CitizenShipper Reviews
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About CitizenShipper
CitizenShipper is an online platform that connects pet owners with independent contractors who provide transportation services. Its policies emphasize a commitment to transparency and safety by requiring driver background checks. It also monitors communication channels. Serving clients since 2008, CitizenShipper caters to all 50 states. It stands out with its Booking Assurance Guarantee, a clearly outlined refund policy and $1,000 in pet protection compensation for injuries or death.
- $1,000 in pet protection coverage for every transport
- Booking Assurance Guarantee
- Vet helpline for illness/injury during transport
- Drivers must pass an extensive background check
- Booking fees added to all transport
- Several refund policy exclusions
CitizenShipper key services and benefits
CitizenShipper offers comprehensive services designed to provide what the company describes as a safe and reliable transportation option for pets across the United States. It connects pet owners with a network of independent transporters who undergo background checks. Pet owners can upload details about their pets, including photos and specific transport requirements, to receive competitive bids from transporters.
CitizenShipper's Booking Assurance Guarantee covers scenarios such as driver cancellations and failure to respond to calls and messages. Its refund policy also provides security for unforeseen circumstances that result in cancellation.
Key services and benefits:
- Background-checked transporters: Promotes reliability and safety for your pet
- Competitive bidding: Pet owners receive multiple quotes to choose the best option
- Booking assurance guarantee: Protection against driver cancellations and non-responsiveness
- Refund policy: Clearly outlined refund policy available for review
- 24/7 FirstVet telehealth: Provides access to a licensed veterinarian or vet nurse by video call should your pet need one during transport
- $1,000 pet protection: Provides financial compensation for the accidental injury or death of a pet during transport
- Customizable transport: Accommodates cats, dogs, horses and exotic pets for any U.S.-based transport needs
- Monitored communication channels: Ensures secure and appropriate interactions between pet owners and transporters
- Tailored pet care: Owners can provide detailed pet profiles to maximize chance that drivers ensure special care requirements
CitizenShipper requirements
Here are the requirements CitizenShipper has for pet owners to facilitate what it describes as safe and reliable pet transportation:
- Pet Details: Provide accurate information including species, breed, size/weight, and any special needs.
- Transport requirements: Specify pickup/delivery locations, preferred dates and any specific handling instructions.
- Documentation: Submit required paperwork such as health certificates and vaccination records as per local regulations.
- Communication: Only use CitizenShipper's monitored channels to communicate with transporters regarding transport details.
- Payment: Arrange payment directly with the transporter. CitizenShipper recommends using only secure methods like Visa or PayPal that allow disputes.
- Compliance: Adhere to CitizenShipper's terms of service to ensure a smooth transport process.
How much does CitizenShipper cost?
CitizenShipper offers transport for pets through independently contracted drivers who bid on listings created by pet owners. You must provide your pet's breed and weight along with the ideal pickup date, pickup location and delivery location.
Typical pricing ranges from 50 cents to $1.60 per mile traveled. Some drivers charge additional fees based on the payment method (e.g., +3.7% for CashApp, Venmo, credit/debit cards). Some contractors offer flight nanny services (flying alongside your pet in the airplane cabin) as well.
ConsumerAffairs obtained some bids for various pets needing ground transport from Los Angeles to New York. The listings remained active for one hour and each listing received an average of 12 bids. The table below details the various bids:
| Shipment Details | Lowest Bid | Highest Bid | Booking Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 73-lb. boxer from 90001 to 10001 | $925 | $2,800 | $29.99 (0-100 lbs.) |
| 10-lb. Bengal cat from 90001 to 10001 | $745 | $2,800 | $29.99 |
| 1,000-lb. Arabian horse from 90001 to 10001 | $999 | $2,800 | $149.99 (751-1,000 lbs.) |
| 4-lb. Holland lop rabbit from 90001 to 10001 | $800 | $2,790 | $29.99 |
CitizenShipper tracking
While some drivers offer GPS tracking options, CitizenShipper does not guarantee this service. Instead, it recommends pet owners purchase a GPS tracker to attach to their pet's collar or crate.
