Exporting your pet from the UK

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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