Starwood report highlights rising complexity of pet travel costs

Starwood Pet Travel has released its 2026 International Pet Travel Cost Report, positioning it as a detailed snapshot of what pet parents are paying to move dogs and cats abroad. The company says the report breaks out average international pet travel costs by destination and by number of pets, adding to a growing body of industry guidance aimed at families navigating increasingly complex cross-border travel rules. The timing matters because international pet moves now sit at the intersection of airline cargo logistics, destination-country import rules, USDA health certificate requirements, and, for dogs returning to the U.S., CDC import rules that were updated again in February 2026. (prnewswire.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the report is another sign that travel medicine for companion animals is becoming both more regulated and more cost-sensitive. USDA says country requirements can change frequently, and many destinations require a USDA-accredited veterinarian to issue export paperwork and route it through VEHCS for endorsement. APHIS also notes that endorsement fees are separate from veterinary exam and certificate fees, which helps explain why pet parents may underestimate the total bill before crate costs, airline charges, permit fees, testing, or quarantine are added. (aphis.usda.gov)

What to watch: Watch for whether the Starwood report gains traction with clinics, relocation firms, and pet parents as a planning benchmark, especially as CDC and destination-country entry rules continue to shape timelines, documentation needs, and client expectations. (cdc.gov)