Dog Shipping Costs in 2026: Air, Ground & Solo Transport Prices

Shipping a dog without traveling alongside them is more common than most pet owners realize — whether you’re adopting from out of state, relocating for work, or sending a pet to family. The good news: professional dog transport is safe, regulated, and more affordable than you might expect.

Ground transport through a service like CitizenShipper typically costs between $0.50 and $1.60 per mile, while airline options range from $100 for a small in-cabin dog to $1,200+ for cargo shipments. This guide breaks down every cost factor so you can choose the right option for your dog and your budget.

Air Transport

Air transport is a fast and efficient way to move your dog long distances, although the cost to fly a dog alone may be pricier. Air transport options and costs will vary depending on your dog’s breed and size, time of the year, and the distance traveled. While air transport can be quicker and more convenient for you, it’s hard on dogs. Being alone in the cargo area without a human to provide comfort can lead to high levels of stress in pets. That’s why we always recommend hiring a ground transporter whenever possible.

Cabin

Small dogs may qualify as a “carry-on” item if they can safely fit in their carrier under the seat. A dog cannot travel in the cabin alone and must have a human accompanying their journey. Most major airlines, like Delta, United, and American, will charge around $125 per pet each way. Air transport is limited to just one pet per person, and flights restrict the number of animals allowed in the cabin.

If you cannot travel with your dog, you’ll need to have a dedicated person responsible for pet transit. Pet transportation services are happy to accompany your pet in the main cabin and during layovers until your pet safely arrives at its final destination.

Cargo

Large dogs cannot fly in the main cabin and must fly in the cargo hold below the plane. It’s possible to ship a dog alone, and airline companies usually employ animal specialists to help with logistics. Flying a dog in the cargo hold is safe and secure, with plenty of precautions in place to help protect your dog.

Cargo costs will vary significantly depending on the airline, flight duration, and the size of your dog. Always contact your airline’s customer service department if you plan to ship your dog in cargo. Costs for cargo hold space usually start around $500 but can increase drastically with long flight paths.

Airline	Domestic (In-Cabin)	International
Air Canada	N/A	$270-$319
Alaska Airlines	$100	N/A
American Airlines	$150	$200
British Airways	N/A	*Dedicated Cargo Service
Delta Airlines	$125	$100-200 ($75 to Brazil)
Frontier	$99	N/A
Hawaiian Airlines	$35 (within Hawaii) $125 (within US)	$225
JetBlue	$125	$125
Southwest	$125
United Airlines	$150	Variable Amount
WestJet Cargo	$50-$59	Variable Amount

 

Ground Transport Costs

Ground transport is the most popular choice for dog shipping in the United States, and for good reason: your dog rides in a climate-controlled vehicle with a dedicated driver who provides regular stops, fresh water, and companionship throughout the trip.

What’s Included in Ground Transport

When you book a ground transporter through CitizenShipper, your driver handles:

• Climate-controlled vehicle transport (heat and A/C)
• Regular rest stops every 2–4 hours for walks and water
• Photo and text updates throughout the journey
• Door-to-door pickup and delivery (most drivers)
• A human companion for your dog the entire trip

Unlike airline cargo — where your dog travels alone in a pressurized hold — ground transport means your pet has someone with them every mile. For anxious dogs, senior pets, or puppies, this makes a significant difference in stress levels and safety.

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Pet Transportation Services

Please consider using professional pet transport services when you can’t come with your pet during travel. Pet transportation services can provide a person to help handle complicated pet transport logistics. Companies like CitizenShipper rely on a network of professional and experienced dog transporters. Professionals are happy to escort your dog during a flight or drive your pet to your new city.

The cost of a pet transport service depends on your trip and your pet. Larger dogs cost more than smaller dogs, and longer trips are more expensive. Air transit will include the cost to ship your dog, along with your transporter’s fee. Ground transportation can cost between $0.50 and $1.60 per mile.

Air Nannies

You don’t have to fly a dog on a plane alone anymore! Air nannies are experienced pet shippers who stay with your small dog during the flight. Professional air nannies will accompany your small dog aboard the plane. Many breeders rely on professional air nannies to help transport puppies to their new forever homes.

The cost to hire an air nanny varies significantly, depending on your dog’s age and the flight duration. Puppies will cost more to ship because of their higher level of care. Short transits with an air nanny could cost $300, while longer trips can cost upwards of $1,500.

How Much Does It Cost to Fly a Puppy Alone?

Flying a puppy alone costs between $300 and $1,500 when using an air nanny service, or $500–$1,200 through airline cargo. Puppies cost more to transport than adult dogs because they require more frequent feeding, closer monitoring, and gentler handling.

