Importing Pets into the UK
Calm, compliant UK arrivals from touchdown to home
If you wish to fly your pet out of the UK – please use our Pet Travel Quote Form
Bringing your pet home to the UK should feel like a reunion – not a paperwork nightmare
PetAir UK’s import service is a vet-led, specialist team that manages what happens after your pet lands: document checks, customs clearance, coordination with the Animal Reception Centre, and a safe, welfare-first handover so your pet can get home smoothly
UK arrival airports we support:
- London Heathrow (LHR)
- London Gatwick (LGW)
- Manchester (MAN)
- Glasgow (GLA) – Coming Soon!
- Edinburgh (EDI) – Coming Soon!
If your pet meets the UK entry rules, they can usually avoid quarantine – and our job is to help you arrive correctly prepared so there are no nasty surprises at the border.
Jump to: How UK arrivals work | Airports & handover options | Quarantine & avoiding delays | ArrivalsPlus Aftercare Service | Costs, VAT & reliefs | FAQs | Get an Import Quote
How UK arrivals work (what happens once your pet lands)
When pets arrive in the UK via the cargo/commercial import route, there’s usually a 4–6 hour arrival and clearance process before they can be released. We know that can feel like a long wait when you’re desperate to see them – so here’s a clear, reassuring look at what happens, step by step.
What happens after landing – step by step
Arrival and transfer to the Animal Reception Centre (ARC)
Your pet is moved safely into a secure, welfare-focused area where they can rest while the checks begin.
Document and compliance checks
The ARC team confirms everything matches up – including your pet’s microchip details and the required paperwork.
Customs clearance (this is where we step in)
We coordinate the clearance process and handle the admin so things keep moving without unnecessary hold-ups.
A calm, welfare-first wait
Your pet has time to settle after the flight, with fresh water and gentle handling – comfort matters, especially after travelling.
Release and onward travel
Once everything is signed off, your pet can be collected (where permitted) or continue their journey home via trusted delivery.
How PetAir helps (so you don’t feel you’re doing this alone)
- UK arrival coordination and customs clearance support
- Paperwork pre-checks to spot potential issues before your pet travels
- Clear updates on timings, handover, and onward travel options
- Optional home delivery for the smoothest possible “welcome home” moment
The UK import airports we cover – and what that means for you
Choosing the right arrival airport and route is not just convenience – it affects compliance, timing, and which handling facilities your pet will use.
PetAir UK import arrival airports
- London Heathrow (LHR) – UK’s major hub for international pet arrivals
- London Gatwick (LGW) – Alternative London option for pet imports into the UK
- Manchester (MAN) – strong coverage for the North and onward UK travel
- Coming Soon! – Glasgow (GLA) – key Scottish arrival option
- Coming Soon! – Edinburgh (EDI) – Scottish arrival option with dedicated animal receiving facilities
Once your pet has been cleared, we’ll help you pick the handover option that best fits your plans:
- Home delivery – a favourite after long-haul journeys, with less driving and a calmer finish to a big day
- Same-day onward travel – when timings line up, your pet can continue their journey without an overnight stop
- Overnight rest at an approved boarding facility – ideal if your pet would benefit from a good sleep and some quiet recovery time before travelling on
Quarantine in the UK – when it happens, and how we help you avoid it
This is the worry most owners carry – and it’s completely understandable.
In the UK, quarantine can be required (up to 4 months) if entry requirements are not met or paperwork is incorrect.
The reassuring news is: if your pet meets the UK rules, quarantine is usually avoidable – and strong preparation is the difference.
Common reasons pets are delayed (and how we reduce risk)
- Microchip and documentation mismatch
- Incorrect timing or format of health certification
- Missing required treatments (where applicable)
- Route not aligned with approved carriers/airports
Our approach: prevention first
- Pre-check paperwork before travel
- Clear guidance on what UK border teams will expect
- Practical, calm support if plans change (including urgent timelines)
ArrivalPlus aftercare – helping pets settle after UK arrival
Arriving in the UK is not the finish line. It’s the moment your pet needs comfort, routine and support.
Every PetAir import includes ArrivalPlus – designed to help your pet settle into home life after travel.
Included (at no extra cost)
- Recommended local UK vet practice + help arranging a first health check
- 3 months’ access to 24/7 veterinary advice via video or chat
- Online pet store voucher (food, bedding, comfort items)
- Preventative healthcare plan offer via the recommended vet practice
- Refer-a-friend reward (for families relocating too)
Optional upgrades
- Home delivery
- Out-of-hours clearance support
Costs, VAT and UK reliefs – what owners need to know early
What do you need for entry into the UK?
Importing pets into the UK can involve charges beyond travel itself, including clearance/handling and, in some cases, VAT depending on your circumstances.
VAT relief that may apply
- Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief – for families relocating to the UK (apply early; processing can take time)
- Returned Goods Relief – may apply if your pet was exported from the UK within the last 3 years and you have evidence
We’ll explain what we can and cannot advise on – and we’ll always tell you clearly what’s likely to apply in your situation.
VAT Calculation:
- Pet’s value
- + transport cost
- + a standard £100 VAT adjustment
- Then total x 20% VAT
(VAT is in addition to landing and clearance fees.)
Quick FAQs – importing pets into the UK
Do pets have to fly as cargo when arriving in the UK?
All pets arriving in the UK on commercial flights must do so as consigned cargo, meaning they will travel in the aircraft hold – this is a UK entry requirement, regardless of the country they’re travelling from. In some cases, such as private jet arrivals, pets may be permitted to travel in the cabin (subject to the specific route and approvals).
How do I know if my pet will need quarantine?
Quarantine is typically only used when requirements are not met. With correct preparation, it is often avoidable.
Which UK airports can my pet arrive into?
We support UK arrivals into Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh (and we’ll advise on the best option for your onward travel).
Where can I check the official UK guidance?
Visit: GOV.UK ‘Bringing your pet to Great Britain’.
Get an Import Quote – UK arrivals handled by a vet-led team
Tell us where your pet is travelling from, preferred UK arrival airport, and your approximate timeline – and we’ll come back with clear next steps.
- Paperwork pre-check support
- UK arrivals coordination and customs clearance
- Optional home delivery and out-of-hours handling