Can you reduce pet travel anxiety?
Our Policy is to transport your pet with the minimum amount of stress involved. We will find the most direct route available, with as little time spent confined in the kennel as possible.
What animals can we ship?
Any pet can be moved as long as the destination country is prepared to accept it. Please contact us in the first instance and we will be happy to advise.
Where will my pet be located in the aircraft?
Animals are placed in a special hold in the aircraft. The hold is heated, pressurised and dark. This has been found to be the safest way of calming your pet and most will settle down and sleep once the aircraft is in the air.
Does our pet need to be vaccinated etc?
It is usually helpful to have your pet up to date with inoculations irrespective of whether the country of destination requires them. However you can find guidance and regulations on the 'Find an Export Health Certificate' section of the UK Government website. Alternatively, please do not hesitate to contact us for further information. It is also advisable to contact the Embassy or Consulate of the relevant country in case the regulations have recently changed. In a number of cases a rabies vaccination is required and this must be done at least 30 days prior to departure. If you have any doubts please contact us and we will be able to advise you.
Do I have to use a special vet?
This is dependant on the country you are moving to but generally they will need to be an OV (DEFRA approved Official Veterinarian). DEFRA hold a list of approved Vets and will be glad to advise you of your local OV.
What is Pet Passport?
An EU Pet Passport is a small blue booklet containing various sections for your vet to complete about your pet, such as, microchip number, rabies vaccination details, rabies antibody titre blood test and result, tick and tapeworm treatments (administered between 24 and 48 hours – prior to departure where required) and general vaccinations. Since the UK has left the EU, Great Britain is no longer part of the EU Pet Passport Scheme, and EU Pet Passports can no longer be issued in GB. In order to travel from GB to the EU, an AHC (Animal Health Certificate) must be obtained from your vet.
Will my pet have enough room?
Once we are given the measurements of your pet, we can then build the correct size transit kennel appropriate for your pet. We will construct the kennel to IATA standards; this will ensure your pet has enough room to travel contentedly. Your pet will be able to lie down, turn around and sit up comfortably.
Feeding and watering?
Animals are not fed during the flight and it is advised that they are only given a very light meal on the morning of travel if travelling in the evening, otherwise only feed them the night before. Animals that are house trained do not wish to soil their bedding so it is kinder not to give them too much food. It is also advised that they are exercised as near to the flight time as possible.
The transit containers contain water bowls, and an external funnel for filling. The water bowls get topped up before departure.
Is there access to my pets during the flight?
Neither passengers nor crew have access to the cargo hold during the flight and passengers will not have access to their pets during any refuelling/transit stops.
Can we put toys in the box?
Unfortunately the airlines will not allow toys in transit kennels as they feel there may be a possibility that the toys may be swallowed and choke the animal. Collars must also be removed before your pet is placed into the kennel. A familiar item of clothing or a blanket is permissible as this will help the animal feel at home.
Can our pet travel on the same flight as us?
If you can inform us which airline you are using and on what date; as long as there is space available and the airline have a license to carry animals we will endeavour to book your pet onto your desired flight.
Can we fly out of our local airport?
We are able to fly your pet from most local airports however the majority of direct international flights depart only from Heathrow. We can arrange your pet to either stop overnight at Heathrow or to (if time allows) transit on to your desired location. Please contact us for more information.
We have our own transit kennel, can we use it?
The plastic travel kennels do not always conform to the current requirements. They also have a tendency to deform and spring open when placed under pressure. Most airlines are wary of using them and will not allow larger animals to be transported in them. If your pet originally arrived in this country in a kennel, this may not meet the current requirements as laid down by IATA. Your pet may have outgrown the size of the kennel, so to determine whether the size is sufficient we would need both the measurements of the kennel and your animal involved.
How much will this cost me?
Prices are dependant on the size of the animal(s) to be relocated, additional services (such as UK transportation, kennelling and Veterinary certification) and the destination. In the case of dogs the box size provided is based on the measurements given to us. Should these measurements prove to be incorrect we can accept no responsibility for any delay or extra costs involved as a result. There are however additional charges payable at the airport of destination to cover costs for such items as airline import handling, customs clearance and veterinary examination charges. As these fees are payable in the country of destination and we are unable to pay them on your behalf, they are not included in any quotes.
What veterinary paperwork is required?
Depending on the destination you must obtain an Export Health Certificate these can be requested online. Alternatively you will require a Fitness to Fly certificate, these need to be completed prior to your departure and need to be certified within a given period of time, this varies from country to country. You must adhere to any regulations regarding inoculations, tests and treatments. The precise requirements can be obtained from DEFRA- guidance can be found on the UK Government website- search for 'Find an Export Health Certificate'.
What else may be required?
In addition to the Export paperwork your pet may also require an Import Permit to enter the country of destination. This must be requested from the relevant Ministerial Department in the country that you are travelling to. The address to which you must apply to can be obtained from DEFRA, the relevant Embassy/Consulate or can be obtained online. Please contact us if you are unsure.
How much notice is required?
Should you wish to utilise our services we would need to have written confirmation with payment as soon as possible and preferably at least 28 days beforehand, but we can organise certain routes more quickly. On some routes such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa a larger period is required due to the regulations for export being extensive.
What is the Pet Travel Scheme?
The Pet Travel Scheme (“PETS”) allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets to travel easily between member countries (both European Union and some Non-EU countries) and return to the UK without undergoing quarantine – providing all the rules are adhered to. Further information can be found on the UK Government Website.