Questions and answers
Pet relocation FAQ
Plain answers about prices, flights, crates, vet paperwork and the day of travel. Airline rules come from the airlines' own pages. If your question is not here, email us.
Booking and prices
How much does it cost to fly a pet to or from Seattle?
It depends mostly on your pet's size and weight. The airline charges by the weight of your pet and the crate together. The distance from home to the airport at each end, whether you need a crate from us, and extras such as a ride to the vet count too. Our price includes the airline's charges. See what affects the cost.
How quickly do I get my price?
Fill in the quote form: on most routes you see your price on screen in about three minutes, and we email you a copy. Some moves are priced by hand, such as some breeds, very large pets, more than two pets and some dates. For those, you hear from us within 24 hours.
Are taxes included?
Prices are in US dollars, plus applicable taxes. Your quote shows any tax and the total.
How long is my price valid?
7 days. The date is on your quote. Airline charges change, so after that date we check the price again before you book.
How do I book and pay?
Book from your quote email. We then ask the airline for cargo space. Once the airline confirms, we confirm your booking in writing and send you a payment link. Nothing is charged before then.
The flight
Which cities do you fly pets to and from?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Phoenix, New York, Honolulu, Anchorage, Dallas, Houston, Denver, San Diego, Chicago, Boston, Washington, DC, Boise, Austin, Las Vegas, Miami, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Maui, Kona, Fairbanks and Juneau, to and from Seattle. See all routes. Moving somewhere else? Get a price and we will plan the move with you.
Which airline will my pet fly with?
We book your pet as cargo on a flight from SEA (or into SEA) that suits your pet, and choose the timing that is easiest on them. Your booking confirmation names the airline and the flight. See airline pet rules from Seattle.
Can I fly on a different day from my pet?
Yes. Your pet flies on its own booking, so you can travel the same day or a different day. Many owners fly first and send their pet a day or two later, once the new home is ready.
Can pets fly in summer?
Yes, with limits. The airline generally flies pets in the cargo hold only when the forecast is between 45°F and 85°F at every airport on the trip. From May to mid October some cities close to pets for part of the summer, such as Las Vegas, Miami, Dallas, Austin and Chicago. We choose early flights and check the forecast before we confirm. See summer heat rules.
I am flying too. Can my pet come with me?
Yes. Small pets may fly in the cabin, and others as checked pets on your flight. We can help with the crate, the vet visit and getting your pet to SEA. Owners do not ride along on the rides we arrange, so you meet your pet at the airport. You pay the airline's pet fee yourself. See airport pet transport.
Crates
What size crate does my pet need?
We work it out from four measurements: nose to base of tail, floor to elbow, width across the shoulders, and floor to the top of the head or ear tips. Try the crate size calculator. It is an estimate: your pet may need a bigger crate once measured, and the airline makes the final call at check-in. Pets that need a crate bigger than the 500 series get a custom quote.
Can I use my own crate?
Yes, if it meets the airline rules: rigid, held together with nuts and bolts, a solid roof, a metal door, air holes, no wheels, handles on the outside, and food and water dishes clipped inside the door. Wire, soft and folding crates are not accepted. Send us the make and size and we will check it. See airline pet crates.
Can two pets share a crate?
Only young ones: two puppies or two kittens between 8 weeks and 6 months old, 20 lb or less each, of the same kind and used to each other. A dog or cat 6 months or older flies in its own crate.
Health certificate
Does my pet need a health certificate to fly?
Yes, for every pet flying in the cargo hold. Alaska Air Cargo needs a health certificate from a licensed vet for every pet flying in the cargo hold, issued within 10 days of the flight (14 days for dogs and cats going to Hawaii). Book the vet visit once the flight date is confirmed, so the certificate is still valid on the day. See vet health certificate for flying.
Can my own vet do it?
The airline asks for a licensed vet, so usually yes. Each state sets its own rules for pets arriving there, and some ask for more, so we check the rules for your destination with you. The US Department of Agriculture lists them on its state to state pet travel page.
Can you take my pet to the vet?
