Pet Shipping Cost: How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Pet?
Honest, upfront pet shipping costs — no hidden fees, no surprises. Domestic pet shipping starts at $300. International pet relocation ranges from $1,800 to $8,000+. Get an instant estimate or a free quote from our pet relocation experts.
Read our complete pet shipping cost breakdown for a detailed walkthrough of every fee involved.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Pets Relocated
Average Rating
Years Experience
Hidden Fees
2025 Pet Shipping Cost Ranges
How Much Does Pet Shipping Cost?
Pet shipping costs vary widely based on destination, pet size, and services required. Here are the typical price ranges for each type of move — with zero hidden fees.
In-cabin, checked baggage, or cargo within the continental US. Cost depends on pet size, route distance, and airline.
Learn moreIncludes quarantine documentation prep — the key to qualifying for 5-day-or-less quarantine and avoiding Hawaii's full 120-day quarantine.
Learn moreWorldwide pet shipping to 50+ countries. Includes documentation, customs clearance, and door-to-door delivery.
Learn moreSpecialized PCS pet shipping with DoD reimbursement guidance. OCONUS moves often partially reimbursed by the military.
Learn moreInstant Cost Estimate
Get an Instant Pet Shipping Cost Estimate
Not ready to call? Use our instant estimate calculator to get a cost range for shipping your pet internationally — no contact information required. Select your destination and number of pets to see an estimated price range in seconds.
International estimates — Select any destination to see a cost range based on real moves we've handled. Includes documentation, airline fees, and coordination.
Multi-pet savings — Shipping more than one pet? Per-pet costs decrease when planning, documentation, and customs coordination is shared across multiple animals.
Want an exact quote? — Call us at 425-696-2424 or fill out the form above. We provide free, itemized quotes with no obligation.
Read our complete pet shipping cost breakdown to understand every line item that goes into your quote.
Instant Estimate Calculator
Get a cost range in seconds — no form required
What Drives the Price
6 Factors That Affect Pet Shipping Cost
Understanding what drives pet relocation costs helps you budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses.
What You Get
What’s Included in Your Pet Shipping Quote
At Best Pet Travel, our quotes are itemized and complete. There are no hidden airline booking fees, documentation surcharges, or surprise pickup charges added after you book. What you see is what you pay.
Compare this to booking pet shipping on your own — where documentation errors can result in rejected flights, vet re-visits, and missed travel windows that cost far more than professional coordination.
- Free consultation and transparent cost estimate
- IATA-compliant kennel sizing and sourcing
- Veterinary appointment coordination
- Health certificate preparation and USDA endorsement
- Import permit filing (where required)
- Airline booking and cargo reservation
- Customs clearance coordination
- Real-time flight tracking and status updates
- Photo and video check-ins during transit
- Door-to-door pickup and delivery (full-service)
- Post-arrival support and guidance
- Military reimbursement documentation assistance
Hawaii has the strictest pet import rules in the US due to its rabies-free status. Getting documentation right is critical — errors can result in your pet being held in quarantine for up to 120 days.
With proper preparation, most pets qualify for the 5-day-or-less quarantine program. Our Hawaii pet shipping service includes full documentation prep to qualify for the shortest possible quarantine.
Included in Hawaii quotes:
- Microchip verification
- Rabies titer test coordination
- OIE-FAVN blood test planning
- Hawaii HDOA permit assistance
- Airline cargo booking
- Quarantine documentation packet
International pet relocation cost varies significantly by destination. Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain) starts around $2,000–$5,500. Asia (Japan, South Korea, Singapore) ranges $2,800–$8,000 due to stricter quarantine requirements.
Our international pet shipping service includes customs clearance, airline coordination, door-to-door delivery, and all destination-specific documentation.
International quote includes:
- USDA-endorsed health certificates
- Import permit filing
- Rabies titer test coordination
- Customs clearance at destination
- Airline cargo reservation
- Door-to-door delivery worldwide
Military pet shipping for PCS moves is often partially reimbursed by the DoD. Reimbursement rates: $550 (CONUS), $2,000 (OCONUS), up to $4,000 (high-risk assignments).
