Taking your pet to Europe

A continent steeped in history, culture, and stunning diversity - spanning from the icy reaches of the Arctic Circle to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, Europe is a tapestry of nations, languages, and traditions and popular to take your pet for holidays or permanent export!

Overview

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Export timeline

3-21 days
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Flight time

1-5 hours
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Quarantine

Not required
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Vaccinations

Required
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Blood tests

Required
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Snub-nose

Allowed

Europe is a popular choice for pet owners travelling on holidays or looking to move permanently. Luckily, transporting your pet here is fairly straighforward, but can vary slightly from country to country.

But no need to worry, we're here to help every step of the way.

With over 25 years of experience transporting a wide range of animals to many European countries—including cats, dogs, birds, and horses— we have an in-depth understanding of the process. You can trust us to ensure your pet’s journey is as safe and stress-free as possible.

We’ll support you through every stage of the process, from preparing documentation and vaccinations, selecting the best flight and airline, and co-ordinating the completion of the required travel documents prior to departure.

We work with a number of trusted airlines offering departures covering the whole of the UK - from Edinburgh and Glasgow in the Scotland, Manchester in the North, and London Heathrow and Gatwick in the South.

Overview of Export Process
  • Microchip
    All pets must be implanted with a 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip prior to any vaccinations.
  • Rabies Vaccination
    If your pet hasn't been previously vaccinated, then you must ensure that it is administered at least 21 days prior to travel.
  • Document Preparation
    Within 10 days of travel, we'll need to complete an Animal Health Certificate, which allows for free travel all over Europe for a period of 4 months.
  • Flight and Reunion!
    You're ready to go and meet up after landing!

Where can I fly my pet to into Europe?

From the UK,  there are over 100 destinations we can transport pets into Europe.

How long does it take?

We can arrange transport to the EU within a few days, if your pet has a valid rabies vaccination, if not then there is a mandatory 21 day wait before being able to travel from the UK.

How much does it cost?

Flight costs are based on the size of your pet's travel crate, which is determined by their measurements. This ensures your pet travels comfortably, safely and in compliance with IATA and airline regulations.

There are further costs to consider, such as travel documentation and customs fees due upon arrival, all of which can be included as an option in our quote.

However, travel to EU can be very economical, as many airlines operate and compete on price across routes.

For a full quote and price breakdown, please complete a quote form and one of our team will be in touch shortly!

What vaccinations will my pet need?

All pets need to have a vaild Rabies vaccination before travelling to Europe, that must have been administered more than 21 days before travel if it is their initial (first) vaccination. If your pet is vaccinated, they can travel straight away!

However, all pets that board with us before departure will still need to have their annual vaccinations, such as DHPP, Lepto and Kennel Cough for Dogs, and FVRCP for Cats.

What blood tests are required?

The good news is that there are no blood tests required for either Cats or Dogs travelling to Europe!

What documentation is required?

To leave the UK for Europe there are several documents which can be used for your pets travel depending on your travel circumstances.

  •  EU pet passport, which has been issued in the EU. This can be used for regular travel between the UK and Europe for non-commercial purposes, and where the owner is travelling within 5 days of their pet.

  • Animal Health Certificate (AHC)-  this can be completed within 10 days of your pets departure from the UK and is valid for 1 journey to Europe, free travel around Europe and return to the UK within 4 months. This can only be used for non-commercial shipments, where the owner or accompanying person is travelling within 5 days on either side of the pet leaving the UK.

  • EU Export Health Certificate (EHC)– for journeys to Europe for commercial purposes (i.e being sold) or where the owner is not travelling within 5 days of their pet. This is similar to an AHC but must be completed within 48 hours of leaving the UK, and cannot be used for a return journey. It is also used when pets transit Europe for onward flights to other international destinations, and therefore, is used more than you may think!

In any case, we will advise on the correct documentation for you and your pets journey, and are able to complete this as part of our service before departure.

Will my pet need to quarantine?

The good news is no quarantine is required when pets travel from the UK to Europe!

What airlines do we use?

British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, and TAP offer direct flights to over 100 destinations within Europe that accept pets arrivals from the UK.

Each airline has different restrictions on the pets they carry, therefore when providing  a quote we will select the best option for you and your pet, minimising journey times, and stress on your pet!

Find outmore on our airline page.

Do they accept snub-nosed dogs?

Provided the correct measures are put in place, then yes, we can transport many snub-nosed pets to most countries within Europe, but this may only be at specific times of the year when temperatures are lower.

Only 5% ofsnub-nosed pets suffer from BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airways Syndrome), therefore withe correct preparation we can ship Bulldogs, Pugs and many more snub nosed breeds, safely to the Europe.

