Pet relocation to the UK: find a specialist
Moving to the UK with a dog, cat or other pet involves more paperwork, more lead time and more planning than most people expect. The specialists listed here handle the full process — from import documentation and health certificates to flights, boarding and door-to-door delivery — so your pet arrives safely and legally.
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All providers listed handle the documentation, logistics and welfare requirements involved in bringing pets to or from the UK.
3 providers listed
A UK-based specialist pet transport and relocation service with over 20 years of experience moving pets worldwide by air and road. Flypets handles the complete process — flights, export vet paperwork, IATA-compliant air kennels, pre- and post-flight boarding, and airport check-in — for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and more. A small, dedicated team that handles around 15–30 moves a month.
A UK-headquartered pet transport specialist operating since 2011, with a background in cargo logistics that gives AIA Pets strong airline relationships and expertise in international air freight for animals. The team manages the full journey from initial enquiry through to documentation, airline booking on preferred scheduled carriers, and delivery. Covers dogs and cats worldwide with step-by-step guidance throughout.
A specialist door-to-door pet transport service covering the UK and Europe by road. Pets travel with a dedicated driver rather than in the hold of a plane, making it a lower-stress option for animals that are anxious flyers or not suited to air cargo. Popular for moves between the UK and Spain, Portugal, France, Greece and other European destinations. Drivers provide regular updates throughout the journey.
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Listings on this page are based on publicly available information about each provider. Pet import requirements, documentation rules and approved routes are set by the UK government and change periodically. Always verify current entry requirements with the UK government at gov.uk and with your pet relocation provider before making any bookings. Moving to the UK does not provide veterinary or regulatory advice.
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Bringing your pet to the UK: what the process actually involves
Moving a pet to the UK is not simply a matter of booking a flight. The UK has a structured set of import requirements — covering microchipping, rabies vaccination, blood tests and official health certificates — and the timeline for meeting these requirements can be several months if your pet is coming from a country outside the UK's listed nations. Missing a step, or getting the documentation wrong, can result in your pet being held in quarantine on arrival or refused entry entirely. This is why most people moving internationally with pets use a specialist relocation service rather than attempting to manage the process independently.
The requirements differ depending on where you are travelling from. Pets arriving from EU countries and other listed nations generally need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an official animal health certificate (AHC) issued by an authorised vet within 10 days of travel. Pets arriving from unlisted countries face a longer process: a rabies antibody blood test is required at least 30 days after vaccination, followed by a waiting period of three months from the date of that blood test before the pet can travel. This means the total process from an unvaccinated pet can take four months or more. The UK government's guidance on pet travel at gov.uk is the authoritative source for current requirements, and your relocation company will be familiar with the specific rules for your country of origin.
Air freight vs road transport — which is right for your pet?
Most international pet moves to the UK involve air freight, either as accompanied excess baggage in the cabin (for very small pets on airlines that permit it) or as air cargo in the hold. Air cargo for pets is a well-established service with dedicated animal handling facilities at major airports, but it is not without stress for the animal. Brachycephalic breeds — flat-faced dogs and cats such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, British Shorthairs and Persians — face additional restrictions on many airlines due to breathing risks at altitude, and some breeds cannot travel by air at all. For moves within Europe, road transport with a specialist pet courier is an increasingly popular alternative. A dedicated driver means your pet is accompanied throughout the journey, regular updates are provided, and the door-to-door nature of road transport removes the airport handling element entirely. It is typically slower but lower-stress, particularly for anxious animals or those that are not good candidates for air travel.
Starting early is the most important thing you can do
The single most common mistake people make when relocating with pets is underestimating the lead time required. If your pet is travelling from an unlisted country and needs a rabies blood test, starting the process at least five months before your intended travel date gives you a reasonable buffer. If your pet is already vaccinated and travelling from a listed country, a few weeks of preparation is usually sufficient — but vet appointments, health certificate slots and airline cargo spaces can be limited, especially during peak relocation seasons. Contact a specialist pet relocation company as soon as you know your move date, even if that date is months away. The earlier you start the conversation, the more options you will have.
