Many of our buyers are not in driving distance of Ballwin, Missouri. For families across the country who want a Dashing Coons kitten without making a long drive, we offer personal ground transport — a Dashing Coons team member drives the kitten directly to you. This is not cargo shipping, and it is not a third-party courier. It is a person who knows the kitten making a dedicated trip to your door.

Why we do not use cargo shipping

Cargo shipping places a kitten alone in the hold of a commercial aircraft, handled by strangers, in an environment with significant temperature variation, noise, and stress. We do not believe this is an acceptable way to transport a kitten we have raised and bonded with. The stress of cargo shipping can affect a kitten's health and temperament during the critical settling-in period.

Ground transport keeps the kitten with a familiar person, in a controlled environment, with regular check-ins, water, and comfort stops. The kitten arrives calmer and more settled than one that has been through cargo.

How the ground transport process works

When a kitten is ready for placement — typically between 12 and 16 weeks — we coordinate a delivery date with the buyer. A Dashing Coons team member loads the kitten in a secure, comfortable carrier and drives to the buyer's location or a convenient meeting point.

During the drive, the kitten is checked regularly, offered water, and kept at a comfortable temperature. We send photo or video updates during longer trips so buyers know the kitten is doing well en route.

At delivery, we hand off the kitten along with all health documentation, vaccination records, care instructions, and the kitten's contract. We walk through everything together and answer any questions before we leave.

Where we deliver

We deliver throughout the continental United States. Nearby states — Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas — are straightforward same-day or overnight trips. Longer distances to the coasts or Pacific Northwest are scheduled as multi-day trips and priced accordingly.

Contact us with your location and we will give you a specific delivery quote and timeline.

What delivery costs

Delivery pricing is based on distance and is quoted individually. It covers fuel, lodging for longer trips, and the team member's time. For buyers who are within a few hours of St. Louis, delivery is often comparable in cost to what you would spend on a round trip to pick up in person.

Delivery cost is separate from the kitten price and is paid at the time of delivery scheduling.

Preparing for delivery day

Have the kitten's space ready before delivery — a quiet room with food, water, a litter box, and a comfortable hiding spot. Limit the number of people present at the handoff, especially if you have young children or other pets. The first hour in a new home sets the tone for the settling-in period.

Have your veterinary appointment scheduled within the first week. Bring all documentation from the delivery to that appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I track the delivery in real time?

We provide regular updates via text or your preferred messaging app throughout the trip. For longer deliveries, we check in at each stop.

What if the kitten gets sick during transport?

Our team members are experienced with kittens and know the signs of stress versus illness. In the unlikely event of a health concern during transport, we contact you immediately and locate the nearest veterinary clinic. Our kittens are fully vaccinated and health-checked before any transport.

Is ground transport available for all litters?

Yes, subject to scheduling and availability. Contact us early in the reservation process to confirm delivery availability for your location and your kitten's expected placement date.

A practical next step

Contact us with your city and state and we will provide a delivery quote. Or view our available kittens to see who is ready now.