Relocating with your pet shouldn’t feel like an overwhelming challenge. At Airpets, we understand your pet is family – and our mission is to keep your pack together, wherever life takes you.
Since 1966, we’ve successfully relocated tens of thousands of pets across the globe, providing a comprehensive door-to-door pet relocation service that delivers complete peace of mind. Whether you’re moving abroad, arriving in the UK, or simply need expert help with customs clearance, we take care of it all.
Here’s how our stress-free process works, from your doorstep to your new destination.
Step 1: Enquiry & Quotation
Your journey with Airpets begins with a tailored consultation. When you contact us for a quote, our specialist team will gather details about your pet, travel timeline, destination and any specific requirements.
Every relocation is unique, whether you’re flying with your pet, sending them on ahead, or coordinating a complex move. That’s why we take the time to build a custom plan. With decades of global experience, we provide clear, upfront pricing with no hidden extras.
Curious about costs? Use our online estimator to find out how much it could cost to fly your pet.
Step 2: Home Collection
We offer a fully licensed home collection service covering all of mainland UK. Our climate-controlled vehicles and experienced handlers ensure your pet’s safety and comfort from the moment they leave your home.
Each of our drivers is a trained animal handler (most are pet owners themselves!) and they’ll already have your pet’s travel checklist to ensure a smooth, stress-free handover.
Step 3: Pre-Flight Care at Heathrow
Our headquarters are located on the Heathrow perimeter road, a prime position that minimises transit times and keeps your pet’s time in the crate to a minimum.
Your pet will be cared for in our exclusive Airpets Animal Lounge, a 5-star rated facility that includes:
- Secure kennels and suites for cats
- Climate control
- Individual sleeping and run areas
- Daily walks and enrichment
- Vet bedding, toys and tailored nutrition
- Trained animal attendants on-site 365 days a year
We also partner with Travelvet, our on-site veterinary surgery, for all necessary health checks, travel documents, and treatments. Whether it’s a rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatment or final health certificate, we’ve got it covered.
Step 4: Travel Crates & Flight Booking
As an IATA-accredited agent, we book your pet’s flight directly with the airline – no middlemen, no delays. Our pet travel consultants are regionally specialised and stay on top of all international pet travel requirements and import rules.
We supply airline-approved travel crates that are carefully matched to your pet’s unique needs. These are tried and tested for air travel, providing ample ventilation, secure locking, and comfortable bedding. If your pet needs to get familiar with their crate before travel, we’ll guide you through that process too.
Throughout the booking and preparation process, you’ll receive regular updates, so you’ll always have peace of mind.
Step 5: Departure & Flight
On the day of travel, your pet will be given a final check by our team, walked (if a dog), or comforted (if a cat) before being securely loaded onto the flight. Our Heathrow location allows us to transfer your pet to the aircraft with minimal waiting time.
If your pet is departing separately from you, we’ll coordinate everything to ensure their journey is seamless. And if they’re flying on the same flight as you – we’ll sync their schedule to match your travel.
Step 6: Arrival & Customs Clearance
If your pet is arriving in the UK, our services continue on the ground. We operate at the UK’s major pet-entry airports: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), and Manchester (MAN). Our team holds customs agent badges at each location, allowing us to manage the entire clearance process in-house.
From liaising with APHA and Border Control to ensuring a speedy release, we keep everything on track so your pet is back in your arms as quickly as possible.
We even handle specialised import requirements, including quarantine for rabbits, which still require a mandatory post-arrival stay. Airpets hold the necessary licences and facilities to fulfil these legal requirements safely.
Step 7: Home Delivery
Once customs are cleared, we can deliver your pet directly to your new home. This door-to-door service is especially valuable if you’re still getting settled or arriving separately. It’s one less thing to worry about – and it means your pet’s reunion with your family happens in a familiar and comforting environment.
Additional Services That Set Us Apart
- On-Site Vets: Travelvet operates within our Heathrow site for health checks, documentation and emergency support.
- Animal Lounge Boarding: Need time before or after the flight? Our Animal Lounge offers short and long-term stays with tailored care.
- Global Know-How: Our pet travel consultants are experts in international regulations, vaccinations, and airline policies.
- Booking Flexibility: As an IATA agent, we can adjust bookings swiftly – giving you flexibility when plans change.
- 5-Star Rated Facilities: Inspected and licensed, our lounges exceed welfare standards for dogs and cats.
Why Families Trust Airpets
For nearly 60 years, Airpets has helped pet owners relocate with confidence. We’ve seen every kind of move – from high-stakes international relocations to emotional reunions. Our team treats each pet as if they were our own.
With us, your pet is never just cargo. They’re part of your family, and we’re proud to keep them safe, happy, and cared for, every step of the way.
Ready to Begin?
Let’s make your move easier. Contact Airpets today to get a quote, ask us any questions or start planning your pet’s journey from home to abroad.