How to Calculate the Cost of Shipping a Dog by Air

Shipping a dog by air can be a daunting task. It’s important to understand the various factors that may affect the cost of this service in order to make an informed decision. In this blog post, we will explain the various factors that determine the cost of shipping a dog by air, how to calculate air freight costs, and how to ensure your pet flies safely.

Factors That Determine the Cost of Shipping a Dog by Air

When it comes to shipping a dog by air, there are several factors that can influence the cost. Let’s take a look at each of these factors.

Weight of Dog

The weight of the dog is one of the most important factors that will determine the cost of shipping. Larger dogs will typically have a higher shipping cost as they will require more space and fuel to transport. The cost of shipping a small dog is typically lower than shipping a larger one.

Size of Dog

The size of the dog is also a factor that can determine the cost of shipping. Smaller dogs may be able to fit in a smaller crate, which can reduce the cost of shipping. Larger dogs may require a larger crate and may need to be transported in the cargo area of the plane, which can increase the cost of shipping.

Distance of Flight

The distance of the flight is another factor that can influence the cost of shipping a dog by air. Longer flights will typically have a higher cost than shorter flights because of the amount of fuel and time required to transport the dog.

Additional Services

Additional services may also influence the cost of shipping a dog by air. Services such as crate rental, crate preparation, and pet insurance can all add to the overall cost of shipping. When it comes to the crate, you may choose to buy one if you are going to travel frequently. For a small dog, it needs to have ventilation on all sides and should fit underneath the seat in front of you. 

When it comes to a larger dog, the kennel will have to go in the cargo hold. Here are some airline requirements you should follow for the cargo crate. 

• Your pet should be able to stand up, turn around in the crate, and cannot touch the top.
• The crate should have secure locking with pins that extend past the extrusions above and below the door. The pins should be hardware instead of plastic fasteners.
• The crate needs to be ventilated on all sides.
• The crate needs to have your pet’s name and your contact information.
• Water and food bowls need to be attached to the door and should be accessible from outside the crate.

Airline Fees

Finally, airline fees can also influence the cost of shipping a dog by air. Different airlines have different fees and regulations when it comes to shipping animals. It’s important to understand the fees that each airline charges before booking a flight.

How to Calculate Air Freight Costs

Calculating air freight costs can be a tricky process. It’s important to understand the various factors that can affect the cost of shipping a dog by air before making a decision. To calculate air freight costs, you will need to consider the weight of the dog, the size of the dog, the distance of the flight, any additional services, and airline fees. 

Once you have gathered all the necessary information, you can use an online calculator to estimate the cost of shipping a dog by air. Simply enter the relevant information, and the calculator will provide an estimate of the cost.

How to Ensure Your Pet Flies Safely

It’s important to ensure that your pet flies safely when shipping by air. To ensure the safety of your pet, you should research the airline that you plan to use in order to understand their policies and guidelines for transporting animals. You should also make sure to book a direct flight to minimize the amount of time your pet is in the air. 

In addition, you should make sure to properly prepare the crate that your pet will be transported in. The pet carrier should be large enough for the pet to move around comfortably and should include food, water, and a bed or blanket. It’s also important to make sure that the crate is properly labeled with the pet’s name, address, and contact information.

Wrapping Up

Pet travel by air can be expensive, but it is possible to calculate the cost and ensure your pet flies safely. It’s important to consider the various factors that can influence the cost of shipping, such as the weight of the dog, the size of the dog, the distance of the flight, additional services, and airline fees. Additionally, it’s important to research the airline that you plan to use and properly prepare the crate in order to ensure the safety of your pet. With the right preparation, you can ensure that your pet is transported safely and at a reasonable cost.

Patrick MacFarland

Patrick Macfarland has been a teacher, a candidate for public office, and a local tour guide. But now he dedicates his time writing full-time, currently at CitizenShipper and VeraContent.