How Much Does It Cost for a Dog to Fly? 2025 Prices by Airline, Route, and Size

Sticker shock moment: flying a dog from London to New York can be cheaper than your ticket-or cost more than your sofa. The price depends on method (cabin, hold, or cargo), your route, your dog’s size and breed, and a stack of paperwork. I’ll lay out real 2025 numbers for the UK, Europe, and the US, plus the hidden bits people only learn the hard way at the airline counter.

TL;DR - What you’ll pay to fly a dog in 2025

• Cabin (small dogs only): £50-£200 / €70-€200 / $95-$150 each way, per segment. Mostly allowed on EU/US airlines. UK airlines don’t allow pet dogs in the cabin (assistance dogs excepted).
• Checked in the hold (where allowed): £150-£350 / €150-€300 / $200-$350 each way. Not all airlines offer this anymore; rules vary by season and breed.
• Cargo (most common for medium/large dogs and UK long-haul): £300-£1,500+ / €350-€1,700+ / $400-$2,000+ one way, scaling with size, route, and handling fees.
• Total door-to-door budget: add crate (£40-£250), vet paperwork (£60-£300+), arrival handling/clearance (UK: £177-£500+), and transport. A London-NY large-dog move often lands £1,200-£2,200 all-in; a small dog in-cabin Paris-Rome might be ~€200 total.
• Key rules: Follow IATA Live Animals Regulations for crates, UK CAA and DEFRA for UK travel, USDA APHIS for US export paperwork, and CDC import rules for dogs entering the US.

Price it right: a simple way to build your budget (with examples)

Work through this once and you’ll know if you’re looking at a couple of hundred quid or a four-figure bill.

Step 1: Pick the travel method

• Cabin: Only for small dogs within strict size/weight limits (often up to 7-8 kg including carrier on EU airlines; US carriers use under-seat size rules). UK airlines don’t allow pet dogs in the cabin-plan EU departures if cabin is a must.
• Checked (in the hold): Some airlines let pets travel as checked baggage when you’re on the same booking. Fewer carriers offer this post-pandemic; many restrict by breed or season.
• Cargo: For medium/large dogs, or where airline policies demand it (e.g., UK long-haul). Booked through airline cargo or a pet shipper. More expensive but more predictable capacity.

Quick rule of thumb: Under 8 kg and departing within Europe? Cabin is often cheapest. UK to US with a 25 kg Lab? Budget for cargo.

Step 2: Note the airline’s fee per segment

Fees are almost always charged per flight segment, not per journey. A connection doubles the fee. In 2025, typical one-way ranges:

• Cabin: €70-€200 in Europe; $95-$150 in the US.
• Checked: €150-€300; $200-$350.
• Cargo: price by crate size and route; £300 to well over £1,500 on long-haul.

Step 3: Crate and carrier costs

You’ll need an IATA-compliant hard crate for hold/cargo, or a soft under-seat carrier for cabin (airline-approved). Expect:

• Soft cabin carrier: £30-£80.
• IATA hard crate: £60 (small) to £250+ (extra-large). Add food/water bowls and absorbent bedding.

Fit test (per IATA LAR): Dog should stand without ears touching top, turn around, and lie down naturally. Measure nose-to-base-of-tail and height at withers; use the airline’s crate sizing chart.

Safety: Do not sedate unless your vet insists for a medical reason. AVMA and IATA discourage routine sedation because it can affect breathing and balance at altitude.

Step 4: Vet paperwork and vaccines

Requirements depend on origin/destination. 2025 highlights:

• Microchip and rabies vaccination are baseline for most international routes.
• UK/EU: For UK residents entering the EU, an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) typically £100-£200. For EU-returning pets or UK re-entry, follow DEFRA rules; dogs need tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before arriving in the UK from many countries.
• US-bound: Health certificate from a vet may be airline-required. If exporting from the US, endorsement by USDA APHIS may be needed (fees ~$38-$173 depending on form and method). The CDC requires microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and a CDC Dog Import Form when entering the US; extra rules apply from high-risk rabies countries.
• Breed restrictions: Some carriers won’t take snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds in the hold/cargo due to respiratory risk.