The three providers listed on this page collectively cover the main ways people bring pets to the UK — international air transport with full documentation handling, and road transport for European moves. All operate as specialist services rather than general removal companies, meaning pet welfare and compliance are their core expertise rather than a sideline. Whichever service suits your route and your animal, the advice is the same: start planning early, get the official requirements from gov.uk, and let a specialist manage the paperwork.
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View all categories →Pet Relocation to the UK — FAQs
Requirements depend on where you are travelling from. For pets entering from EU countries and certain listed countries, your pet must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and have an official animal health certificate (AHC) issued within 10 days of travel. For pets from unlisted countries, a rabies antibody blood test is required at least 30 days after vaccination, plus a three-month waiting period from the date of the blood sample. Pets must arrive through a government-approved route and be declared to authorities on arrival. The UK government website at gov.uk is the authoritative source for current requirements.
From an EU or listed country with an already-vaccinated pet, the process can take a few weeks once the animal health certificate is arranged. From an unlisted country with an unvaccinated pet, the minimum timeline is around four months — 30 days between vaccination and blood test, plus three months from the blood test date before travel. Starting the process as early as possible, ideally five months or more before your move date, is strongly recommended.
Quarantine is not required for pets arriving from listed countries with the correct documentation. Pets arriving from unlisted countries that do not meet entry requirements, or that arrive without proper paperwork, may be quarantined at the owner's expense or returned to their country of origin. Using a specialist pet relocation company significantly reduces the risk of documentation errors that could lead to quarantine on arrival.
IPATA is the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association — the global professional body for pet transport companies, with members in over 80 countries. IPATA members agree to a code of ethics and professional standards covering animal welfare, handling and client communication. Choosing an IPATA-accredited company provides assurance that the company operates to recognised international standards. It is one of the most widely used indicators of professionalism in the pet transport industry.
In-cabin pet policies vary significantly between airlines and many do not permit pets in the cabin on flights to the UK. Where in-cabin travel is permitted, it is typically restricted to very small pets in approved carriers that fit under the seat. Larger pets, most dog and cat breeds, and all pets on airlines that do not allow cabin travel will need to travel as air cargo in the hold or via road transport. A specialist pet relocation company can advise on the most suitable arrangements for your specific pet and route.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits the import of Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos and Fila Brasileiros into the UK. Additionally, many airlines restrict brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats and British Shorthairs due to breathing risks during air travel. A specialist pet relocation company can advise on whether your specific breed can travel and which routes and airlines are suitable.
Costs vary significantly depending on the country of origin, the size and species of your pet, the travel method and the level of service. For a dog or cat travelling from the US or Australia, total costs including vet preparation, air freight, documentation and delivery can range from around £1,500 to £5,000 or more depending on the animal's size and route. European road transport is generally less expensive. Getting quotes from multiple specialists and understanding what is included is the most reliable way to understand your specific costs.
An official animal health certificate (AHC) is required for pets entering the UK from most countries. It must be issued by an official veterinarian (OV) — a vet authorised by the government of the exporting country — within 10 days of travel. The AHC confirms your pet's microchip number, rabies vaccination status and health. Your pet relocation company can advise on how to obtain one and which vets in your country are authorised to issue it.
Pets entering the UK must arrive through a government-approved route — specific airports, sea ports and Eurotunnel terminals with facilities to handle pet arrivals and inspect documentation. Not all UK airports and ports are approved. Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and several sea ports including Dover are among the approved entry points. The complete current list is on the UK government website at gov.uk. Your pet relocation company will ensure your pet travels via an approved route as part of the service.
The UK has specific import rules for a wide range of animals including birds, reptiles, rabbits, rodents and other species, some of which require CITES permits, import licences and specific health documentation. Some exotic species cannot legally be imported at all. UK government guidance on importing live animals covers species-specific requirements. A specialist with experience in the relevant species can advise on whether your animal can be imported and what documentation is needed.
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