Shipping & Transport Policy

At Tomshepherds, the safety and well-being of every puppy is our top priority. Whether your puppy is picked up in person or transported to you, this Shipping & Transport Policy outlines the requirements, procedures, and responsibilities for both the breeder and the buyer.

This policy ensures compliance with the humane transport expectations under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and aligns with safe transport standards within the United States.

1. PICKUP OPTIONS

We offer the following pickup methods:

✔ 1. Local Pickup (Preferred)

Buyers are strongly encouraged to pick up their puppy in person at a mutually agreed location.

Benefits:

  • Reduced stress for the puppy

  • Opportunity to meet us and ask questions

  • Easier transition home

Pickups must be scheduled in advance.

2. GROUND TRANSPORT (USDA-COMPLIANT)

If ground transport is needed, we work only with:

  • USDA-licensed transporters

  • Professional, reputable ground transport companies

  • Drivers who adhere to AWA guidelines for humane handling

Ground transport includes:

  • Climate-controlled vehicles

  • Hydration and rest breaks

  • Safe containment

  • Limited number of animals per trip

  • Direct communication with the transporter

Buyer Responsibilities:

  • Paying transport fees

  • Scheduling with transporter

  • Being available at the delivery time

  • Ensuring proper identification at delivery

We will recommend trusted transporters, but buyers may also choose their own as long as they are USDA compliant.

3. FLIGHT NANNY SERVICE (In-Cabin Only)

We ONLY allow in-cabin flight nanny transport.
We DO NOT ship puppies in cargo areas.

A screened, professional flight nanny will:

  • Carry the puppy on board the airplane

  • Keep the puppy with them at all times

  • Monitor stress, hydration, and comfort

  • Deliver the puppy directly into your hands

Buyer Responsibilities:

  • Paying all flight nanny fees

  • Being available at the airport at arrival

  • Providing correct contact information

Flight nanny availability may vary seasonally.

4. NO CARGO SHIPPING POLICY

To prioritize welfare and safety, we do NOT permit:

  • Cargo shipping

  • Under-plane transport

  • Unattended airline shipping

This protects puppies from:

  • Temperature extremes

  • Loud environments

  • Delays and stress

  • Handling by untrained airline staff

This policy is consistent with modern ethical breeder standards.

5. INTERSTATE SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS (CVI)

For all puppies traveling across state lines, a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) is required.

The CVI includes:

  • A full health exam

  • Confirmation the puppy is free of contagious disease

  • Verification of vaccinations and deworming

  • Veterinarian signature and state approval

Who Pays for the CVI?

The buyer is responsible for:

  • CVI cost

  • Any required secondary paperwork for their state

We will arrange and provide the CVI prior to transport.

6. AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSPORT

To comply with ethical standards and AWA guidelines:

  • Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old before transport

  • Some transporters may require 10–12 weeks for flight nanny service

  • We do not release puppies early

This ensures proper weaning, socialization, and health stability.

7. WEATHER & TEMPERATURE SAFETY POLICY

Transport may be delayed under unsafe conditions, including:

  • Extreme heat

  • Extreme cold

  • Severe storms

  • Airline restrictions

We reserve the right to delay transport if it is in the best interest of the puppy.

Puppy safety always comes first.

8. BUYER RESPONSIBILITIES UPON RECEIVING THE PUPPY

Upon receiving your puppy, you must:

  • Inspect the puppy immediately

  • Contact us within 4 hours if there are any concerns

  • Take the puppy for a veterinarian exam within 72 hours (as required in our Health Guarantee)

Failure to complete the exam within 72 hours voids the Health Guarantee.

9. TRANSPORTATION FEES & PAYMENTS

Transport fees are not included in the puppy price.

The buyer must cover:

  • Ground transport fees

  • Flight nanny service fees

  • CVI (interstate health certificate)

  • Travel crate (if required)

  • Airport handoff fees (if applicable)

All transport fees must be paid in full before the puppy is released.

10. LIABILITY WAIVER FOR TRAVEL

Once the puppy is released into the care of:

  • A ground transporter

  • A flight nanny

  • The buyer

  • An adult designated by the buyer

Tomshepherds is no longer responsible for transport-related:

  • Delays

  • Illness

  • Injury

  • Stress

  • Airline or transporter mistakes

  • Environmental exposure

However, we will assist with documentation and communication when needed.

11. CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions about transport arrangements:

📧 support@tomshepherds.com
🌐 Tomshepherds.com
📍 USA

We will guide you through every step of the process to ensure a safe, smooth, and stress-free arrival.