At CitizenShipper, the safety and well-being of transported pets are our top priorities. To support high standards of care and professionalism, all pet transporters on the platform are required to be registered with the USDA.
What is the USDA Registration?
The USDA/APHIS oversees the Animal Welfare Act* (AWA), which sets federal standards for the care and treatment of animals in research, exhibition, and transport. Under the AWA, animal transporters for hire must be registered with the USDA. This registration helps demonstrate that you, as a transporter, operate in compliance with federal guidelines and helps build trust with customers considering your services.
As of April 22, 2026, USDA class T registration (Carrier) is mandatory for all pet transporters operating on the CitizenShipper platform. Following this date, a 90-day grace period will apply, allowing drivers to continue operating while their applications are being processed.
Why does this requirement matter?
By requiring USDA Class T registration (Carrier), we ensure that every driver on our platform is recognized by federal authorities, providing shippers with peace of mind and maintaining the integrity of our community. It also builds trust with customers and supports a safer transport environment for pets.
How to apply for the USDA Registration?
Applying for the USDA registration is free of charge and typically takes a few minutes. To make applying and verifying even easier for you, we've streamlined the procedure into a simple form that takes just a few minutes to complete! You can follow the steps below or watch our step-by-step video tutorial for guidance.
Fill out the application form
- Access the application form for a Class T animal transporter and click the “Start filling” button
- Most fields are pre-filled, simply enter your name, location, and contact information
- Click “Submit” to send your application to the USDA via email
Please ensure you apply for Class T (Carrier), as Class H (Intermediate Handler) is not sufficient for ground transport services.
Note: The USDA typically has a 20-business-day review period for new applications. A physical certificate should arrive in the mail within a few weeks. We highly recommend submitting your paperwork as soon as possible to avoid any disruptions to your account.
Need an update on your application?
If your application is taking longer than expected, you can contact the USDA directly:
- Email: animalcare@usda.gov
- Phone number: 970-494-7478
Verify your certificate
Once you receive your USDA certificate, you’ll need to verify it on your profile.
This verification ensures your business remains in good standing and adds a USDA verified badge to your profile. To verify your USDA registration:
- Go to the Profile tab in your account settings
- Scroll to the Verifications section
- Locate your USDA registration status and click “Add”
Then complete the form:
- Enter your certificate number exactly as shown
- Enter the name used on your USDA registration
- Upload a clear photo or scanned copy of your certificate
Click “Submit for verification” when finished. Our team will review your submission and email you about your submission’s status.
After your registration is verified, your profile will automatically update. A checkmark will appear in the Screening & Safety section, making your USDA registration easy for customers to see.
We’ll also send a reminder 30 days before your registration expires so you can renew on time.
FAQ
What is a USDA Class T registration (Carrier)?
A USDA Class T registration is a license issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for transporters who move animals commercially. It confirms that you are authorized to transport animals and that you agree to follow federal animal welfare standards.
Who needs a Class T registration?
You need a Class T registration (Carrier) if you are transporting animals for compensation and the trip crosses state lines or is part of a commercial service.
Is USDA Class T registration mandatory on CitizenShipper?
Yes. As of April 22, 2026, all pet transporters on CitizenShipper are required to have a valid USDA registration to accept pet transport jobs. CitizenShipper will exclusively accept Class "T" (Carrier) registrations.
What is the difference between a USDA Class T registration and a Class H registration?
A USDA Class T registration (Carrier) is specifically intended for businesses or individuals who commercially transport animals (e.g., ground transporters or "flight nannies"). This is the registration required for pet transporters operating on CitizenShipper.
A USDA Class H registration (Intermediate Handler) is generally issued to intermediate handlers, such as boarding facilities, airlines, or businesses that temporarily receive, handle, or house animals during transport rather than directly providing transportation services themselves.
What happens if I don’t have a USDA registration?
You will not be able to accept pet transport shipments on the platform until your registration is approved and added to your profile.
How do I apply for a USDA Class T registration?
You can apply through the USDA APHIS Animal Care program. The process includes completing an application form and submitting it to the USDA for review.
You can also fill out the application form created by CitizenShipper, which will email your class T registration application to the USDA.
How much does the registration cost?
The USDA Class T registration itself is free. However, transporters may still have costs related to operating their business, such as insurance, vehicle maintenance, equipment, or state and local business requirements.
How long does approval take?
The USDA review process typically takes about 20 business days after your application is submitted.
Do I need to renew my USDA registration?
Yes. A USDA Class T registration is typically valid for three years. It’s your responsibility to keep your registration active and up to date. You may refer to the USDA's Transportation Registration Update Application Packet.
Will I be inspected by the USDA?
Possibly. After submission, a field inspector may review your equipment and procedures for compliance with USDA standards.
What if I only transport animals occasionally?
If you are receiving payment and transporting animals commercially, you are still required to have a USDA registration, even if it’s not your full-time activity.
What are the minimum age requirements for transporting dogs and cats in commerce?
Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned before you, a commercial carrier, can transport them for commercial purposes.
Where can I get help with my application?
You can contact the USDA Animal Care team directly by emailing animalcare@usda.gov or calling 970-494-7478.
What if I don’t receive my certificate?
As previously mentioned, the USDA website states that once an application is received, it will take several weeks to be approved and for you to receive the certificate in the mail. However, input from numerous drivers has informed us that this process can take several months. We understand how frustrating this might be because of the value USDA registration adds to your driver profile. You may reach out to the USDA directly to confirm whether your application was completed correctly.
*For more detailed information on the Animal Welfare Act, please refer to the USDA's Blue Book collection.
** Please note that the USDA is not affiliated with CitizenShipper.
If you have questions or want to learn more about how verification can support your bids, contact our support team at support@citizenshipper.com.
What to read next
Completing your USDA registration is just one part of setting up a successful business on the platform. To start bidding on shipments, all drivers must also complete our onboarding process and core safety screenings. Check out our main guide, Steps to Verifying Your Driver Account with CitizenShipper
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