Quick Answer: International pet shipping requires a health certificate, IATA-approved crate, and destination-specific documentation. Costs range from $800–$3,500 USD depending on pet weight, route, and airline selected.
- Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel is mandatory
- Crate must meet IATA standards with sufficient space for standing and turning
- Costs vary $800–$3,500 based on pet weight and international destination
- Complete process takes 2–4 weeks from start to final delivery
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Use the calculator above →What Documents Are Required for International Pet Shipping?
Essential documents include an international health certificate, current vaccination certificate, ISO 11784/11785 microchip, and import permit from the destination country issued by SENASICA, SENASA, or equivalent authority.
Documentation represents the most critical aspect of international pet shipping. Each country maintains specific requirements that must be met exactly to avoid quarantine detention or animal return.- International health certificate: Issued by an authorized veterinarian within 10 days of travel, must include complete animal identification and current health status
- Rabies vaccination certificate: Vaccine administered at least 21 days before travel with validity not exceeding one year depending on vaccine type used
- ISO 11784/11785 microchip: Implanted before rabies vaccination to ensure complete traceability of medical history
- Import permit: Specific authorization from destination country that may take 2–4 weeks to process depending on administrative efficiency
- Antiparasitic treatment: Certified by veterinarian specifying products used and application dates
Common Documentation Error
Many owners request the health certificate too early. The document must be issued within 10 days of your flight, not at the start of the process. Schedule your final veterinary appointment based on your exact travel date.
Pet Crate Requirements and IATA Standards
The crate must meet IATA standards with ventilation on three sides, metal door, and dimensions allowing the pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Rigid material is mandatory for international flights.
IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards establish strict requirements for live animal air transport. These requirements ensure animal safety and welfare during flights that may last up to 15 hours with connections.- Minimum IATA dimensions: Length = nose to tail + 4 inches, height = floor to ear + 4 inches, width = shoulder to shoulder + 4 inches for natural movement
- Mandatory ventilation: Minimum three sides with grilles not exceeding 1 inch spacing between bars to prevent limb escape
- Reinforced metal door: Double lock with stainless steel bolts in all four corners of crate
- Certified rigid material: Fiberglass or durable plastic, soft-sided crates completely prohibited for international flights
- Required labels: 'Live Animal' and 'This Way Up' in English and Spanish, visible from all angles
Professional Tip
Purchase the crate 3–4 weeks before travel to acclimate your pet. Place favorite food and toys inside to create positive associations. This significantly reduces stress during the actual flight.
How Much Does International Pet Shipping Cost?
International pet shipping costs range from $800–$3,500 USD based on weight, destination, and airline. Pets up to 22 lbs cost $800–$1,500, while animals weighing 44–70 lbs can reach $2,500–$3,500 on long routes.
International pet shipping prices fluctuate based on multiple factors including animal weight, destination distance, time of year, and flight space availability. Base rates per pound represent the primary component of total cost.
Miami(MIA)
Mexico(MEX)
Miami(MIA)
Bogotá(BOG)
Los Angeles(LAX)
Frankfurt(FRA)
Includes transport, documentation, crate, and certifications for medium pet (33 lbs) to Latin American destination from Miami.
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Get quote now →Transit Times by International Destination
Transit times range from 1–3 days for direct destinations in the Americas, 2–5 days for Europe with one connection, and 3–7 days for Asia-Pacific with multiple connections and quarantine processing.
Delivery times depend primarily on direct flight availability and quarantine requirements in the destination country. Direct routes from Miami offer the fastest transit to Latin America.Direct Destinations (1–2 days)
- Mexico (Mexico City): Daily flights, 1 day transit
- Colombia (Bogotá, Cartagena): 4 weekly flights, 1–2 days
- Peru (Lima): Direct flights Tuesday and Saturday, 2 days
- Dominican Republic: Daily flights, clearance in 24 hours
Connecting Destinations (2–5 days)
- Europe (Madrid, Paris): 1 connection, 2–3 days total
- Argentina (Buenos Aires): Via Panama, 3–4 days
- Chile (Santiago): Via Lima or Bogotá, 2–3 days
- Brazil (São Paulo): Connection in Panama, 3–4 days
Step-by-Step Process for Pet Shipping
The process starts 4–6 weeks before travel with veterinary consultation, followed by permit processing, flight booking, final preparation, and tracking until delivery. Each stage has specific critical timeframes.
