Ground-only. Climate-controlled. USDA Class T certificate on file and downloadable. Background-checked, Red Cross-certified drivers we know and trust. Breed-specific safety plans built before the wheels turn.
Some of our furry passengers:
Live GPS Tracking
Real-time updates
Experienced Team
15+ years in pet transport
Personalized Support
Always reachable
Door-to-Door
No terminals, no stress
PAX vs. The Industry Standard
Says 'background checked' — often means a driving record
Claims USDA registration in a paragraph on the site
Brachy breeds are an afterthought or an airline workaround
Drivers are strangers pulled from gig apps
Drivers get little backup on the road
Full criminal background check and driving record review on every driver, plus references and a valid USDA Class T registration
USDA Class T certificate on file and downloadable as a PDF
Brachy protocols built from the ground up — routes planned around heat, altitude, and rest cadence before the trip is booked
Drivers are people we know and have worked with — and every new driver is trained by an existing PAX driver before running a trip alone
A dedicated trip coordinator backs every driver live — weather, routing, vet proximity, rest stops
Ian Rutger
Founder, PAX Pet Transport
Our Story
I've lived in four countries — the US, Germany, Spain, and Argentina — and I speak four languages. If there's one thing that kind of life teaches you, it's who you can trust when it matters.
I grew up around pet transport. My family works in the industry, so I've seen how it operates from the inside — what good care actually looks like, what it costs, and what it takes to do it right.
Here's how I see it: you wouldn't cheap out on a babysitter. You wouldn't put your kid in a cargo hold. So why would you do that with your dog?
I started PAX because I believe your pet deserves better than being treated like a package. Every trip is ground transport — climate-controlled vehicles, one-on-one attention, no cargo holds, no altitude pressure, no temperature extremes. Our drivers are USDA-registered, background checked, and paid well for what they actually bring: experience with elderly pets, animals with medical needs, anxious rescues. Real skills, not just a clean driving record.
As the owner, I think you have a right to know who's behind PAX. My full background check is here. Every driver goes through the same check — full criminal background, not just a motor vehicle report. To protect their privacy, we share each driver's report with you only after they've been assigned to your trip.
Our philosophy: crashes happen. You can't fully avoid them when you drive for a living. Recklessness, you can. I wouldn't trust a family member with someone who has a serious criminal background. I wouldn't want that person walking into my home. The same applies to you and your pets.
This isn't a logistics company that happens to move pets. It's a pet safety company that happens to do transport.
Yeah, it costs more to run things this way. But your pet rides like family. Not livestock.
— Ian Rutger, Founder
FAQ
Still have questions? We're a real team with real answers. Reach out anytime.
PAX drivers aren't random contractors pulled from a gig marketplace. They're people we know personally and have worked with. Every driver goes through a full criminal background check — not just a motor vehicle report — plus a driving record review, reference checks, and proof of appropriate insurance. They hold a valid USDA Class T registration and are Red Cross certified in animal first aid. When we bring on a new driver, they're trained by our existing drivers before they ever run a trip on their own — so every driver in the fleet meets the same standard as the ones we started with. 'Background checked' is a phrase every transporter uses. Ask them what theirs actually covers, and who trained the driver showing up at your door. We'll tell you ours.
For most pets, yes — significantly. Cargo holds expose animals to extreme temperature swings, pressure changes, loud engine noise, and zero human contact for hours at a time. Ground transport keeps your pet in a climate-controlled cabin with a caring driver the entire journey. There are no altitude risks, no baggage handling, and no chance of being separated from their transport chain.
Once your trip begins, you'll receive a tracking link via text and email. You can check your pet's location at any time — no app download required. Drivers are required to send a check-in photo at the start of each trip and at every scheduled rest stop.
We transport dogs, cats, and most small animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds. For exotic or special-needs pets, we review requests on a case-by-case basis to make sure we can accommodate them properly. If you're unsure whether we can take your pet, just reach out — we'd rather talk it through than turn you away without a conversation.
Every trip is quoted individually based on your specific route, pet size, number of pets, timeline, and any special care needs. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all pricing — a rushed cross-country move for a senior dog with medications is a different service than a short regional trip for a healthy puppy. Request a free quote and we'll send you a personalized breakdown, usually within 24 hours.
PAX currently serves the continental United States. We handle both local relocations and long-distance cross-country moves. If you're unsure whether your route is covered, enter your pickup and delivery cities in the quote form and we'll confirm availability within a few hours.
Yes. If you're a 501(c)(3) rescue, a municipal shelter, or a veterinary practice booking on behalf of a patient, email us with your EIN or state license number before requesting a quote. Discounts come out of the PAX admin share first — never out of driver pay. When a discount can't be absorbed that way, we compensate the driver another way so they're still made whole for the work they're doing. Drivers doing the right thing shouldn't be the ones subsidizing charity.
Yes. PAX offers a 10% discount for active-duty military and veterans on all pet transport services, including PCS relocations. We understand that military families face unique challenges when relocating, and we're committed to making pet transport one less thing to worry about. Just mention your military status when requesting a quote.
Absolutely. We know that PCS orders can be finalized at the last minute, and timelines shift without warning. PAX does not charge rush fees or date-change fees for military clients. If your orders change, your transport dates change with them — no penalties, no extra cost.
Yes. According to IRS Publication #521, you can deduct the cost of shipping your pets via ground transportation or air travel to your new duty station on your taxes. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for details specific to your situation, but ground pet transport with PAX qualifies as a deductible moving expense for PCS moves.
Several organizations provide support for military pet relocations. SPCA International's Operation Military Pets offers grants for pet relocation to service members from any branch. Dogs On Deployment, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides volunteer pet-boarding networks and financial assistance during deployments and relocations. PAX works alongside these resources to make sure your pet gets where they need to go safely.
Why PAX
We treat every animal like our own. Our drivers are background-checked, USDA-registered, and genuinely passionate about animals.
Live GPS Tracking
Real-time updates
Experienced Team
15+ years in pet transport
Personalized Support
Always reachable
Door-to-Door
No terminals, no stress
