Travelling with your dog costs more than you think — here's every expense to budget for before you hit the road

The tradeoff, though, is cost. Travelling with a dog can be more expensive than you may expect, and the expenses have a way of adding up quickly. Here's a breakdown of what you may pay this travel season.

Before you hit the road

Go to the vet: Before you fly, a visit to the vet is non-negotiable. Most airlines require a health certificate confirming your dog is fit to travel (veterinarian exam and health certificate issued within 10 to 14 days of travel costs $55 to $82), so budget for the office visit and any treatment needed to get them cleared for the trip.

Microchip: If your dog isn't already microchipped, now is the time to do it. A microchip is one of the best safeguards against losing your pet in an unfamiliar place — if they escape, it significantly improves the chances of getting them back. Expect to pay around $27 to $68 for the procedure.

Give your dog a flea bath: If you're planning to stay in hotels or rent a car, a flea treatment is a worthwhile precaution. At around $15 to $25, it's a small price to pay compared to the cleaning fees you could face if you leave unwanted guests behind.

Thinking about pet insurance?

If you have a pet, you know the costs can add up fast: food, grooming, toys, and especially vet visits.

According to the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, routine veterinary care for a dog can cost between $4,100 and $5,200 per year. And this doesn’t account for expensive emergencies.

That’s why paying for pet insurance often ends up being more affordable than paying out of pocket for surprise vet bills.

Instead of absorbing big, unexpected bills all at once, Petsecure✢ helps cover up to 80% of eligible vet bills, including taxes and exam fees.

Petsecure also offers four tiered plans depending on what you actually need — from essential coverage to unlimited accident and condition protection, plus dental and optional wellness care.

Sign up today and you can get 10% off your first year of pet insurance.

Planes, trains and automobiles

Taking your dog on your flight. Transportation tends to be the biggest expense when travelling with a dog. For cabin travel, most airlines charge around $50 to $200 each way for airline in-cabin fees, and you'll need an airline-approved carrier if you don't already own one — prices range from $50 to $150 depending on size and brand. Keep in mind that your pet counts as a carry-on, so you may need to pay to check your luggage separately.

For larger dogs that don't fit in the cabin, the options are more limited. Many major airlines no longer allow oversized dogs in the cargo hold as checked baggage, meaning they must travel as air cargo instead. This comes with a different pickup process too — you'll need to collect your dog from the airport's cargo area rather than at baggage claim.

Flying as cargo can cost If your dog is too large for the cabin, cargo rates range from $300 to $1,500+ depending on the distance each way for domestic flights, and even more internationally. You'll also need to invest in a sturdy, IATA-compliant crate, which typically runs between $150 to $350 — not the place to cut corners when your pet's safety is on the line.

Road tripping. Driving can be a more budget-friendly option, but it's not without its own costs. If you don't already have a harness seat belt, doggy car seat, or pet barrier, factor those into your trip budget — a harness seat belt runs between $15 and $150, depending on the type and brand.