Interstate Pet Transport Cost Explained
Aussies are a pet-loving bunch, and most can’t part ways with their animal family members for too long – which is probably why they’d rather have their pets tag along wherever they go.
Whether you’re a pet parent going on a temporary job-related assignment or moving permanently interstate, there’ll be a hundred things on your mind – including pet transport interstate prices in Australia.
Although it’s an extra chore on top of the other things on your interstate moving checklist, preparing for interstate pet transport costs, requirements and processes is an absolute must. This way, you’ll be better able to cope with moving stress since you’ll have one less major thing to worry about.
So, if you’re interested in finding out about cross-country pet transport costs, we’re here to help. Here’s your handy guide to interstate pet transport prices in Australia
Disclaimer: The interstate pet transport costs stated in this guide are in Australian dollars (unless otherwise indicated) and are indicative only, reflecting industry pricing. The average costs presented do not necessarily represent Relocations WA’s own pricing scheme. Costs can change frequently depending on many factors, such as the time of year you are booking pet transport services, size and type of pet and other factors mentioned on this page.
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How Much Does It Cost to Transport a Pet Interstate?
With Australia being such a massive country, driving or travelling interstate by land can take days and usually, people simply don’t have the luxury of time. Besides, finding pet-friendly lodging along the route may be a headache in and of itself.
So, if you need to relocate, you’ll have to consider the average cost of pet transport carefully.
How much does it cost to transport a pet interstate?
Well, there are a couple of factors that can affect how much moving your pet interstate will cost. These include the following:
- Mode of transport (air or road)
- Flight route and destination
- Type, size or weight of your pet and their crate or container
- Services required
Although there may be other expenses you’ll need to take into account when computing the average cost of pet transport, the above items would comprise a large portion of your interstate pet moving budget.
To give you a ballpark figure; say, if you’re having air transport arranged for your dog from Perth to Melbourne and it weighs 30 kilograms (including the crate or pet container), the cost could be somewhere around $900 to $1,500.
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Interstate Pet Transport Prices by Type and Size of Pet
The type of pet you have and its size have a huge bearing on determining how much you need to shell out for interstate pet transport.
Knowing the type of pet your service provider would be handling and caring for will help them prepare for the services and materials they’ll need to fulfil their role efficiently. For example, a nervous dog might need a pet mat to keep him dry during the trip, or you might need a special crate or receptacle if it’s live fishes in a fish tank you’ll be transporting.
The size of your pet and its crate will determine how much space it’ll occupy in the pet cabin during the flight. Note that in adherence to International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards, the travel container or crate your pet will use must allow him to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Below is a detailed discussion on pet interstate transport prices based on the type of pet you’re taking with you.
Interstate Dog Transport Cost
How much does it cost to fly a dog interstate?
The cost to fly a dog interstate usually depends on the breed and other physical attributes of your pup. In general, puppy freight costs start from around $350. Below is a more specific breakdown of average costs based on dog size.
- Small-breed dogs or miniature varieties: $350 to $700
- Medium-breed dogs or standard varieties: $400 to $1,000
- Large-breed dogs or giant varieties: $380 to $1,500
When calculating the total interstate dog transport cost, don’t forget to factor in the crate, as its weight and dimensions could increase the final quote.
Aside from this, any additional materials and services you require for the comfort and safety of your pup could add up as well. These include:
- Pet collection to and from the place of origin and destination and/or flight only
- Crate hire or purchase
- Grooming
- Short- or long-term temporary pet accommodation
- Veterinary care (including required vaccines)
- Exercise and playtime
- Specialty services for pets with specific needs (e.g. senior pets, BOAS affected brachycephalic or flat-faced breeds like
- British and French bulldogs, Pekingese, pugs, and Shih Tzu, special needs or sensitive pups)
- Express or VIP services
Therefore, how much it costs to transport a dog interstate depends on a lot of factors. So, when you ask for a quote, make sure you provide a detailed list of not only the usual information your provider needs but also the services you require for your fur baby.
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➜ You might also like our guide on Moving with Dogs
Interstate Cat Transport Cost
If you’re a feline fur parent who needs to move, your main question would probably be: How much does it cost to fly a cat interstate?
First, know that the size or weight of your cat matters. Besides this, you need to factor in the services you require to get your kitty to your new address.
Interstate pet transport services can provide end-to-end care for your fur baby, including but not limited to the following services:
- Pet pickup from your home and airport drop-off
- Airline-approved travel kennel provision
- Flight booking
- Complete check-in and boarding assistance
- Drop off at the destination address
Although there are tasks you can do yourself, you can save yourself a lot of hassle by allowing your pet transport provider to handle them as well. So, it pays to prepare a budget to cover cat transport costs well ahead of your move.
