When you are moving house, getting a puppy, visiting a friend or planning a long journey with your dog, knowing the cost of dog transport in the UK will help you make an informed decision.
The cost of pets’ transportation is a convenient and pain-free way to move dogs without leaving the responsibility of taking them for a long drive to their owners. Prices vary depending on the distance, journey time, size of the dog and the type of service selected.
Understanding these factors will help you compare providers, keep your budget in check and choose the right travel arrangements for your dog.
What is the average cost of dog transport in the UK?
There is no one price for dog transportation because every trip is different. A brief trip within a town will usually cost less than a trip across the country.
Local trips are normally shorter and involve less miles than long distances. But, longer distances require extra fuel, planning and drivers’ availability. Some companies offer fixed prices for specific routes while others offer quotations depending on where you wish to collect and deliver your luggage.
As an initial guide, you can expect the following indicative costs:
| Journey distance | Estimated cost |
| Short local journey | £30–£60 |
| Regional journey | £70–£180 |
| Long-distance journey | £180+ |
These are planning estimates and not market rates, and prices can vary greatly depending on the provider, route and services.
For an exact quote, please tell our pet transportation company your collection postcode, destination and travel date.
What Determines the Cost of Dog Transportation?
The final price for professional dog transport service depends on several different variables. Knowing what factors influence the price you get will help you understand why companies charge differently.
1. Distance Between Collection and Delivery
Distance is one of the main factors to be considered when calculating the cost of dog transport. A 20 mile journey uses less energy than a trip from London to Manchester or Edinburgh.
Longer routes require more driving hours, more fuel usage, and more planning. Depending on where you are, you may also have to pay additional road charges.
Some suppliers base their prices on the mileage of the journey, while others use the total length of the journey and running costs.
2. Dog Size and Breed
The size and breed of your dog may also affect the size and location of your dog’s carrier. Small dogs may need less space in the car and larger dogs may need more room and safety equipment.
A professional provider should be aware of the space needs of different breeds and make sure the vehicle chosen is suitable for the animal.
Age and temperament play a part. Puppies, older dogs and nervous pets may need more attention during the journey.
3. Private and Shared Pet Transport
The type of service you select can have a significant impact on the overall price.
Private dog transport is flexible with the pick up and return time to your home. I recommend a private dog transport service if you prefer a direct journey or if your dog doesn’t get on well with other dogs.
Shared pet transport involves many pets traveling on a defined route, so the cost may be lower as it is spread over multiple bookings.
Although shared services may be cheaper, it may take longer to collect and drop off.
4. Collection and Delivery Requirements
The option to transport your pet from door-to-door is a great option for dogs owners who can’t drive their dog to a pick up point.
The provider collects the animal from the address provided, and delivers it to the desired destination. Extra-normative routes may incur a mileage charge.
Providing companies with correct addresses from the start helps them prepare more accurate quotes.
What Is Included in a Dog Transport Service?
The dog’s transportation needs may go beyond just getting the dog from one place to another. It should also consider the dog’s safety and comfort as it travels.
Depending on the provider, this may include adequate vehicle space, security travel arrangements, planned rest stops and assistance with collection and delivery.
On longer journeys, breaks to drink, go to the toilet and move may be required. Owners should discuss with their dog their daily routine for feeding, putting medications down and any other travel concerns they may have before setting out on a long journey.
It’s worth asking the contractor whether the price quoted includes insurance, waiting time and extra collection costs. This should prevent any unexpected costs later on.
Cost of Long-Distance Dog Transport?
Long-distance trips cost more as they require more time and resources. The cost of transporting a dog from one area to another is comparable to that of travelling across several UK regions.
So, for example, a journey from Birmingham to Bristol will be different to one between London and Glasgow.
Overnight accommodation, driver availability, route planning etc can also influence the final quotation for particularly long journeys.
Pre-booking a long distance dog courier service is a good idea for making things go smoothly. This gives the dog couriers time to plan a route and discuss your dog’s needs.
Dog Transport Costs for UK to Europe Journeys
If taking a dog from the UK to another European country there will be additional arrangements that may increase the total cost.
Final quotation will depend on the destination, ferry or Eurotunnel arrangements, collection location and travel documentation. Countries such as France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands may have different practical travel considerations depending upon your route.
Dogs that travel from Great Britain to the EU are likely to require a microchip and current rabies vaccination. There may be additional requirements depending on destination and circumstances.
Owners should check current government advice before booking international pet transportation. Appointments and documentation fees may also be separate from the transport company’s charges.
How to Choose Affordable and Reliable Dog Transport
While price might be important to consider in your search for a pet transportation service, it should not be the only consideration. Your dog needs to have the right travel environment and a service that knows what it takes to transport a dog.
Here are some things to consider when comparing companies:
Compare quotations: Contact different providers and check what each price includes.
Early bookings will give you more flexibility in your trip dates.
Check the vehicle is suitable for your dog.
Understand the service: Ask about rest breaks, collection times and delivery.
Examine your insurance policy: Check whether you are covered if you have to transport your dog.
Speak to us about any special dietary requirements: Please inform us if you have any health, mobility or behaviour issues prior to making your booking.
You and your pet will feel much less stressed with a clear quotation and service plan.
Arrange Your Dog’s Journey with Confidence
The cost of dog transport in the UK varies depending on distance, dog size, type of vehicle and extra travel requirements. Local transport is typically more affordable, but cross-country and international transport requires more thought.
Take the time to contrast and compare services and what’s included in the quotes you receive will help you find the right fit for your dog, while not overlooking his or her needs.
UK and Europe Pet Taxi has a solution for pet owners wanting to transport their animals either within the UK or internationally.
Visit the Dog Transport Service in the UK to find out more about planning your dog’s journey. Share your collection address, destination, breed of dog and preferred date to request a quote.
With a little effort and transportation expertise, you and your dog will have a more comfortable trip.