We specialize in military pet relocation and help service members understand reimbursement eligibility, maximize their allowance, and submit documentation correctly.
Military quote includes:
- DoD reimbursement guidance
- Short-notice order capability
- Base access coordination
- OCONUS documentation packet
- Military-specific airline routing
- Reimbursement paperwork support
Why Families Choose Best Pet Travel
6+ years of transparent pet relocation with a 5.0-star rating across thousands of moves.
What Families Say About Our Pet Shipping
Real reviews from real families who trusted Best Pet Travel with their pets.
The Complete Guide to Pet Shipping Costs in 2025
Pet shipping cost is one of the most searched questions among pet owners planning a move — and also one of the most misunderstood. Prices vary dramatically based on a combination of factors, and many pet owners are surprised by costs they didn't anticipate. This guide breaks down every component of pet relocation pricing so you can plan accurately and avoid surprises.
Dog Shipping Cost vs. Cat Shipping Cost
The biggest driver of per-animal cost is size. Cat shipping cost is generally lower than dog shipping cost because most cats are small enough to fly in-cabin or in a small cargo kennel. Large dog shipping cost is higher because large dogs must fly as checked baggage or cargo and require larger, more expensive kennels. A small cat might cost $300–$800 to ship domestically. A large dog on the same route might cost $600–$1,500.
International Pet Relocation Cost Breakdown
For international moves, the cost to ship a pet internationally is broken down across several categories. Airline cargo fees typically represent the largest single cost — ranging from $500 to $2,500+ depending on destination and kennel size. Documentation costs include health certificate exams ($100–$300), USDA endorsement ($38–$150), and import permits where required. Coordination and logistics fees cover our planning, communication, tracking, and delivery services.
See our complete pet shipping cost breakdown blog post for an itemized walkthrough of every fee involved in both domestic and international pet shipping.
Hawaii Pet Shipping: Why It Costs More
Hawaii pet shipping cost is higher than typical domestic shipping because Hawaii maintains a strict rabies-free status and requires extensive documentation and testing. The most important test is the OIE-FAVN rabies antibody titer test, which must be done at an approved lab and meet specific timing requirements. Getting this wrong can result in your pet being held in quarantine for up to 120 days — at significant expense.
Our Hawaii pet shipping service includes everything needed to qualify for the 5-day-or-less quarantine program, which saves families significant time and stress. We know Hawaii's requirements inside out.
Military PCS Pet Shipping Costs & Reimbursement
Military families face unique challenges with pet shipping during PCS moves. The DoD provides partial reimbursement through the Joint Travel Regulations: $550 for CONUS moves, $2,000 for most OCONUS moves, and up to $4,000 for hardship or remote assignments. The actual cost of military pet shipping typically exceeds this allowance, especially for international moves to Japan, Germany, or South Korea.
We help military families understand exactly what's reimbursable, provide proper documentation for reimbursement claims, and minimize out-of-pocket costs. Read our military pet relocation page for full details on PCS pet shipping.
Pet Travel Resources
Guides to Help You Budget & Plan
In-depth articles covering pet shipping costs, documentation, and travel preparation.
Pet Shipping Cost Breakdown: What to Expect
Every fee itemized — airline, documentation, coordination, and delivery.
International Pet Shipping Guide
Country-by-country cost estimates and documentation requirements.
Hawaii Pet Shipping: Complete Guide
How to qualify for 5-day quarantine and avoid costly delays.
Military Pet Shipping for PCS Moves
DoD reimbursement rates, eligibility, and what to expect.
Pet Microchip Requirements for International Travel
ISO standards, timing, and why microchipping matters for cost.
Get a Custom Pet Shipping Quote
Free consultation. Itemized quote. No hidden fees. No obligation.
Pet Shipping Cost FAQs
Common questions about how much it costs to ship a pet.
Ready to Get an Exact Pet Shipping Quote?
No guessing. No surprises. Just an honest, itemized quote from pet relocation specialists who've moved 5,000+ pets safely. Call us or fill out the form — your free consultation takes less than 10 minutes.
5.0 stars · 6+ years experience · 5,000+ pets relocated · No hidden fees
