Because when something is pricey, its always helpful to know why…
When flying as manifest cargo, your pet is classified as a ‘live shipments’, rather than as a passengers on the plane. This means that special costs from the airline, like freight and ground handling, will apply. Here’s a breakdown of these expenses and how to calculate them based on your pet.
Airline Costs
Pets flying as manifest cargo count as ‘shipments.’ This means you incur freight and airline handling charges. Airlines base these costs on your pet’s size and weight. Each airline has a fee per kilogram for your destination. They will charge you based on the combined weight of your pet and crate or the volumetric weight—whichever is higher. For example, if your pet weighs 20kg but the volumetric weight is 40kg, you will pay for the latter. Additionally, airlines charge for documentation processing, ground staff pet handling, and fuel surcharges.
Veterinary Costs
All pets leaving the UAE must obtain a health certificate from the All pets leaving the UAE must obtain a health certificate from The Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (‘MOCCAE’). This certificate costs either 100 AED or 400 AED, depending on the application method. Other veterinary costs vary based on your destination. Some countries require additional health certificates, blood tests, vaccination reports, and parasite treatments.
Crate Costs
Your pet must travel in a fully IATA-compliant crate for safety. This crate should include essentials like bedding, a water bowl, and fixtures to keep your fur baby comfortable. Larger crates come with higher costs. Recommended brands for plastic travel crates include Luxxe Air, Pet Mate, and Pet Mode. Depending on your pet’s needs, a custom wooden crate might be more suitable.
Agency Costs
If you hire a pet relocation agent, expect a service fee based on the support you need. A full door-to-door service, where the agent handles everything, will be more expensive. If you want to manage some aspects yourself but need help with specific tasks, reputable pet travel agents can customize their services. Be aware that flying your pet from Dubai involves numerous rules and regulations. Mistakes can lead to your pet being denied boarding or quarantined. While pet relocation agents may be costly, they provide peace of mind. When choosing an agent in the UAE, ensure they are fully licensed and that their quote clearly lists the services included to avoid unexpected costs.
Ready to make arrangements for your pets departure from the UAE?
Paws & Planes is a fully licensed pet relocation service based in Dubai. We help you gather everything needed for your fur baby’s journey, ensuring complete peace of mind. Our services include coordinating with airlines for flight bookings, arranging vet appointments, selecting a suitable travel crate, obtaining authorized health certificates, and transporting pets to DXB airport. Let us know your travel needs to start your pet’s stress-free adventure from the UAE!
