The honest answer: budget $6,000–12,000 USD for a single pet. The exact amount depends on your pet's size, your departure city, whether you use an agent, and whether your pet gets 10-day or 30-day quarantine. This guide breaks down every cost line by line so you can build a realistic budget for your move.
The full cost breakdown
Here's what you're looking at for a single dog, doing it yourself (no agent), on a standard-breed, medium-to-large crate, departing from LAX:
| Cost item | Approximate cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip (if needed) | $50–75 | May already be done |
| Rabies vaccination | $25–50 | May already be current |
| USDA-accredited vet visits (identity verification x2, blood draw, health exam) | $400–800 | Multiple visits required |
| RNATT lab fee (Kansas State or Auburn) | $100–150 | Lab processing fee |
| Blood sample shipping | $50–100 | Overnight to the lab |
| Canine influenza vaccination (dogs only) | $50–100 | Two doses required |
| Leishmania test (dogs only) | $50–100 | Within 45 days of departure |
| Leptospira test (dogs only) | $75–150 | Includes vaccinations |
| Parasite treatments (external + internal x2) | $100–200 | Three separate treatments |
| USDA endorsement fee | $38 | Fixed APHIS fee |
| DAFF import permit | AUD 480 (~$310 USD) | Application fee |
| Travel crate (IATA-compliant) | $200–500 | Size dependent |
| QANTAS Freight | $2,000–4,000 | Largest variable - depends on crate size and weight |
| Mickleham quarantine (10 days) | AUD 3,000 (~$1,950 USD) | Or ~AUD 4,100 for 30 days |
| Domestic transport within Australia (if applicable) | $0–500 | Only if not staying in Melbourne |
Total (DIY, 10-day quarantine): approximately $5,500–8,500 USD
Add an agent and the total rises to approximately $8,000–12,000 USD.
The biggest variable: QANTAS Freight
QANTAS Freight is the largest single cost in the process and the one that varies most. The freight charge is based on volumetric weight - a combination of the crate's physical dimensions and the total weight (crate plus pet).
Rough guidelines:
- Small dog or cat (crate under 100cm long): $1,500–2,500
- Medium dog (crate 100–120cm): $2,500–3,500
- Large dog (crate 120cm+): $3,500–5,000+
These figures are approximate and change with fuel surcharges and route adjustments. The only way to get an exact quote is to call QANTAS Freight directly with your crate dimensions and pet's weight. For booking details, see the QANTAS Freight guide.
The crate itself must be IATA-compliant. If you buy a crate specifically for this trip, budget $200–500 depending on size. Some people use crates they already own if they meet the IATA specifications - check the requirements carefully before assuming yours qualifies.
QANTAS Freight is the single largest cost in the process and varies significantly based on crate size. Get an exact quote before finalising your budget - the difference between a medium and large crate can be over $1,000.
DIY vs agent: what the cost difference actually looks like
Here's a side-by-side comparison:
| Cost category | DIY | With agent |
|---|---|---|
| Vet costs (all visits, tests, treatments) | $800–1,500 | $800–1,500 (same - you still go to the vet) |
| Lab and government fees | $450–600 | $450–600 (same) |
| Travel crate | $200–500 | Included in agent fee or purchased separately |
| QANTAS Freight | $2,000–4,000 | Often included in agent fee |
| Quarantine (10-day) | ~$1,950 | ~$1,950 (same - paid to government) |
| Agent fee | $0 | $2,000–4,000 |
| Total | $5,500–8,500 | $8,000–12,000 |
The agent fee covers their time managing the process, booking flights, preparing paperwork, and liaising with USDA and DAFF on your behalf. Some agents bundle freight costs into their fee; others charge it separately. Always ask for an itemised quote.
Whether an agent is worth the cost depends on your situation. For an honest breakdown, read do you need a pet transport agent?.
Costs that vary by situation
Several factors can push your costs higher or lower:
Departure city. All pets depart from LAX. If you're not based in the Los Angeles area, you'll need to arrange domestic transport of your pet to LAX before the international flight. This may add cost depending on where you're located.
Pet size. Larger pets need larger crates, which means higher freight costs. A Great Dane will cost significantly more to ship than a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Brachycephalic breeds. Flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Persian cats) require booking through a QANTAS-approved specialist, which may add costs. See the brachycephalic breed guide.
30-day quarantine. If your identity verification wasn't done correctly and your pet gets 30-day instead of 10-day quarantine, add approximately AUD 1,100 (~$715 USD) to the quarantine cost.
Multiple pets. Each pet requires its own crate, own freight booking, own quarantine stay, and own set of vet visits and tests. The costs are not discounted for multiple animals. Budget the full amount per pet.
Domestic transport in Australia. If your final destination isn't Melbourne, you'll need to get your pet from Mickleham to wherever you're living. Domestic pet transport within Australia ranges from $200–500 for a flight to another capital city.
Hidden costs people forget
A few expenses that don't appear on official cost lists but add up:
- Extra vet visits for paperwork corrections or follow-up tests
- Overnight shipping for the blood sample to the lab ($50–100)
- New collar, leash, and supplies for collection day in Australia
- Pet-friendly accommodation in Melbourne if you need to stay overnight for collection
- Time off work for multiple vet appointments, USDA endorsement visits, and airport drop-off
None of these are deal-breakers, but they're worth including in your mental budget. The process requires more appointments and more admin time than most people expect.
Frequently asked questions
The cheapest option is DIY (no agent), with a small dog or cat, departing from LAX, with 10-day quarantine. This puts you at the lower end of the range: roughly $5,500–6,500 USD. The main ways to save money are: doing the process yourself instead of using an agent, having a small pet (smaller crate = lower freight costs), and getting identity verification right for 10-day quarantine.
The government fees (import permit, USDA endorsement, quarantine) and the vet costs are unavoidable. The agent fee is optional if you manage the process yourself. The crate cost can be reduced if you already own an IATA-compliant crate. Everything else is fixed or near-fixed.
Australian dollars. Quarantine fees are paid directly to the Australian Department of Agriculture. You'll pay in AUD, so factor in the exchange rate when budgeting. The same applies to the import permit fee.
This depends on your tax situation and why you're moving. If the move is for employment and your employer is not reimbursing pet relocation costs, there may be deductions available. Consult a tax professional familiar with international relocation. This is not tax advice.