How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Dog to Las Vegas?

Adaeze Nwakaeze Adaeze Nwakaeze · Updated November 11, 2024

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So you’re moving to Las Vegas, huh? Congrats! The city of light has a lot to offer — great food, amazing shows, and of course, 24/7 gaming action. But what about your furry friend? Can they come too?

Sure, Vegas is a pet-friendly city! But it’s not as simple as just packing up Fido and driving cross-country. You’ll need to figure out how to transport a dog and budget for pet shipping costs. After all, you want your furry friend to arrive safe and sound (and not break the bank).

So, how much does it cost to ship a dog to Las Vegas? Well, it depends on a few factors, including the size of your dog, the distance you’ll be traveling and the mode of transportation you choose. We’ll break down all the costs associated with transporting a dog to Las Vegas so that you can make the best decision for your budget — and your pup.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Shipping a Dog

#1. Size: Standard vs. Large Breeds

When it comes to shipping a dog, size matters. Standard breeds like poodles, terriers and beagles typically weigh between 20 and 40 pounds. On the other hand, large breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds can weigh anywhere from 50 to 100 pounds (or more).

The price of shipping a dog goes up significantly when you have a large breed. That’s because large dogs need more space — and often require a larger crate or kennel. They also tend to have more health issues, which can add to the cost of shipping.

#2. Distance: Local, National, or International

The next factor to consider is distance. Are you moving across town, across the country or to another country altogether?

The price of transporting a dog locally is typically much cheaper than transporting them long distance. That’s because the journey is shorter, and there’s less risk involved.

If you’re moving across the country, you’ll need to decide whether to drive or fly with your dog. Driving is usually cheaper, but flying is often faster and less stressful for your pet. And if you’re moving internationally, it’s important to factor in the cost of getting your pet a passport and any required vaccinations. You’ll also need to make sure your pet can travel to the country you’re moving to.

#3. Mode of Transportation: Air, Ground or Sea

As we mentioned, you have a few different options when it comes to shipping your dog. You can transport them by air, ground or sea.

Air travel is typically the most expensive option, but it’s also the quickest. If you’re moving cross-country, flying with your dog might be your best bet. Just keep in mind that not all airlines allow pets, and there are usually strict regulations around traveling with a pet.

Ground transportation is often the most popular option for transporting a dog. This includes shipping companies that transport pets by car or train. The cost of ground transportation will depend on the distance you’re traveling and the size of your dog.

And finally, you can also transport your dog by sea. This is usually only an option if you’re moving to another country, as it can take weeks (or even months) for your pet to arrive by boat.

#4. Timing: Standard vs. Rush Shipping

Like many things in life, the cost of shipping a dog can also be affected by timing. If you need to transport your pet ASAP, you’ll likely have to pay a premium for rush shipping.

But, when you have some flexibility in your schedule, you can save money by shipping your dog during off-peak times. For example, you might be able to get a discount if you’re willing to ship your pet during the week instead of on the weekend.

#5. Pickup and Delivery: Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal

It’s up to you to decide how you want to transport your dog. Do you want door-to-door service, or are you willing to drop your pet off at a shipping terminal?

Door-to-door service is often more expensive, but it’s also more convenient. With door-to-door service, a representative from the shipping company will come to your home to pick up your pet. They’ll then transport your pet to its destination and deliver it right to your door.

If, on the other hand, you choose terminal-to-terminal shipping, you’ll be responsible for dropping your pet off at the shipping terminal and picking them up when they arrive.

Aerial view of Las vegas

Typical Expenses To Ship your Dog to Las Vegas

Before packing your bags and getting ready for the big move, there are some basic expenses you need to factor in. These include:

#1. A Travel Crate:

Imagine if you had to spend hours (or even days) in a cramped airplane seat. Not fun, right? Well, your dog probably feels the same way about being cooped up in a small travel crate. That’s why it’s vital to ensure your pet has plenty of room to stretch out and move around.

The cost of a travel crate will depend on the size and type of crate you need. For example, a small crate for a toy poodle might cost anywhere between $35 to $200, while a large crate for a Great Dane could cost up to $200 and above.

#2. A Vet Checkup:

When learning how to ship a dog to another state, one of the most important things to remember is that your pet will need a clean bill of health from the vet. This usually involves a physical examination, as well as up-to-date vaccinations.

Different factors—the size and breed of your dog, as well as the location of the vet—can influence the cost of a vet checkup. But you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $250 for a routine checkup.

#3. Microchipping:

While not required, it’s always a good idea to have your pet microchipped before shipping them. Think of it as an extra layer of protection in case your pet happens to escape from their travel crate.

Even after your pet is microchipped, it helps to also have a current photo of them on hand. This will help the authorities identify your pets if they get lost. Depending on the microchip company you use, the cost of microchipping can range from $25 to $60.

#4. Kenneling Fees:

If you’re not planning on being home when your pet arrives, you’ll need to make arrangements for them to be kenneled. This arrangement can be costly, especially if you’re leaving your pet in a kennel for an extended period.