A good interstate cat transport cost estimate from Perth to Brisbane (or vice versa), can can range between $310 and $1,000.
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Interstate Fish Transport Cost
If you have an aquarium and will be transporting live fish interstate, you cannot keep them in a tank – even a small one as the risk of breakage is always there.
Some primary concerns you’ll need to cover with your service provider include:
- How many fish you’ll be transporting
- Size or dimensions and weight of the tank
- Properly packing the fishes individually or as a group in an appropriate container where they’ll be comfortable
- Oxygen and insulation requirements of your fish
Fish are very sensitive to movement and other forms of stress, so it’s best to remove them from the fish tank only when it’s time for their transport. Make sure you handle your pet fish with extra care, perform all the necessary preparations and familiarise yourself with the next steps when it’s time to unpack them.
The average cost for interstate fish transport, for example from Perth to Melbourne, would be somewhere between $1,000 and $5,000.
Again, it's very variable depending on requirements - some species require oxygenated tanks or permits which makes it more expensive.
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Interstate Bird Transport Cost
Like moving fish, transporting birds interstate also requires a totally different approach.
Since birds are also sensitive creatures, it’s recommended for owners to get their feathered friends ready for air travel as close to their departure time as possible. Interstate bird air transport costs also vary based on the weight of the bird plus their transport box (e.g. $20 for four kilograms total), the interstate delivery charge and fuel costs, and other services like pick-up and airport drop-off ($80) and check-in, as well as short- or long-term pet boarding.
To get the most accurate quote possible for bird transport interstate, it’s best to discuss the finer details of your planned move with your provider. Also, don’t forget to check which types of birds can be brought interstate as well as the required documentation or paperwork.
The cost for interstate bird transport from Perth to Sydney (or vice versa), could be between $500 and 1,500.
Factors affecting the price include, but are not limited to the number of birds, the size of the bird(s), species and crate requirements.
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Interstate Pet Transport Prices by Destination
As always, the distance from point A (origin) to point B (destination) could impact interstate pet air transport prices significantly and vary greatly.
For example, if you have a 20-kilogram dog to transport interstate, here are some cost projections you can use as a guide depending on where you’re headed:
For pet transport from Perth to Melbourne a good cost indication would be A$700 - A$1,000
➜ Learn more about Moving from Perth to Melbourne
For pet transport from Perth to Sydney the average cost could be between $1,500 - $1,800
➜ Learn more about Moving from Perth to Sydney
If you are looking for pet transport from Perth to Brisbane, the price could be somewhere between $1,800 and $2,200
➜ Learn more about Moving from Perth to Brisbane
Interstate Pet Transport Cost Considerations
Moving pets interstate is no small feat, especially since animals are sensitive creatures – whether you have a dog or cat. Fishes and birds are even more challenging to transport interstate as they are prone to getting stressed more easily, even with simple changes like lighting and movement.
Key Considerations
Therefore, when planning for interstate pet transport, always consider the following:
- Several weeks prior to your pet’s flight, ensure it undergoes pet travel crate familiarisation training.
- Ensure your pet’s vaccination records (where applicable) are updated two prior to its scheduled departure.
- Arrange for your departure and book tickets. As much as possible, schedule pet travel around autumn or winter, so it won’t be exposed to extreme heat.
- Measure your pet dog or cat and choose an IATA-approved travel crate where your fur baby will be comfortable even if it needs to travel for an hour or more.
- For bird and fish owners, prepare your pets only on the day of and a few minutes prior to their departure to minimise stress.
As in any relocation situation, preparation is key.
Therefore, aside from taking care of the above tasks, make sure you only work with a reliable and trustworthy interstate pet transport service provider.
With a professional pet transport company like Relocations WA by your side, the paperwork can get a little bit easier to manage and you’ll have someone you can depend on to make the process of moving your pet interstate as smooth as possible.
Why Choose Relocations WA for Pet Transport?
Relocations WA is your perfect partner for all your pet transport needs, whether you’re moving interstate or overseas. When you choose us, you can expect end-to-end or customised pet moving services to ensure the safe and timely transport of your pet. We provide door-to-door pet relocation assistance whether you plan to move your pet locally or internationally.
We can also organise and take care of all your interstate or overseas relocation needs, including your packing, moving and storage requirements.
Our more-than-five decades of industry experience attest to our professionalism and expertise when it comes to removals.
Plan your move with Relocations WA and contact us today!
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