Shipping & Delivery
At German Shepherds Central, the safety, health, and comfort of our puppies during transit is our absolute highest priority. We offer several secure travel options to bring your new family member safely home, whether you live across the state or across the country.
Available Delivery Options
We offer three primary methods for getting your puppy home. Please review the options below to choose the method that best fits your schedule and location:
Local Pickup
You are always welcome to schedule a date and time to visit our location and pick up your puppy in person. There is no fee for local pickup.
Flight Nanny Service
For long-distance adoptions, we can arrange a trusted professional Flight Nanny. The nanny escorts your puppy in the airplane cabin, keeping them under their direct supervision, feeding them, and keeping them comfortable throughout the entire flight. You will meet the Flight Nanny at your local airport's baggage claim or arrivals area.
Ground Transport
We work with licensed, insured pet transport companies that specialize in cross-country ground delivery. Puppies travel in climate-controlled vehicles with scheduled stops for potty breaks, sanitization, and feeding.
Shipping Costs & Fees
Shipping and transport costs are not included in the baseline adoption price of the puppy.
All delivery fees must be paid in full at least 3 days prior to the scheduled departure date.
Rates vary based on your distance from us, current airline fuel surcharges, and the specific transport method chosen.
We will provide you with a transparent, itemized quote from our third-party transporters before finalizing your delivery schedule.
Age & Weather Restrictions
To ensure the physical well-being of our German Shepherd puppies, we strictly adhere to safety regulations regarding age and weather conditions.
Minimum Age
Puppies will not be shipped or permitted to travel via commercial transit until they are at least 8 weeks of age and have been cleared for travel by a licensed veterinarian.
Weather Conditions
For air and ground transport, departures may be subject to delays if temperatures are too extreme (typically below 45°F or above 85°F anywhere along the travel route). If a delay happens, we will keep your puppy safe at our facility until conditions are clear, and we will coordinate the new timeline with you immediately.
Final Vet Inspection & Travel Documentation
Every puppy traveling via air or ground transport receives a dedicated USDA Health Certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. This certification guarantees that the puppy has been inspected, is free of infectious diseases, and is physically fit for transit. A copy of this certificate, along with vaccination records, will accompany your puppy during travel.
Arrival Responsibilities
Once the puppy is handed over to you by the Flight Nanny, ground transporter, or our team, the responsibility for the puppy’s well-being transfers to the Buyer.
Immediate Inspection
We ask that you thoroughly inspect your puppy upon arrival. In the highly unlikely event that the puppy appears ill or injured due to transit stress, you must notify us immediately (within 2 hours of pickup) so we can assist you.
Transition Care
Travel can be tiring for a young puppy. Please have fresh water, a quiet resting space, and a small meal ready for them when they arrive home to help them decompress.