How Much Does Dog Transportation Cost?

If you’re a pet owner moving to another city or state, you’re probably considering some form of dog transportation. The cost of dog transportation is a major concern, especially because moving is a time during which money may be tight. How much does dog transportation cost, and what factors go into the price?

Comparing the Cost of Each Dog Transport Method

While many pet owners think about air travel as the only way to get your dog transported, there are other methods. In addition to air travel, you can drive the pet yourself, take the train or hire a ground-based pet transporter.

• Air travel is usually the most expensive but can be fast when transporting a dog long-distance.
• Ground transportation may take longer, but there are more affordable options.
• Transporting a dog by ground is much more humane than air cargo transport.
• Train travel is limited to Amtrak routes in certain parts of the country.

Air Travel

As mentioned above, if you need to get a dog across the country within a day or less, air travel will work best. However, air travel comes with some significant limitations.

• Only dogs that meet weight and size requirements can fly in the cabin.
• The dog carrier has to fit under the seat and most weight limits are between 20-30 pounds.
• The dog must remain in the carrier at all times.
• If your dog is larger than that, it will have to fly in the cargo area.
• Flight in the cargo area carries the most risk of any pet transport method.
• If it’s too hot or too cold, the airline won’t allow your pet on the plane.

Cost of Pet Transport Using Air Travel

Airline policy allows only one pet per passenger and two pets per flight, which means that you need to act fast to book that pet ticket.

• The cost for transporting a dog in the plane’s cabin is estimated to be around $125 one way. Remember, you need to purchase a ticket for yourself or an air nanny, which adds to the cost.
• Because larger pets must go in the cargo hold, they will need a special crate that meets all airline requirements.
• Airlines will also charge significantly higher prices for cargo hold tickets, which ranges from $500 and $1,000.

Is Dog Air Transportation As Affordable as it Seems?

The bottom line is quite simple: dog air transportation is affordable if you have a small dog. You have to pay for a pet ticket and of course, a ticket for yourself. There’s the hassle of ensuring your dog stays in the carrier at all times. If you have a big dog, there are additional requirements and steps you need to take. At the end of the day, it is not that affordable and extremely stressful.

Why Can’t Most Dogs Fly in the Cabin?

There are three reasons why dogs can’t fly in the main cabin. Let’s take a look at each of them.

• Reason 1: If you have a big dog, you cannot have your dog in the cabin because of the standing rule that airlines require dogs to be inside a carrier under the seat in front of you.
• Reason 2: Large snub-nosed dogs like boxers and bulldogs are not allowed on flights at all because the cargo area can pose significant health risks to your dog.
• Reason 3: Airlines can only accept one to two pets per flight in the main cabin, so if you are too late, you won’t be able to fly with your dog in the cabin for that particular flight.

Train Travel

Many pet owners aren’t aware that Amtrak allows pet transportation. Like air travel, dogs can’t travel on trains unaccompanied.

• The cost of taking your pet on an Amtrak train is just $25.
• The total cost depends on your ticket — in other words, how far and what lines you’ll be taking.
• Only small dogs are allowed and they have to fit in a carrier underneath the seat.

Ground Transport

There are hundreds of ground transport pet companies out there. You can easily find them online and each of them provide different types of pet travel services. The cost of dog transportation depends on several factors like distance, health documentation, pet size and breed and other equipment needed.

Driving Yourself

Transporting your dog by ground on your own is a possibility. In some ways it’s the easiest method because you control every aspect of the trip. You don’t have to hire or pay anyone for the job.

That doesn’t mean it’s an inexpensive choice. This option has several cost variables, including accommodation expenses, food expenses, car wear and tear and gas costs. You also have to deal with all the potty breaks and logistical matters yourself. Transporting a pet by ground, especially long distances, isn’t as easy as it seems and is best left to the pros.

Using a Pet Transportation Marketplace

With the demand for pet transportation rising, an alternative to traditional pet transportation has developed. Pet transportation marketplaces like CitizenShipper make it easy to find a qualified dog transporter that fits your budget.

When you post a listing on CitizenShipper, you get free quotes within minutes. Drivers compete for your business, giving you more financial flexibility.

Advantages of Ground Transportation Over Air Transport

The ground transport option is much better than air transport. That’s just the simple truth. But let’s take a look at why ground transport is a better option than flying:

1. You can only take dogs and cats on the flight.
2. Flying can stress your dog, especially if they are in the cargo hold.
3. With the recent flight cancellations over the holidays, flying can be unreliable because of weather and other factors.
4. Ground travel logistics are easier and can offer door-to-door delivery, which is impossible with air travel.
5. Ground transport companies offer constant supervision, something that may not be possible for air travel if your dog goes in the cargo hold.

