How much does it cost to ship a dog?

Key takeaways

• The cost to ship a dog varies based on size, weight, and travel distance.
• International flights generally cost more than domestic flights.
• Additional fees may include health certificates, pet carriers, and airline fees.
• Always check airline-specific policies for pet travel.
• Booking early and comparing airlines can help reduce costs.
• Ensure your pet carrier meets airline requirements to avoid extra fees.

The costs involved in shipping a dog

Are you thinking about moving overseas? Perhaps you are relocating for work or want a change of scenery. Before you can even think about relaxing on Australia’s beautiful beaches or exploring England’s historic towns, there is a lot of organizing and planning to do.

It becomes even more complicated if you have a furry friend or two to bring with you. Many moving pieces and different costs are involved when flying a dog internationally. While it is challenging to generalize anything regarding pet travel, we hope this cost breakdown can provide insight into what you may have to consider when moving overseas with dogs.

Please note that this is not meant to be exact pricing, as each country’s entry policy is different, and your unique travel circumstances and needs will differ.

Travel Crates

If your dog is flying in-cabin with you or in the cargo hold, you must purchase a crate. A suitable pet carrier must meet specific airline, industry, and government regulations, and it is essential to note that many pet crates available online do not meet these ever-changing regulations.

We have a handy Crate Calculator you can use to see exactly what size crate you will need. Essentially, your furry friend must be able to turn around and stand without their ears touching the top of the pet carrier crate.

Always consult an expert before purchasing a crate online, as your dog may be denied travel if you show up at the airport with a non-approved crate (even if it is the right size).

Pet Express Travel Crates

The crates that we supply are all approved by the airlines and IATA. We can also send you the crate as early as possible so that you can start getting your dog used to their crate. This will make the trip far more comfortable for them and ease some of your stress!

We also have some second-hand crates that, if they fit your dog, we can provide you at a discounted rate.

Example cost:

The BB75 travel crate, fits mid to large size dog and with Dimensions: 46x27x31 in and can carry up to 35 lb for $495.

Crate comes with screws, water bowl, funnel and door security bar

Using a pet shipping company vs. doing it on your own

Call us biased, but we cannot recommend highly enough going through an IPATA-certified Pet Shipping company. You may not have a choice in some cases, as many airlines and even veterinary practices will not allow you to book their services without going through an agent.

However, if you decide to tackle it on your own, we recommend thoroughly researching the government import regulations of your destination country, relevant airline and industry regulations, and the necessary veterinary requirements.

Transportation

International Flights

Flying your furry friend across the world will account for a large portion of the overall costs. Airlines charge additional fees for live animals due to the extra care and attention they must place on handling and looking after them. Tickets can be even more expensive than your passenger tickets.

The flight cost will depend mainly on your dog’s crate size. The cost of international travel can also depend on the destination, as some countries will have fewer incoming flight options than others.

IMPORTANT: Some airlines will not allow you to book flights directly with them and will require you to book through an IPATA-certified Pet Transport Company. This is because the airlines understand how complicated the process is. Small mistakes in paperwork or veterinary procedures can cost passengers large sums of money and cause delays for months.

Example cost: A direct flight from LA to Melbourne can cost between $1,200 and $1,600 for a small to midsize dog (depending on the crate size). A larger crate size can be up to $3000.

Other Transportation

Depending on where you are currently in the US, you may need to fly a dog to a city where the international flight will depart. You may need to arrange domestic flights within the US, or if your dog is a snub-nosed breed, ground transportation will be the only option. If you need to transport your dog on the road, you will need a temperature-controlled vehicle with plenty of space to secure a pet crate.

It is also essential to remember that most major airlines will have embargoes on domestic flights during certain times of the year when they deem it too hot or cold for your pet to fly. In summer, sometimes the only option is to fly your dog early in the morning or very late at night due to the heat.

Example cost: The cost of flying is determined by the size of the dog. A domestic flight in the US for a medium-sized dog to travel in cargo can cost between $500 and $1,000.

Boarding & Comfort Stop Pet Fees

Your pets’ travel plans may not precisely align with yours, and sometimes your dog must travel on separate flights and even board overnight at a pet transit lounge.

If your dog’s flight has a layover, it may be necessary to organize a comfort stop between flights. A comfort stop allows your pet to get out of the crate, stretch its legs, have a toilet break, and be given some love and attention before the next leg of the journey. These comfort stops can be organized by the airline, or you can utilize the services of a Pet Shipper in the local area.