CitizenShipper FAQs
How does CitizenShipper work?
To use CitizenShipper, sign up on its website. Then, create a listing by submitting your pet's details and transport requirements. Once listed, you’ll receive bids from drivers through the platform's messaging system. Select the best bid that meets your needs and make arrangements with the driver.
Where is CitizenShipper available?
CitizenShipper operates in all 50 states in the U.S.
Is CitizenShipper legit?
Yes, CitizenShipper is a legitimate platform that emphasizes security through driver background checks, communications monitoring and detailed policies. It allows pet owners to find thoroughly vetted independent pet transporters and provides accessible customer service.
Can you read reviews and chat with drivers before shipping your pet?
Yes, CitizenShipper drivers will message you within the platform to provide bids and answer any questions you may have about their service. Previous customer reviews of drivers are readily accessible through the platform’s messaging section. Just select the “see full profile and reviews” button on the right side of the page.
CitizenShipper Reviews
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Popular Mentions
- 4,773,172 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
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- 4,773,172 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2025
Be aware! CitizenShipper censors and removes negative reviews (even if they are honest/accurate and adhere to their policies). Additionally, although they provide background checks, etc. on shippers, they claim not to have any real control over who is on their website. They also claim to not have any responsibility or ability to hold shippers accountable to providing refunds to customers. This means you are at the mercy of the shipper to refund your money, if at all, even if the shipper canceled on you. As you can imagine, this opens a large door for painfully delayed refunds as well as scammers to walk through completely unregulated. They allow shippers who cancel at the last minute and have a history of doing so, to continue operating on the platform regardless of the hardship and fees they create for customers.
I had an issue where I chose a shipper, who at the time had no negative reviews (so I thought), and placed a deposit in advance with them. On the scheduled day of pickup, they claimed to have car issues less than an hour before they were to pick up my animal. Then, they stopped responding to my texts. For over a week the shipper then proceeded to ignore both my attempts and (supposedly) the attempts of CitizenShipper to obtain a refund for the deposit I placed. Again, CitizenShipper will not refund a driver fee, only the booking fee. I was told by CitizenShipper they received a few excuses from the shipper as to why my money was not immediately refunded. Then, they too were not able to reach them at all.
During this time I reviewed CitizenShipper’s review policies and wrote a simple yet honest review, to hopefully help others avoid the same heartache. It stated only the facts: the driver had cancelled last minute, and at that time I did not receive a refund (all true and accurate and in no way disparaging or in violation of their policies). I saw other honest/negative reviews on this shipper as well at that time.
Once the shipper finally resurfaced nearly a week later, they claimed CitizenShipper lied and knew the entire time as to why I hadn’t received a refund. Thankfully I eventually received my money, but not after incurring additional expenses and hardship due to the last minute cancellation and refusal of immediate refund by the shipper.
Later, I was informed via email that my honest review was being reviewed for removal. I stated I would be willing to update my review with the current information, but that my review was accurate. To my surprise, when I logged in to my account, I saw a response from the shipper (who now had over a 26% cancellation rate) to my review which stated CitizenShipper knew all along why I had not received an immediate refund, and that they had attempted multiple times to refund my money with no success. To my knowledge neither of these claims in the shipper’s response were accurate, but somehow allowed to be shown to potential customers. I did not receive any communication from the shipper until they reached out regarding a refund, and again, was told by CitizenShipper that the shipper had stopped communicating.
My review on their website was censored, and from what I can tell has been removed. I see the other negative customer reviews on this shipper’s profile have also since been removed. I will be happy to update this review if any of that changes. I was notified by CitizenShipper they would not remove this shipper from their platform, so they are likely still out there doing the same to other customers.
