Pet Transport Costs: What to Consider and Sample Estimates
The average cost to ship a pet can vary considerably based on a number of different factors. Origin and destination, size, breed, and health-related costs all matter. Relocation costs can range from $500 to thousands of dollars, but narrow estimates are hard without the full picture.
The best way to calculate pet transport costs is to reach out to a professional pet relocation service for an individualized quote that considers all of these variables. That said, it can help to know about the major cost factors and options available to you as you make your travel plans.
Mode of Transportation
Depending on where you’re going and how you’re getting there, you may be able to choose between air or ground transportation. Costs vary for each, and depending on the distance, you may not save much on air vs. ground transport.
For cross-country door-to-door service, for example, expect pet ground transport prices to approach $5,000 for overall costs. (Most pet shipping services charge between $0.50-$2.00/mile, but this also depends on pet needs, the number of pets, and any stops made along your pet’s journey.) This is likely more than what you’d pay to fly your pet from coast to coast.
The average cost of shipping a dog domestically is between $900-$2,500. Again, the wide range comes from the variety of factors involved in pet shipping costs, from the dog’s size to crate requirements to airline rules.
The average cost to ship a cat or smaller dog domestically could be much less. In some cases, you may need to combine both flights and ground transportation for your pet’s move. Pet transport companies like Tailwind can help you decide on the best option for your travel itinerary or relocation. If your pet isn’t able to fly to their new home due to their breed, age, or health, we can help you arrange ground transportation services as an alternative to air transport within the United States.
Need support shipping your pet within the U.S.? We can help.
Airline and Destination
The destination country and pet-friendly airline carriers serving that location have a significant effect on costs. International travel typically incurs higher fees due to import requirements and compliance with health regulations, in addition to the higher cost of international airfare.
Some countries have additional layers of complexity for pet owners to navigate. Australia and New Zealand, for example, require import permits, rabies titer blood tests, mandatory quarantines, and additional treatments for arriving pets. Quarantine stays alone can approach $2,000.That said, not all domestic travel is easy and budget-friendly, either. To avoid quarantine requirements upon arrival in Hawaii, pets must meet rabies titer requirements and fill out import forms, including a $185 direct airport release fee. Each additional requirement can raise the costs of travel.
Planning an international flight for your pet? We can help.
Pet and Crate Size
Airlines typically charge based on a pet’s weight and crate dimensions. Large dogs and heavier pets like Great Danes require larger crates, which can increase your travel fees. Custom crates for strong-jawed or escape-prone pets are even more expensive.
Depending on travel crate or carrier needs, additional costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. For pets flying in cargo or checked baggage, you’ll need an IATA-approved crate. These are pet travel crates that meet strict standards around safety, comfort, and ventilation.
If you’re traveling with a small dog, you may pay less to fly them in-cabin with you instead of the cargo hold, but this may not be the best option for your pet and their stress levels. Travel in cargo often means fewer connections and a more efficient, less stressful trip for your pet.
Vet-Related Costs
All pets must travel with a valid health certificate, ISO-compatible microchip, and up-to-date rabies vaccinations. Additional requirements vary from there depending on your origin point and destination. The paperwork becomes more cumbersome and costly with international air travel, especially if you’re arriving from a high-risk rabies country.
Depending on your pet’s health, extra vet visits can increase your costs as you prepare your pet for travel and address any lingering concerns.
If you’re worried about how your pet would handle animal transportation or need health checks before travel, our on-staff veterinarians can help, even if you’re traveling with anxious pets.
CDC Rabies Guidelines
The CDC’s rabies-related requirements for travel into the U.S. could mean extra costs for some pet owners, particularly those traveling from high-risk rabies countries. Additional requirements depend on your pet’s vaccination history, though.
As of July 31, 2025, U.S.-vaccinated dogs arriving from countries identified as high-risk for rabies must arrive with a CDC Dog Import Form receipt and a Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form. The vaccination history form must be endorsed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before departure.
For foreign-vaccinated dogs, more steps apply. You’ll need a Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form with endorsement from an official government vet, a rabies titer report, and a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility (ACF).