Advance planning is essential for successful international pet shipping. Each process stage has specific time windows that cannot be modified once started.- Start the process 4–6 weeks ahead with veterinary consultation for microchip implantation and rabies vaccination if needed
- Request the destination country's import permit during weeks 3–4, as processing can take 2–3 weeks
- Book your flight and purchase IATA-approved crate during week 2 to guarantee availability on specific dates
- Schedule your international health certificate appointment exactly 7–10 days before your flight, not earlier
- Confirm all documents 48 hours before travel and check in 3 hours early at the specialized cargo counter
Critical Timing – Health Certificate
The international health certificate MUST be issued within 10 days of your flight. If issued earlier, it will be rejected at the destination airport and your pet will be returned or placed in costly quarantine.
Which Airlines Accept Pets in International Cargo?
Major pet-friendly airlines include Lufthansa Cargo, KLM, Air France-KLM, American Airlines Cargo, and LATAM Cargo. Each has specific policies on weight, breed, and permitted destinations.
Airline selection significantly impacts the shipping experience and animal welfare. Specialized pet carriers offer better conditions and flight monitoring for your animal.Lufthansa Cargo
- Specialization: Global leader in live animal transport
- Weight limit: Up to 165 lbs per animal on specific routes
- Network: 300+ destinations with optimized connections
- Advantage: Climate-controlled compartments and specialized staff
KLM Cargo
- Program: 'Pets on Board' with GPS tracking
- Strength: Excellent for European destinations
- Hub: Amsterdam with 24/7 veterinary facilities
- Advantage: Real-time updates for owners
American Airlines Cargo
- Coverage: Strong network on Americas-to-Americas routes
- Restriction: Temperature limitations during peak seasons
- Advantage: Direct flights Miami–Latin America
- Policy: No brachycephalic breeds June–September
LATAM Cargo
- Specialty: South American routes with competitive rates
- Hub: Lima and Santiago with regional connections
- Advantage: Knowledge of Latin American regulations
- Limitation: Weight restrictions based on aircraft type
Veterinary Certifications Required by Country
Each country requires specific certifications: Mexico requires SENASICA certificate, Argentina needs SENASA, Europe demands EU certificate, and the US requires CDC and APHIS documentation based on origin and animal species.
Veterinary requirements vary significantly between countries and update frequently based on zoonotic disease outbreaks. National health authorities maintain specific protocols that must be followed exactly.- Mexico (SENASICA): Health certificate + zoosanitary import permit + current rabies vaccination certificate
- Argentina (SENASA): International certificate + rabies antibody serology for certain origin countries + antiparasitic treatment
- Colombia (ICA): Sanitary import permit + apostilled certificate from origin country + mandatory microchip
- United States (CDC/APHIS): Health certificate + rabies vaccination + microchip + owner health declaration
- European Union: Pet passport + rabies antibody titer + Echinococcus treatment
Expert Tip
Keep digital copies of all certificates on your phone. Customs officials may request cross-verification of documents, and immediate access speeds up the clearance process.
Pet Transport Insurance for International Shipping
Transport insurance covers $500–$5,000 USD per pet, protecting against loss, injury, or death during travel. Cost represents 2–5% of the declared animal value.
Transport insurance protects your emotional and financial investment in case of incidents during flight. Specialized pet policies offer broader coverage than standard cargo insurance.- Basic coverage ($500–$1,500): Automatically included in most shipments, covers accidental death and total loss
- Extended coverage ($1,500–$5,000): For high-value pets, purebreds, or competition animals with certified pedigree
- Veterinary expenses: Up to $2,000 USD for emergency medical treatment at connection airports
- Extended delay: Compensation for veterinary care if flight delays exceed 24 hours
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Quote transport insurance included in our international shipments with coverage up to $5,000 USD.
