How much does it cost to fly a large dog cargo?

Flying pets in cargo domestically on a pet-friendly airline, owners can expect to spend an average of $300 for a smaller pooch. Bigger breeds will cost up to $1,000. On top of the cargo fee, owners must also ensure they purchase an airline-approved cargo carrier, which can be an additional $100+.



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Flying a dog in the cabin usually costs between $125 and $200, while the cargo hold is typically over $1000. There are also licensed companies that offer international pet shipping companies — they usually charge between $1000 and $6000.

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It sounds like you have concerns about cargo travel, but deeper research shows that flying a pet as cargo is safe and may be more comfortable for your dog. Check out this post, where we address questions about flying pets as cargo and another where we disprove myths about shipping pets as cargo.

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In general, if your pet carrier (with your pet inside) can fit under the seat in front of you, your dog can ride in the cabin on flights that permit it. Typically, this would be a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

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If you're considering flying with a dog If you want more space, some airlines let you buy an extra seat that you might be able to use to place your pet's carrier on during the flight. However, your pet generally needs to stay in its carrier the whole trip.

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So long as your dog is crated, many airlines, such as Alaskan or American Airlines, allow large dogs to be checked baggage. As the pet owner, you will bring your dog to check in as you would normally with your other bags, and then they will be weighed and moved like the rest of your bags.

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The whole process of flying can be stressful for a dog, but those levels of stress can be greatly reduced with a few simple home comforts and reassurances. Ensuring your flight is a non-stop flight rather than one with changeovers can be a huge benefit to your dog, as can looking to travel at a suitable time.

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By Plane: Fly with your dog. Several airlines do accept large dogs by storing them in the plane's cargo. The hold is temperature-controlled and pressurized, so it is a humane way to transport them. For most airlines, pets weighing 17 pounds or more qualify as large and must travel in the hold.

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Thanks for your questions/concerns about the safest method of travel for your dog! Many other pet owners have pondered the same question, and we're happy to provide some guidance. Having your pet travel via cargo instead of checked baggage would be best.

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You absolutely can fly with a large dog internationally. However, along with the steps that need to be taken when flying your large dog locally, there are a few extra when it comes to international pet travel.

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The simple answer is airlines charge cargo rates for pets and other animals. There are no discounts. Period. No matter how much we pet lovers want to believe our pets are people, the travel and transportation industry classifies them as cargo.

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If you hire a pet shipper, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1000 to $6000 depending on the pet shipper and destination.

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Does my pet get food and water in cargo? Yes, but every airline pet cargo policy differs. American Airlines Cargo, for instance, requires pet owners to provide two dishes (one for food and one for water).

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Our specialized shipping service Delta Cargo provides safe, reliable, year-round transportation, with service to address the needs of all pets that are shipped without their owners. Review the following before booking: A separate booking from their flight itinerary is required. Additional fees and charges may apply.

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Most airlines ensure your pet boards and disembarks the aircraft on priority. The cargo hold has a special area for pets, and your pet's crate is secured in the plane in its designated space. During the flight, the lights are dimmed, and even the most anxious of pets tend to calm down after the plane takes off.

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Unfortunately, larger dogs (with exceptions for trained service animals) have to travel in the cargo hold, along with all the luggage and freight. Most airlines describe this as “shipping” your pet.

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With that said, assuming your dog or cat is in very good health (as confirmed by your licensed vet) and assuming you properly prepare your pet for cargo travel (i.e. ensure he or she knows how to eat and drink from the kennel's bowls), cargo travel should be a safe travel option for your four-legged family.

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Dogs can survive a 12-hour flight, but it's important to take steps to ensure their safety and comfort during the journey. Before the flight, it's important to prepare your dog properly by providing them with plenty of food, water, and opportunities to exercise.

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Regular Care when Handling Dogs Dogs must be cared for regularly during air travel. Dogs must be observed as regularly as possible during air transport (at least once in every 4 hours if cargo area is accessible). This includes when the dog is loaded and unloaded and whenever the animal cargo space is accessible.

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Generally, if your dog in its carrier can fit under the seat in front of you, it can go in the cabin. So that means a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

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Your pet will be in his crate for the entirety of the flight in a temperature-controlled portion of the cargo hold. While some pets simply sleep or rest until the plane lands, others panic or suffer from motion sickness.

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In most cases, if the layover is under 3 hours and if your pet is traveling in the cargo hold as checked baggage or air cargo, it will be transferred from one airplane to the next as long as you are staying on the same airline. In this case, your pet is just transiting the country.

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A common standard is 10 days. Some states have specific health requirements as well. Check with both the destination state and your departure state to ensure you have the necessary documents ahead of time.

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How Do I Ship a Large Dog?
  1. Flying a Large Dog in a Cargo Hold. One way to ship a large dog is by putting them in a cargo hold. ...
  2. Bring Your Pet With You in the Car. ...
  3. Utilizing a Shipping Marketplace. ...
  4. Charter a Flight. ...
  5. Ship via Pet Shipping Companies. ...
  6. Hire a Trusted and Reliable Pet Relocation Service.


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