If you’re not able to provide a valid rabies titer, your ACF reservation should include a 28-day quarantine for customs clearance. If your pet is subject to quarantine upon entry to the US, costs can easily approach $5,000. If your pet is eligible for revaccination and release, you should still plan for costs approaching $1,400.
There are only 7 CDC-approved ACFs at 6 approved airports around the U.S. As one of those 7 ACFs, we can help you plan your pet’s trip from booking to post-arrival release.
While you don’t need to hire a pet shipping company in most cases, working with one will help you navigate a pet move with peace of mind. We recommend it across the board, whether you’re seeking domestic flights, a move from Canada, or more complicated travel from abroad.
Additional Considerations
We’ve covered the big cost drivers, but there are a few additional things to consider as you start planning.
Seasonal Variations and Limitations
Traveling during peak holiday seasons will result in higher prices for both you and your pet. Prices will go up the closer you get to your travel date. It’s important to book well ahead of your planned travel to ensure your pet has a spot on your desired flight and potentially reduce costs.
There are also certain times of year when you won’t be able to travel with your pet due to extreme weather conditions. Airlines may impose embargoes during peak heat or cold, requiring more expensive alternatives like ground transport or specialized pet carriers.
Seasonal weather risks may also mean overnight boarding, rerouting, or layovers, adding to your total. Flexible timing is a good way to make sure your pet can fly at all and save when they do.
Specific Breeds
If you have a type of pet that belongs to a breed with flight restrictions, your costs may increase due to extra precautions required by the airline.
Snub-nosed or brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs may need additional veterinary certifications or health clearances to fly, if they’re allowed to fly at all. Many airlines, particularly domestically, ban these breeds from the cargo hold due to the increased breathing risks.
We’ve already touched on specialized crates, but that can apply to both snub-nosed breeds and strong-jawed breeds. Airlines that allow snub-nosed breeds may require a crate that is one size up from the standard to account for their breathing challenges. Strong-jawed breeds may only be able to fly in a reinforced crate.
In all of these cases, owners often face higher service fees, limited airline options, and possible boarding or rerouting costs. A pet shipping company can help you narrow down your options not only by cost, but by feasibility and the safety of your pet, as well.
Special Needs and Accommodations
Pets with special needs will incur additional costs. This includes pets who require medication or frequent breaks or layovers as part of their itinerary.
If you’re traveling through Los Angeles, we can add a relaxing rest stop at our first-class boarding facility, Kennel Club LAX. This can be a good option for anxious pets who need a wellness check from one of our USDA-accredited vets along the way.
Military Travel Reimbursement
If you’re an active U.S. military member relocating to a new base, you may qualify for partial reimbursement for pet travel under current U.S. military guidelines.
Eligible active-duty service members can be reimbursed up to $550 for moves within the continental U.S. and up to $2,000 for moves outside the continental U.S.
In cases of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders to high-risk rabies countries where military-contracted or commercial services aren’t available, reimbursements may go up to $4,000. Covered expenses include microchipping, vaccinations, quarantine, boarding, health certificates, and transportation fees.
FAQs
Our Process at Tailwind Global Pet
We can’t offer you a cost calculator and tell you exactly what your pet transport costs will be without knowing important details about your pet and plans. We can give you a rundown of our personalized process, though:
- Requesting a Quote: Each quote is detailed and individualized based on your travel plans and pet details.
- Initial Consultation: We plan a Zoom or phone meeting to get more details about the status and documentation you already have, your pet’s temperament, and any special accommodations.
- Customizing Your Service Package: Our detail-oriented approach will include reviewing everything and adjusting your quote to best fit you and your pet’s needs.
At Tailwind Global Pet, we have over 40 years of experience managing every detail of pet travel with extra care so you can focus on your journey. That includes prioritizing your pet’s well-being as we work with you on a plan that takes their needs into account every step of the way.
Ready to get started? Each pet relocation situation is different. To get an idea of the costs involved, fill out a free quote request.