When your pet is travelling by air, their journey begins long before they reach the airport. Before they even board the flight, it’s vital to deal with everything from finding the right crate to dealing with documents and any health requirements.
At Airpets, we help manage this process from start to finish. As a family-run pet travel company established in the 1960s, we understand that pets are part of your family. Our role is to make every stage as safe, organised and stress-free as possible, from the collection from your home to air-side drop-off.
What happens before a pet boards a flight?
Before your pet boards a flight, their travel documents, health checks and transport arrangements all need to be confirmed. This helps ensure they meet airline and destination requirements and are ready for a safe journey.
At Airpets, we guide owners through each step. We make direct airline bookings as an IATA accredited agent, arrange suitable travel crates, support with paperwork and provide home collection services where needed. We also provide first-class care for pets in our animal lounge before their onward journey.
Why does air travel for pets need careful planning?
Transporting a pet needs careful planning because every country, airline and route can have different rules. These may include vaccination requirements, microchip details, export paperwork, health certificates, crate regulations and arrival procedures.
This is where working with an experienced pet transport company can make a real difference. Our pet travel consultants each specialise in regional destinations, which means we can advise on changing requirements worldwide and help manage the process door to door.
Planning also helps avoid last-minute problems. Some documents have strict timeframes, while others must be completed by an Official Veterinarian or approved authority. If one part of the process is missed, your pet’s journey could be delayed.
How do we prepare your pet’s paperwork?
We help identify what documents your pet needs based on where they are travelling to or from. This may include veterinary certificates, proof of vaccinations, microchip information, import permits or export health certificates.
The exact requirements depend on the destination. For example, pets leaving the UK may need specific export paperwork, while pets arriving in the UK may need customs clearance and checks before they can be released.
Our team helps you understand what is needed and when it must be completed. We know that paperwork can feel overwhelming, especially when you are also planning your own move, so we aim to make the process clear and manageable.
What role does the airline play?
The airline booking is one of the most important parts of your pet’s journey. Pets must be booked correctly with an airline that can safely carry them on the right route.
As an IATA accredited agent, we book directly with airlines. This means there are no middle men involved, helping us make fast and flexible flight bookings for your pet. We also keep owners regularly updated, so you know what is happening before travel day.
Choosing the right flight is not just about availability. We also consider timing, welfare, route suitability and how long your pet may need to spend in their travel crate before departure.
Why is the crate checked before the flight?
Your pet’s travel crate must meet airline acceptance requirements. It needs to be the correct size, strong enough for air travel and suitable for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably.
At Airpets, we source and supply tried and tested crates that meet airline requirements. This is important because an unsuitable crate could cause delays at the airport or even prevent your pet from travelling.
A good travel crate also supports your pet’s comfort. It gives them a secure space during the journey and helps reduce unnecessary stress before and during the flight.
Can Airpets collect pets from home before the flight?
Yes, we offer a home collection service across mainland UK. As a licensed pet transport operator, we can collect your pet and bring them to the next stage of their journey.
Our drivers are experienced animal handlers and are dedicated to transporting pets safely and securely. They will have information on your four legged friend and their travel checklist, helping ensure a smooth handover.
Our fleet is climate controlled and subject to daily compliance checks, giving owners added reassurance that their pet is being transported safely and with care.
What happens when your pet arrives at Airpets?
When your pet arrives with us, their welfare remains our priority. We check key travel details, monitor their comfort and make sure they are cared for before they continue to the airport.
Our Heathrow Animal Lounge is made up of airport pet reception, boarding accommodation and exercise paddocks. It is exclusively for pets before or after their flight, with 5-star ratings for cat and dog welfare.
This means your pet can be looked after in a dedicated environment rather than waiting unnecessarily in a busy or unsuitable setting.
How do we keep dogs comfortable before a flight?
Our facilities for dogs are designed for their welfare. They include heating and cooling to maintain comfortable temperatures, secure grass paddocks and separate run and sleeping areas.
Our trained attendants spend one-to-one time with dogs during twice daily walks, giving them the chance to stretch their legs before or after travel. We also keep hygienic toys and nutritious foods in stock, which can be tailored to your dog’s needs.
For many owners, knowing their dog has time, space and care before a flight provides real peace of mind.
How do we care for cats before a flight?
Cats need calm, clean and secure surroundings before travelling. Our kennels for cats include elevated ‘penthouse’ units, giving our feline friends the option to hide away or look out of the window.
We use wipe-clean surfaces, plastic beds lined with vet bedding and daily litter changing to keep the cat lounge safe and hygienic. Dedicated cat carers help keep cats engaged and comfortable during their stay.
On-site veterinary attendance is also available if a cat needs special attention, and we stock major wet and dry food brands, with special diets catered for on request.
Are vets involved before pets travel?
Specialist veterinary expertise is available through Travelvet and their travel surgery facility at Airpets. This can be especially helpful when animals need checks, travel-related support or additional attention before their journey.
Transporting pets often involves strict health requirements, so having veterinary support close by is an important part of providing a complete service. We want you to feel confident that your pet’s wellbeing is being properly considered.
What is air-side drop-off?
Air-side drop-off is the stage where your pet is handed over for their flight after the required checks and procedures have been completed. By this point, the booking, documents, crate and travel arrangements should already be in place.
Because we are located on the Heathrow perimeter road, we can help minimise pet transit times. This gives pets the shortest possible time in their crate before departure, which is better for their comfort and overall welfare.
Our location is one of the reasons many owners choose Airpets when travelling through Heathrow.
What should owners do before their pet is collected?
Before your pet is collected, owners should make sure all agreed documents are ready, feeding guidance has been followed and any medication, diet or special care instructions have been shared.
It is also helpful to keep your pet’s routine as calm as possible. Avoid making sudden changes to food or activity unless advised. If your pet has specific needs, tell us in advance so we can prepare properly.
We will guide you through what is needed before collection, so you are not left guessing.
How do we reduce stress before the journey?
We reduce stress by managing the details clearly and carefully. This includes planning the route, confirming paperwork, arranging suitable crates, using trained handlers and providing updates throughout the process.
We also understand the emotional side of transporting a pet. Saying goodbye to them before a flight can feel worrying, even when the move is exciting. Our team handles every animal with empathy and respect, treating them as part of the family. We also provide photo, video and welfare updates of your pets during their stay, so you’ll always know what’s happening.
From collection to boarding, we’re one of the leading pet transport companies for those seeking safe, calm and well-managed travel.
Ready to plan your pet’s flight?
If your pet is preparing to fly, the earlier you start planning, the smoother the journey is likely to be. Every destination has its own rules, and every pet has their own needs.
At Airpets, we are here to help keep your family pack together, wherever life is taking you.
If you’re looking for pet transport companies, simply get in touch with our team to request a quote.