How Much Does It Cost to Fly a Dog? – Knowing About The Travel Expenses For Your Pet

Are you planning to go abroad? That means you have a lot of packing to do. You also have to book flights, do paperwork, and double-check to confirm you did not forget anything. Now one thing you cannot forget is your pet. Flying can be a long process. However, flying with your pet is even more confusing. Especially when traveling with your pet. So how much does it cost to fly a dog?

The cost usually depends on where you are going and the type of pup you have. It also relies on the airline’s regulations you choose and the destination.

Of course, you may have heard that there are many rules about taking a pet on a flight. Such requirements can make you confused. It can be pretty overwhelming. However, no need to worry; we have your and your pet’s backs. This article will make everything clear for you.  Find out answers to all your pet- travel-related questions and more through this guide. 

How much does it cost to fly a dog internationally?

How much does it cost to fly with a dog?

That is a big question many pet owners have. 

Generally speaking, the cost depends on where you are going and the size of your dog. Let us break this down for you. On the cheap side, it will only cost you around $800–$900. However, it can go all the way to $7,000, which is a lot. Usually, it is costly to fly pets internationally.

Suppose you plan to fly with your pup to a rabies-free country like New Zealand, Japan, or Australia. In that case, many international airlines will want you to hire a third-party pet transportation service which can up the cost even more. It is essential to ensure that you absolutely must transport your pet via aeroplane. Also, the transportation service you use should have approval from IPATA.

How much does it cost to fly a dog alone?

Some airlines allow your pet to travel without you. The cost will depend on the weight of your dog and the destination.

Different airline policies and prices

The cost to bring a dog with United Airlines in-cabin is $125. United also charges an additional $125 for stopovers lasting more than four hours inside America and more than 24 hours outside the country.

Let us see how much Southwest Airlines charges.

Note that they only accept in-cabin small cats and dogs at the cost of $95 each way. Keep in mind that your pup counts as a carry-on. The company takes only one pet per ticketed passenger. Southwest Airlines does not accept pets in-cabin for international flights or pets in the cargo bin.

On the other hand, American Airlines’ dog shipping depends on the dog’s size and the destination.

Your puppy must be at least eight weeks old on domestic flights with United. In contrast, puppies must be at least four months old for international flights. Delta does not have a maximum age requirement. However, you need to provide a health certificate to ensure that it is safe to ship your dog as cargo.

Need to know regulations of different airline pet policies

USDA regulations explain that you cannot transport dogs on a single airplane ride for 12 hours or more.

Of course, you get to ship dogs internationally. However, they will ask you to quarantine for some time or follow specific regulations according to the destination.

We recommend working with an official pet shipper to get your pup on an international flight. It is better to work with a company approved by the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association. Keep in mind that the cost differs from company to company. For instance, ‘Dog Gone Taxi’ will ship pit bulls for $600 plus an agency cost of $350.

Delta usually requires you to book international shipments by an approved pet shipper. Now, sometimes things can go south. Remember that Airlines can say no. Not all carriers will take your pup or even allow it in the cargo bin at all. Take United Airlines as an example. They do not accept specific breeds for transport in their climate-controlled compartment. They explain that dogs have traits that put them at risk of being negatively affected by air travel. Likewise, United also does not allow pit bulls to ride in-cabin. 

Suppose your pup is quite aggressive. If so, Southwest airlines may deny boarding your puppy. They reject dogs who growl, bite, scratch, or lunge. Other than that, they also deny pups that urinate or defecate in the cabin or gate area.

How much does it cost to fly a dog on American airlines?

American Airlines charges a $125 fee for one-way travel domestically. The same goes for United as well. Note that this is how their policy works usually. It is better to check for pet policies now and then. That is because of 

It is crucial, though, especially since the onset of COVID-19, to check for pet policies on every airline. That is because once COVID hit, most airlines stopped flying pets.

How much does it cost to fly a dog on southwest airlines?

Southwest Airlines lets you take small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs. The pets get to travel with you in-cabin under the seat in front of you. Usually, they charge $95 per one-way. 

How much does it cost to fly a dog delta?

Delta Air Lines takes a $125 fee for one-way travel domestically and to Canada and Puerto Rico.

How much does it cost to fly a dog in cargo?

The cost often depends on the size and weight of your dog. The destination matters as well. Also, prices vary among each airline. 

Delta Airlines takes $125 each way within the US, Canada, and Brazil is $75. The fee is $200 outside the US. American Airlines charges $200. As you can see, the price point differs according to the airline policy. Generally speaking, current standard fees range from $75 to $200 each way. It may go up to a few hundred dollars for larger dogs that travel on cargo planes.

How much does it cost to fly a large dog?

