{"id":143869,"date":"2025-06-20T07:58:32","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T11:58:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/?p=143869"},"modified":"2025-06-24T03:17:30","modified_gmt":"2025-06-24T07:17:30","slug":"pet-travel-is-it-still-worth-the-cost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/pet-travel-is-it-still-worth-the-cost\/","title":{"rendered":"Pet Travel in 2025: Is It Still Worth the Cost?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Did you know that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2076-2615\/13\/19\/3093#:~:text=is%20estimated%20that%202%20million%20domestic%20animals%20travel%20on%20commercial%20flights%20every%20year%20in%20the%20US%20alone%20and%20that%20dogs%20make%20up%2058%25%20of%20pets%20travelling%20worldwide.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">over 2 million pets fly<\/a> on U.S. airlines yearly?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>While flying with your dog may have been a smooth, affordable experience a decade ago, post-pandemic travel and new regulations have made it more complex and costly.<\/p>\n<p>As more people (a.k.a. millennials) own dogs and treat them like their own children, the pet travel industry is arguably livelier than ever.<\/p>\n<p>And as the simplest rule in economics goes: when the demand goes up, the price goes up!<\/p>\n<p>Even domestic travel costs have increased as airlines add fees and limit availability due to heightened demand and reduced pet capacity.<\/p>\n<div class=\"youtube-embed\" data-video_id=\"9SJxTz-eTYQ\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"TOP #87: Tips for Traveling with Your Dog\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9SJxTz-eTYQ?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<h2><strong>How the Cost of Dog Air Travel Has Changed<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"256\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">In 2015, flying your dog could cost as little as <\/span><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"><strong data-start=\"15\" data-end=\"35\" data-is-last-node=\"\">$75\u2013$125 one-way\u00a0<\/strong>for in-cabin fare, and around <strong data-start=\"26\" data-end=\"39\" data-is-last-node=\"\">$200\u2013$250\u00a0<\/strong>for cargo fare.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"256\">Today, the price has gotten a little steeper, and the regulations have gotten a little tighter.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"256\">In-cabin pet fees <strong data-start=\"1522\" data-end=\"1537\">rose 20\u201350%<\/strong> across most carriers between 2020 and 2025.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"256\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">For example, from $95,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.delta.com\/us\/en\/pet-travel\/overview#:~:text=at%20most%20airports.-,Carry%2DOn%20Pet%20Fees,-TO\/FROM%20DESTINATION\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Delta's carry-on pet\u00a0<\/a>now costs about\u00a0<strong>$150 for local trips<\/strong> with tickets issued on\/after April 2025, more than a 50% increase in price!<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"256\">Check out the table below for the current (2025) one-way ticket prices for different major American airlines:<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong>Airline<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>In-Cabin Fee<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Cargo Status<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Service Animals<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Read their Policies<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Delta<\/td>\n<td>$150 domestic;<br \/>\n$200 international<\/td>\n<td>Only for active U.S. Military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers until further notice<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.delta.com\/us\/en\/accessible-travel-services\/service-animals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Free with DOT forms<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.delta.com\/us\/en\/pet-travel\/overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Delta<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>United<\/td>\n<td>$150 each way<\/td>\n<td>(via PetSafe program) Only for active U.S. Military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers until further notice<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.united.com\/en\/us\/fly\/travel\/accessibility-and-assistance\/service-animals.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Free<\/a>, even for service dogs-in-training<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.united.com\/en\/us\/fly\/travel\/traveling-with-pets.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">United Airlines<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>American<\/td>\n<td>$150 per kennel<\/td>\n<td>Allowed via American PetEmbark<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aa.com\/i18n\/travel-info\/special-assistance\/service-animals.jsp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Free<\/a> for service dogs<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aa.com\/i18n\/travel-info\/special-assistance\/pets.jsp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Airlines<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Southwest<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.southwest.com\/html\/customer-service\/travel-fees.html?clk=HC_Booking_P1386_OptionalTravelCharges\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">$125 (US mainland)<\/a><br \/>\n$35 (between the Hawaiian islands)<\/td>\n<td>No cargo<\/td>\n<td>Free only for fully trained<a href=\"https:\/\/support.southwest.com\/helpcenter\/s\/article\/traveling-with-a-trained-service-dog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a0service animals<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/support.southwest.com\/helpcenter\/s\/article\/pet-policy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Southwest Airlines<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Alaska<\/td>\n<td>$100 in cabin, $150 in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alaskaair.com\/content\/travel-info\/policies\/pets-traveling-with-pets\/pets-in-baggage-compartment?srsltid=AfmBOopqDv6xkZvG55vgCOEVrHBv1bKlqyoMRao0Fp_A8xANtLx_2DpU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">climate-controlled baggage compartment<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Available via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alaskacargo.com\/PetConnect\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PetConnect service<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alaskaair.com\/content\/travel-info\/accessible-services\/specialservices-support-animals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Free for service dogs<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alaskaair.com\/content\/travel-info\/policies\/pets-traveling-with-pets\/pets-in-cabin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alaska Airlines<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>JetBlue<\/td>\n<td>Only accepts small dogs; $125 each way<\/td>\n<td>No cargo<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jetblue.com\/at-the-airport\/accessibility-assistance\/service-dogs-animals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Free for service dogs<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jetblue.com\/traveling-together\/traveling-with-pets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">JetBlue Airlines<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"256\">Some airlines, like United and JetBlue, also allow each person to bring up to two pets, but only when you buy a second seat.