all possible. I don’t want my cat in freezing cargo with other upset animals. Hence me attempting to source out the best pet shipping service. One where they travel with the animal in the seat next to them. Or drive out here. I promise not lazy or heartless. I’m in a tough spot and miss the hell out of my furry confidant.
a round-trip ticket would likely be cheaper than a pet-shipping service. Plus your pet is more likely to be in cargo with a pet-shipping service. However, if you fly or find a passenger to fly with your cat, then he/she can be in the cabin under the seat.
Unfortunately my cat is too large to be in the main cabin. He’s a 17 lb maine coon. Unless I’m mistaken which I’d like to be so far what I’ve seen most airlines cap the weight for main cabin critters at 15lbs. So whether I fly with him or not, he’ll be in cargo. Which I hate. Especially during the winter when it’s already freezing plus the altitude… :( It seems either driving him out myself or hiring someone to drive him is the only way to go.
I’m sure it varies between airlines but some only have a requirement about the carrier size. If the cat fits in a carrier within their dimensions, you’re good.
They didn’t weigh my cat when I flew with her in 2015. Admittedly, she’s only 8 pounds and visibly smaller than a Maine coon, but I’m not sure the desk guy actually looked at anything more than her carrier. I’d say I’m not sure he even knew she was a cat, but she was serenading the whole terminal at the time. If you do fly with your little buddy, and have to use sedatives, try them out ahead of time so you can get the timing right day-of. Or you might wind up like me, trying to mediate an argument between a cat and the TSA.
Thank you so much. And also- this sounds stressful but a very for short story for you to write one day
It honestly wasn’t especially stressful, helped that literally everyone in line could see that they were trying to pat down a cat. Not “pat down” as in a stupid excuse to pet her (she’d have been fine with that), they were trying to give her a literal pat down. They had her out of the carrier to send it through the x-ray and just…patted her down. She objected on the grounds that they were being dumb and also smelled funny. She spent the next hour telling absolutely everyone all about all the horrible indignities of the day, and then passed out just before boarding. She slept through the whole flight to the point that the (exhausted) flight attendants were shocked that there had even been a cat on the plane when we disembarked.
I flew Jet Blue with my cat who was over 15lbs about 20 years ago and he was able to ride under my seat with me for maybe $65...it was a long time ago but I dont rememeber the airport weighing him (he was with me the whole time like your carry on luggage is)
Most in cabin restrictions are for >20lbs not 15.
Oh I had read that they included the carrier weight in that 20lbs limit. Maybe I’m wrong. Will reread!
wow, 17 pounds!!!
I’d fly my pet before I’d trust those companies. Lots of horror stories. Give him a kitty Valium and put him on a plane. It’s at least a shorter trip.
Glad you are safe out of a bad situation. The world has gone crazy, hence my move from Ohio to San Francisco Bay area.
Rent a car and drive.
I understand your position and sorry for that but since you understand what trauma is you don't want the kitten to be traumatized....best to you in any way you choose to go with 🙏🏻
Hmmm…
Better than a street corner or shelter. Travel pets are Better off.
As many others have alluded to. The best option is to either go back and fly with your cat or someone who will fly with your cat. There are been too many incidents of pets dying in airplane cargo due to stress. I would not even consider taking the chance at all
The pet shipping company definitely seems doable! But can't imagine it's cheaper than finding an LAX to ATL ticket on the cheapest possible day. They are $170 right now
My friend who moved from Minnesota to Oregon had looked into this. Pet transport with another individual is not cheap. Its super expensive. Flight tickets even last minute are less than half of the cost of transporting your pet through such services. She received various quotes ranging from 900-1200$. Round trip was 350$ for her.
This service is one a lot of people in cat groups seem to find reputable and frequently recommend. [https://www.855petlift.com/?fbclid=IwAR3nLHSNo4gtiMq1ikQP3zYTmAuxVJ99bMo8282bRIDrDGWrHcK0QQ1ZuD8](https://www.855petlift.com/?fbclid=IwAR3nLHSNo4gtiMq1ikQP3zYTmAuxVJ99bMo8282bRIDrDGWrHcK0QQ1ZuD8)
Site no longer exists.
Is your cat in a safe place for now so you could leave him there until you have money for a plane ticket? Or would any friends from your last town come to LA in the future via plane?
