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When you’re sending a new puppy across the country, you’re trusting someone with more than just a delivery — you’re trusting them with your puppy’s health and safety.
At Pawformance, our puppy transport policy follows strict USDA pet safety and veterinary-guided standards to make sure every puppy’s trip is clean, controlled, and comfortable.
Our secret? A clear no paws on ground rule and transport systems built around full-scale sanitized pet delivery protocols.
1) Why Young Puppies Are So Vulnerable
Before 16 weeks, a puppy’s immune system isn’t fully developed.
Even if they’ve started their vaccinations, they’re still missing full protection from illnesses like:
Parvovirus
Distemper
Adenovirus
Kennel cough
These viruses can survive on surfaces or soil for days.
Before 16 weeks, a puppy’s immune system isn’t fully developed. Even after first vaccinations, they remain vulnerable to parvovirus, distemper, and other contagious diseases — which is why clean pet transport isn’t optional; it’s essential.
2) What “No-Paws-on-Ground” Actually Means
It’s exactly what it sounds like—no puppy paws touch the ground during the entire transport.
From pickup to drop-off:
Puppies are carried directly from the breeder or home into sanitized crates inside our vehicle.
We use pee-through mats in every crate so puppies stay clean and dry even during bathroom breaks.
Crates are lined with absorbent, disposable layers changed at regular intervals.
We never stop at dog parks, rest areas, or public lawns—every potty and cleaning break happens in a controlled space.
This eliminates contact with unknown surfaces, wild animals, and other dogs. Every step of our safe pet shipping system is designed to protect your dog’s health.
3) Cleaning and Sanitization Between Trips
Between every transport, our vans and crates are:
Fully sanitized using veterinary-grade disinfectants that kill parvo, distemper, and bacteria.
Cleaned and aired out to remove residual odors and allergens.
Visually inspected before each pickup to ensure total cleanliness.
No shortcuts, no “wipe downs.” Each trip starts with a fresh environment which is how we maintain a germ free puppy travel every single trip.
4) Controlled Air and Temperature
Our minivans are custom-set for pet safety:
Dual-zone climate control ensures the same temperature throughout the cabin.
Constant airflow keeps humidity and odor low.
Backup fans and thermometers monitor air quality at all times.
Extreme heat or cold is one of the biggest hidden stressors for puppies, so we never rely on a single system to keep them safe which ensure a safe puppy health transport.
5) Individual Crate Assignments
Every puppy travels in their own properly sized crate—no doubling up.
This allows:
Separation between litters and households
Reduced stress and cross-contamination risk
Personalized feeding and cleaning schedules
Each crate is labeled with the puppy’s name, destination, and feeding notes to avoid mix-ups and ensure a safe puppy transport.
6) Handling and Hygiene Protocols
Our handlers follow strict hygiene protocols for a true sanitized pet delivery:
Hands are sanitized between every pet contact.
Separate gloves are used per crate.
Feeding tools and water bowls are washed and disinfected after each use.
Waste disposal is sealed and stored away from travel areas.
It’s not just policy—it’s habit. After years of transport experience, we’ve built it into our muscle memory.
7) Health Certificates and Verification
Before any trip begins, we verify:
A valid USDA health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Vaccine and deworming records
Contact information for the breeder or veterinarian
We also refuse transport for any puppy showing symptoms of illness as this is part of our commitment to USDA pet safety.
This protects not just that puppy, but everyone aboard.
8) Why It Matters
Our no paws on ground policy isn’t about being overprotective—it’s about being preventative.
Every extra layer of caution keeps our passengers safer and gives new owners peace of mind that their puppy’s first big journey was handled right.
When you see a transporter mention “no paws,” you’re seeing a company that puts health above convenience—and that’s exactly how it should be.
At Pawformance, safety isn’t a feature. It’s our foundation.
Every mile, every mat, every precaution is part of keeping your new family member healthy, happy, and ready to thrive when they arrive home.