Factors influencing pet transport costs and how to get an accurate quote
When you’re planning a move, whether it’s domestic or international, your pets are just as important as the rest of the family. But one of the biggest questions pet owners face is: how much does it cost to transport a pet?
The answer depends on several factors, from your pet’s size and the destination to the specific services required to ensure their safe travel. Pet transport can be a complex and costly process, especially when you consider everything that goes into it. Let’s take a closer look at what affects the cost of shipping your pet and why it can be more expensive than you might expect.
Factors affecting pet travel costs
Origin and destination
Different countries have different pet import requirements, and some are far more complicated than others. For example, moving pets within the UK or across Europe may be simpler, but countries like Australia or New Zealand require additional paperwork, quarantine, and medical checks, all of which add to the overall cost. Customs clearance and veterinary requirements can significantly increase costs for international travel, especially in countries with strict regulations.
Size of your pet
The size and weight of your pet are key factors in determining the cost. Larger pets require bigger travel crates and take up more cargo space, making their flights more expensive. While smaller pets may have the option of travelling in-cabin or as accompanied baggage for a fixed fee, this option isn’t available for all airlines or destinations.
Number of pets
If you’re travelling with more than one pet, your overall costs will rise. Not only will you need to cover additional flight charges, but also veterinary visits, paperwork, and any quarantine or customs fees for each pet.
Services you need
Depending on your circumstances, you may need additional services such as transportation to and from the airport, veterinary appointments, boarding, or assistance with obtaining travel crates. Some owners may choose to handle certain aspects themselves, such as driving their pet to the airport, to save on costs. Others may prefer to hire a full-service pet transport company to manage the entire process.
Average cost of pet transportation
The cost of shipping a pet can vary widely based on the factors above. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect:
Domestic pet transport: If you’re moving within the UK, air travel for pets can start at around £1,200 to £1,500. This price covers basic transportation but may increase if you require additional services such as home pick-up or specialised care during the journey.
International pet transport: The cost of moving a pet abroad is higher, starting at around £4,000. This includes airfreight charges, documentation, and customs clearance. Keep in mind that countries with more complicated import processes, such as Australia, may incur extra costs for quarantine and paperwork.
These estimates don’t include veterinary visits, vaccinations, or treatments needed to ensure your pet meets the import regulations of the destination country. Veterinary fees vary, and it’s important to budget for any necessary treatments in advance.
Why is pet transport so expensive?
Pet transport involves far more than just booking a flight. There are a variety of reasons why the cost can be high, particularly for international moves:
Handling and care
Shipping live animals requires special handling and care throughout the process. Pet transport companies must ensure your pet’s safety, comfort, and well-being during travel. This involves trained staff, proper facilities, and equipment to handle pets safely, which adds to the cost.
Documentation and paperwork
There’s a significant amount of paperwork involved in pet transport, especially for international moves. Health certificates, import permits, and customs documents must all be prepared accurately and submitted on time. This often requires professional assistance, contributing to the overall expense.
Logistical coordination
Arranging pet transport is a complex logistical task. It involves not only booking flights but also coordinating ground transportation and ensuring your pet arrives safely at its final destination. This level of planning requires time and expertise, which increases the cost.
Veterinary services
Depending on your destination, your pet may need vaccinations, blood tests, or other treatments before they can travel. These services are crucial to ensuring your pet meets the entry requirements of the destination country, but they do add to the overall expense.
Safety regulations
Pet transport companies must comply with strict safety regulations. This means providing suitable travel crates, ensuring proper ventilation and temperature control, and adhering to security standards. Meeting these requirements adds to the cost but ensures your pet travels in safe conditions.
Insurance and risk coverage
Many pet transport services offer insurance options to cover any unforeseen circumstances that might arise during the journey. The cost of insurance is typically included in the overall price of shipping and provides peace of mind should any issues occur.
Is it worth it?
While the costs may seem high, it’s important to remember that pet transport is a specialised service. Ensuring your pet is safe, comfortable, and well-cared for throughout their journey is essential, and these services come with a price. From securing proper documentation to handling your pet with care, every step of the process is designed to protect your pet during the move.
If you want to know exactly how much it will cost to ship your pet, the best way is to get a personalised quote. At Pickfords, we can help guide you through the entire process, ensuring your pet receives the care they need from departure to arrival. Simply fill out our enquiry form, and our friendly team will be happy to assist you.
Get in touch with Pickfords today for a free, no-obligation quote, and let us help you make your move – and your pet’s – as smooth as possible.