5 Major Factors that Affect Dog Transportation Cost

There are five major factors that will affect how much you pay for your dog transportation needs. Let’s take a look at them in more detail.

Distance

The destination will play the primordial role in the price tag. The further you are transporting your dog, the more it will cost. However, there are times that shorter distances are more expensive. It’s best to check with the transport company to ensure you are getting the best deal. The other factor related to distance is the route the transporter will have to take. Sometimes, if the destination is not in an urban area and it’s in a hard-to-get area, the cost will go up. There also may be a coverage area that transporters go to, as well. Make sure you ask them all these questions, especially the distance part before booking.

Pet Size/Breed/Type

Dog transport companies will have variable costs based on your dog’s size or breed. For example, if your dog is bigger, most likely the cost of transporting them will be higher. There may also be breed surcharges. You may want to look into securing a package deal because it could save you money if you transport multiple dogs at one time.

Health Documentation

Before your dog goes on their transport journey, go to a USDA-registered veterinarian and get a health certificate. You’ll also need to ensure all your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date, as well. The health certificate will cost between $100 and $300. You should also check to see what other health documentation is required at the state you are moving to.

Equipment

Your dog will be going on a journey and you need to be prepared with everything. Make sure you get a durable carrier that will be long-lasting. You should also buy essential products that will make your dog’s trek calmer and more fun, too. Buy a first aid kit, your dog’s favorite toys or blankets, calming chews and other items.

Extra Perks

Sometimes you want to make sure you cross your t’s and dot your i’s. If you choose to add on extra perks, ask what the dog transport company offers. Insurance is a good thing to have, just in case. You can also choose to have a door-to-door delivery option added to your transport needs. This will cost extra and will increase your dog transportation costs.

CitizenShipper Makes Pet Transportation Easier

Most people don’t have the time or experience to transport their dog themselves. It can also be overwhelming and stressful. The option of hiring a traditional dog transporter can be expensive, too.

Using a two-way marketplace like CitizenShipper to find an independent dog transporter is a great solution. You can save money on transportation costs because drivers bid for your business. You can save a whopping 60% to 70% compared to a traditional pet transportation company.

Using CitizenShipper is Super Easy!

• Once you post a free listing on our marketplace, a fleet of screened, USDA-registered drivers will send you quotes within minutes.
• You can compare bids and instantly chat with drivers across our network. Because drivers compete for your business, you’ll be able to select a quote that fits your needs and budget.
• Once you choose the driver you like best, you’re ready to book your trip!
• Finalize all details with your driver so that it’s seamless and stress-free.

Several important notes:

• We don’t recommend booking a driver based only on price. Often, the best transporters charge a little more.
• Make sure you read reviews, communicate with the driver through the instant-messaging system and look at past experience before making your decision.

The bottom line is we want you to be stress-free and have the peace of mind that everything will turn out perfectly. CitizenShipper provides some added benefits for you so you’re even calmer — up to $1,000 Pet Protection guarantee, a messaging system where you can communicate directly with the driver and 24/7 TeleVet access through our partner Vetster.

FAQs:

How much does it cost to fly a dog domestically?

Let’s talk about this in simple terms. Most airlines, if you are traveling in the main cabin with your small dog, usually have a pet fee of $125 one way domestically. Internationally the fee goes up slightly. Some airlines may charge $100 or even $90, so just check with the airline for specific pricing.

For airlines that do allow checked pets (or for international flights), cargo hold tickets usually range from $500 to $1000. Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines are much more affordable with $225 and $100 pet fee, respectively. You will also have to invest in a durable, long lasting carrier with specific requirements that airlines require.

If you’re hiring an air nanny, you’ll have to pay for her roundtrip ticket, so be cognizant of that fact. And if you have the means to do it and want to charter your own private flight, the cost of that will be a whopping $5,600 to $11,000 per hour!

Can I reduce the cost of transporting my dog?

There are several ways you can reduce the cost of transporting your dog. If you have multiple dogs, you can ask for a package deal. You can also take advantage of offers the pet transportation companies may be offering at the time. If you buy your own equipment, it may be cheaper than if the pet transport company provides that for you.

Lastly, a two-way marketplace like CitizenShipper can be more affordable for you. It will also ensure your dog transport process journey is stress-free and streamlined. Peace of mind is a big priority. Post your pet’s transport and get great and affordable quotes in minutes!