Let us go back to basics here. You have to remember that the larger your dog, the more it will cost to ship the doggy. Of course, small breeds inside a carrier can stay in the cabin with the owner. However, the same does not go with large breeds. Larger dogs must be in the cargo area. As you know, every dog should ride in a carrier on any flight. So the size of their carriage and the pup’s weight can determine the final cost.

What are the requirements for a dog to fly?

Your dog’s breed

In general, your dog’s breed may decide whether they can fly with you. Mainly, airlines do not allow short-nosed breeds on board. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation recommends that short-nosed pups cannot fly. 

You may think that only smaller dogs are the only concern. However, that is not true. According to the AVMA, dogs such as pugs, Boston terriers, boxers, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, and bulldogs are at risk too. Usually, airlines are very strict about not allowing these dog breeds.

Apart from the breeds we mentioned, a few others have limitations in flying. For instance, Japan Airlines does not let specific bulldogs on board. That is because of the breed’s inability to regulate body temperature. Likewise, Lufthansa will only transport short-nosed dogs if the temperature at the departure and destination airports does not exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Your dog’s ID Tags and Contact Information

One thing you cannot forget to take with you to the airport is your dog’s ID tags. Check if your dog’s ID tags and microchip details are up to date. They should also be easily identifiable on both your dog and the crate. It is better to opt for a flat label that slides directly onto your dog’s collar. If you use a dangling tag, it might get caught on something.

Suppose your dog’s breed is eligible to fly. Other than that, you need to know more about preparing your dog to fly. Let us get to it.

Paperwork

You will have to get documents ready that includes your pet’s vaccine history and overall health condition. Other than that, the airlines will require you to show a certificate of veterinary inspection. 

Preparing your dog to fly

Measure the pet

Measure your lovely pup from the tip of his is nose to the base of the tail. Then check the length from the top of the head to the ground when your pet is standing. Next, compare these measurements to the interior measurements of the carrier. The pet’s sizes should be smaller than the carrier measurements. You have to make sure that the pup can stand up and turn around comfortably in the carrier. Remember never to stuff your pet into the cage. It will make your doggy uncomfortable. Plus, you stand the risk of being turned away at the gate.

Carry a collar and a leash

You will need to take your pup out of its carrier at the airport security checkpoint. That is why it is wise to carry a metal-free collar and leash. That way, you can avoid your pet escaping.  

Visit the vet

It is always a bright idea to book an appointment with the vet before flying with your dog. You can check if your pet is all set to travel through this visit.

Feeding

Feed your pet lightly the day of travel. It is better to give the food no sooner than four hours ahead of time. The last thing you want to have is potty mishaps on the way to the airport. Generally, dogs can go anywhere from 6 to 10 hours without food. Also, remember not to change your pet’s food before a flight. That also includes not giving any treats the pet may not have had before. That way, you can prevent an upset tummy on the flight.

Exercise

Keep your dog moving as best you can on the day of travel. Then before the flight, find a place for your pup to take a walk and get some fresh air. For example, you can take the dog for a walk around the hotel parking lot on the way to the airport. You can also use a dog-friendly facility at the airport. Remember not to sedate your dog in preparation for travel.

There can be many issues with sedation, including breathing problems and a reduced ability to regulate body temperature. Some airlines may even require you to sign a statement that your dog is not on sedatives before the flight.

Crate Training

Suppose your dog is not already crate trained before deciding to take them on a flight. In that case, start working with the pup soon. The crate will be the only safe space for the puppy during the flight. You have to get the dog to love the kennel before your departure date. 

Trim their Nails

As you can imagine, long nails can cause injuries. It could happen, especially if your dog panics and attempts to escape from the kennel. Long nails can get caught on the kennel door or openings if the doggy tries to scratch its way out. Trim the nails a day or two before the flight to avoid this.

How much does it cost to fly a dog to Europe?

You may wish to know, ‘How much does it cost to fly a dog on a plane to Europe?’

Well, it depends on many factors. The cost can vary according to the airline you choose. That is because their pet policies and fees differ from each other. Other than that, they take the size and weight of your dog into consideration when deciding the price.

What are the Airlines that fly pets unaccompanied?

Here is a list of airlines that allow your pet to fly without you:

• Alaska
• Continental
• Delta
• American
• United

How much does it cost to fly a dog from Australia to the UK?

The cost may depend on many factors. The charges may vary among different airlines. Other than that, factors like the flight route, size, and weight of the dog affect the overall cost. 

Wrapping up…

There you go! As a pet owner, you must have wanted to know, “how much does it cost for a dog to fly?”

Plus, you must have wondered, how much does it cost to fly a dog southwest?

And, what is the average cost to fly a dog?

Now you know the answers to those questions and more. We hope we have helped you clear your doubts about traveling with your puppy.

We wish a safe flight for both you and your pup!