The cost of kenneling will depend on the length of stay, as well as the amenities offered by the kennel. For example, a luxury kennel that offers 24-hour supervision and dog walking might charge $70 or more per night, while a more basic kennel might charge $20 to $30 per night.

Kenneling fees can also add up quickly if you have multiple pets. So, if you’re planning on transporting more than one dog to Las Vegas, be sure to factor in the cost of kenneling for each pet.

#5. Airline Fees:

Most airlines charge a pet fee when you fly with your furry friend. This fee is in addition to the regular cost of your airfare and covers the cost of transporting your pet.

The amount you’ll pay in pet fees will depend on the airline you’re flying with, as well as the size and weight of your pet. But you can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $250 (or more) in pet fees.

Some airlines also have breed restrictions for pet travel. As a result, certain breeds of dogs (such as pit bulls, mastiffs and Boston Terriers) are not allowed to fly on their planes. So, if you have a restricted breed, you’ll need to make other arrangements for your pet’s travel.

Also, note that not all airlines will allow you to book pet travel directly. Instead, you might have to go through an IPATA-certified transportation company.

#6. Ground Transportation Fees:

There are a few different options to consider when learning how to transport a dog in a car. You can either drive your pet yourself or hire a professional pet transport company to do it for you.

While driving your pet yourself might be the cheapest option, it’s not always the most convenient (or safest) option. If you’re not comfortable driving long distances with your pet, or if you don’t have a pet-friendly vehicle, it’s best to leave the driving to a professional.

Pet transport companies typically charge by the mile, with rates ranging from $0.50 to $1.60 per mile. Let’s say you’re shipping a dog from Los Angeles to Las Vegas (a distance of about 270 miles). In that case, you can expect to pay anywhere from $135 to $430 for ground transportation.

Other Fees to Consider When You Ship Your Dog to Las Vegas:

Other fees to keep in mind when shipping a dog to Las Vegas. These include:

  • Pet travel insurance: This is highly recommended, as it will protect your pet (and your wallet) in case of an emergency. Depending on your coverage, pet travel insurance for dogs can cost anywhere from $30 to $100.
  • Customs fees: If you’re shipping your pet internationally, you might have to pay customs fees. These fees vary widely, so it’s best to check with your airline or pet transport company for more information.

So, how much does it cost to ship a dog to Las Vegas? Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs:

  • Microchipping: $25 to $60
  • Kenneling fees: $20 to $70 per night
  • Airline fees: $75 to $250
  • Ground transportation: $0.50 to $1.60 per mile
  • Pet travel insurance: $30 to $100
  • Customs fees: Varies

You can also use our cost estimator calculator to get a more accurate estimate of how much it will cost to ship your dog to Las Vegas. Simply enter the size and weight of your pet, as well as the distance of your journey, and we’ll give you an estimate of the cost.

Shipping a dog to Las Vegas doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can ensure that your pet arrives safe and sound – without breaking the bank.

You can take the DIY approach to ship your dog to Las Vegas.

Should I Take the DIY Approach or Hire a Professional Pet Transport Company?

Chances are, if you’re wondering how to transport a dog, you’re considering doing it yourself. After all, it’s usually cheaper to do things ourselves, right?

Well, not always.

In fact, when it comes to shipping a dog, it’s usually best to leave it to the professionals. Why? Because it’s safer, more convenient and (in most cases) not much more expensive.

If you’re still not convinced, here are a few more reasons to hire a professional pet transport company:

  • Your pet will travel in a safe, comfortable vehicle: Pet transport companies have specially-designed vehicles that are safe and comfortable for pets. This way, you can rest assured knowing that your pet is in good hands.
  • You won’t have to worry about the logistics: Planning a pet move can be stressful. But when you hire a professional pet transport company, they’ll take care of all the logistics for you. All you have to do is drop off your pet at the airport (or other designated location), and they’ll take it from there.
  • It’s usually not much more expensive: As we mentioned before, pet transport companies typically charge by the mile. So, if you’re shipping a dog from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, you can expect to pay anywhere from $135 to $430 for ground transportation.

While this might sound like a lot, it’s really not that much more expensive than driving your pet yourself – especially when you factor in the cost of gas, food, and lodging.

Ready to Ship Your Dog to Las Vegas?

If you’re ready to start planning your pet’s move, we can help. At CitizenShipper, we make it easy to find and book trusted pet transport companies. Simply create a free profile and list your pet’s shipping needs. Then, sit back and relax while our network of pre-screened drivers compete for your business. You can also book cat transportation to Las Vegas through our marketplace!

You can compare pricing, read reviews, and view profiles to find the best pet transport company for your needs. And there’s no obligation to book — you can easily shop around and compare prices.

So, what are you waiting for? Shipping a dog to Las Vegas has never been easier — or more affordable! Get started today and find the perfect pet transport company for your needs.