Does GoGoPets serve Des Moines?

Yes. Des Moines is Iowa's primary GoGoPets pickup location.

Does GoGoPets serve Iowa City and the University of Iowa?

Yes. Iowa City is covered as extended Iowa state coverage.

Does GoGoPets serve the Quad Cities?

Yes. Davenport and Bettendorf (Iowa) plus Rock Island and Moline (Illinois) are covered.

What's the fare from Des Moines to Chicago?

Des Moines to Chicago is about 300 miles. Fares typically run $420–$520.

Does GoGoPets serve Cedar Rapids?

Yes. Cedar Rapids is covered as extended Iowa state coverage.

Pet Transportation in Iowa

GoGoPets Team · Last updated: April 2026

Iowa sits on I-80 between Chicago and Omaha, with I-35 running north-south through Des Moines. The state's university towns and agricultural communities have limited airline cargo options, making ground transport the practical choice for long-distance pet moves. GoGoPets covers Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities with USDA-certified drivers.

GoGoPets has completed 70+ pet transportation trips in Iowa. The most active pickup city is Des Moines. Popular destinations from Iowa include Chicago, IL, Kansas City, MO, Minneapolis, MN.

70+

Trips completed

Des Moines

Top origin city

4.8★

Verified rating

$3,000

Pet protection

Des Moines Insurance Capital and Corporate Relocation

Des Moines is the nation's third-largest insurance hub - home to Principal Financial, Nationwide, and Wellmark Blue Cross. Insurance industry employees relocating between Des Moines and Chicago, Hartford, or Charlotte use GoGoPets for dogs that exceed airline cabin limits at Des Moines International Airport.

Iowa State University (Ames, 35 miles from Des Moines) and the University of Iowa (Iowa City, 110 miles east) generate spring graduation relocation demand. Both are covered under extended Iowa state pricing.

Quad Cities and Eastern Iowa Coverage

The Quad Cities (Davenport, Bettendorf on the Iowa side; Rock Island, Moline on the Illinois side) sit on the Mississippi River and are served as a unified bi-state metro. GoGoPets covers all four cities under Quad Cities pricing.

Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa and one of the top-ranked university hospital systems in the U.S. Medical professionals relocating to or from Iowa City are a steady GoGoPets market.

How Much Does Pet Transportation Cost in Iowa?

Pet transportation in Iowa costs $150–$2,500+ depending on the distance. Short in-state runs start around $299. Long-haul trips to the East Coast or West Coast run $1,200–$2,500. GoGoPets uses competitive driver bidding - you post your trip, drivers submit bids, and you choose based on price and reviews.

Route type	Distance	Typical cost
Local / in-state	Under 100 miles	$150–$400
Regional	100–500 miles	$400–$900
Long-haul	500–1,500 miles	$900–$1,800
Coast-to-coast	1,500+ miles	$1,400–$2,500+

All trips include a $99 service fee, $3,000 pet protection, and door-to-door pickup. Payment is held in escrow - 30% released at pickup, 70% at safe delivery.

Top Destinations from Iowa

Chicago, IL
Kansas City, MO
Minneapolis, MN
Omaha, NE
St. Louis, MO

How GoGoPets Works in Iowa

1
Book online in 2 minutes
Enter your Iowa pickup address and destination. Get a flat-rate quote instantly.
2
Match with a USDA-certified driver
Background-checked, USDA-certified driver assigned. Payment held in escrow until delivery.
3
Door-to-door pickup
Driver arrives at your Iowa address. Your pet travels alone - never shared transport.
4
Live GPS tracking
Track your pet's route in real time from pickup to delivery.
5
Safe delivery
Pet arrives safely. Escrow released. $3,000 protection covered the entire trip.

Why Iowa Pet Owners Choose GoGoPets

✓USDA-certified, background-checked drivers
✓$3,000 pet protection on every trip
✓Escrow payment - pay only when trip is complete
✓4.8★ average rating

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Ship your pet anywhere from Iowa

Instant quote. Door-to-door pickup. $3,000 protection. 4.8★ reviews.