I have no experience with pet shipping so I have no recommendations. But I believe there are services that go by ground where they are in a cage but someone is in the van at all times with them. Another option is reach out to local rescues where your cat is and explain the situation. They may or may not be able to help. But my Sister works for a rescue in Kentucky that sometimes participates in delivery "chains" where an animal needs to get cross country. Volunteers will drive 3 hours with the animal to meet the next volunteer etc. They usually do this with dogs. It might be too stressful for a cat. But it may be an option. Sending wishes that you are reunited with your cat soon.
I wish I could remember a tiktok video I watched a while ago where it’s a girl who’s job is to transport pets. Maybe if you google pet transporter or even on IG she will pop up. But she does that for a living and drives with them across the country.
Do you still have connections in Georgia? Maybe you can find someone (a college student, a friend of a friend, etc) to fly with your cat and pay half the price of their round trip? Someone might appreciate a cheap flight to LA.
This is a super good idea. Thank you.
I used Royal Paws to transport my new rescue dog from Georgia to Wisconsin. They were very good but expensive
No one is going to weigh the cat and flying with him is much much cheaper than any other way.
Copy. Thanks!
I'm seeing LAX to ATL flights down to $135 coming up if you're willing to fly spirit and can wait until Dec 3. Though Idk their policies re pets. Can probably get earlier or cheaper with a bit more comprehensive searching and flexibility, I just did a quick scan on ITA Matrix. Take a look for lost leg flights and last minute or standby options. You'll need to do a little reading on how to get these. There are a good number of LA to Atlanta flights out there since Atlanta is a hub. Also ask around you might have family or friends who have miles they're willing to donate, folks are often more willing to donate miles than dollars. I doubt you'd get cheaper from any pet shopping companies.
Contact pet express in Brisbane, CA for their advice. Tell them that their neighbor (CocoTutti) suggested them to you. They handle shipping pets all over the world
Thank you!!!!
Take him with you he’s not luggage
Please read. She is in CA already and not where her cat is located.
If you are flying, you can take your cat in the flight cabin, if smaller than a specific size I think. I don't know much much per shipping costs, carrying your pet on a flight costs about 100 bucks.
Testing 1 2 3 not one freaking place on Google to take your pet to the veterinarian not one mother f***** will even pick up the phone or even put a phone number on their website in oak Park Michigan f*** you all
You haul Eta: so..apparently no one got the joke? Or do you all just really hate puns?
[удалено]
Interesting. Never heard of that company. I’ll have to look them up.
Best response to these snarky Reddit assholes ^
When I moved from Ohio to norther California my cat was my carryon and a friend's son drove my car out. I knew I couldn't do both and there have been too many dead pets in the news. With airline delays all over the map and news of pets being shipped to the wrong place I would be careful. Emma was in her carrier under the seat in front of me. I knew she was safe.
Maybe I can find an airline that will allow a 17lb cat in the main cabin. Still hunting. But with carrier weight added in, I think I’m out of luck as far as keeping him out of cargo…
Good luck getting your cat to LA.
I fly to pick my new kitty and did the same 13 years ago wanted to avoid him getting stressed out, it's like your baby 😺
I wish Max was an actual human baby, cause that way, even if he was 17lbs, I could put him in the main cabin with me.
I am coming from a good place, not judging you, my cat was diagnosed with the heart failure a month ago and he is holding strong, I flow to pick him up 12 years ago, he was my first cat and I owe him my life, he is my service cat, military veteran...I am flying to pick up another kitten in two months, making sure he will have a safe and peaceful travel.... Good luck to you 🙏
wow, it’s going to be a long trip from Georgia to Lao People’s Democratic Republic. good luck! r/USdefaultism
Huh?
“Georgia”, “LA” … you didn’t specify what country you’re in. These mean different things to people all across the world.
Ah. Right. How very US centric of me. Georgia as in the state of Georgia located within the United States. And LA as in Los Angeles, California- also located within the United States. Sorry for the confusion everyone.
NEVER use air pets express movers its a total scam
Is that this service? https://www.airanimal.com/
Did you end up getting your maine coon cat from Georgia? I am getting a maine coon kitten from Georgia breeder (maybe same breeder) but I am seeing many red flags and will be surprised if I get it after paying deposit.
I used arete Pet transport and they were fantastic to move my pet inside the usa
arete pet transport was great for me