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Is it worth flying your dog internationally? That’s a question many pet owners are asking themselves in light of new airline restrictions and fees. But the answer isn’t always clear-cut.

So, here I will go over the cost of flying a dog internationally and explore factors influencing how much you’ll pay.

International Flight Board
Contents hide
1 What is the Cost to Fly a Dog Internationally?
2 Where do the Flight Fees Come From?
3 Book Your Dog a Vet Visit Before Traveling Internationally
4 Conclusion
5 Related Posts

What is the Cost to Fly a Dog Internationally?

Unfortunately, flying a dog internationally costs between $800 and $900 on the cheap end but can jump up to $7000 or more. But, of course, this is all determined based on your destination, distance of travel, and the size of your dog.

If you hire a pet shipping company, that can add to the overall expense, but it may be worth it. Flying your pet internationally requires extra attention to detail to ensure your pup arrives safely.

Reputable international pet shipping companies include:

Cost to Fly a Dog Internationally

Where do the Flight Fees Come From?

The fees for flying a dog internationally come from a few places. The first is the airline itself. Many airlines now charge a “pet fee,” which covers the cost of transporting your animal. Depending on the airline, these pet fees can range from $50 to over $200 per flight.

The second place fees come from is the country you’re flying to. Some countries, like the United Kingdom, have an “Animal Reception Centre” fee. This fee covers the cost of quarantine and other procedures required when bringing an animal into the country.

The third fee comes from the mandatory use of an accredited pet shipper. The USDA has approved these companies to transport live animals. The cost of using one of these companies varies but is typically a few hundred dollars.

Last but not least, when traveling to rabies-free countries like Australia, Japan, or New Zealand with your dog, most international airlines require you to hire a third-party pet transportation service. This transportation service can rack up the cost of your pet’s transportation bill even further. And, it’s essential that if you transport your dog by airplane, the pet transportation service you hire is approved by the IPATA.

Book Your Dog a Vet Visit Before Traveling Internationally

Vet visits can make or break a flight with your dog, significantly affecting your trip’s overall budgeting. You’ll have to check regulations by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to see what shots your dog needs and ensure your pup’s vaccination status meets the traveling requirements.

Cost to Fly a Dog Internationally

When flying domestically, you only need an updated health certificate for your dog that is valid for ten days. But when flying internationally, this changes things. You must get vet work done 21 to 30 days before your flight. And for rabies-free countries, you’ll have to plan six to nine months before your flight to ensure your dog is on schedule for their vaccines.

According to Petfinder, standard health maintenance for dogs’ costs anywhere between $150 to $615 annually. Physical examinations for your dog average around $50; any vaccine booster shot your pup requires can be $18 to $25 each. I recommend you check your vet clinic for more specific quotes since rates may vary. As always, I urge you to factor these costs into your trip’s budget, especially if you plan on traveling internationally with your dog.

Conclusion

The cost to fly a dog internationally can be expensive, with costs coming from the airline, country of destination, pet shipper, vet bills, and third-party transportation services. However, if you plan well and ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date, you can fly your pup overseas without breaking the bank.

Would you ever fly internationally with your dog? Let me know your thoughts!

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