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Pet Relocation FAQ

Answers to the most common questions about shipping a pet domestically or internationally from the United States. Every answer links to a detailed guide with the full breakdown.

Cost and Pricing

International pet shipping from the U.S. typically costs $2,000 to $5,000 for a medium-sized dog to most destinations. The total depends on your pet’s size, destination requirements, airline cargo fees, and whether the destination requires quarantine or a rabies titer test. Domestic in-cabin travel runs $95 to $250. For a full breakdown by destination, see our pet shipping cost guide.
Full-service pet relocation typically includes route planning, airline cargo booking, USDA health certificate coordination, IATA-compliant crate provision, import permit applications, airport delivery and check-in, and destination-side customs clearance coordination. Learn more in our step-by-step process guide.

Documents and Health Certificates

A USDA health certificate is a government-stamped document confirming your pet is healthy and meets the import requirements of the destination country. It is required for virtually all international pet moves from the United States. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and costs $101 to $275 for USDA endorsement, depending on how many laboratory tests the destination requires, plus your vet exam fee. Full details in our USDA health certificate guide.
A rabies titer test is a blood test measuring your pet’s rabies antibody levels. Countries including Japan, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the UAE require it. The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, costs $200 to $350, and some countries require a 180-day waiting period after a successful result. See our rabies titer test guide.

Airlines and Travel Logistics

Major U.S. airlines with cargo pet programs include United (PetSafe), American Airlines, Delta, Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines. International carriers like Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific also accept pets in cargo from U.S. airports. Each has different size limits, breed restrictions, and seasonal policies. See our airline pet policies guide.
Most airlines restrict or ban brachycephalic breeds from cargo transport due to higher respiratory risk. Small flat-faced pets may fly in-cabin. Options for larger brachycephalic breeds include ground transport, permissive international carriers, or charter flights. Full details in our breed restrictions guide.
Airlines suspend cargo pet transport when ground temperatures exceed approximately 85°F at the origin or destination airport. Summer embargoes typically affect May through September. These are safety policies with no exceptions. See our summer pet shipping guide.

Destinations

Requirements include a microchip, rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before arrival, and a USDA-endorsed health certificate. No quarantine for U.S. pets with proper documentation. The process takes 4 to 8 weeks. See our UK destination guide.
Australia requires a rabies titer test with a 180-day wait, multiple treatments, an import permit, and mandatory quarantine (minimum 10 days). The process takes 6 to 8 months and costs $5,000 to $10,000+. See our Australia destination guide.

Military and Special Situations

DLA may help offset costs. OCONUS moves require the same health certificates and country-specific paperwork as civilian moves, often on compressed timelines. See our military PCS pet relocation guide.
DIY works for domestic in-cabin travel and simple moves. Professional help is worth it for international moves, complex destinations, large pets in cargo, and restricted breeds. See our detailed comparison.

Preparation

The complete checklist includes microchip, vaccinations, titer tests if needed, health certificate, airline booking, IATA crate, and document organization. See our pet travel checklist with timeline milestones.

Get Help With Your Move

Every pet move is different. Request a quote for an itemized plan with all the steps, timing, and costs for your specific route.
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