How pricing works
Pet shipping cost: what it costs to fly your pet
What it costs to ship a pet depends on your pet's size, the route and the help you need. Here is what changes the price, what is included, and how to get your exact price in about three minutes.
The price factors
What affects the cost
Six things set the price of a pet move. Most of them come from your pet and your dates, not from us.
Weight of your pet and the crate
The biggest factor. The airline weighs your pet in its crate and charges on the total. A cat in a small crate and a Labrador in a large one are very different shipments.
Crate size
The crate follows your pet's measurements. A bigger crate weighs more empty and takes more space in the hold, so it costs more to fly.
Distance to the airport at each end
Home pickup and delivery are priced on the driving distance between the home and airport cargo, in Seattle and in the other city.
The route
Where your pet is flying. The airline charge is not the same to every city, and not always the same in both directions.
Extras you choose
An airline crate from us, a ride to your vet for the health certificate, and more than one pet.
Time of year
Summer heat and winter cold limit which days pets can fly, and cold weather can mean an extra vet letter.
The airline part
How airlines charge to fly a pet as cargo
A pet flying on its own travels as airline cargo, and it is priced the way all air cargo is priced. The airline weighs your pet in the crate and charges by that weight, in bands: a heavier pet and crate cost more to fly. A bigger crate weighs more, so the right size matters.
For most pets, that comes down to one simple thing: the weight of your pet and the crate together. Airlines price in weight steps, so a few pounds can move a pet into the next step. The route matters too: the charge is not the same to every city.
That is why the right crate matters. It must be big enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down, or the airline refuses it at check-in. A bigger crate than needed adds weight and costs more to fly. The empty crate weighs:
| Crate | Outside size (inches) | Empty weight | Pet weight guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 series | 21 x 16 x 15 | 9 lb | up to 15 lb |
| 200 series | 27 x 20 x 19 | 14 lb | up to 30 lb |
| 300 series | 32 x 22 x 24 | 20 lb | up to 50 lb |
| 400 series | 36 x 24 x 26 | 24 lb | up to 70 lb |
| 500 series | 40 x 27 x 30 | 28 lb | up to 90 lb |
Pet and crate together can weigh up to 150 lb. A pet that needs a crate bigger than the 500 series gets a custom quote. Not sure which crate your pet needs? Try the crate size calculator or read about airline pet crates.
Our price includes the airline's charges, so you do not pay the airline separately. When you fly with your pet instead, you pay the airline's own pet fee yourself: see the Alaska Airlines pet policy.
No surprises
What is included, and what is not
Included in a door to door move
- Home pickup and airport cargo check-in
- Airline cargo booking, with the airline's charges
- Airline forms, labels and the air waybill number
- Flight tracking and updates for you
- Pickup at airport cargo when your pet lands, and delivery to your new home
Prefer to handle one end yourself? Untick it in the form and the price changes.
Extras, or not included
- The airline crate, unless you add one from us
- The ride to your vet, unless you add it
- Your vet's fee for the exam and health certificate (you pay the vet directly)
- The airline's pet fee when you fly with your pet
- Taxes, added at the end of the quote
Airline crates
We sell airline crates in every size, from the 100 series to the 500 series. The crate is added to your quote if you need one, with bedding, food and water dishes on the door and airline labels. The size we suggest is always an estimate until your pet is measured in person. More about crates.
Why there is no single fixed price
Two moves on the same route can cost very different amounts. A cat in a 100 series crate, picked up near the airport, is a different job from a large dog in a 500 series crate picked up in Everett. Add the route, the time of year and the extras, and one number for everyone would be wrong for almost everyone.
So we price each move from your details. The form asks for your pet's size and weight, your addresses and your dates, and works out the crate, the airline part and the rides at each end.
Some moves are priced by hand, for example a pet that needs a crate bigger than the 500 series, a breed we need to check with the airline first, or a bird or reptile. You hear from us within 24 hours.
Time of year
From May to mid October, the airline does not fly pets in the cargo hold on days forecast over 85°F at an airport on the trip, and some cities close to pets for part of the summer. In winter, flights to and from Alaska often need a vet acclimation letter. Both can change your dates, and the cold weather letter means a vet visit close to the flight. See summer heat rules.
Taxes and cancellation
Prices are plus applicable taxes, and your quote shows the total before you book. Once we have booked the airline space, ordered a crate or paid a cost for you, those amounts cannot be refunded. Your quote lists the terms for your move.
Last checked against the official pages on October 6, 2026.
Airlines and states change their rules. Always check the official page before you book.
About three minutes
How to get your exact price
- 1
Your route and dates
Pick the city, the direction and when you want to move. Add your addresses for the pickup and delivery.
- 2
Your pet
Enter the breed, the weight and four simple measurements. We suggest the crate size and add one if you need it.
- 3
Your price
Add your email and phone. On most routes you see your price on screen right away, and we email you a copy. When we price by hand, you hear from us within 24 hours.
Pet shipping cost: questions
How much does it cost to ship a pet?
What does it cost to fly a dog as cargo?
How much does it cost to ship a dog across the country?
What does Alaska Airlines pet cargo cost?
What is the cheapest way to ship a pet?
Is the price per pet?
Is tax included?
Can my price change after I book?
See the price for your pet
Enter your route and your pet's size. On most routes the exact price shows on screen in about three minutes.