Find outmore on our BOAS (Snub Nosed) page.

Are there any banned breeds?

There are only a few banned breeds which cannot be imported into Europe and these are:

  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasileira
  • Perrode Presa Canario

Unfortunately, due to government restrictions we are unable to to ship any of the above pets to Europe.

Let's get you on your way
Start your journey today by filling in our online form to get an accurate quote personalised to your unique requirements.
services

Expert guidance every step of the way.

Our all-inclusive service provides everything needed for a comfortable and seamless journey for you and your pet, guiding you through every step of the way.
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Personal preparation
and advisory service

Your own dedicated agent and personal point of contact, communicating directly with you and all external parties to ensure compliance at every step of the journey.
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Airline selection
and flight booking

We'll assist you in selecting the best airline and route for your pet, considering their breed, destination, overall health, and all seasonal considerations.
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IATA and Airline compliant travel crates

We ensure your pets safety and comfort by providing premium-quality air kennels,  ensuring it meets the strict IATA and airline compliance.
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Documents, Blood Tests and Vaccinations

We'll advise and organise vaccinations, blood tests (if required), and all travel documentation, dealing directly with your vet to ensure compliance at all times.
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Quarantine
and onward travel

We can arrange any quarantine requirements and organise efficient import clearance at your destination via our trusted network of with IPATA registered agents.
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All-inclusive
'door-to-door' service

We can collect your pet in our DEFRA-registered, air-conditioned vans and offer direct to check-in or pre-departure boarding, depending on your requirements.
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Take the first step of the journey today.

Complete your free, no obligation quote and our friendly agents will get back to you soon.
faq

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get regarding our international pet transport service.

If you have any more, please get in touch and we'll aim to get back to you as quickly as possible.
Where on the aircraft does my pet travel?

In general, all pets must travel as 'manifested cargo'.  This means that they travel in a compartment which is below the passenger cabin. This is kept pressurised, heated and ventilated, just like the passenger cabins. It is also kept dark, which encourages pets to sleep through the flight.

Will my pet be safe and comfortable?

All pets have to travel in containers which are compliant with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations and with specific airline guidelines. These are all designed to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet during their travel. They must always have enough space in their travel crate to stand up, lie down and turn around easily.

We can provide standard or custom-made air kennels which meet the IATA guidelines and include absorbent bedding and food and water pots. We ensure the container is secure and isn't too big (which can make your pet feel insecure), or too small. We usually like to deliver your container at least a month before your pet's flight so they can get used to it well before they travel.

How do you calculate the costs?

Airline shipping is calculated on the volume of the  travel crate. We advise constructing a bespoke IATA compliant wooden crate which is based of measurements of your pet - which can help minimise costs. Therefore, each quote is entirely unique and based on this volume and the route you are flying - for a full quote it is best to fill in our online quote form and we will get back to you within 24 hours with our estimate.

Can I use my own travel crate?

We will always try to use an existing travel crate, providing it is IATA compliant. To be certain that your own crate is suitable we would need to know what size it is, what it is made of (plastic or wood) the internal dimensions and some specific measurements from your pet.

What documents do I need?

Each country has different requirements when it comes to documents. Some require import permits to be applied for in advance - others don't. Almost all countries require some form of export documentation, whether an official DEFRA health certificate or an Animal Health Certificate, with entry criteria that must be met.  This could be blood tests or vaccinations. Rabies vaccinations are a requirement for most countries. We can advise on each basis depending on where you are going too.

Can I fly out of my local airport?

Most flights will leave from the main international airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh etc).  Ultimately, the departure Airport will be determined by your destination as not all airlines serve all routes - but we will always try and base the quote on the closest airport that we can fly from, minimising overall flight times.

Can my pet fly on the same flight as me?

If you let us know which flight/airline you are planning to use and the date you plan to travel, we can make every effort to book cargo space on the same flight. This does depend on the airline having space and, for some flights, the time of arrival at transit points along the way. Additionally, in some countries animals are only permitted to arrive at certain airports.

Can I visit my pet during the flight?

Unfortunately no. Neither passengers nor crew have access to the cargo hold during flight.

Will my pet receive food and water?

Your pet will not be fed during the flight and we advise that you only give a light meal in the morning of travel if it's on a night flight. If your animal will be flying in the day, we advise it should be fed the night before. Your pet's air kennel will be fitted with a water container which will be filled before departure. We would also suggest that you exercise your pet as near to the flight time as possible.

What if I have to postpone my flight at the last minute?

We know that travel problems do arise. Maybe your own plans have changed, or your pet is unable to travel at the original time. Don't worry, as we can change the flight and get your pet back on track very quickly and, usually, only a small admin charge will be made to cover the amended paperwork and permits