What Does International Pet Relocation Actually Cost? A Realistic Breakdown
Pet relocation is not cheap, and the range of quotes you will receive is wide. Understanding what drives the cost helps you evaluate quotes fairly and avoid being caught out by items you did not expect.
The Main Cost Components
1. Veterinary Preparation Costs
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Microchip (if not already done) | GBP 20 to GBP 40 |
| Rabies vaccination | GBP 40 to GBP 80 per vaccine |
| Rabies titre test (blood draw + lab) | GBP 150 to GBP 400 |
| Health certificate (OV preparation) | GBP 100 to GBP 300 |
| APHA/USDA endorsement | GBP 30 to GBP 100 |
| Tapeworm/parasite treatment | GBP 20 to GBP 60 |
These are UK-side costs. Equivalent costs in other countries vary significantly.
2. Airline and Cargo Costs
Airline charges depend primarily on the animal’s weight plus crate, and the route:
| Route | Small dog (5 kg) | Medium dog (20 kg) | Large dog (40 kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK to France | GBP 100 to GBP 300 | GBP 250 to GBP 600 | GBP 400 to GBP 900 |
| UK to USA | GBP 600 to GBP 1,500 | GBP 1,200 to GBP 3,000 | GBP 2,000 to GBP 5,000 |
| UK to Australia | GBP 1,500 to GBP 4,000 | GBP 3,000 to GBP 7,000 | GBP 5,000 to GBP 12,000+ |
These are indicative. Get quotes directly from airlines or through a cargo agent.
3. Quarantine Costs (Australia, NZ, Japan, Hawaii)
Australia’s Mickleham facility charges per animal per day. For 10 days, expect AUD 1,500 to AUD 3,000 per animal. New Zealand and Japan have similar charges. This is non-negotiable and set by government.
4. Agent Fees
An IPATA-accredited agent charges a service fee (GBP 500 to GBP 2,500 depending on complexity) on top of the direct costs. This covers their coordination, documentation management, airline liaison, and professional indemnity. For complex routes (anything involving quarantine or multiple countries), this fee is usually very good value.
5. Crate
An IATA-compliant crate costs GBP 50 to GBP 300 depending on size. You may be able to resell it after travel, or donate it to an animal rescue.
Total Cost Examples
Typical all-in costs including agent fees:
| Route and scenario | Approximate total |
|---|---|
| Small dog, UK to France, cabin | GBP 600 to GBP 1,200 |
| Medium dog, UK to USA, cargo | GBP 3,000 to GBP 6,000 |
| Large dog, UK to Australia, via Melbourne quarantine | GBP 8,000 to GBP 15,000 |
| Cat, UK to Australia, via Melbourne quarantine | GBP 5,000 to GBP 10,000 |
| Dog, USA to Japan | USD 4,000 to USD 10,000 |
Getting Value for Money
- Get three quotes for any complex move
- Ask for itemised breakdowns (not just a total)
- Check agent IPATA membership (ipata.com/member-directory)
- Do not choose the cheapest quote without understanding what is excluded
- A higher quote that includes door-to-door service may be better value than a lower quote that ends at the airport
All costs in this guide are indicative as of May 2026 and subject to change. Request current quotes from airlines and agents directly.