Calculating the Cost of Shipping Cats

If you’ve never done do before, shipping or transporting a pet can seem like a challenging task. The reality is far from it. Provided you gather the correct information and plan your journey, you should have no trouble whatsoever shipping your cat. To help ease the planning process, we’ve compiled a list of the expenses that come with relocating your cat and give you a few tips regarding the overall process. 

Contrary to popular belief, you cannot simply put your cat in a container and ship it off; the process requires a lot of planning, care, and consideration. Factors like a cat’s health and age, distance to your destination, and any additional requirements imposed by your destination must be considered. The cost of transporting a cat depends on many such factors, so if you want a clear cost of your journey, it is best to pay attention to the intricacies of your journey. 

What Factors Affect the Cost of Shipping My Cat? 

Much like human transportation, pet shipments have variable costs which depend on a host of factors and details about the journey. Things like the distance to your destination, the mode of transportation you’ve chosen, and any additional requirements your pet may have can all influence the cost of shipping your cat. 

Other than obvious factors like distance and mode of travel, less subtle factors also play a role in the cost of your cat’s shipment. For instance, a larger pet being shipped isn't something that affects costs dramatically, until it is peak travel season and a scarcity of space leads to higher charges for larger pets. International pet transportation to certain countries can also impact the cost, as these countries have more regulations or requirements which affect the cost and usually cause it to rise. 

Distance to Your Destination 

One of the primary factors to consider when calculating the cost of a pet shipment is the distance between your origin and destination. Simply put, the longer the distance, the more the cost. This is fairly simple to understand; given that a long-distance journey requires more preparation and resources, it is only natural that it causes a price increase. This is also the reason a domestic pet shipment costs significantly less than an international pet shipment. 

The mode of transport also plays a role in this scenario. For example, while air travel will be extremely costly for a flight to a neighbouring city and an impractical option, air travel is the only option when it comes to travelling longer distances quickly. The cost of pet shipment can also be affected by your destination; routine destinations will typically cost less than an obscure or hard-to-reach area. 

Chosen Mode of Transportation 

The mode of transportation you choose has a major impact on your pet’s shipment cost. There are a few modes available, with each having its pros and cons and costs. 

1. Air Transportation - Air transportation is the fastest way to transport a pet. Pet transportation by air is a good option if your pet is allowed to fly and if you’re travelling over longer distances. Pets usually don’t cope very well with long hours in confinement when travelling, so the shorter the journey, the better it is for a pet. However, it is also the most expensive method of shipping your cat, and there may be additional costs involved in the process like airport taxes, security fees, and pet-specific services. Some airlines are pet friendly while others will not allow pets to travel on board, so make sure you’re well-versed with the rules and regulations of pet shipping by air and be sure to select a pet-friendly airline. 
   
   
2. Ground Transportation - The ubiquitous mode of transport, travelling by road, is perhaps the most convenient mode of pet travel. Yes, air travel is the way to go when relocating with your pet over long distances, but you won’t take a plane to a neighbouring city after all. After all, it is more than likely that you'll need to travel with your cat by road eventually. Make sure your pet is desensitized and isn't afraid of travelling in the car. If you’re moving to a neighbouring city or state and are hiring a pet relocation service for pet transportation by road, make sure to check their reviews and see what people think of their services. 

Mandatory Services Requires for Cat Shipping 

Depending on your chosen mode of shipment, you will require a few services before you can travel with your cat. 

1. Health Certificate: This is a document that certifies your pet has been examined by a vet and that it is safe and healthy for them to travel. This certificate costs a variable amount; domestic health certificates will cost less than something like a country-specific health certificate. 
2. Pet Crate: If you’re shipping your cat by air, this is essential. Pet crates are special containers that are designed specifically to keep your pet healthy and safe when in transit. These containers have different prices for different sizes, with larger crates costing more than smaller crates. 
3. Vaccinations: Some airlines may require you to get your pet vaccinated against certain diseases for safety purposes. If you’re shipping your cat internationally, you will need certain vaccinations as a guarantee, since most countries will have them listed as a mandatory import requirement. The cost of these can vary depending on the types or groups of vaccinations you need to get.
4. Pet Insurance: While pet insurance certainly adds to the cost of shipping your cat, it is well worth it as a safety net, especially if your trip is across longer distances. 

To conclude, while the cost of shipping a cat can seem exorbitant, it is important to remember that each mode of travel has its own set of prerequisites, planning, and execution which costs a certain amount to achieve, which is perfectly understandable as these preparations help keep your pet safe and comfortable in transit. Provided you research and plan your journey thoroughly, you should have no trouble keeping your cat comfy while cutting costs as well.