If you aren’t able to make the trip yourself, you may choose to hire a transportation service such as a flight nanny or ground transportation specialist. These individuals and companies are dedicated to getting your puppy safely to you.

Just as with any hired service, you will typically pay more to have someone else transport your puppy rather than doing it yourself. However, you’ll have the convenience and reassurance of someone doing it properly.

Ground Transportation

Ground transportation is when your puppy travels to you via a vehicle and not on a plane. Let’s go over some of the pros and cons:

Pros

• Vehicles are more familiar to a puppy than an airplane

• More frequent stops

• Possibility of discounts if multiple puppies are traveling

• Fewer size restrictions on the puppy

Cons

• Trips take more time for longer distances

• Traffic delays are more of an occurrence

Typical Cost of Ground Transportation

I’ve read that ground transportation is the more affordable transportation option, but I haven’t found that to always be the case, especially with very long trips. While a flight nanny might be able to get your puppy across the country easily in a day, over the road, a drive will have to make several hotel stops which factors into the price.

I believe ground transportation makes the most financial sense for moderately long trips - more than 6 hours, but less than 24 hours.

Most drivers will charge per mile one way. Typically we see prices of $0.90 per mile to $1.75. 

Flight Nanny

When you hire a flight nanny, you are hiring someone to ride on a plane with your puppy in the cabin of the plane. The puppy will stay under the seat in front of the nanny and will be cared for the entire time. 

You’ll have to meet a flight nanny at the airport to pick up your puppy. They will typically meet you at the baggage claim area of the terminal they landed at. 

Hiring a flight nanny is the preferred method of puppy transportation for most people. 

Pros

• Shorter travel time

• Puppy is near the flight nanny at all times

Cons

• Puppy can’t be taken out of carrier while flying

• Size and age restrictions

Typical cost of hiring a flight nanny

Again, most places online state that flight nannies are the most expensive transportation options, but we haven’t always found that to be true. The cost of hiring a flight nanny depends a lot on ticket prices which can fluctuate greatly. We’ve seen prices anywhere from $600 to $1300.

Hiring Transportation Services

How to find a Transportation Company

Through Joley Aire

If you are getting a Joley Aire puppy, we’ll make this step easy! 

Sometimes, we are able to transport the puppy to you for $0.90/mile one way. If there are multiple puppies going the same direction, your fee will be reduced!

Because we have limited availability, there are times when we aren’t able to drive your puppy to you and need to consider hiring a ground transportation specialist (especially if the puppy is much older and too big to fly). If that is the case, we will take care of finding a reputable driver to get your puppy safely to you.

Working with another breeder

Most breeders will be willing to arrange transportation for you, but there are times when you are in the position of needing to find and hire a driver or nanny yourself. If that is the case, there are some places to look and things to consider:

Facebook Groups: There are many Facebook groups dedicated to matching transportation specialists with customers needing to hire their services. Look for large groups with strict standards.

⚠ Be cautious! These Facebook groups are also a hotbed for scammers! Use discernment when contacting drivers through them. If they are giving you a really good deal, promising to deliver your puppy in a shorter period of time, or refuse to provide you with legitimate licenses and certifications, they may be a scammer. 

Industry referrals: Check with vet offices, grooming facilities, boarding facilities, or dog trainers to see if they know of any reputable ground transportation specialists. You can try asking breeders in your area, but they might not be as willing to help since you are buying from someone else.

Google Search: Doing a Google search could yield some results, but be careful to do your homework by checking reviews and asking for references.

The process of hiring Transportation Services

Once you’ve chosen a company or individual to transport your puppy, there are a few things you need to do to secure a reservation.

Transportation reservations require the following information:

• (Flight nanny) Pick up and drop off airports

• The breeder’s address

• Your home address (your home or a public meeting place)

• The puppy’s estimated weight at the time of transport

• The puppy’s estimated height at the time of transport

• The puppy’s age at the time of transport

• A pick up date or date range

Typically, you’ll be asked to read and sign a contract agreement to reserve transportation services.

Some transportation services require a deposit. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are automatically a scam, but be sure to do your homework before sending money to anyone online.

How the transport works

A good transportation specialist will communicate with you throughout your puppy’s journey, often sending texts and pictures to update you on their progress. You should also hear from your breeder when the puppy leaves.

For any type of transportation, delays are not uncommon. Have patience and try to plan in extra time in case they aren’t able to drop off your puppy at the designated time.

Your puppy should be delivered to you along with any documentation or supplies sent by the breeder.