Regardless of what CitizenShipper states in response to this review to support their reputation, these are my honest experiences. Everything stated in this review can be supported by emails and text messages, and is in no way exaggerated or meant to be disparaging. I have nothing to gain from a dishonest review, and only wish I had seen honest reviews such as mine prior to using the site. CitizenShipper has a duty to their customers to be transparent. If they aren’t going to be responsible for lost shipper fees, there needs to be more stringent regulation on the shippers who operate on the platform, including penalties for such things high cancellation rates- Especially when dealing with such precious cargo.
Reviewed May 6, 2025
My dog was recently transported from AZ to Wi and it was an awesome experience! 3rd time using this company. Great communication from the transporter each time throughout each trip w photos! Highly recommend for cross country transport. Will definitely use again!
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Reviewed April 25, 2025
The process of booking the transport of 7 Italian Greyhounds from Florida to Arizona was very easy. We are very grateful all the dogs arrived safely, though a bit dirty and frantic. We appreciate this service.
Reviewed April 21, 2025
I booked a reservation with CitizenShipper and due to circumstances I needed to cancel my reservation shortly afterwards. They do not make their cancellation policy clear during booking and I am told that I cannot get my $399 booking fee and insurance fee returned to my credit card. I now have a credit with Citizen Shipper that I will most likely never use. Beware if you’re booking a transport for your pet.
Reviewed Nov. 2, 2024
Citizenshipper made it incredibly easy to post a free ad our to any pet transport companies to bid on. I was surprised at how fast they came rolling in. I liked how I could confirm the transportation companies had been thoroughly verified. It was nice to be able to easily access reviews from previous people who used their service.
Natasha we sincerely appreciate you for letting us know how well your experience using CitizenShipper went! We look forward to being there for you whenever you need pet relocation or anything else!
Reviewed Oct. 30, 2024
I had a great experience with the company. My dog was delivered fast and the driver was professional and nice! If I had to have my dog shipped again I would choose Citizenshipper! The price was reasonable and good service.
Shelia, thank you so much for your kind words and recommendations, we sincerely look forward to assist you with any future needs for your loved fur baby!
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2024
I signed up for a free 30 day trial and cancelled my account which I took a screenshot of and got an email confirmation and they still charged my account. Doesn't surprise me. I signed up as a licensed transport company and they have very few loads hence little relevant business on the site. Beware and do not sign up for their trial. They will attempt to charge you even if you cancel.
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2024
I never had my cats or dogs transported before. I was very reluctant to try this however, after my experience, I can say I was very happy with the outcome. My kitty was delivered safely to his destination, which was my son‘s house. And I would like to add the overall cost versus me flying my kitty down to its destination. It’s cheaper this path
Sharon, thank you for leaving us a great review, we look forward to assisting you again in the future!
Reviewed Oct. 16, 2024
I booked a transport with T&T transport through CitizenShipper. The process was smooth and fee for the connection was fair. The shippers were great, too! I will definitely use this service again. Thank you, CitizenShipper!
Thank you for giving us this great review Caroline, we sincerely hope to be able to assist you again whenever you need your pets transported!
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2024
Using CitizenShipper is easier than Uber. I google pet transport not knowing there was such a thing and it was easy and affordable. I submitted pickup and dropoff locations (5hour drive to N.Dallas) and within an hour there were 30 bids that came in with a full range of rates. Looking at anyone gives a bio of the transporter, direct contact phone, history, and ratings. I used Linda C who was very accommodating, courteous, and very kind to my 45lb terrier mix. He is a 2yr old rescue dog of 6 months ago, arrived happy to see me, and quite comfortable with Linda C. I will recommend CitizenShipper any time.
Andrew M.
Andrew, we are very happy to hear about your experience with Linda and look forward to assisting you in finding an amazing driver for any future shipping needs!
CitizenShipper Company Information
- Company Name:
- CitizenShipper
- Address:
- 701 Tillery St., Ste. 12-1249
- City:
- Austin
- State/Province:
- TX
- Postal Code:
- 78702
- Country:
- United States
- Website:
- citizenshipper.com