Heathrow is the UK’s largest airport, with 5 terminals and flying to destinations across the globe. Heathrow operates flights from airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and KLM, all of which transport pets.

Pet flights to and from Heathrow must be organised in advance with the airline. There are the usual regulations in place, pets must have a valid passport and up-to-date vaccinations and in some cases they will need UK government export documents, import permits from the country of destination and complicated pre travel blood samples/treatments.

Heathrow pet travel follows the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) whereby pets can enter the UK without quarantine as long as they follow the rules. This scheme is also the same for transporting pets out of the UK. Some countries may have their own rules regarding pet transport.

The airport team at London Heathrow ensure that pets are transported safely and comfortably, by regulating that animal containers meet the IATA requirements. PetAir are IATA agents, meaning we can advise and ensure you have acceptable pet crates, whilst making sure your pet has their home comforts.

When your pet arrives at Heathrow for entering the UK, they will be received at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC), near terminal 4. Here, the documentation will be checked and animal wellbeing will be ensured. Pets have access to water at all times, but their access to food will be limited to reduce the chances of them making a mess in their crates.

The HARC are (often but not always) responsible for delivering your pet to and from the aircraft and the centre. Some airlines, such as BA and Virgin, have their own teams who deliver the pets out to the aircraft.

From the HARC, our PetAir team can arrange collection of your animal to get them home or to your location. We can organise everything, from collection times and documentation needed.

Alternatively, if you would prefer for your pet to stay in a kennel/cattery apart from the airport, just let us know. PetAir rent space in a family-run animal boarding company in Windsor, nearby to London airports. Located in the country, pets can exercise in open spaces and PetAir have 24-hour access to your pets here.

PetAir have ample experience in transporting pets to and from Heathrow Airport. We understand that flying your pets can be stressful for owners, we can take care of everything to make sure the journey runs smoothly. Get in touch today.

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Contact us today to find out more.

US to the UK

From start to finish the service provided by PetAir UK was excellent. They are on top of everything – they communicate well – they let you know the process and keep you informed. We went for the Gold service and our dog took three days to get to us in the US from the UK....

Mipha’s Travels

I just wanted to thank you so much for all your hard work getting Mipha here safe. She is settling in really well. Thank you for putting my mind at ease and answering all my questions, I am truly grateful.

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Millie to Auckland

I am writing to thank you for providing such a trouble-free service to get her from our home in Hampshire to our new home here is Auckland. In particular, many thanks to Emma Chalmers who handled everything so efficiently and managed our last minute panics – change of collection details less than 24 hours before...