{"id":8721,"date":"2023-02-28T15:34:34","date_gmt":"2023-02-28T21:34:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citizenshipper.com\/blog\/?p=8721"},"modified":"2026-05-28T09:12:53","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T15:12:53","slug":"cost-to-ship-a-pet-in-cargo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citizenshipper.com\/blog\/cost-to-ship-a-pet-in-cargo\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does It Cost to Fly a Dog or Cat in Cargo? (2026 Airline Fees)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Flying a dog in airline cargo typically costs $100\u2013$125 for the cargo fee alone, plus $45\u2013$300 for a required health certificate, and $50\u2013$200 for an IATA-approved crate. Total out-of-pocket costs to fly a pet in cargo range from $295 to $750 or more per trip, depending on the airline, distance, and your pet’s size. Alaska Airlines charges a $200 pet cargo fee, while American Airlines varies by route, and Delta charges $300. Only three major U.S. airlines \u2014 Delta, American, and Alaska \u2014 currently allow dogs and cats in cargo; United suspended its PetSafe cargo program for general passengers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Air shipping your pet via plane cargo is a speedy solution to getting your furry friend from one place to the next. Still, this type of pet transportation<\/a> has several pros and cons.\u00a0Airlines that allow dogs in cargo<\/a> will charge varying prices based on different factors.<\/p>\n

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Plus, with the summer months approaching, many airlines have a heat embargo<\/a> that restricts you from shipping your pet in cargo. If the ground temperature is more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit or less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you won\u2019t be able to transport a large pet in cargo.<\/p>\n

This poses a huge problem, but one that is easily solvable. By choosing ground transportation, you can avoid those problems. Plus, it\u2019s safer and more humane to transport your pet on the ground than via a plane in the cargo hold. It\u2019s also more reliable because you won\u2019t be dependent on weather conditions to transport your pet. This is a guide to help you decide the best way to transport your pet<\/a> so that you can weigh the costs of your options.<\/p>\n

Airline Cargo Costs<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Airline cargo for dogs typically costs $300\u2013$1,200+ for domestic routes<\/strong>, with higher prices for large breeds, long distances, oversized crates, or peak travel seasons. While cargo can work for many healthy, non-restricted dogs, it is not always the safest or even permitted option depending on breed, weather, and airline policy.<\/p>\n

Because of these limitations, it\u2019s important to understand how airlines treat different dogs before booking.<\/p>\n

Breed & Cargo Safety Overview (Airline Rules Vary)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Factor<\/th>\nWhat It Means<\/th>\nCommon Airline Policy Impact<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds<\/strong><\/td>\nBulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, etc.<\/td>\nOften banned from cargo entirely<\/strong> due to breathing risk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Large breeds (50\u2013100+ lbs)<\/strong><\/td>\nGerman Shepherds, Rottweilers, Labradors<\/td>\nUsually allowed, but require oversized crates and higher fees<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight limits (cabin vs cargo)<\/strong><\/td>\nCabin usually under ~20 lbs<\/td>\nLarger dogs must go cargo or ground transport only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Heat embargoes<\/strong><\/td>\nSummer temperature limits (often 85\u00b0F+\/29\u00b0C)<\/td>\nCargo travel suspended on many routes in hot months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cold weather embargoes<\/strong><\/td>\nWinter temperature limits<\/td>\nFlights restricted when temps drop too low at origin\/destination<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Breed-specific airline bans<\/strong><\/td>\n\u201cHigh-risk\u201d or working breeds<\/td>\nSome airlines restrict Pit Bull-type dogs or guardian breeds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Because these rules vary by airline and season, many pet owners find cargo travel unpredictable or unavailable for their dog.<\/p>\n

If your dog falls into any restricted category\u2014or you want to avoid airport stress entirely\u2014ground transport is the most reliable alternative<\/strong>. It avoids temperature embargoes, breed restrictions, and cargo handling risks while keeping your dog under direct human supervision throughout the journey.<\/p>\n

Can you Fly Your Pet in Cargo?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Each type of animal you wish to transport as plane cargo will have different requirements based on their breed, size, and health. The USDA\u2019s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)<\/a> website is an excellent, reputable resource to research legal requirements for transporting your specific pet on a state-by-state basis. The following is a guide to get you started!<\/p>\n

Health Requirements\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Your pet will need to be old enough and in good health to fly in cargo. Cats and dogs, for example, must be at least 8 weeks. All airlines require a valid health certificate <\/a>issued within 30 days of flying in cargo. The cost of health certificates can vary. According to Veterinary Practice News<\/a>, the average cost of a veterinary consultation can be between $25-$150, and the average cost of vaccines is between $20-$150. So you can plan on a range of $45-$300.<\/p>\n

How Much Does It Cost to Fly a Cat in Cargo?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Flying a cat in cargo typically costs between $150 and $600+ each way, depending on the airline, route, crate size, and your cat\u2019s weight. However, it\u2019s important to note that many major U.S. airlines\u2014including United Airlines<\/span><\/span> and Delta Air Lines<\/span><\/span>\u2014have reduced or eliminated their pet cargo programs, making availability more limited than in the past.<\/p>\n

For airlines that still offer cargo transport, like Alaska Airlines<\/span><\/span>, pricing is influenced by distance and the size of the airline-approved crate. You\u2019ll also need to factor in additional costs, including a compliant carrier ($50\u2013$300), a veterinary health certificate ($50\u2013$300), and potential seasonal surcharges for temperature-controlled handling.<\/p>\n

Cargo travel can be more stressful for cats due to separation, noise, and unfamiliar environments. Because of this, many pet owners now explore alternatives like in-cabin travel (if size allows) or ground transport services, which provide more direct supervision and a less stressful experience for their cat.<\/p>\n

What are the Airlines that Allow Dogs and Cats in Cargo?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Delta<\/a>, American<\/a>, and Alaska<\/a> Airlines allow dogs and cats in the cargo area. United<\/a> no longer accepts reservations for its PetSafe program, which allowed pets to be shipped in the cargo area, except for U.S. military personnel and foreign services under specific conditions. Other popular commercial airlines, such as Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, Allegiant, and Frontier, do not allow pets to travel as cargo.<\/p>\n

Do Any Airlines Allow Other Pets in Cargo?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you plan to transport an animal that is not a dog or cat, you\u2019ll need to contact your airline of choice ahead of time. Check if your animal species is permitted aboard the plane, and ask what specific requirements there are for transportation equipment.<\/p>\n

Aside from dogs and cats, Alaskan Airlines also permits a variety of pets to fly in the cargo area, including:<\/p>\n