Yes, in the Seattle area. We arrange a ride for your pet to your vet and back, with waiting included. You pay the vet directly. Add it in the quote form.
Breeds and types of pets
Can snub-nosed breeds fly?
Not in the cargo hold. Since October 1, 2026, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines do not carry these breeds or their mixes in the hold, with no exceptions: Boston Terrier, Boxer (all), Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all, including French and English), Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Mastiff (all), Pekingese, Pug (all) and Shih Tzu, and Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan and Persian cats. They may still fly in the cabin with you if the carrier fits under the seat. See snub-nosed breeds and flying.
What about pit bull types and other strong breeds?
The airline's own lists differ on a few breeds, such as pit bull types, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Bull Terriers. We check these with the airline before we price, so you get your price by email within 24 hours.
How young can a puppy or kitten fly?
At least 8 weeks old and weaned.
Do you move birds, reptiles or other exotic pets?
Only on a custom quote, because many of them are sensitive to temperature. Email us first. We do not offer end-of-life services.
Hawaii and Alaska
How far ahead should I plan a move to Hawaii?
Plan at least 2 to 4 months ahead. The blood test result alone can take weeks, and arriving before the waiting period ends means quarantine. Your pet needs a microchip, two rabies vaccinations, a rabies blood test at an approved lab, a 30-day wait after the lab gets the sample, a health certificate and tick treatment within 14 days of arrival, and forms sent to the state ahead of time. See moving pets to Hawaii.
Will my pet go into quarantine in Hawaii?
Not if every step is done on time. Pets that qualify can be released at the Honolulu airport the day they land. Pets flying into Honolulu should land by 3:30 pm so the inspection can be done the same day. Pets that arrive before the waiting period ends, or with missing paperwork, are held in quarantine. Flying straight to Kona or Maui needs a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit, arranged 30 days or more before arrival.
What does my pet need to fly to Alaska?
The airline needs a health certificate within 10 days of the flight and a rabies certificate for dogs and cats 3 months and older flying between the Lower 48 and Alaska. The State of Alaska sets its own entry rules: check them with the Office of the State Veterinarian and your vet. See moving pets to Alaska.
Can pets fly to Alaska in winter?
Yes. When it is below 45°F at an airport on the trip, the airline asks for a vet acclimation letter issued within 10 days of the flight. In the colder months that is common for Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau. Your vet can write it at the health certificate visit.
The day of travel
How do I get my pet ready on the day?
Offer a light meal and water within 4 hours of the flight: the airline asks for this and we note the time. Take off any harness or choke collar, since the airline does not allow restraints in the crate. Do not sedate your pet unless your vet advises it, and tell us if they do. Pack a familiar blanket, and have the health certificate ready.
Do I need to be home for the pickup?
Someone needs to hand your pet over at pickup. It can be you or an adult you trust. Tell us who when you book. Owners never ride along on the rides we arrange.
Who collects my pet when they land?
Pets are usually ready about 1 hour after landing and must be collected within 4 hours. We arrange pickup at airport cargo and delivery to your door, at either end. Home delivery at the other end is subject to availability and confirmed after you book. You can also choose to have someone collect your pet at cargo.
What if my pet gets sick during the move?
We call you right away. If we cannot reach you and your pet needs care, your pet is taken to the nearest available vet. When you book, you can give us your own vet and any limits you want us to follow.
Cancellations and changes
What if I cancel?
Cancelling is free until we book the airline space or order the crate. After that, the airline charges, any vet fees we paid for you and the crate are not refundable, unless the airline or the vet refunds us. See our terms.
What if the airline cancels the flight or will not take my pet?
We tell you straight away and look for the next suitable flight. Airlines can move or refuse a booking because of space, weather, temperature rules or breed rules, and they make the final call at check-in. That is why we never promise a flight.
Still have a question?
Email info@seattlepetvalet.com. We reply within 24 hours. For the full picture, read how it works.
Last checked against the official pages on October 6, 2026.
Airlines and states change their rules. Always check the official page before you book.
Ready for a price?
Tell us where your pet is going. On most routes you see your price on screen in about three minutes.