How to Calculate Pet Shipping Costs: A Complete Guide

Traveling internationally with a dog comes with a unique set of challenges, especially if you're entering or leaving the U.S. through Los Angeles. Between government regulations, health inspections, vaccination paperwork, and ever-changing rules from the CDC, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s exactly why Rue’s Kennels at LAX exists—to make the journey smoother, safer, and less stressful for both dogs and their humans. Rue’s Kennels isn’t just another boarding facility. They are a CDC-approved Animal Care Facility, bonded by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, with USDA registration and veterinary staff on-site. What does that mean for you? It means they’re fully equipped and authorized to receive, care for, and process dogs entering or exiting the U.S., especially from high-risk rabies countries. And more importantly, it means you don’t have to figure out the importation process alone. From the moment your dog arrives in the U.S. at LAX, Rue’s takes over the complicated parts—handling everything from inspections and vaccination reviews to quarantine (if required) and follow-up veterinary care. Their facility isn’t just built for compliance—it’s designed to keep dogs safe, calm, and well cared for during what could otherwise be a stressful transition. But Rue’s goes beyond paperwork and protocols. They’ve built a reputation on personalized care and open communication. Whether you’re relocating permanently, sending a dog for adoption, or traveling short-term, they walk you through each step so you’re not left guessing what to do next. That kind of support makes all the difference. They also offer daycare, boarding, pet transportation, and mobile grooming. So whether your needs are long-term or just for the day, Rue’s makes sure your pet is looked after by a knowledgeable and compassionate team.  When you’re navigating something as complex as international dog travel, you need a partner you can trust. Rue’s Kennels at LAX is that partner. With all the proper licenses, 24/7 staff, and a commitment to animal welfare, they turn a complicated process into a smooth arrival. If your dog’s journey starts or ends at LAX, Rue’s is ready to make sure it’s a safe and comfortable one.

If you're a dog owner in the Los Angeles area, you know how important it is to have a reliable place to take your pup when life gets busy. Whether you're heading out of town, need a full day of care, or just want your dog to enjoy some social time, finding a facility you trust is key. That's where Rue’s Kennels at LAX comes in. Conveniently located near Los Angeles International Airport, Rue’s Kennels isn’t just a stopover for traveling pets. They offer full-service doggy daycare and boarding designed to give your dog the same love and attention you would—maybe even a little extra pampering, too. Let’s break down what makes their daycare and boarding services so valuable for LA dog owners. At Rue’s, doggy daycare is all about flexibility and fun. Whether you’re looking for a quick half-day solution or a full-day option, they have plans that fit around your schedule. Daycare runs daily from 8 am to 6 pm, giving you a full day’s coverage if needed. You can choose between two different daycare styles: individual or group. If your dog prefers a quieter environment or doesn’t do well in social settings, the individual stay is a great choice. It gives them their own relaxing kennel space and includes two 20-minute walks to get some fresh air and exercise. On the other hand, if your dog is the social butterfly of the dog park, group daycare offers a more interactive experience. Dogs get to enjoy indoor and outdoor areas, burn energy, play with other pups, and stay engaged throughout the day. Both options are priced the same. For up to four hours, it’s $30 for your first dog and $25 for a second dog. If your pup stays more than four hours, it’s $50 and $40 respectively. You can also purchase a 10-day package at a discount, which is perfect for busy dog parents who need reliable weekly care. Now, for those longer trips or overnight stays, Rue’s boarding service really shines. Their overnight boarding is available for $75 for the first dog and $50 for any additional dogs from the same household. The rate includes a full night’s stay, and if you’re able to pick your dog up before 10 am the next day, you avoid any additional daycare fees. That flexibility means you’re not paying more than you need to, which is a nice change from many other boarding facilities in LA that charge by the calendar day. Beyond just providing a place to stay, Rue’s ensures dogs are comfortable, stimulated, and well-cared for. Their staff understands that being away from home can be stressful for pets, especially if it’s their first time boarding. That’s why their team focuses on consistent routines, one-on-one care, and maintaining a clean, calm environment that helps dogs relax and settle in quickly. One of the biggest things that sets Rue’s Kennels apart is their attention to health and safety. All dogs that attend daycare or stay overnight must be up to date on core vaccinations. That includes rabies, DAPP, Bordetella, and canine influenza. These vaccinations help keep the entire facility safe for every dog that walks through the door. And while it’s not required, they also highly recommend the leptospirosis vaccine to further protect your pup. For added convenience, Rue’s offers mobile grooming services so your dog can leave looking even better than they arrived. If you’re boarding for a few days and want your dog to have a fresh bath before pick-up, you can schedule that ahead of time. It’s a small detail, but it goes a long way in showing how thoughtful and full-service their operation is. And if you don’t live right down the street, Rue’s even provides pet transportation services using their kennel van. For $5 per mile, they’ll come to you and safely bring your pet to their Inglewood facility. This is especially helpful for pet parents who live in surrounding areas like Culver City or those without easy access to transportation. For dog owners who frequently travel, especially those flying in or out of LAX, this place is a game changer. You can drop your dog off on the way to the airport, knowing they’re not just being “watched” but cared for. Whether your pup loves to play or prefers solo relaxation, there’s a program tailored to them. And when you return, there’s no long drive across town—just swing by, grab your happy and tired pup, and head home. What’s also refreshing is how clear and upfront Rue’s is about pricing. Everything is listed, including the cost for additional dogs, extended stays, and package options. There are no hidden fees or last-minute surprises, which any seasoned pet owner will appreciate. The team at Rue’s has built a reputation not just for being close to LAX, but for genuinely caring about the dogs they look after. It’s not uncommon for customers to share stories about how their anxious or reactive dogs were treated with patience and compassion. That level of care isn’t easy to find—especially in a city as fast-paced as LA.  So if you’re looking for a trusted doggy daycare and boarding provider in Los Angeles, Rue’s Kennels at LAX is well worth checking out. Whether it’s a half-day of play, an overnight stay, or an extended vacation, they’ll keep your dog safe, happy, and well cared for while you handle life, work, or travel.