Step 5: Airport handling and arrival fees

These are the surprise charges:

• UK arrivals (cargo): Animal Reception Centre (e.g., Heathrow) inspection and handling typically £177-£500+, scaling by crate size and time of day.
• Customs/broker: Some routes require a cargo agent and import broker; allow £50-£200.
• Delivery/collection: Van transfer to/from cargo terminal £30-£120 depending on distance.

Step 6: Add season, route, and change fees

Summer heat embargoes block hold/cargo on hot days; you may need an early flight or different airport. Changes and cancellations often forfeit pet fees. Holiday surcharges show up on some cargo routes.

Step 7: Build the number

Use this simple formula:

Total = (Airline pet fee × number of segments) + crate/carrier + vet/paperwork + arrival handling + ground transport + 10% buffer

Examples (realistic 2025 ballparks):

• Small dog, Paris → Rome, in-cabin (one nonstop): Airline €90 + soft carrier €50 + AHC (if coming from UK) €150 = ~€290. If EU-based already, skip AHC and you’re closer to €140.
• Small dog, New York → Los Angeles, in-cabin (nonstop): Airline $125 + soft carrier $60 + health certificate (if airline requires) $150 = ~$335.
• Medium dog, Manchester → Toronto, cargo: Cargo £700 + IATA crate £120 + AHC £150 + UK export handling £60 + Toronto import/handling CAD$120 (~£70) + van £50 = ~£1,150-£1,300.
• Large dog, London → New York, cargo (peak): Cargo £1,000-£1,400 + XL crate £180 + AHC £150 + Heathrow ARC £300 + van £70 = ~£1,700-£2,100.

Money-savers that don’t cut corners:

• Pick nonstop routes to cut per-segment fees.
• Depart from Paris/Amsterdam/Frankfurt if you need cabin travel from the UK (train/ferry to EU, then fly).
• Travel in cooler months and early flights to avoid heat embargo reschedules.
• Borrow an IATA crate from a friend or buy second-hand (check condition and fasteners).
• Measure twice; oversized crate fees can jump £100+.

What it costs by airline and route in 2025

Policies change constantly, but these are typical, published ranges I’ve seen this year. Always confirm with the airline before you book. Sources: Airline pet policies, IATA Live Animals Regulations, UK CAA, DEFRA, USDA APHIS, CDC.

Remember: fees are per segment and can vary by season, route, and crate size. A Frankfurt-Montreal nonstop with a medium crate might be €220-€300 in hold; a two-leg journey doubles the per-segment component.

UK-specific gotcha: No mainstream UK airline takes pet dogs in cabin. If you live in Britain and want a cabin flight, many people drive or train to Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam, then fly cabin from there.

Checklists, pitfalls, mini‑FAQ, and what to do next

Here’s the practical stuff that stops last‑minute chaos and surprise costs.

Pre‑trip checklist (6-2 weeks out)

• Measure your dog and choose the right crate/carrier; test a 30‑minute stay with the door shut.
• Book a nonstop where possible; confirm pet space by phone if required (some airlines limit pets per flight).
• Vet visit: microchip, rabies vaccine timing, tapeworm (if UK‑bound), and health certificate if the airline or country requires it.
• Paperwork route: DEFRA/UK CAA rules for UK travel, AHC for UK→EU, USDA APHIS for US export endorsement, CDC Dog Import Form for US entry.
• Attach labels: “Live Animal” stickers, water bowls attached, absorbent pad, and a zip‑tied document pouch with copies of all paperwork.

Day‑of‑travel tips

• Arrive earlier than usual (cargo: 3-4 hours; cabin/hold: 2-3 hours). Cargo terminals are separate from passenger terminals-plan the extra time.
• Exercise your dog well, offer water, and a light meal 4-6 hours before; no heavy feeds right before check‑in.
• Don’t sedate. Use familiar bedding and an old T‑shirt with your scent to reduce stress.
• Photograph your dog and crate at check‑in. Keep an AirTag or similar on the collar/crate if permitted.

Hidden fees people miss

• Per‑segment charging: connections can double the fee.
• Arrival handling: UK Animal Reception Centre charges surprise many first‑timers.
• Vet endorsements: USDA APHIS endorsement fees for US exports, and vet time for AHCs.
• Oversize crate surcharges or buying a second crate at the airport if the first fails the fit check.
• Heat/cold embargo rebookings and overnight kenneling if a connection misaligns.