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"256\">Booking these tickets in advance is important because most aircraft limit the number of animals allowed onboard (JetBlue only allows six animals), and it is on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"256\">It's important to read each airline's fine print thoroughly to ensure you have everything covered before flying with your pet, from the <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/best-dog-travel-crates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">crate size requirements<\/a>, documents needed, and the specific policies of your destination.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"256\">In addition to the tickets, travel crates, vet certificates, USDA compliance, and rabies vaccine paperwork are additional expenses.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"256\"><em><strong>RELATED:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/traveling-with-your-dog-hack\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Woman Shares Travel Hack for Cheaper Flight With Your Dog<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"256\"><a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/shutterstock_1399285601.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-140345 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/shutterstock_1399285601.jpg\" alt=\"Large Dogs in Crates for Air Pet Travel\" width=\"1000\" height=\"639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/shutterstock_1399285601.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/shutterstock_1399285601-300x192.jpg 300w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/shutterstock_1399285601-768x491.jpg 768w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/shutterstock_1399285601-657x420.jpg 657w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/shutterstock_1399285601-640x409.jpg 640w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/shutterstock_1399285601-681x435.jpg 681w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"256\"><strong>Pandemic & Rabies Rules: A Costly Shift<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>U.S. Entry and Re-Entry Rules<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Speaking of the <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/how-long-does-a-dog-rabies-vaccination-last\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rabies vaccine<\/a>, the entry or re-entry requirements for dogs from another country have also been updated recently.<\/p>\n<p>Now, it's more focused on <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">where<\/span> the dog comes from before returning to the United States.<\/p>\n<p>Apart from the usual requirements like:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"nested-list\">\n<li class=\"level-1\">Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival.<\/li>\n<li class=\"level-1\">Dogs must be at least 6 months old at the time of entry or return to the U.S.<\/li>\n<li class=\"level-1\">Dogs must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Starting August 2024, you must also\u00a0<span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">complete the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cdc-786687.workflowcloud.com\/forms\/090dc543-7b2f-4538-b2c7-2919d12ecc73\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>CDC Dog Import Form<\/strong><\/a> if the dog has only been in a rabies-free or low-risk country for the past six<\/span>\u00a0months.<\/p>\n<p>See if the country you have been to is NOT part of this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/importation\/dogs\/high-risk-countries.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">high-risk countries list.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>For those coming from high-risk countries, there will be stricter evaluation.<\/p>\n<p>Apart from the CDC Import Form and other requirements above, you will also need:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>a Certification of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/importation\/pdf\/PRA-2-1-Template-Change-TI-for-US-Vaccinated-Dogs_USDA.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form<\/a> or a USDA-endorsed export health certificate filled out by a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aphis.usda.gov\/pet-travel\/us-to-another-country-export\/how-do-i-find-usda-accredited-veterinarian-complete-my\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA-accredited veterinarian.<\/a><\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/why-microchip-your-dog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">microchip<\/a> must also be implanted before the rabies vaccine; otherwise, it will be deemed invalid. The microchip number should also be included on all forms and documents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If, in case, your dog's rabies vaccines were <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/importation\/dogs\/foreign-vaccinated-high-risk-countries.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">administered in another country<\/a> and not in the USA, you will also need:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your veterinarian must fill out a Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form, which an official government veterinarian must endorse.<\/li>\n<li>Valid rabies serology titer report from a CDC-approved laboratory,<\/li>\n<li>Reservations at a CDC-registered animal care facility. If you do not have a valid rabies serology titer, this must include a 28-day quarantine reservation.<\/li>\n<li>All documents must be in English or translated into English. The translation must be signed and certified by a licensed translator, stamped, and sealed, along with the translator's contact information and license number.