Shipping a dog internationally by air can have various costs and logistical details to consider. In this guide, we’ll explore the key costs of shipping a dog internationally and provide tips to save money while keeping your pet safe and comfortable.

Breaking Down the Costs of Dog Shipping:

Crate costs

There’s a charge for the pet travel crate. Note that you must purchase a kennel that meets the airlines’ requirements and is IATA accepted. Pet crates are available from different sources and you can buy them yourself. Beware false economy and getting a crate that’s not allowed because it’s too small or because the bars are too far apart or there are no metal screws (only plastic) to hold the top and bottom parts together.

Example Estimate: A Kennel for a dog can cost anywhere between USD 100  and 500, depending on your dog’s size. If your dog is too big so needs a custom crate built, the costs will start at about USD1000. 

Pet travel agent costs

Service charges to manage the move and take the lead and responsibility for moving your baby across the world. This may include attendance or transport fees for going to the airport at either or both ends to help with the check-in or retrieval. There may be special fees for night times and weekends as often flights come in and depart at odd hours. They are paid for their help with many years’ experience in how to relocate a dog overseas. Peace of mind is what they are for.

Example Estimate: perhaps around USD 500- 1000 and it will vary with how many times they will need to go to vet offices, government departments and the airport, which depends on the complexity of the move and the destination.

Flights cost

This will be the largest expense in pet travel. Payable to the airline for the cargo space (charged on volume) or the ‘weight’ if it’s excess baggage transportation method.

Example Estimate: Flights can cost USD 1000- 3000 and vary greatly with destination and crate sizes.

Veterinary fees

Your dog or cat will need to see a veterinarian at least once. There’s a health certificate to say is fit to fly. Some destinations need internal and external parasite treatments done by a veterinarian.

Some destinations need blood tests e.g. Rabies tests (RNAT) to places with no or low rabies, from countries where there is some rabies present.

Dogs must be up to date on their vaccinations before flying internationally. The number of vaccinations your dog needs to meet country requirements will determine the overall cost.

Example Estimate: An international health certificate alone can vary greatly but is often around USD 200. Vaccines can be USD 20- 200. Microchips can be USD50.

Governments costs

Governments charge for import and export permits, and to check and ‘endorse’ certificates to prove they are authentic.

Example Estimate: Singapore Government AVS dog or cat import licence fees for one dog it will cost USD 40

Government and Airline Variations in costs

Some countries, like the USA, have relatively minimal requirements, while destinations like Australia require costly blood tests and extended quarantines. Government regulations and airline policies can therefore impact costs.

Quarantine facilities costs

A few countries like Australia need pet quarantine for international pet travel imports and these have a fee for the lodging and the food and care there.

Example Estimate: The cost to quarantine a dog in Australia can range from USD 1,800 to 3,800, depending on the length of the quarantine and other factors.

Customs Clearance costs

Once your dog arrives, there is a formal clearance process at the airport. This may involve country-specific customs fees that must be paid for your dog to be released.

Example Estimate: USD 100

Any Hidden Costs in Pet Travel?

Disruptions can happen in pet travel. Be aware it’s not always plain sailing and that’s why pet relocators will give you an estimate not a fixed price. Flights can be canceled or delayed. Paperwork can get lost despite being attached to the travel crate. Blood tests can get fail results.  If one of the sequence of pet travel planning steps isn’t done right, it might need to be redone. If you are not using an agent, double-check all documents and requirements to avoid delays or additional fees.

There can be extra costs from disruptions so budget for the possibility.

How to keep pet travel costs down

If you fly excess baggage then you can often avoid an overseas agent in the destination country, and also don’t need to pay for the expensive cargo ticket.

But it depends on the pet type and size and the airline and destination if it’s allowed. Check if your pet can fly as excess baggage instead of cargo.

Are Professional Pet Relocators worth it?

Managing the costs and logistics of a door-to-door pet relocation can be both complex and stressful. Hiring a comprehensive pet transportation company simplifies the process, taking much of the burden off your shoulders. While it may be more expensive due to the added service of coordinating your pet’s move, it offers invaluable peace of mind, leaving you with one less thing to worry about!

Shipping a dog internationally is a significant undertaking, but with proper planning and awareness of the associated costs, it can be a smooth and manageable process.

While the costs can add up, careful preparation and considering professional help when needed can make the experience less stressful for both you and your dog. After all, their comfort and safety are worth every effort.

Frequently Asked Questions