How Much Does It Cost to Fly a Dog: What You Need to Know
If you’re planning to travel internationally with your dog, it’s critical to understand the associated costs to ensure adequate financial preparation. So, how much does it cost to fly with a dog?
You may think that it probably costs the same as flying with a human. However, that’s not the case. Flying your dog involves a whole another process, along with different airline charges.
In this blog, we’ll help you find out the answer, as well as all the other related information. So, fasten your seatbelt, and let’s take off!
Cost of Flying a Dog Based on Different Airlines
So, how much does it cost to fly a dog?
Depending on the airlines you choose, the cost of flying a dog may differ. In most cases, the cost is around $100 to $125 dollars plus additional charges that you may have to take care of before flying.
Let us help in breaking down the airline cost based on some of the popular American airlines.
American Airlines
American Airlines is one of the best airlines that allow you to fly with your dog. Moreover, you can also carry him with you on the flight as long as you have an appropriate airline-approved pet carrier. This carrier should fit underneath your seat.
When it comes to the expenses, American Airlines may cost around $125 for one dog kennel if you’re traveling within the following places:
- US
- Canada
- Central America
- Mexico
- Caribbean
- Colombia
If your dog is too large to fit under the seat, you can also check them in the cargo as long as they are not Brachycephalic.
Keep in mind that this is just the visible cost. There are many hidden costs involved in flying with pets too, like the cost of a veterinary checkup before the departure date.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines also allows you to fly a dog in the cabin. Again, you need to buy an airline-approved kennel to fly a dog.
However, keep in mind that due to the limited space, Delta mostly allows small dogs only. Another thing to keep in mind is that they doesn’t permit pets to travel in the cargo.
The prices vary depending on the destination. For instance, flying within the US, Canada, as well as Puerto Rico may cost around $125. However, for international travel apart from the aforementioned countries, the price may go as high as $200 for one pet.
If you have more than two dogs between the age of 10 weeks and six months, you can keep them in a single kennel. This airline will charge two pets as one.
United Airlines
Lastly, United Airlines can help you fly your dog. Just like in the previous two airlines, United Airlines also allows flying your dog as long as you have an airline-friendly pet carrier.
The cost for a single kennel is pretty much the same and stands around $125. However, the key takeaway here is that United Airlines charges an additional fee of $125 for more than 4-hour long stopovers in the US and more than 24-hour long stopovers internationally.
Another thing to note is that United Airlines has a strict age requirement. Your dog needs to be at least 16 weeks old in order to travel on this airline.
Things to Prepare Before Flying With a Dog
Apart from knowing how much does it cost to fly a dog, you also need to know the required documents for flying a dog. These include:
- Health Certificate or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection
As mentioned earlier, you need to have a proper dog health certificate to prove that he/she is free of any diseases or infections.
As these certificates have a short time validity, make sure that you always check with the airlines the span of time a certain certificate is valid. We also suggest that you visit your pet’s vet 10 days before you travel.
- Rabies Vaccination Certificate
Many airlines and states may require a valid rabies vaccination certification before they let your dog fly. So, it is a good idea to check with the state and the airline beforehand to avoid any confusion.
- Acclimation Certificate
Some airlines might also require an acclimation certificate. But, what exactly is it? It is related to the temperature your dog can endure.
It is basically about a veterinarian confirming and certifying that your dog can adapt to a specific temperature in the cargo. So, be sure to check the airlines whether they require it or not a few days before the departure date.
Airline Policies For Dogs
Different airlines have different policies in adherence to flying a dog. Given below are some of the important ones you need to consider.
Age Limits
It is important that you check the required age limit of a dog if you are planning to go ahead with a particular airline.
For instance, for Delta Airlines your dog needs to be at least 10 weeks old (for domestic), 15 weeks old (for Europe), and 16 weeks old. (to fly back to the US)
Pet Kennel
Whichever pet kennel you are getting, make sure that it is airline-friendly. The size should be such that it can fit beneath the plane’s seat and also comfortable enough for your dog.
Reservation Fee
Depending on the airline and type of travel (domestic or international), you may have to pay around $100-$150 (one-way) for the reservation.
Movement Inside the Cabin
You might be allowed to move freely around the cabin but you have to keep your dog inside his kennel at all times.
Hence, many airlines prohibit taking your dog out of the kennel throughout the journey, unless it is an emergency.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how much does it cost to fly a dog! Keep in mind that while some costs are quite direct, there are many hidden costs involved too that you need to take care of. However, with perfect planning and timing, you can cut some costs quite easily!
So, we hope this blog post helped you to find out about all the expenses (direct and hidden) involved in flying a dog. You can also comment and share this post if it helped you out.