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Dogs that <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/pet-owners-believe-dog-vaccines-unsafe-experts-say-no\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">haven't been vaccinated<\/a> WILL NOT be allowed to enter the United States.<\/p>\n<p>These requirements require i<span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">ncreased vet visits for clearance and airport screenings, which, frankly, add time, stress, and cost to travel planning with a pet.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"943\" data-end=\"982\"><strong>Pandemic-brought Changes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_65337\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-65337\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/How-to-Choose-a-Suitable-Pet-Carrier-for-Air-Travel.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-65337\" src=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/How-to-Choose-a-Suitable-Pet-Carrier-for-Air-Travel-300x205.jpg\" alt=\"How to Choose a Suitable Pet Carrier for Air Travel\" width=\"300\" height=\"205\" srcset=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/How-to-Choose-a-Suitable-Pet-Carrier-for-Air-Travel-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/How-to-Choose-a-Suitable-Pet-Carrier-for-Air-Travel-160x109.jpg 160w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/How-to-Choose-a-Suitable-Pet-Carrier-for-Air-Travel.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-65337\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">EQRoy \/ Shutterstock.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It's safe to assume that some, if not most, of these changes in policies and pricing started when the 2020 <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/can-dogs-get-coronavirus-covid-19\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">COVID-19 <\/a>pandemic affected many businesses worldwide, with the travel industry being among the most hit.<\/p>\n<p>Many airlines had to alter their travel policies; some even had to suspend services like pet transport or cargo programs.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1586\" data-end=\"1702\">Airlines also introduced more stringent breed and size restrictions, especially for <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/best-care-for-flat-faced-dog-breeds-care-tips-for-brachycephalic-pups\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs.<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1707\" data-end=\"1869\">Only select U.S. airports were authorized for incoming international pet travel, reducing flexibility and increasing ground transportation costs upon arrival.<\/p>\n<p>The result has been fewer travel options, longer planning timelines, and higher costs<span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">Today, some international pet relocations require<\/span>\u00a0up to <strong data-start=\"2072\" data-end=\"2091\" data-is-only-node=\"\">$3,000\u2013$10,000+<\/strong>, depending on the route and services used.<\/p>\n<p>If there's a silver lining that the pandemic has brought to the air travel industry, it's arguably the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/new-rules-changes-flying-coronavirus-air-travel-2020-12#boarding-processes-have-changed-and-might-keep-changing-11\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contactless technology, digital health passports, and possibly cleaner airplanes!<\/a><\/p>\n<p>However, years after the pandemic, there's no doubt that it caused a major shift in the industry, especially <a href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/new-rules-changes-flying-coronavirus-air-travel-2020-12#boarding-processes-have-changed-and-might-keep-changing-11\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">in terms of costs.<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Service Dogs vs. ESA<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10304\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10304\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Woman-Kicked-Off-Plane-For-Not-Putting-Her-Pet-in-a-Carrier.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-10304\" src=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Woman-Kicked-Off-Plane-For-Not-Putting-Her-Pet-in-a-Carrier-300x188.jpg\" alt=\"Woman Kicked Off Plane For Not Putting Her Pet in a Carrier\" width=\"300\" height=\"188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Woman-Kicked-Off-Plane-For-Not-Putting-Her-Pet-in-a-Carrier-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Woman-Kicked-Off-Plane-For-Not-Putting-Her-Pet-in-a-Carrier-600x375.jpg 600w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Woman-Kicked-Off-Plane-For-Not-Putting-Her-Pet-in-a-Carrier-160x100.jpg 160w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Woman-Kicked-Off-Plane-For-Not-Putting-Her-Pet-in-a-Carrier.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10304\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: adambarfii.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Another significant change in the pet travel industry is the Department of Transportation's recent overhaul of its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.transportation.gov\/briefing-room\/us-department-transportation-announces-final-rule-traveling-air-service-animals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">air travel policy regarding service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs).<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Before 2020, ESAs were considered <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/different-types-of-assistance-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">service dogs<\/a> and allowed to fly with their owners free of charge. Now, that's not the case.<\/p>\n<p>Pet owners must now declare their ESAs as pets and pay the standard pet fees.<\/p>\n<p>Only task-trained dogs qualify as service animals. Other species, like cats, miniature horses, birds, and reptiles,\u00a0are no longer recognized.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"425\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">Because of this shift, some airlines require passengers to submit standardized DOT forms attesting that their service dog:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"425\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">Is a dog trained to perform disability-related tasks<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"425\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">Behaves properly in public<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"425\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">Is healthy and in control<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.transportation.gov\/sites\/dot.gov\/files\/2021-01\/U.S.