The hard truth is — transporting a bird isn’t cheap. But don’t let that discourage you. The fact that you’re here means you’re taking the right steps. We’re here to help you navigate affordable options. In this article, we’ll explain key factors that impact pricing, and provide practical tips to help you manage expenses.
The Base Cost of Shipping a Bird
The base cost is around $1,500 — covering paperwork application fees, veterinary exams, import quarantine, and port inspection, etc. This is assuming you handle every part of the bird shipping process by yourself without the help of any professionals.
The next layer of expenses comes from the specialized assistance required to navigate this complex process. The overall cost of pet bird relocation is influenced by the factors discussed below.
3 Factors Determining the Total Cost of Bird Shipping
1 / Your Bird’s Species: Different species have varying levels of regulatory requirements and travel needs.
2 / Country of Departure: Some countries have stricter permit applications and quarantine rules, adding to the complexity.
3 / Your Comfort Level with Handling the Paperwork: The more you need professional help, the higher the costs will climb.
Species and the country of departure determine permit complexity and available travel options. These factors play a key role in cost, as they ultimately influence whether you feel confident handling the process yourself.
An example of Logistics Complications
When shipping a bird, you might discover that no commercial airline allows your bird to travel in the cabin or as checked baggage — meaning cargo is your only option.
Here’s where most people get caught off guard: airline cargo divisions operate separately from passenger services and usually don’t take direct bookings. Instead, you’ll need a freight forwarder to arrange the flight. Airlines sometimes refer to freight forwarders as “brokers” or “travel agencies”, which can be confusing. What is a bird broker? And how do you find one?
Before this point, you might think the base cost $1,500 should cover all expenses to ship your bird. But as you dig deeper, hidden costs begin to appear. From hiring specialists to navigating complex logistics, the true expense goes beyond just paperwork and permits. Planning ahead can help you avoid unexpected surprises and make informed decisions.
The True Cost of Shipping a Bird
Once you’ve accounted for the base cost, the true cost of shipping a bird includes hidden fees for specialists. This includes the cost of freight forwarders and pet relocation consultants. The more hands involved, the higher the price can climb.
Understanding the process not only helps you avoid unnecessary fees but also prevents costly mistakes that could delay your bird’s travel. By taking the time to understand the regulations, gather the required documents, and coordinate logistics in advance, you can minimize reliance on expensive third-party services.
Our Tip:
That’s why we offer free materials to guide bird owners every step of the way. Consultations with us are free. Our mission is to empower you to take control of your bird’s journey.
Is it worth it to hire pet relocation specialists?
Many pet relocation services offer full-service packages upfront, but it’s crucial to understand what you're actually getting. In our experience, a "full-service" package doesn’t always mean end-to-end assistance. Most companies handle either the export or import process, leaving you to manage the other side on your own.
As a result, you may find yourself hiring two different agencies—one for export and another for import—significantly increasing your costs. The real issue is the lack of coordination between these two services. After paying a steep premium for two separate agencies, you may still end up acting as the intermediary, handling the communication and logistics between them, which can add unnecessary stress.
Our Tip:
Before commiting to a comprehensive package, consider which parts of the process you can manage on your own. In some cases, handling certain steps yourself can reduce expenses.
The Bottom Line
The total cost to ship your bird to the USA can range from $1,500 to $6,000 or more. This depends on the species of your bird, the complexity of the paperwork, the country of departure, and how active your role is in the pet relocation process.
While this cost may seem high, it's important to note that in more complex cases, professional assistance is essential to ensure your bird's safe and legal entry into the country. With the right support, the process becomes more manageable, and your feathered friend will be by your side in no time. Reach out to our expert volunteers today for personalized guidance to give your bird the best start to its journey.
FAQ
Is shipping a bird expensive?
Shipping a bird to the USA costs between $1,500 and $6,000 or more, depending on how much of the process you handle yourself.
By preparing early and taking on some tasks yourself, you can manage costs effectively. In certain cases, professional help is strongly advised to ensure your bird’s safe and legal entry. We’re here to guide you in the right direction, for free, making the process more manageable and cost-effective.
What affects the cost of shipping a bird?
The cost is affected by your bird’s species, the country of departure, the complexity of paperwork and permits, and how involved you are in the process. The more involved you are, the more control you have over costs.
In some cases, you must hire a professional such as a freight forwarder to ship a bird via cargo. When searching for terms like “pet freight forwarder” or “pet travel broker”, keep in mind that many full-service packages may include tasks you can manage on your own. Be sure to request a clear breakdown of the costs to ensure you’re only paying for the services you truly need.
I can't afford to hire a pet relocation service, what should I do?
If hiring a pet relocation service isn’t an option, don’t worry—many bird owners have successfully navigated the process on their own. That’s why we founded this service to provide free assistance to bird owners.
Start by researching the specific import requirements for your bird’s species and country of departure. With careful planning, gathering documents in advance, and handling logistics yourself, you can reduce costs significantly. Reach out to us, our volunteers are happy to guide you through the process! Learn how our free consultations work
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