How Much Do Pet Transport Services Cost

Alexander Bell

pet transport service

Whether you are moving homes, happening an extended vacation, or need help moving your pet for every other motive, industrial pet transportation services cost deal with all the logistical heavy lifting.

However, the cost can vary quite a bit depending on your pet’s needs and how far they need to travel.

In this article, we’ll break down average pet transport shipping prices based on distance, size, and other key factors so you know what to budget for transporting your pet.

Factors That Impact the Price of Pet Transport

pet transport

There are several considerations that determine how much you’ll pay to ship your pet. Understanding these will help you choose services aligned with your pet’s requirements and budget.

Distance: Quite simply, the farther the journey, the higher the price tag will be. Short surface transfers under 500 miles typically range from $150-350$ while very long ground trips push costs up to $300-600$ per pet transportation.

Size/Number of Animals: Larger dogs and multiple pets mean more space is needed, driving up costs. Exotics also have special enclosures that ups prices. The below table shows example weights and associated fees for one of the major air carriers.

Pet Weight Base Fare
Up to 100 lbs $200 – $1,000
101-150 lbs $225 – $1,100
151-200 lbs $250 – $1,200

Transportation Type: Ground transport is most affordable for shorter routes, while air travel slashes longer travel times but at a higher fee. Priority/express services that include add ones like temperament tests or GPS tracking come at a premium price over regular economy options.

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Special Needs: Requirements like climate controlled vehicles, medications, or veterinary health certificates represent extra charges. Carriers also have size/weight/temperament standards pets must meet.

Company/Carrier Choice: Brand name airlines and larger transport franchises tend to cost more than smaller independent drivers, though their consistency and safety records are better defined.

Prices also vary greatly for pet transport between companies for the same journey.

When weighing options, carefully reading policies on liability, onboard staffing ratios, and certifications like ASTC/IATA accreditation helps ensure the well-being of your precious cargo is the priority over saving a few dollars. Now let’s examine average surface and air shipping rates.

Ground Transportation Cost Estimates

ground transpotion services

Driving yourself saves money but professional drivers have experience efficiently navigating regulations and forms.

For trips up to 500 miles, expect to pay anywhere from $150 for a smaller dog up to $350 for large breeds. Multi-pet and exotic shipments will incur higher surcharges within this range.

Long haul routes stretching 500+ miles typically fall in the $300 to $600 bracket depending on your pet’s needs, with extra fees tacked on for large or unusual animals.

Two reputable nationwide transporters that provide door-to-door ground services are Pet Relocation and Ipet which operate large fleets approved by various airlines for connecting legs of trips.

Table: Sample Ground Transport Quotes from PetRelocation

Route Pet Weight Quote
Seattle to Los Angeles under 50 lbs $375
Chicago to Miami 51-100 lbs $490
New York City to Dallas 100+ lbs $595

For budget-conscious owners, apps like Rover offer a shared transport marketplace where individuals post available seats in their vehicles driving between locations, albeit with less professional oversight.

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However you move them, plan for $10-30 a day of boarding costs if not traveling directly home.

Air Cargo Flight Cost Comparison

air services pet transport

While faster, flying your furry friend also demands higher fees levied by airlines for space and strict inspection standards.

A rough estimate for domestic pet air travel within the U.S. ranges $200 to $500 for dogs under 150 pounds with approved carriers. However, the below table shows actual quotes:

Table: Sample Air Transport Quotes

Airline Route Pet Weight Quote
United Airlines Seattle to Boston 25 lbs $429
American Airlines Chicago to Miami 75 lbs $359
Delta Air Lines New York to Los Angeles 115 lbs $599

International routes exponentially increase rates, often topping $1,000 with border agency charges attached. This is why surface tours may offer budget-friendlier solutions for very long cross-country routes if time allows.

As with driving, extra-large pups forcing an oversize surcharge, or animals with medical/attendance needs add substantial supplements.

Yet air transport remains lightning-fast to anywhere in the lower 48, especially when partners like Pet Relocation seamlessly transfer pets between planes and vans.

DIY Driving vs Professional Services

For short jaunts under 10 hours, you save money driving yourself versus utilizing commercial ground shippers. But professional transporters handle logistics that stress owners:

  • Compliance with interstate paperwork and certifications that prove your fur baby is healthy/vaccinated to travel
  • Custom Crates meet airline-sized security specifications to protect pets
  • Routing Expertise avoids areas of poor infrastructure or weather risks
  • Staffing Ratios ensure comfort stops and onboard supervision during entire journey
  • Insurance protects against loss, injury, or escapes en route
  • Peace of Mind knowing well-trained handlers manage every step of the trip
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The convenience pays off versus DIY, especially for pets with any special needs, multi-destination trips, or if time is limited.

A few extra dollars versus risking legal/medical issues for our companions makes professional transport worth it for all but very casual short jaunts.

Other Supplies and Services

Other Supplies and Services

Budget for some additional miscellaneous fees:

  • Boarding at origin/destination during arrangements windows ($15-45/night typical)
  • Airline Approved Kennels/Carriers ($50-150 depending on pet size)
  • Health Certificates from your vet (usually $50-150 within 10 days of travel)
  • Microchipping/Vaccinations for travel requirements ($30-100)
  • Medications/Supplements enough for entire trip duration

Also factor in any additional tests needed by transportation companies for brachycephalic breeds prone to respiratory issues, aggressive/fearful dogs requiring prescreening, or very young/old/giant/exotic pets with special treatment plans. Having these pre-organized avoids delays or rejections at drop-off.

Now you can make informed choices based on your pet’s profile and the choices available in your area with confidence for keeping all preparations on track! Just plug your details into a reputable service’s quote engine to compare estimated charges.

FAQS

How much is pet transport international?

$1000 to $6000.

How much does it cost for pets to fly?

Generally, airlines charge a pet fee of $100 to $200 each way, but prices will vary depending on where you’re traveling and your airline

Can I fly a pet alone?

YES! It is not always possible for your pet to fly in-cabin with you or as accompanied baggage on your own flight

Do pets fly free?

The only dogs that can travel by air for free are official service dogs

CONCLUSION

carefully planned pet transport takes the hassle out of logistics so you can focus on each other during reunions after travel. With foreknowledge of typical cost variances, you’re prepared for whatever transportation option fits your budget while still prioritizing your furry family member’s comfort and security every safe mile of the journey.

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