INTERNATIONAL PET SHIPPING
How much does it cost to fly a pet overseas?
When it comes to shipping a pet internationally, the costs can vary significantly based on factors such as your location, destination country, animal type, breed, and weight. It’s important to note that many airlines and destination countries have specific requirements, often necessitating pets to travel as manifest cargo. As a result, the routing options and pricing may differ considerably from passenger tickets.
Costs to consider are the vaccinations and lab testing required, health certificate appointment, USDA endorsement of documents, the crate, the airline booking, fees to the shipping agent, customs fees, and import taxes due at the destination airport.
If you are an active-duty military member moving on orders, it’s crucial to inform the airlines and pet shipping companies. Certain US-based airlines are willing to make exceptions to pet travel restrictions for military members moving on orders. Additionally, we offer a $500 discount to military families undergoing a Permanent Change of Station (PCS).
Rest assured that our animal transportation services prioritize the safety and well-being of your pets. We strive to provide safe and reliable shipping for your furry companions, ensuring they arrive at their destination happy and healthy.
How much does it cost to fly a pet/s internationally?
All prices are in USD.
Do you need to hire an international pet shipping company?
Shipping your pet internationally requires detailed attention every step of the way, this is why hiring an international pet transport agency is highly recommended. We frequently receive panicked phone calls from people who have had their pets rejected at check-in. This can result from missing a document or endorsement, incorrect crate or size, temperature, or simply flights getting canceled.
Feathers and Fur Express is a family-owned and operated company. We have helped thousands of pets fly to their humans overseas. Yes, the cost of hiring a pet shipping company can add to the expense, but it’s worth knowing your pet will be joining you in your new home. Our pets are our family, we have a responsibility to them because we love them, and we chose to care for them.
International Pet Shipping Costs
Crates
Costs can vary based on size and where you purchase from. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $70 to $150 for the smallest crates and between $320 to $450 for the largest plastic crates. If your pet requires a custom-built crate, you can expect to pay around $800 to $1200. Some dog breeds are considered aggressive by certain airlines and require a reinforced crate. These crates are typically durable, lightweight aluminum, military-grade, and long-lasting. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $1800 for a reinforced crate depending on the size of your dog.
Vaccinations
At a minimum, your pet will need an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Other vaccines, tests, and treatments that are most often required include the following: microchip, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, leptospirosis (DHPP + L), internal and external parasite treatments, and rabies titer test. Some countries require more than those listed here. Consult your veterinarian to determine their prices, as these vary greatly by clinic and area. If you’re working with a pet shipper, they will inform you of exactly which vaccines are needed and when.
Health Certificate
Every airline and nearly every country requires a certificate of health to accompany your pet. Every vet office has its own pricing for the exam and document completion. We recommend you reach out to them and shop around. The issuing vet must be a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
You can expect to pay around $100-$500.
USDA Endorsement
Most countries require an endorsement from the USDA for your pet to enter. This comes in a form of a stamp and signature by the State Veterinarian (USDA). Once your USDA-accredited veterinarian completes the exam and health certificate, the documents must be sent to the USDA for review and endorsement. Due to COVID-19, the USDA offices will not accept in-person appointments. Your pet’s health certificate must be submitted to the USDA via overnight mail or through the USDA’s Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS). If you are working with Feathers and Fur Express, we will coordinate this entire process.
The USDA charges $38 – $173 for endorsements depending on the number of lab tests required.
Pick up and Drop off
You may not have the ability to drive your pet to the airport or pick up your pet at the destination so we can arrange these services. Pricing varies based on location, country, and distance. Transporting pets requires time and patience. Our drivers are well-trained in making sure your pets are safe and comfortable, they make frequent stops for bathroom breaks and water.
The prices range between $2.8-$3.5 / Mile.
Customs Clearance at Destination Airport
Some countries require a customs clearance agent on the ground at the destination to clear your pet through customs. This will depend on the country and the airline that services that country.
Most countries allow people to clear their own pets through customs. This is a time-consuming process that typically involves some back and forth between the airline and customs but is usually handled without issue. If a clearing agent is needed, we will provide you with a muster point where you can collect your pet after clearing customs.
You can expect to pay a range of $500 to $1000 for customs clearance. If the destination country requires a quarantine, that cost will increase significantly.
Boarding
Sometimes your flight schedule may not align with your pet’s. Most clients decide to board their pets near the airport in lieu of having a family member or a friend watch them. Feathers and Fur Express works with multiple boarding facilities around the nation. We can arrange to board and pick up to deliver to the airport. We recommend your pet be fully vaccinated for boarding in the event flight plans change and boarding is needed. FVRCP for cats, DHPP & Bordetella for dogs (CIV is required for boarding in LAX only).
Boarding prices range from state to state. You can expect to pay a range of $30 to $50 per night.
Freight
The cost of freight charges (your pet’s flight cost) is highly variable. Every airline charges a different rate, which varies by location and volume. Since airlines charge by crate volume, the price to ship a Great Dane could be thousands of dollars more than the cost of a Chihuahua. If you want to send those same pets to Asia, the cost may be thousands of dollars more than shipping to the EU. Please note that if you have a snub-nosed breed, additional restrictions may apply during transportation due to the potential risks of breathing difficulties.
Administrative Fees
You may have noticed there are many steps needed to ensure your pet will travel and arrive safely at your destination. A lot of work and time gets allocated to ensure all documents and all steps are correct. Most pet shipping companies make their profit from administrative fees. Some countries have a lead time of 6 months for your pet to enter, while other countries are very easy and streamlined. Feathers and Fur Express will ensure your pet meets all requirements for travel and will keep constant communication with you during the entire process. If you hire a pet shipper, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1000 to $6000 depending on the pet shipper and destination. We pride ourselves on being one of the most affordable IPATA pet shippers in the industry!
Our transportation service takes into account every detail of your pet’s journey, from pickup to delivery, ensuring that your pet arrives safely and on time.
“Marck was really awesome. He took care care of all the paperwork and kept us updated. Great communication, great service! Our rabbit made it back home safely. Thank you!”
“Despite trying to move our Labrador from Houston during a pandemic and then a historic power failure on Houston, FFE came through for us. The team kept us in constant contact and went out of their way to help our veterinarian get set up with the USDA portal. Would highly recommend them for anyone moving pets internationally”
“Coco made it to Holland. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong but none of it the fault of Feathers and Fur. They were wonderful helping to fix the issues with my vet, FedEx and the USDA while time was ticking. Great communication in a very stressful time. Coco is settled in and happy.”
We’ll treat your pets as our own
Every team member at FFexpress is also a pet parent, so we know just how important your fur baby is to you. We only use the best airlines and facilities to ensure your pet is receiving the best care possible.
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