Are you planning to fly your dog or cat abroad – or bring them into the UK – for a big move? Using a pet relocation company accredited by bodies such as IPATA, IATA and DEFRA is more than a “nice to have.” It can make the difference between a smooth journey – and unnecessary stress, delays or even refusal to travel. At PetAir, we are registered with IPATA and IATA, and approved by DEFRA.
Here, you can read why these accreditations matter, and what you should look for to keep your pet safe, healthy and compliant.
What we will cover in this blog: (click the section to skip to the information you want)
- What are IPATA, IATA and DEFRA – and Why They matter (a breakdown of the three)
- What Accreditation Mean for You and Your Pet
- Common Pitfalls When Accreditation is Missing
- How to Choose a Reputable, Accredited Pet Shipper – What to Look For
- Useful Tips for Pet Owners Planning to Relocate
- Why PetAir Makes a Difference
What are IPATA, IATA and DEFRA – and Why They Matter
IPATA – The Global Pet-Shipping Association
The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) is a non-profit trade association, representing professional pet shippers around the world. IPATA-accredited shippers commit to ethical, humane and professional standards when relocating pets.
By choosing an IPATA member you benefit from:
- A network of experienced pet-shippers operating globally across 90+ countries and many major airports.
- Ethical guidelines and protocols designed specifically for the safe relocation of pets – rather than a “one-size-fits-all” cargo approach.
IATA – The Worldwide Standard for Live-Animal Air Travel
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) publishes the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR), the global standard for transporting live animals by air – whether pets, livestock or more exotic species.
Key reasons IATA accreditation matters:
- The LAR sets mandatory rules on crate size, ventilation, labelling, species-specific handling, feeding, watering, and more.
- Since 2025, IATA has launched a digital portal (LAR Verify) to give shippers and airlines up-to-date, destination-specific requirements – critical when regulations change rapidly or when moving pets across different countries.
- Transporting pets outside IATA standards can lead to stress, injury, or even refusal by airlines.
DEFRA & UK Animal-Welfare / Pet-Travel Compliance
In the UK, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), often working via the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), sets the legal rules for importing or exporting pets, and for transporting live animals within Great Britain.
For example:
- Transporters must hold proper authorisations if animals travel more than 65 km.
- For pet travel into the UK, only certain approved airlines and routes may be used.
- Animal welfare must be met on route: animals must be fit to travel, have enough space, ventilation, water and rest, and handlers must be trained.
Failing to meet DEFRA rules can result in refusal at the border, quarantine or other problems – even if airline rules are followed.
What Accreditation Means for You and Your Pet
By working with a pet relocation company accredited by IPATA, IATA and compliant with DEFRA, you get a “triple-checked” assurance:
- Ethical, experienced pet-shipping professionals (IPATA)
- Proper, safe air-transport standards (IATA LAR)
- Full compliance with UK import/export and welfare laws (DEFRA/APHA)
In short – your pet’s safety, welfare and legal compliance are prioritised at every step.
At PetAir, we combine all three: we’re proud to be part of the IPATA network, we strictly adhere to IATA Live Animals Regulations on air shipments, and we meet all DEFRA/UK-import requirements. That means our clients enjoy peace of mind knowing that their pet is being relocated safely – not just as “cargo,” but as a cherished family member.
With over 300 destinations globally and 33,000+ pets safely relocated, PetAir’s experience speaks for itself.
Common Pitfalls When Accreditation is Missing
If you don’t use accredited services, you risk:
- Inadequate crates or carriers – missing ventilation, insufficient space for the animal to stand, turn or lie comfortably. At PetAir, we build and provide our own bespoke travel crates – you can learn more about travel crates here.
- Ill-timed or missing documentation – leading to delays, refusal or quarantine on arrival.
- Transporters who lack proper training or authorisation – increasing risk of stress, injury or welfare breaches.
- Non-compliance with country-specific import/export rules – especially critical for the UK after Brexit.
Some pet owners trying to “go it alone” end up spending more time re-arranging flights, hunting for approved crates, chasing vets for last-minute paperwork, or dealing with refusals at the border.
How to Choose a Reputable, Accredited Pet Shipper – What to Look For
When selecting a pet relocation company, check for:
- IPATA membership – look for a valid listing on IPATA’s directory.
- Confirmation they follow IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) – including appropriate airline bookings, compliant crates, and up-to-date knowledge of required procedures.
- Full DEFRA/APHA compliance – especially if your pets are entering or leaving the UK.
- Transparent documentation and communication – including health certificates, import/export permits, airline acceptance letters, and a clear flight plan.
- Pet-focused care, not “cargo-only” mentality.
Useful Tips for Pet Owners Planning to Relocate
- Begin planning early – book your flight, crate and vet visits well in advance. Airlines may have limited acceptance quotas for pets.
- Familiarise your pet with their travel carrier ahead of time so that the crate feels like a “safe space.” This reduces stress on travel day. PetAir offers 24/7 online vet access that includes behaviour consultations for crate training – learn more about this here.
- Confirm with the airline that they accept pets for transport on your specific flight, and make sure the flight routing avoids unnecessary layovers or excessive travel time.
- Ensure your pet meets all health, microchip, vaccination (e.g. rabies) and documentation requirements – especially for travel to/from the UK.
- Ask for a full itinerary and arrival process: where your pet will land, who will meet them, and how they will be transferred on arrival. PetAir can answer any questions you have – just give us a call!
Why PetAir Makes a Difference
When you choose PetAir, you’re not just getting a shipping service – you’re getting a pet-relocation specialist that:
- Is part of the global IPATA network
- Adheres strictly to IATA Live Animals Regulations
- Understands and manages DEFRA/UK welfare and import/export compliance
- Has a track record of safely relocating over 33,000 pets to 300+ destinations worldwide
- Learn more about why you should choose PetAir here or learn about the process you would go through when flying your pet with PetAir here.
That means less stress for you – and far better welfare and comfort for your pet.
If you’re planning a move with your dog or cat, trust PetAir to do the heavy lifting. Give us a call or get a quick quote online below – we’re here to help every step of the way.