Mini‑FAQ

• Can my dog fly in the cabin from the UK? Not on UK airlines. Assistance dogs are the exception. Many owners travel to Paris/Amsterdam/Brussels by car/train and fly cabin from there on EU carriers.
• Is cargo safe? Airlines follow IATA Live Animals Regulations. Healthy dogs in proper crates do well. Avoid extreme heat/cold, pick nonstop flights, and use reputable carriers. Brachycephalic breeds face higher risk; many airlines restrict them from hold/cargo.
• What’s the minimum age? Often 8-12 weeks depending on airline and vaccine rules; for international trips, dogs must be old enough for rabies vaccination and any waiting period that applies.
• Do I pay once per journey? Usually no-airlines charge per segment.
• Can I use an emotional support animal (ESA) to skip fees? US and EU airlines now treat ESAs as pets. Only trained service dogs get fee waivers and special access.
• How early should I book? As soon as you pick dates. Some flights allow only a handful of pets in cabin or hold. Cargo often needs at least 7-14 days to arrange.
• What paperwork do I need for the US? CDC Dog Import Form, microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and any airline health certificate requirements. Check CDC updates for country‑specific rules.
• Do I need pet travel insurance? It’s optional but consider it for cargo on long‑haul; read exclusions carefully.

Quick decision guide

• Under 8 kg and flexible on departure: Aim for an EU departure and cabin. Budget €90-€200 + carrier + basic paperwork.
• 10-20 kg, Europe short‑haul: Hold is possible on some EU airlines; expect €150-€300 + crate + paperwork.
• Any size to/from UK long‑haul: Plan cargo. Budget £700-£1,500+ depending on crate and route, plus handling.
• Brachycephalic breed: Cabin if small enough and allowed; otherwise consider ground/sea alternatives.

Sample all‑in budgets (so you’re not guessing)

These are ballparks to help you avoid under‑budgeting. Your dog flight cost will move with crate size, season, and airline availability.

Next steps / troubleshooting for common scenarios

• UK family moving to the US with a 25 kg dog: Get quotes from BA/IAG Cargo, Virgin, and one specialist pet shipper. Book a nonstop to a cooler hub if possible. Confirm CDC paperwork, microchip, rabies timing, and crate size. Budget £1,200-£2,000 all‑in. Aim for early morning flights to dodge heat embargo.
• Student in Bristol with a 6 kg dog going to Barcelona for a semester: Drive to Paris or take Eurotunnel, then fly Air France/Vueling cabin. Book early, weigh carrier with dog at home, and get an AHC from a UK vet 1-10 days before travel. Expect €150-€300 total including AHC.
• Elderly owner visiting family in Scotland with a small dog: UK domestic cabin isn’t an option on UK airlines. Consider train or driving. If flying is essential, look into a pet‑friendly charter (pricey) or ground pet transport. Often cheaper, calmer, and no paperwork.
• Brachycephalic dog (Frenchie) to Germany in summer: Cabin only if within weight/size and airline allows; avoid hold/cargo. Choose first or last flight of the day; if cabin isn’t possible, pick rail/ferry.
• US to EU multi‑leg trip: Try a single‑connection itinerary and confirm pet space on both segments. Check EU entry rules at first EU point. Keep vet certificates and rabies proof handy for border check.

When to call the airline or a pet shipper: Giant breeds, complex routes, extreme temperatures, or if your airline requires cargo bookings via an agent. A good shipper knows crate hacks, routing to avoid embargoes, and the quirks at specific cargo terminals.

Final sanity checks before you pay: Is your dog actually eligible on that airline and route (breed/age/season)? Are you paying per segment? Does your crate meet IATA sizing? Have you budgeted arrival handling (UK) and any APHIS/CDC paperwork fees (US)? If those answers are tidy, you’re set to book without nasty surprises.

If you’ve got a specific route and dog size, plug it into the formula above. You’ll know in five minutes whether you’re in cabin‑money, hold‑money, or cargo‑money territory-and how to trim the total without risking your dog’s welfare.