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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), which includes both Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) and Animal Aircare (AAC). For many dogs and cats travelling internationally, this is where they are safely received, checked and cared for when entering or leaving the UK.
Pet owners often ask: What actually happens to my dog or cat at the airport? Who handles them? What decided if we use HARC or 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 HARC and AAC Offer and How They Differ
Heathrow Animal Reception Centre
HARC is Heathrow’s official Border Control Post (BCP) for live animals. It is run by the City of London Corporation and therefore government owned. HARC handles all species entering the UK, from dogs and cats to birds, reptiles, zoo animals and even fish.
Animal Aircare
AAC offers the same services as HARC, however is privately owned and operates at multiple UK airports. AAC cover a smaller range of species – mainly dogs, cats, birds and reptiles.
Actions carried out by specially trained animal health officers at both HARC and AAC:
- Collecting animals directly from the aircraft and transporting pets safely to the reception facility
- 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
Pets may interact with either AAC, HARC, or head to a cargo shed after landing – it is the airlines choice which are used.
Image courtesy of Heathrow Animal Reception Centre
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:
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. While HARC is primarily an import facility, they do also cover many exports too.
As with imports, it is down to the airline you are flying with to decide whether AAC or HARC is used.
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, HARC 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 or HARC staff will collect your pet directly
- 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 or AAC 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. In most cases HARC or AAC will sort this for you.
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
Having the original hard copies of the correct documents is mandatory to travel with your pet. Without them, it will delay your pets clearance and may incur additional costs.
On top of that, 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 while
Customs clearance, paperwork checks and unloading times vary. Be prepared for the full process to take 4-5 hours, maybe more.
What Happens When Flying Your Pet With PetAir?
At PetAir, we work with Animal Air Care and Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (airline dependent) – 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!