Key factors for puppy shipping costs:

• Age requirements: Most airlines require puppies to be at least 8 weeks old for domestic flights and 15–16 weeks for international travel. Some transport services set a 10-week minimum.
• Air nanny vs. cargo: For puppies, an air nanny is strongly recommended over cargo. Puppies are more vulnerable to stress, temperature changes, and dehydration. A nanny provides in-cabin supervision, feeding during layovers, and immediate attention if something goes wrong.
• Breeder shipments: If you’re purchasing a puppy from an out-of-state breeder, ask whether the breeder works with established air nanny networks. Many breeders on CitizenShipper have preferred transporters who specialize in puppy delivery.
• Health documentation: Puppies need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued within 10 days of travel, proof of age-appropriate vaccinations, and may require additional parasite treatment documentation depending on the airline and destination state.

Can You Ship a Dog on a Plane by Itself?

Yes — dogs can fly alone on most major U.S. airlines via the cargo hold. Airlines like United (PetSafe program) accept unaccompanied dogs in climate-controlled, pressurized cargo compartments. However, several airlines have restricted or discontinued their general-public cargo programs in recent years. Delta, for example, only offers pet cargo for active U.S. military and State Department families.

If your dog is too small for cargo or you prefer not to use the cargo hold, you have two alternatives:

1. Hire an air nanny to accompany your small dog in the cabin. The nanny books a seat, carries your dog in an approved carrier under the seat, and manages check-in, layovers, and pickup at the destination. This costs $300–$1,500.
2. Use ground transport through a service like CitizenShipper. A dedicated driver transports your dog by vehicle, door-to-door, with your dog never left unattended. This costs $0.50–$1.60 per mile.

What Affects Dog Shipping Costs?

It’s tough to nail down a specific cost for pet transportation because many variables affect the total price. Understanding what can make pet shipping more or less expensive will help you better budget for your full trip. Some factors that influence transportation costs include:

Dog Size and Breed

A small dog (under 20 lbs) that fits in a cabin-approved carrier costs significantly less to ship by air — typically $100–$200 for the airline fee alone. Large dogs (over 50 lbs) must fly cargo, where fees start at $500 and climb based on crate dimensions and route length. Brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, Boston terriers) face additional restrictions: many airlines ban them from cargo entirely due to breathing risks, making ground transport the only safe option.

Distance and Route

Ground transport is priced per mile, so distance is the biggest cost driver. Short-haul trips under 300 miles often cost $150–$500, while cross-country moves (1,500+ miles) can reach $1,500–$2,500. Air transport costs increase with flight duration and the number of connections required.

Transport Method

Ground transport is generally the most cost-effective option for distances under 1,500 miles. For longer distances, air transport with a nanny may be faster but costs more. Cargo shipping is the least expensive air option, but involves the most stress for your dog.

Time of Year

Summer (June–August) and the winter holidays (November–December) are peak seasons for pet transport. Airline pet slots fill up faster, and ground transporters may charge a premium due to higher demand. Booking 2–4 weeks in advance during peak seasons helps secure better rates.

Additional Costs

In addition to the actual costs to transport your dog, consider additional expenses you could incur while preparing for your next trip. Indirect costs can inflate your travel budget, so plan appropriately.

• Vet – Most professional pet transport services — including CitizenShipper drivers — require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued within 10 days of travel. A CVI typically costs $75–$250, depending on your veterinarian. Some states also require a CVI for dogs entering by ground transport, not just air.
• Carrier – Before traveling by air or ground, ensure you have the correct, approved, and correct, approved and safe pet carrier. Airlines have maximum carrier dimensions for the main cabin, while dogs flying in the cargo hold have even stricter crate requirements. A dog should remain in a carrier during ground transportation to keep your pet safe. While small carriers are usually under $50, crates for large dogs approved for air travel can get costly.
• Travel Necessities – Ensure you have all the basics and necessities for safe pet transport. Refill any prescription medicines, pack plenty of food, and ensure your pet’s identification is current. Your dog’s identification tag and microchip should have valid contact information. Make sure your pet has an appropriate harness/collar and leash that will keep your pet secured.

How to Get the Best Price for Dog Transport

1. Get multiple quotes. On CitizenShipper, listing your shipment is free and you’ll typically receive quotes from several drivers within 24 hours. Comparing bids helps you find the right balance of price, experience, and reviews.
2. Be flexible on dates. Drivers heading your direction anyway (backhaul trips) may offer lower rates. Flexibility with pickup dates by even 2–3 days can reduce costs by 15–25%.
3. Book early. Last-minute bookings cost more for both air and ground transport. Aim to book at least 2 weeks in advance.
4. Consider ground over air. For trips under 1,500 miles, ground transport is almost always cheaper and less stressful for your dog than flying.

Check driver reviews and verification. The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value. CitizenShipper drivers are background-checked and rated by previous customers, so you can verify quality before booking.

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Ship Your Dog With Confidence

The cost to ship a dog depends on your transport method, distance, and your pet’s specific needs — but professional dog transport doesn’t have to break the bank. Ground transport through CitizenShipper averages $0.50–$1.60 per mile with a dedicated driver, while air options range from $100 for small in-cabin dogs to $1,200+ for cargo shipments.

The most important investment isn’t just money — it’s choosing a transporter you trust with your pet. On CitizenShipper, every driver is background-checked, reviewed by previous customers, and committed to getting your dog to their destination safely.

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