Pet relocation

Nearly half of the UK’s population own a pet – including 6 million dogs and 5.2 million cats. When you emigrate, you might want to take your best friend with you, but the process can be costly and time consuming. There’s a lot to think about: vaccinations, paperwork, transport, travel kennels, flights...

It may seem a daunting prospect, but more than a million pets fly safely around the world each year. As long as you allow plenty of time for the travel arrangements to be made, moving your pet should not cause any additional worry or stress.  Here are some things to think about to ensure that your pet/s travel safely:

• Travel kennels: all pets must travel in an IATA (International Air Transport Association) approved air kennel. Each kennel must strictly adhere to design guidelines and must allow plenty of space for your pet to stand, turn and be comfortable.
• Flights: pets are restricted to flying on certain flights as the aircraft must have a heated and pressurised livestock hold. Some airlines such as Ryanair and Easyjet do not carry pets at all, so always check with your chosen airline. If the flight to your destination is non-direct, ensure that the transit airport has the facilities to look after your pet safely.
• Import regulations: every country has different import regulations that you must adhere to. If you arrive in a country with the incorrect papers for your pet, you will be delayed while the error is corrected – or they may even decide to send your pet back to the UK.

You may decide that the best way to manage your pet’s move is to employ a specialist pet relocation company. Generally, your pet can be collected from anywhere in the UK. The pet relocation company will arrange their flight and travel kennel, provide the required export and import papers and deliver them safely to the airport ready for their trip.

Migration travel insurance for pets

It’s a big decision to relocate yourself and your family to a new country. The whole process can take years and no matter how meticulous the planning, there will still be i’s to dot and t’s to cross on arrival. Travel insurance is often left to the last minute – and then it can be very difficult to arrange on a ‘one-way’ basis. There are only a few organisations that specialise in this area and they can arrange a one-way policy to cover the period of travel, plus up to twenty one days after arrival at your final destination.

Up to 25,000 cats and dogs are exported each year to join their families abroad. We understand you want to know your pet is not only being looked after while they are apart from you, but also that you’re covered if anything should happen while they’re in transit and up to 24 hours after arrival. A few organisations have policies for shipping your pet, covering emergency vet fees, death due to natural causes, unforeseen expenditure in transit, liability and theft.

Frequently asked questions

Where will my pet travel in the aircraft?
All pets travel in the special livestock hold of the aircraft. This is fully pressurised and heated, providing exactly the same conditions as the passenger area upstairs.

How will my pet cope with the flight?
Pets travel very well; far better than people actually. They don’t know they are 30,000 feet in the air; there is no sensation of moving and no windows with anything rushing past.  As far as the pets are concerned, they are sitting in a comfy kennel in a very boring room, so they quickly just go to sleep.  This is why they look so much better than we do after a long haul flight.
 
My pet doesn’t like loud noises; will they be scared on the aircraft?
Aircraft noise is loud, but it is also very constant, like a droning in the background.  There are no sudden bangs and crashes, so pets settle very quickly.

Will my pet have enough space & how will he go to the toilet?
The IATA-approved travel kennels need to allow enough space for your pet to stand and turn and be comfortable; airlines will simply reject anything that is too small.  It is always good not to feed your pet on the day of the flight; this reduces the need for them to go to toilet.  You can’t help certain accidents, but by far the majority of pets arrive clean and tidy at their destination.  All approved kennels will have drinking facilities so your pet has water throughout the flight.

Do I have to travel with my pet?
If your pet travels as ‘cargo’, i.e. has its own flight reservation, then no, you can travel whenever you like.  Many clients like to travel a few days before their pet so they can make the house ready first. 

Will my pet have to undergo quarantine on arrival?
Certain countries such as Australia, Mauritius, North Cyprus, Jamaica and Malta still have a period of quarantine on arrival.  As long as the pets have come directly from the UK, the quarantine is no more than 30 days.

Can I bring my pet back to the UK?
If you travel to one of the PETS passport approved countries and you have a full PETS passport, then your pet can return to the UK without having to undergo quarantine.  If you move outside the approved country list, then your pet will need to undergo the full six months’ quarantine on return.  Please check with DEFRA regarding these regulations at www.defra.gov.au

If you would like more information on how to move a dog without the aid of a pet removals company, click here.

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