How much does international pet relocation cost?

Published: October 19, 2025
Updated: October 19, 2025

Knowing international pet relocation costs helps avoid budget surprises during moves. Costs vary significantly by destination, animal size, and special needs. My group recently relocated a Great Dane to Germany for $4,800 and a cat to Canada for $1,200. This article will identify which of the various factors contribute to the significant differences.

Veterinary Requirements

  • Rabies vaccinations and titer tests ($150-$400)
  • International health certificates ($200-$500)
  • Parasite treatments ($50-$150)
  • Species-specific examinations

Documentation & Permits

  • Import permits ($100-$300 per country)
  • Customs clearance fees ($75-$200)
  • USDA endorsement ($121 per document)
  • CITES permits for exotic pets ($200+)

Transport Logistics

  • IATA-approved crates ($200-$1,000)
  • Airline cargo fees ($500-$2,000)
  • Ground transportation ($150-$500)
  • Handling charges at transit hubs

Several crucial factors determine your final expenses. The distance of the flight has a direct impact on the airline's charges. Quarantine requirements will increase accommodation charges. Breed restrictions can necessitate a more costly routing. For example, last summer, we saved a client $800 by routing the bulldog through a place that did not have summer embargoed routes.

Regional Cost Estimates
DestinationEuropean UnionAverage Cost Range$2,000-$4,000Primary Cost DriversEU pet passport, tapeworm treatments
DestinationAustralia/NZAverage Cost Range$4,000-$8,000Primary Cost DriversQuarantine stays, rabies titer tests
DestinationAsiaAverage Cost Range$2,500-$5,500Primary Cost DriversCountry-specific vaccines, import permits
DestinationNorth AmericaAverage Cost Range$1,500-$3,000Primary Cost DriversHealth certificates, shorter flights
Based on medium-sized dog relocation (2025 data)

Implement money-saving strategies without sacrificing security. Schedule services 90+ days in advance to receive better rates. Whenever feasible, combine travel for animals with travel for humans. Request a bundled rate for service for multiple animals. I assisted a family in saving $1,200 by timing their move for off-peak season.

Always request itemized estimates before making any commitment. Good organizations provide complete and transparent breakdowns of their operations. Be cautious of operators who offer estimates that seem too low. During my inspections, I learned that many of these organizations skip critical steps, such as properly acclimating the crates or accurately monitoring paperwork.

Read the full article: Comprehensive Pet Relocation Services Explained

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