How much does it cost to fly a pet overseas?
Shipping a pet internationally involves varying costs based on factors such as your location, the destination country, the type of animal, its breed, and its weight. It's important to know that many airlines and destination countries have specific requirements, often requiring pets to travel as manifest cargo. Consequently, routing options and pricing can differ significantly from passenger tickets.
Key costs to consider include vaccinations and lab tests, health certificate appointments, USDA document endorsements, crates, airline bookings, shipping agent fees, customs fees, and import taxes at the destination airport.
Our animal transportation services prioritize your pets' safety and well-being. We are committed to providing safe and reliable shipping for your furry companions, ensuring they arrive at their destination happy and healthy.
Destination
Crate
(Small to Giant)
Service and
Freight Costs
Self-Clearance
Agent- Clearance
Vet Expenses
USDA Endorsement
Destination Country Info
The estimates above assume departure from California.
If you are located elsewhere in the US, Canada, or Mexico, we can arrange domestic shipping to major airports like San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX), which offer the most international flight options on the West Coast. Alternatively, we can explore direct flight options closer to your location. 0x Cargo has its own staff located in Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Las Vegas (LAS), and New York (JFK), and we offer services anywhere in the US via our partners.
Are you relocating with multiple pets? Shipping multiple pets together can save you 20-45% compared to individual pet transport costs.
Do you need to hire an international pet shipping company?
Shipping your pet internationally can be a complex process, often requiring the expertise of a professional pet transport agency. While some destinations allow self-managed pet shipping, many airlines and governments mandate a qualified agent.
Relying on a local vet with limited export experience can lead to costly mistakes like missed flights, extra boarding fees, and unexpected quarantine charges. Our specialized services handle every detail, from documentation and crate specifications to temperature regulations and flight arrangements.
As an IATA travel agent, 0x Cargo can book your pet's flight with most airlines, including cargo-only routes. Our IPATA membership enables us to provide comprehensive door-to-door service for your pet's travel needs.
We have helped pet owners avoid last-minute issues at check-in due to missing documents, incorrect crate sizes, or unexpected flight disruptions. By choosing our experienced team, you ensure a smooth, stress-free journey for your beloved pet.
Our pricing is transparent and competitive, and we offer 24/7 support. Trust us to provide the detailed attention and professional care needed for a successful international pet relocation.
International Pet Shipping Costs
Crates
Costs can vary based on the size of the crate and where you purchase it. Generally, you can expect to pay between $50 and $90 for the smallest crates, and between $350 and $495 for the largest plastic crates. If your pet requires a custom-built crate, the cost typically ranges from $600 to $1200.
Some dog breeds are considered aggressive by certain airlines and require reinforced crates. These crates are usually made of durable, lightweight aluminum and are military-grade and long-lasting. Depending on the size of your dog, you can expect to pay between $600 and $2000 for a reinforced crate.
Health Certificate
Every airline and nearly every country requires a health certificate for your pet. The cost for the exam and document completion varies by veterinary office, so it's a good idea to contact multiple clinics and compare prices. The issuing veterinarian must be USDA-accredited.
You can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for the health certificate.
Pick up and Drop off
If you are unable to drive your pet to the airport or pick them up at the destination, we can arrange these services for you. Pricing varies based on location, country, and distance. Transporting pets requires time and patience, and our drivers are well-trained to ensure your pets are safe and comfortable. They make frequent stops for bathroom breaks and water.
The cost for transportation ranges between $2.80 and $3.50 per mile.
Boarding
Sometimes, your flight schedule may not align with your pet's. In such cases, most clients opt to board their pets near the airport rather than relying on family or friends. 0x Cargo Pet Relocation has multiple boarding facilities in major LAX, SFO, JFK airports and can arrange for boarding and airport delivery nationwide.
We recommend ensuring your pet is fully vaccinated for boarding, especially in case of unexpected changes to flight plans.
Boarding prices vary by state, typically ranging from $20 to $60 per night.
Professional Service Fees
Vaccinations
At a minimum, your pet will need an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Other commonly required vaccines, tests, and treatments include microchipping, vaccinations for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, leptospirosis (DHPP + L), internal and external parasite treatments, and a rabies titer test. Some countries may require additional vaccinations and tests.
Consult your veterinarian to determine the prices for these services, as they can vary widely by clinic and location. If you are working with a pet shipping company, they will provide you with a detailed list of required vaccines and the appropriate timing for each.
USDA Endorsement
Most countries require a USDA endorsement for your pet to enter, which involves a stamp and signature from the State Veterinarian. Once your USDA-accredited veterinarian completes the health certificate, it must be sent to the USDA for review and endorsement. After COVID-19, USDA offices do not accept in-person appointments.
Therefore, you must submit the health certificate to the USDA via overnight mail or through the USDA’s Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS). If you work with 0x Cargo Pet Relocation, we will handle this entire process for you.
The USDA charges between $38 and $173 for endorsements, depending on the number of required lab tests.
Customs Clearance at Destination Airport
Some countries require a customs clearance agent to process your pet through customs at the destination. Whether this is necessary depends on both the country and the airline involved.
Many countries allow individuals to clear their own pets through customs. While this process can be time-consuming and often involves coordination between the airline and customs, it is generally straightforward. If a clearing agent is necessary, we will provide a designated muster point where you can collect your pet after they have cleared customs.
The cost for customs clearance typically ranges from $150 to $1000. If the destination country mandates a quarantine period, these costs will be significantly higher.
Freight
The cost of freight charges for your pet's flight is highly variable and depends on the airline, location, and crate volume.
Different airlines have different rates, and because they charge by crate volume, shipping a large dog like a Great Dane can cost significantly more than shipping a small dog like a Chihuahua.
Additionally, shipping pets to South America or Africa may be much more expensive than shipping them to the EU and Asia.
For snub-nosed breeds, be aware that there may be extra restrictions due to the potential for breathing difficulties during transport. These restrictions can affect both the cost and the availability of flights for your pet.
Arranging safe travel for your pet involves multiple steps and considerable time to ensure all documents and procedures are accurate.
Pet shipping companies often earn their profits from professional service fees. Some countries require up to nine months of preparation for pet entry, while others have a simpler process.
0x Cargo Relocation will handle all the necessary requirements for your pet's travel and keep you informed throughout the process.
Hiring a pet shipper typically costs between $450 and $2000, depending on the service and destination. We take pride in being one of the most affordable IPATA pet shippers in the industry!