{"id":8710,"date":"2023-02-28T14:56:05","date_gmt":"2023-02-28T20:56:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citizenshipper.com\/blog\/?p=8710"},"modified":"2026-05-13T14:14:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T20:14:02","slug":"cost-to-ship-a-dog-on-an-airline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citizenshipper.com\/blog\/cost-to-ship-a-dog-on-an-airline\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Dog on a Plane? (2026 Airline Fees)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wondering how much it costs to ship a dog on an airplane<\/a>? Great news \u2014 it doesn’t have to cost as much as sending a space shuttle into orbit!\u00a0Maybe you are a pet parent traveling or relocating with your pet<\/a> or a breeder wanting to transport puppies to their new home.<\/p>\n

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Whatever the case, you definitely want to know what this move means for your wallet. Because let’s face it \u2014 you want the absolute best for your furry family member without breaking the bank \u2014 or scrimping on safety standards.\u00a0So, how much does it cost<\/a> to fly a dog on an airline? Let’s take a look!<\/p>\n

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Dog on a Plane? (Quick Answer)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Shipping a dog on a plane typically costs between $95 and $200+ for domestic flights, depending on the airline, route, and whether your dog flies in-cabin or as cargo. Small dogs that fit inside an approved carrier under the seat generally cost around $95\u2013$125 one-way for in-cabin travel.<\/p>\n

Larger dogs that cannot fit in the cabin usually must travel through airline cargo programs, where prices commonly range from $150 to $500+ depending on weight, crate dimensions, destination, and seasonal restrictions.<\/p>\n

International pet flights are significantly more expensive. Most owners spend approximately $200\u2013$1,000+ before adding crate costs, veterinary paperwork, import permits, and customs fees.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a quick overview of common airline pet fees in 2026:<\/p>\n

\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Airline<\/th>\nIn-Cabin Fee<\/th>\nCargo Fee<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Alaska Airlines<\/td>\n$100<\/td>\n$100+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
American Airlines<\/td>\n$125<\/td>\nVaries by weight<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Delta Air Lines<\/td>\n$95 (domestic)<\/td>\nContact airline<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Southwest Airlines<\/td>\n$95<\/td>\nDoes not offer cargo pet shipping<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Frontier Airlines<\/td>\n$99<\/td>\nDoes not offer cargo pet shipping<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
United Airlines<\/td>\n$125<\/td>\nVaries by weight\/route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Note:<\/strong> Airline pet fees and restrictions change frequently. Always verify current pricing and pet policies directly with the airline before booking.<\/p>\n

Looking for a cheaper, safer alternative? Ground transport through CitizenShipper costs<\/a> less than most airline cargo fees \u2014 and your dog rides in a vehicle with a background-checked driver instead of a cargo hold. Every trip includes $1,000 Pet Protection Coverage and 24\/7 on-call vet access.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Get Free Dog Transport Quotes \u2192<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ground Transport vs. Air Transport: Which Is Cheaper for Dogs?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Before getting into specifics, let’s compare transporting a pet by ground transport (by car or train) with traveling by plane.<\/p>\n

Generally speaking, air travel tends to be on the high side for both domestic and international flights. However, the cost of an air ticket typically depends on the size of your furry friend and where they stay during the flight (in-cabin or cargo hold).<\/p>\n

But even with seemingly high costs, over 2 million pets<\/a> fly in and out of the U.S. each year, making air travel a popular pet transportation<\/a> option for many pet parents.<\/p>\n

For ground transport, the cost can vary depending on the distance traveled and whether the pet is having a solo ride (VIP service) or riding with other pets (Pet rideshare).<\/p>\n

Still, it can be a lot more affordable than flying and can sometimes be the only way to transport your canine companion if they have health concerns that restrict them from flying \u2014 (think short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs).<\/p>\n

However, if your dog is traveling internationally, the only way to go is by air. And with this option, you\u2019ll need to factor in additional costs for a travel crate, pet visits, health certificates, vaccinations, microchipping, and import permits, as the case may be.<\/p>\n

Airline Pet Policies and Fees by Carrier<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When transporting your dog<\/a> by air, you definitely want to check out the airline’s pet policy and fees before buying a ticket (usually through an IPATA<\/a>-approved pet transport company<\/a>).<\/p>\n

American Airlines Pet Policy and Fees<\/strong><\/h3>\n

American Airlines<\/span><\/span> charges approximately $125 each way for approved in-cabin pets on most domestic routes. Small dogs and cats must fit inside an airline-approved carrier placed under the seat in front of the passenger. For larger dogs, American operates separate cargo shipping options through its pet transport partners and cargo network. Cargo pricing varies significantly depending on:<\/p>\n