How Much Does It Cost to Fly with a Dog?

Travel is going to the dogs…literally.

More than half of U.S. pet owners are likely to travel with their dogs and other furry companions when they hit the road, according to a Motel 6 survey.¹ And according to the United States Department of transportation, over 2 million pets travel by air each year.² To meet their needs, the hospitality industry has become much more pet-friendly in recent years, but traveling with pets still means taking extra steps ahead of time. You’ll also want to factor additional costs into your budget as well.

Here are some tips to help you manage the rules—and the costs—the next time you set off on an adventure with man’s (or woman’s) best friend.

More than two million pets and other live animals travel by air each year in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.² Each airline has its own pet travel policy that adheres to parameters set by the Federal Animal Welfare Act.³ Those regulations have become more restrictive recently and can impact your travel budget.

The cost to fly your dog. Where your pet rides impacts your cost. There are two classes of airline carriage for dogs and other pets, determined mostly by size: cabin and cargo. Expect to pay more for pets that fly as cargo.

• In Cabin: If your pet fits in a carrier placed under a seat, generally it can fly in the cabin. Check your airline’s policy for specifics on pet weight and carrier size. Airlines generally charge a fixed fee for dogs and other pets that fly in-cabin, ranging from $30 to $200 per one-way trip. Certain breed restrictions may also apply for both dogs and cats, depending on the airline.⁴
• In Cargo: Larger animals must fly in cargo, where pets are placed in a compartment under the plane. Typically, the price is based on the weight and size of your pet plus its crate, and there are sometimes restrictions for certain airlines or times of year. For U.S. domestic flights, the price can be several hundred dollars each way (generally from $100 to $600).⁵ Layovers and plane changes can trigger additional fees. It’s important to check with your carrier on prices for specific flights.

Additional fees. Besides the dog’s or other pet’s “fare,” there will be ancillary costs. For example:

• Bag fees. The in-cabin pet carrier usually counts as your carry-on bag, so you may incur additional baggage fees for your luggage.⁶
• Cabin carrier. Don’t forget the cost of the carrier: prices start at about $25 but can go much higher.
• Cargo crate. Required for traveling pets and typically costs from $50 to $150.⁷
• Higher ticket prices. Whether your pet flies in the cabin or cargo, you may need to budget more for your own ticket: your airline choice and/or choice of flights may be limited due to caps on the number of pets and other restrictions.

Keep in mind that pet requirements on international flights can be even more complex and, in turn, more costly.

• Manual check in. Usually, you must book and check in your pet with a live customer representative, rather than online, curbside, or via self-check-in, which may incur additional fees.⁸
• The vet. You may have to factor in the cost of a preflight veterinary visit, since some airlines require a health certificate.⁹
• Microchips. Some travelers go so far as to have an identification microchip implanted in their pet in case it gets lost.¹⁰
• Quarantine. If your pet needs to be quarantined due to local ordinances, there’s that extra cost (and inconvenience).

On the plus side, certain airlines may grant your pet loyalty rewards for travel.

Service dogs aren’t subject to the same costs and restrictions as pets. However, there are still rules and policies in place for service dogs as well. Contact your airline for its most up-to-date policy and requirements ahead of time.

Pet-friendly accommodations are a growing trend in the hospitality industry, whether at budget motels, B&Bs, or luxury hotels. To find the best lodging for you and your pet, you can consult lists and rankings on specialty pet websites, as well as features on popular travel booking sites.

The cost to room with your dog. While there are many popular “pets stay free” hotels, most hotels and rental homes charge an extra fee. Sometimes they charge for pets per visit, but most often it’s on a nightly basis, typically ranging from $18 to $100.¹¹ Fees may differ by location within chains, and there may be restrictions on weight and certain breeds. Individual owners set the fees for the homes they rent on sites such as Airbnb and VRBO, so there may be room for negotiation.

Beyond their per-night or per-stay fees, even pet-friendly hotels may charge incremental cleaning fees for any pet accidents or room damage. Similarly, rental homes may require a higher security deposit.

• Dog sitter. Some hotels and renters have policies against leaving your pets unattended, which would require finding and paying a local pet sitter or daycare center.
• Pet supplies. You may have to buy pet supplies and food locally if packing it for the trip isn’t an option.
• Pricey add-ons. Some hotels offer pet amenities—such as food and treats, events, and other services—but not all do, and they can be pricey.
• Ground transportion. Shuttle services to hotels may not be pet-friendly, requiring you to find alternate transportation.

Because pet policies can differ even within a hotel chain, having general-purpose travel reward credit cards can broaden your options for where to stay with your furry friend.¹²