View insurance options →Pre-Travel Pet Preparation
Preparation includes acclimating your pet to the crate 2–4 weeks ahead, fasting 4–6 hours before flight, moderate exercise the day before, and avoiding sedatives that compromise breathing at altitude.
Proper pet preparation significantly reduces travel stress and improves the overall transport experience. Travel medicine veterinarians recommend specific protocols based on animal species and size.- Acclimate to the crate over 2–4 weeks with daily 15–30 minute sessions, using treats and favorite toys
- Fast for 4–6 hours before flight to prevent nausea, but allow water access until 2 hours before departure
- Provide moderate exercise the day before to reduce accumulated anxiety and facilitate rest during flight
- Avoid sedatives or tranquilizers that compromise breathing at altitude, use only approved natural anxiolytics
- Implement multiple identification: collar with contact info, microchip, and crate labels in two languages
Professional Trick
Place an item with your scent inside the crate. Familiar aroma provides psychological comfort during flight hours when your pet cannot see you.
How to Track Your Pet's Shipment
Tracking is done using the AWB (Air Waybill) number provided by the airline, online tracking systems, and real-time status updates from origin through final delivery at destination.
Modern tracking systems allow you to monitor your pet's location and condition throughout the journey. The AWB number (Air Waybill) serves as the unique identifier to check status anytime.- AWB number: Unique 11-digit code assigned by the airline for tracking in their official system
- Automatic updates: SMS and email at each critical point: documented, boarded, in transit, arrived, cleared
- Detailed status: Includes exact time, location, compartment temperature, and next scheduled connection
- Mobile apps: Lufthansa Cargo App, KLM Cargo Track & Trace for 24/7 tracking from your smartphone
- Emergency contact: 24-hour hotline for urgent inquiries during transit or connections
Breed and Size Restrictions for Pets
Airlines restrict brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs, Persians) due to respiratory risk, animals over 70 lbs require special authorization, and certain aggressive breeds are completely prohibited on commercial flights.
Breed and size restrictions protect animal safety and airport personnel security. Brachycephalic breeds face higher respiratory risk at altitude due to their compressed facial anatomy.Completely Prohibited Breeds
English bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs, boxers, Persian cats, Himalayan cats are prohibited by most airlines during May–September. Some airlines prohibit them year-round for safety.
- Standard weight limit: Maximum 70 lbs including crate, larger animals require special authorization and pallet loading
- Seasonally restricted breeds: Pit bulls, rottweilers, mastiffs per specific airline and destination policies
- Exotic animals: Birds, reptiles, rodents require additional CITES permits and specialized crates
- Age restrictions: Puppies under 12 weeks or animals over 10 years require detailed medical certificate
- Medical exceptions: Certified service animals have different regulations but must meet specific documentation requirements
Quote International Pet Shipping
For an accurate quote, provide exact pet weight, crate dimensions, specific destination, and tentative travel dates. Prices fluctuate daily based on flight space availability.
Accurate quotes depend on specific variables affecting final shipping cost. Prices fluctuate daily based on cargo space demand and airline fuel surcharges.- Essential information required: Exact pet weight, specific breed, IATA crate dimensions, destination airport
- Flexible dates: Providing a 3–5 day window allows finding better rates and flight availability
- Included services: Ground transport from origin, specialized airport handling, basic documentation
- Optional services: Home pickup, door-to-door delivery, complete import permit processing
- Seasonal variation: Peak season increases costs 20–40%, advance bookings guarantee better pricing
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Quote my shipment →No, on international flights pets must travel in pressurized and climate-controlled cargo compartment. Only certified service animals can accompany passengers in cabin with specific medical documentation.
Start the process 4–6 weeks before your desired travel date. This allows sufficient time for vaccinations, import permit processing, and documentation preparation required by the destination country.
If your pet arrives with health issues, notify the airline immediately and request veterinary examination. Transport insurance covers medical expenses and compensation per policy terms.
Yes, only if they are the same species, weigh less than 31 lbs combined, and have lived together for at least 6 months. They require joint veterinary certification and enlarged crate per IATA standards.
If cancelled, the airline must rebook your pet on the next available flight at no additional cost. During delays, animals receive veterinary care and food at specialized airport facilities.