How much does it cost to fly a dog internationally? Here’s What to Do Next

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What Vet Visits Should I Consider Before Taking My Dog on a Plane?

Vet visits are of utmost importance when budgeting for the overall cost to fly your dog to your destination. Be sure to check regulations from the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and plan ahead.

“If you plan to fly from Maryland to California, you will just need to get a current health certificate for your dog that is valid for 10 days,” Huntington says. “But if you are flying internationally with your dog, vet work must be done in a little as 21 days to 30 days. For rabies-free countries, though, we are talking about planning six to nine months in advance to make sure your dog is on schedule with [their] vaccines.”

According to Petfinder, typical health maintenance for a dog costs between $150–$615 a year. The cost of a physical examination averages about $50, and any vaccine booster shots your dog might need can cost between $18–$25 each. Check with your vet clinic for more specific estimates and make sure you dont overlook these costs as youre budgeting for your trip, especially if youre traveling internationally.

Additional Costs to Keep in Mind

In addition to the basic cost charged by the airline you’re traveling with, there are additional costs of transporting a pet that must be considered if you’re flying your dog: These include:

Airlines usually require you to purchase special, airline-compliant pet carriers if you’re traveling with a dog in the cabin. This can add between $30 to $250 to the initial estimate for your trip. Best Budget-Friendly

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    • If your dog is riding in the cabin, you might have to pay for any other extra luggage you have that is above the weight limit.

    As part of the preflight requirements when traveling with a pet, you’ll have to visit a vet to have your pet examined. Depending on the peculiarities of the situation, you may need to get your dog vaccinated or even pay for special medications for your furry friend. In addition to being necessary for your pet’s good, most airlines require you to get an up-to-date health certificate signed by a vet before allowing your pet on board the flight.

    Although this is not compulsory, if you’re traveling with your dog, it is often recommended that you get it microchipped. This way, if it ever gets loose in a new area, you can easily find it. The average cost of having a microchip inserted in a dog is $45. Best Fabric

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    • Cost to Fly a Dog

    More than two million pets and other live animals travel by air each year in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.2 Each airline has its own pet travel policy that adheres to parameters set by the Federal Animal Welfare Act. Those regulations have become more restrictive recently and can impact your travel budget.

    The cost to fly your dog. Where your pet rides impacts your cost. There are two classes of airline carriage for dogs and other pets, determined mostly by size: cabin and cargo. Expect to pay more for pets that fly as cargo.

  • In Cabin: If your dog/pet fits in a carrier placed under a seat, generally it can fly in the cabin. Twenty pounds tends to be the weight limit, but you should check your airline’s policy for specifics on pet weight and carrier size. Airlines generally charge a fixed fee for dogs and other pets that fly in-cabin, ranging from $50 to $250 per one-way trip.3
  • In Cargo: Larger animals must fly in cargo, where pets are placed in a pressurized, temperature-controlled compartment under the plane. This is similar to the passenger cabin, but its isolation often makes pet owners uneasy. Typically, the price is based on the weight and size of your pet plus its crate. For U.S. domestic flights, the price can be several hundred dollars each way (from $200 to $400 on average for a 75-pound dog).4 Layovers and plane changes can trigger additional fees. It’s important to check with your carrier on prices for specific flights.

    • But wait! There’s more cost. Besides the dog’s or other pet’s “fare,” there will be ancillary costs. For example:

  • Bag fees. The in-cabin pet carrier usually counts as your carry-on bag, so you may incur additional baggage fees for your luggage.
  • Cabin carrier. Don’t forget the cost of the carrier: prices start at about $25 but can go much higher.
  • Cargo crate. Required for traveling pets and typically costs from $50 to $150, depending on the size and material (metal or plastic).
  • Higher ticket prices. Whether your pet flies in the cabin or cargo, you may need to budget more for your own ticket: your airline choice and/or choice of flights may be limited due to caps on the number of pets and other restrictions.

    • Keep in mind that pet requirements on international flights can be even more complex and, in turn, more costly. And by the way: You can’t buy an airline seat for your pet, even if you want to.

    ANIMALS on PLANES? Is your PET SAFE flying in CARGO??? Explained by CAPTAIN JOE

    It’s a dream come true to bring your best friend along on a trip, especially if that best friend is covered in fur! If you are planning on flying with your pet, there are a few things you need to know before you board. Here’s a rundown of pet policies and fees for Delta, American, and United for pets that are pals and not service animals.

    On Delta, you are able to take your pet in the cabin with you provided that they travel in an approved airline pet carrier. It must have proper ventilation as well as a waterproof bottom, and it must fit under the seat in front of you. Because of the size limitations on Delta Airlines, only small dogs, cats and birds can fly.