%20DOT%20Service%20Animal%20Relief%20Attestation%20Form.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Service Animal Relief Attestation Form<\/strong><\/a> is also required for flights over 8 hours, confirming the dog can relieve itself and remain sanitary during the flight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>This policy shift aims to <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/emotional-support-animals-fraud\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reduce fraud<\/a>, improve passenger safety, and clarify travel rules for service animals, making travel smoother for passengers with legitimate service dogs and aligning air travel norms\u00a0with the Americans with Disabilities Act.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>RELATED:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/no-more-emotional-support-animals-on-planes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">No More Emotional Support Animals on Planes<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3372\"><a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/shutterstock_584156818.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-76887 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/shutterstock_584156818.jpg\" alt=\"Tips for Traveling with Your Pet\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/shutterstock_584156818.jpg 700w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/shutterstock_584156818-600x429.jpg 600w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/shutterstock_584156818-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/shutterstock_584156818-588x420.jpg 588w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/shutterstock_584156818-640x457.jpg 640w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/shutterstock_584156818-681x486.jpg 681w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3372\"><strong>Better Alternatives to Flying with Your Pet<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>If the price becomes too high, there are better alternatives to going on a vacation with your dog.<\/p>\n<p>You can go <strong>road-tripping!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Sure, the trips may be longer, but at least you're in a controlled environment, as long as you have the appropriate car accessories for your and your dog's comfort and safety.<\/p>\n<p>If you're relocating long-term, you can also try <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/pet-relocation-service-how-does-it-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>pet ground transport services.<\/strong><\/a> They're safer and cost-effective, although the travel time is also slow.<\/p>\n<p>If it's a leisure trip for only a few days, you might consider leaving your dog behind. You can check out <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/what-to-expect-in-dog-boarding\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>dog boarding services<\/strong><\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/how-to-pick-the-right-pet-sitter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>hire a pet-sitter<\/strong><\/a> who can also look after your house.<\/p>\n<p>This is the best option you have to ensure your pet's comfort!<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>RELATED:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/pet-sitter-or-boarding-choose-whats-best-for-you\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pet Sitter or Boarding (Choose What's Best For You)<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"youtube-embed\" data-video_id=\"pzPPr4pxEi0\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Best Way To Travel with A Dog\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pzPPr4pxEi0?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<h2 data-start=\"2921\" data-end=\"2954\"><strong>Is Flying with Pets Still Worth It in 2025?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>At the end of the day, this still depends on how much money and effort you're willing to spend to bring your dog along with you on the trip.<\/p>\n<p>It might be worth it when the travel makes sense!<\/p>\n<p>Examples are if you're\u00a0relocating long-distance or internationally, y<span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">our <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/large-dogs-in-aircraft-cabin-italy-says-yes\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"116\">dog is small enough for in-cabin travel<\/a>, or if you own a legit service dog with complete documentation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>However, you'll have to go through the chaos of paperwork, and for some, that can be a dealbreaker.<\/p>\n<p>Air travel with dogs is still possible, but much more expensive, regulated, and cumbersome than before. And nowadays, it\u2019s no longer a casual decision but a planned operation.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Related Articles<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/have-pet-will-travel-guide-to-spring-or-summer-trips-with-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Have Pet, Will Travel: Guide to Spring or Summer Trips with Dogs<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/long-distance-traveling-dog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">6 Important Tips for Long-Distance Traveling with Your Dog<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/products-you-need-when-traveling-with-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">10 Items You Need When Traveling with Dogs<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Did you know that over 2 million pets fly on U.S. airlines yearly? While flying with your dog may have been a smooth, affordable experience a decade ago, post-pandemic travel and new regulations have made it more complex and costly. As more people (a.k.a. millennials) own dogs and treat them like their own children, the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":71,"featured_media":18490,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[96,150,409,538,524],"tags":[4658],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/143869"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/71"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=143869"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/143869\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":145863,"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/143869\/revisions\/145863"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18490"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=143869"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=143869"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=143869"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}