Boarding at Pet Express

When you arrange to travel with Pet Express, we provide your dog with a complimentary night of boarding the evening before the international flight. We have pet a transit lounge in Los Angeles and we have partner agents with transit lounges in every US airport and some overseas as well. We will also provide daily pet updates and photos while your fur baby is in our care.

Example cost: Airlines can charge up to $500 for a comfort stop, depending on the length of the layover.

Depending on the destination, your dog may need to have up to four or five veterinary visits to ensure its health meets the import requirements. The types of veterinary treatments that may be required include rabies vaccinations, blood tests, health certificates, and general health check-ups. The vet must be USDA accredited (i.e., government-approved) for international trips.

It is important to note that the timing of these vet visits to your departure date is critical. Again, each country will have its own set of regulations around this. 

This is the most difficult part of organizing international animal transportation and requires knowledge of both veterinary procedures and different countries’ import regulations.

If you plan your travel with Pet Express, we put together a customized vet schedule for your dog, which lists the exact treatments that will need to be completed on specific dates. We will also contact your vet to ensure that all procedures, paperwork, and health certificate is compliant so that your dog is able to fly as planned.

Example cost: Costs can vary greatly depending on your vet. For example, a general health exam for your dog can cost between $70 and $250.

Government Fees

While each country has different regulations, most destinations will incur the following government-imposed expenses.

Import Permit

Some countries require your pet to have obtained a pre-approved import permit before arrival. These permits can be costly, and applications can usually be lodged online.

Example cost: To arrive in Australia, you will need to apply for an import permit from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. This will cost about $480 for the first pet and $240 for each additional pet.

Quarantine

Some countries, such as Australia and Malaysia, require pets to be quarantined upon arrival for varying lengths of stay. The quarantine must be booked ahead of time and can also be very costly.

Example cost: Upon arrival in Australia, pets must board the Quarantine facility in Melbourne for at least ten days. Fees are outlined on the Department of Agriculture website and will vary; however, you can expect to pay approximately $2,000 for one dog. Additional costs can exist if your pet requires veterinary treatments or an extended stay.

USDA Endorsements

Certain documents must be endorsed by the USDA prior to departure from the US. You must make an appointment and either take the paperwork to a USDA office or mail it in.

Example cost: USDA endorsement fees are listed on their website and range from $38 to $173. This does not include the costs of attending the appointment or filing or mailing the application.

It is also important to note that the USDA endorsement can only be completed the day before the flight, so if you are completing this step yourself, you will need to pay additional costs for priority posting to wherever your pet is flying out of as they will need this paperwork attached to their crate to board their flight.

Clearing customs

Upon arrival into the country, your pet must clear customs as you would if arriving at an international airport. The various charges for clearing customs can include brokers, taxes and tariff fees. Most countries will also give your pets a veterinary exam upon arrival.

Example costs: Upon arrival in the UK, the expected entry fee should be a minimum of £450, including the ARC and VAT fees if you enter England.

PLEASE NOTE: The fees mentioned above are always subject to change and do not include the costs of applying for the permits, lodging the applications and other administrative expenses.

Don’t just take our word for it – here is what some of our customers have had to say about our services:

Bucky & Lucca before their trip to Australia

“We had an inexperienced vet; if not for Pet Express’s help, our dogs would be at risk of denied entry. A situation like this highlighted the importance of having a responsible relocation agent at your back.” – Bucky & Lucca

“I called multiple pet transport agents and Pet Express was the only one that had a person answer the phone and someone get back to me with answers to any questions I had. Highly, highly recommend!” Minerva

“Pet Express went above and beyond to help us. The crate we provided was the wrong size, but this company worked around the clock to get our dog a different crate and a different flight. Only company I would want to use in the future.”

“They’ve been great at dealing with local partners at each stop as well as coordinating any vet paperwork involving overlapping international laws” Scrubs

Read more of our happy customer stories here.

Pet Travel FAQ’s

Ready to ship your dog with confidence?

Shipping your dog doesn’t have to be stressful or break the bank. By understanding the cost to fly and planning ahead, you can ensure a smooth and affordable trip for your furry friend. We’re here to help with all your furry friends’ travel needs.

Contact us today to get started on your pet’s travel plans. We’re committed to making sure your pet’s journey is as safe and comfortable as possible.

Let’s get your dog flying with ease and peace of mind.