About us

Trust us to keep your family pack together wherever that may be. Our story and values are unique. As a family-run business since the 60s, we’ve stayed true to our roots by prioritising care and respect for all pets. Our trained, dedicated team handles every job with empathy, ensuring safe and smooth transitions. From home collection to air-side drop-off, we treat every pet with the utmost care throughout their journey.

The Heathrow Animal Lounge

History

A family business since 1966

The origin of Airpets stretches back over 50 years, when Mr John Woodward, a farmer, established Airpets with a small number of boarding kennels. Following the introduction of the Rabies Act 1974 and located so close to Heathrow, the kennels were then used to provide animal accommodation to meet the quarantine requirements at that time. The increasing demand for people bringing their pets to the UK led to further expansion of the kennels, providing larger and more comfortable facilities for all types of domestic animals.

Airpets Oceanic logo with silhouettes of pets over globe shapes, next to man posing with large dog
(Above) Our original logo and founder Mr John Woodward with Ben the Rottweiler, (Right) Mr John Woodward’s daughter Gillian checking Milo in for his flight.

The Pet Travel Scheme was then formed in the 80’s removing the need for quarantine between a growing number of countries and the demand for international pet travel grew. Airpets became an IATA accredited cargo agent with the ability to make flexible airline bookings on behalf of pet owners. This put Airpets at the forefront of developing the booking and health checking process for pets travelling by air cargo from Heathrow.

Today, Airpets is ran by 3rd generation family members, Directors Jack and Hugo, alongside Sophie who leads on moves to Australia and animal welfare. We continue to work closely with all air cargo operators to ensure travel routes remain accessible without compromising on the safety or security of any animal.

Woman with Labrador retriever at British Airways Flying Pets Club, vintage airport pet travel photo

The Airpets Family

Senior Team

  • Airpets Team - Hugo

    Hugo

    Director

  • Airpets Team - Jack

    Jack

    Director

  • Airpets Team - Lee

    Lee

    General Manager

  • Airpets Team - Fran

    Fran

    Heathrow Animal Lounge Manager

  • Airpets Team - Jake

    Jake

    Pet Travel Manager

  • Macro photo of dog eye with fur detail – pet close-up for animal photography

    Amanda

    Compliance Manager

  • Airpets Team - Sophie

    Sophie

    Pet Travel Consultant, Animal Welfare Manager

Animal Welfare, Travel & Transport Teams

  • Close-up of dog ear with fine hair detail – canine macro photography outdoors

    Ethan

    Driver

  • Close-up of a curious tabby cat indoors

    Ailise

    Pet Travel Consultant

  • Airpets Team - Nicole

    Nicole

    Animal Lounge Assistant

  • Airpets Team - Helen

    Helen

    Animal Welfare Assistant

  • Close-up of tabby cat nose and whiskers – detailed pet portrait photography

    Dot

    Animal Welfare Assistant

  • Airpets Team - Kerrie-Ann

    Kerrie-Ann

    Office Reception

  • Airpets Team - Amaya

    Amaya

    Animal Welfare Assistant

  • Close-up of black dog paw with visible pads and claws – detailed pet photography

    Jodie

    Pet Import Consultant

  • Airpets Team - Amber

    Amber

    Pet Import Consultant

  • Airpets Team - Beth

    Beth

    Animal Welfare Assistant

  • Airpets Team - Rebecca

    Rebecca

    Animal Welfare Assistant

  • Airpets Team - Darren

    Darren

    Driver

  • Airpets Team - Vikcy

    Vicky

    Animal Welfare Assistant

  • Airpets Team - Sheila

    Sheila

    Animal Welfare Assistant

  • Airpets Team - Charlotte

    Charlotte

    Pet Import and Quarantine Consultant

  • Macro shot of ginger and white cat nose – feline close-up with fine fur detail

    Amy

    Driver

  • Airpets Team - Jack

    Jack

    Driver

  • Airpets Team - Katie

    Katie

    Animal Welfare Assistant

  • Airpets Team - Luis

    Luis

    Driver

  • Airpets Team - Ella

    Ella

    Animal Lounge Assistant

  • Airpets Team - Emily

    Emily

    Pet Travel Consultant

  • Airpets Team - Mark

    Mark

    Driver

  • Airpets Team - Will

    Will

    Animal Welfare Assistant

  • Airpets Team - Tilly

    Tilly

    Animal Welfare Assistant

  • Airpets Team - Lauren

    Lauren

    Pet Travel Consultant

  • Airpets Team - Gary

    Gary

    Driver

Join the team

Love animals and ready for an exciting career?
Join the Airpets team and help pets travel the world.