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Heathrow Animal Reception Centre for Dogs and Cats – What Happens to Your Pet at the Airport?
Flying your pet through Heathrow can feel daunting, especially if it is their first long-haul journey. As the UK’s busiest airport for animal travel, Heathrow operates a dedicated live animal Border Control Post (BCP) known as the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC). For many dogs and cats travelling internationally, this is where they are safely received, checked and cared for when entering the UK. But with more private operators now working at Heathrow, particularly Animal Aircare (AAC), pet owners often ask: What actually happens to my dog or cat at the airport? Who handles them? Do we use both HARC and AAC? Below you’ll find a clear, step-by-step explanation of what happens when pets fly into and out of the UK, how HARC and AAC differ, and how each organisation fits into your pet’s journey. As a veterinary-led relocation company with over 33,000 pets safely relocated to more than 300 global destinations, PetAir are here to ensure your pet’s Heathrow experience is calm, safe and stress-free.What is HARC and Why is it Important?
HARC is Heathrow’s official Border Control Post (BCP) for live animals. It is run by the City of London Corporation and legally required for all dogs, cats and other species entering the UK through Heathrow.
At HARC, specially trained animal health officers carry out:
- Supporting customs clearance
- Microchip checks
- Document checks (e.g. Animal Health Certificate, AHC; or export certificates from overseas)
- Visual health inspections
- Welfare monitoring
- Providing temporary kennels and climate-controlled accommodation
- Acting as an identity/cargo handling agent
- Coordinating with airlines and pet-shipping providers
HARC handles all species entering the UK, from dogs and cats to birds, reptiles, zoo animals and even fish.
If your pet is coming from outside the UK and landing at Heathrow, they must be processed at HARC.
What is Animal Aircare (AAC)?
Animal Aircare (AAC) is a private animal-handling company operating at multiple UK airports. At Heathrow, AAC manages a modern live-animal handling facility used by many airlines and pet transport companies.
AAC’s roles often include:
- Collecting animals directly from the aircraft
- Transporting pets safely to the reception facility
- Providing temporary kennels and climate-controlled accommodation
- Supporting customs clearance
- Acting as an identity/cargo handling agent
- Coordinating with airlines and pet-shipping providers
AAC is not the government authority. Instead, it handles the operational and welfare aspects of the airport journey.
Many pets will interact with both AAC and HARC when entering the UK – AAC manages handling and movement, while HARC manages legal entry and inspection.
What Happens When Your Pet Flies Out of the UK?
Outbound travel is slightly different. Unlike inbound flights, there is no government-mandated inspection for pets leaving the country, but the airport and airline still require:
- Airline-approved travel crates
- Valid health certificates
- Rabies vaccinations
- Country-specific veterinary requirements
- IATA-compliant cargo handling
Here’s where HARC and AAC may fit in.
Do you use HARC when leaving the UK?
Not always.
HARC is primarily an import facility, so most outbound pets don’t require processing through HARC unless the airline specifically uses HARC’s facilities for holding or safety checks.
Do you use AAC when leaving the UK?
Often, yes.
Airlines typically need a licensed animal handling agent to:
- Receive pets before departure
- Check crate sizes
- Check paperwork
- Secure pets safely in airline-approved holding areas
- Transfer animals to aircraft cargo staff
AAC frequently performs these roles for outbound travellers, although some airlines use alternative handlers, including the HARC.
In summary:
Inbound: Your pet will always go through HARC or AAC depending on which airline your pet arrives on.
Outbound: Your pet usually interacts with AAC or an airline handling agent, but not necessarily HARC.
What Happens When Your Pet Arrives at Heathrow?
Here’s what typically happens when your dog or cat lands in the UK.
Step 1: Aircraft unloading
After the aircraft lands, the airline’s cargo team or AAC’s handling team carefully offload your pet in their travel crate. Pets are moved inside cargo vehicles designed for live animals.
Step 2: Transfer to the live-animal facility
Depending on the airline:
- AAC staff may collect your pet directly
- OR the airline’s own cargo handler transfers them
- All pets must ultimately be delivered to HARC or AAC for inspection
Step 3: Entry and registration at HARC or AAC
Once your pet arrives at HARC or AAC:
- Staff log their arrival
- Microchip details are checked
- Documents (e.g. AHC, pet passport, vaccination certificates) are reviewed
- Pets are placed in secure kennels where they can rest
If paperwork is correct, inspections are quick. If anything is missing, clearance may take longer. Inspections may require an APHA inspector and this can take longer.
Step 4: Health inspection
HARC officers visually assess your pet for:
- Signs of illness
- Stress or injury
- Correct documentation supporting their import
If necessary, they may contact the pet owner, agent or vet.
Step 5: Customs clearance and release
Pets arriving from overseas must be customs-cleared. Owners can nominate a customs agent, and many choose AAC to act on their behalf.
Once cleared:
- Your pet is released to your nominated pet-travel company or directly to you
- Your pet is taken home or onward to a UK address
- Importing your pet into the UK? Check out our Arrival Plus service, from 24/7 online vet access, to a free health check and great discounts – we’ve got you covered!
Tips for Pet Owners Flying Via Heathrow
1. Use an accredited pet-relocation company
Professional teams ensure documentation, crate sizes and export requirements are 100 percent correct. That prevents delays at HARC or AAC. See more about why you should choose PetAir here.
2. Choose IATA-approved crates
Your pet’s crate must be strong, secure and correctly sized. Using a bespoke travel crate can significantly improve comfort. At PetAir, we build and supply the crate for you – one less thing for you to think about! Learn more about travel crates here.
3. Keep copies of all documents
Hard copies and digital PDFs are mandatory to travel with your pet. Without them it will delay your pets clearance and may incur additional costs. As well as providing updates on your pet’s journey, our Caretags act as a digital wallet, holding records, vaccination and travel documentation all in one place for you. Learn more about our CareTags here.
4. Label the crate clearly
Include your pet’s name, your contact details and any feeding or medication instructions. Again, PetAir will make sure this is all sorted for you.
5. Don’t sedate your pet
Sedation is strongly discouraged by airlines and vets. Instead, work on calm crate-training weeks in advance. At PetAir, certain packages include 24/7 online vet access. Here you are provided with behaviour and crate training, as well as nutrition advice and answers to any of your concerns.
6. Expect the process to take a few hours
Customs clearance, paperwork checks and unloading times vary.
What Happens When Flying Your Pet With PetAir?
At PetAir, we work with Animal Air Care and AAC (airline dependent) at both Heathrow and Gatwick – making sure your pet is safe and looked after, and you are left stress-free! Learn more about PetAir’s pet travel process here.
Ready to Start Your Pet Travel Journey? Get Expert Help Today
Want to fly your dog or cat via Heathrow but don’t know they steps to take? Our veterinary-led team has safely relocated more than 33,000 pets worldwide, and we are here to make the journey smooth and stress-free. From bookings to paperwork, we’ve got you sorted.
Got any questions about flying your pet, give us a call.
Or ready to start your journey? Get a quick quote online below!