The distance of your pet’s trip significantly affects how much you will pay to transport them. Long cross-country flights are typically priced higher than shorter trips.
If your pet is flying internationally, you’ll also be paying for extra paperwork and quarantine fees. This can add up quickly.
Cost of Airfare
Flying can be a stressful journey for pets. Many pet parents choose to use a pet shipping company that will arrange their pet’s transportation. These companies will usually have one representative manage your pet’s entire trip so it is as stress-free as possible for them.
They will also ensure that your pet is comfortable during the flight. They will ensure they are in a crate that meets your airline’s requirements and provide bedding, food, water, leashes, collars, and ID tags. They may even include an additional collar and leash to meet the requirements of your destination.
The animal shipping cost depends on your pet’s size and type. Smaller pets are easier to handle during the flight and, therefore, less expensive to ship. In addition, all airlines have a list of prohibited breeds that cannot fly in the cargo area due to respiratory risk. This can add to the overall expense of flying your pet.
Cost of Crate
Air transport is the quickest and most direct way to get your pet from one play to another, but it also comes with additional costs. First, you must purchase an airline-approved travel crate for your dog or cat. These crates are costly, with the cost increasing based on the size and type of the crate you select.
Then, you’ll have to purchase a ticket for your animal to fly as cargo, with an airline prioritizing pet safety. Airlines often charge more than they would for human airfare, and the price can add up quickly if your route is long or international. If your pup or kitty has layovers on the way to their destination, it will likely be necessary to organize a comfort stop to get out of their crate, stretch their legs, take a bathroom break, and rehydrate.
Cost of Vet Care
Budgeting for vet care is essential regardless of why you must transport your pet by air. Even routine visits can add up to expensive bills. Veterinary equipment is costly, and outfitting a small general practice costs an average of $1,000,000. Adding on specialized gear to address particular breed-related issues, gender-specific physical exams (such as reproductive evaluations), or surgery can push prices higher.
Geographical location also plays a role in price and competition among local practices. It’s wise to shop around to get the best prices. You can often save by paying upfront with a credit card with rewards incentives or a low-interest rate. In addition, several organizations offer financial assistance for pet owners struggling to pay for vet services. Pet insurance can also reduce the cost of unforeseen veterinary expenses.
Cost of Quarantine
Depending on the destination country, various fees can arise when shipping your pet as cargo. Some of these costs include vaccinations, veterinary inspection appointments, USDA endorsement of documents, crate, airline booking, shipping agent fees, and customs import taxes at the destination airport.
For instance, if you’re moving from the EU to New Zealand, you’ll have to pay for an inspection (rabies antibody blood test, microchip, tick treatment, and tapeworm medication) before your pet is allowed through quarantine. Typically, you’ll also have to pay for quarantine accommodation for your pet, ranging from about $75 to 400 USD per month. During quarantine, using cash and limiting credit card usage is important as this will help you stay on track with your budget.