Pet Transportation to the UK
Trusted international relocation to the UK from Australia. Travel is complicated enough for humans, let alone your pets. Our experienced team ensures your pet is ready and able to fly when you are.
50+ years of experience
Offices across Australia & the UK
Dogtainers Pet Transport is rated 4.7 stars - from 1079 on Product Review
Expert International Pet Travel To The United Kingdom
We’re here to help .
At Dogtainers, we want to make sure that your move overseas is a stress-free process for you and your furry friend. We have offices all across Australia and in London, so our team will take great care of your pet at both ends of your journey. While it is a long-distance, the route from Australia to the UK is a popular one for pets and families.
Dogtainers has been providing international pet transport services from Australia to the United Kingdom (and in reverse) for many years now. Our pet transportation company employs experienced professionals to ensure that your pet is in the most capable hands. Taking care of your loved one’s comfort and safety is our number one priority.
Dogtainers works with 90% of the largest and smallest pet-friendly airlines across the globe. We will always find the most direct route, so you are reunited with your cat or dog as soon as possible. Depending on your situation, we can provide airport-to-airport, door-to-door service, or a tailor-maid solution for you.
Global Pet Transport Guarantee
Dogtainers is proud to offer the only International Service Guarantee in the pet transport
industry.
Our guarantee has been created to ensure you feel confident, reassured, and fully supported,
knowing your pet’s export from Australia is managed by experienced professionals every step of
the way.
(This guarantee excludes domestic flights and all import moves into Australia.)
As part of our International Service Guarantee :
-
- All travel arrangements are completed in a timely, secure, and fully compliant manner.
- Your pet is given the opportunity to acclimatise to their travel crate prior to travel. Once
your booking is confirmed, the crate is delivered to your residence at a pre-arranged time so your pet can become familiar and comfortable with it. - Your pet travels in a pressurised, temperature-controlled cabin maintained at approximately 18°C.
We follow the IATA Live Animals Regulations and work closely with governmentaccredited veterinarians to ensure all treatments and documentation meet international
export standards.
Where Do Pets Stay During Flight Layovers?
If your pet is travelling on a long-haul flight with a layover, either the airline officials or our team will take care of them on the ground, depending on how long the layover is.
- If the layover is short, your pet may be lodged on their connecting flight to continue their journey.
- If the layover is more than 3 hours, your pet will enjoy a supervised comfort stop, and the team on the ground will perform a welfare check to ensure your pet’s well-being.
- If the layover is more than 5 hours, our team can pick up your pet from the airport and bring them back to our offices for a break and a stretch, before returning them at the right time to board their next flight.
- If it is an overnight layover, your pet will either stay in a supervised pet area at the airport, or they can stay with us and we’ll take care of them until their next flight. We provide short-term lodging for cats, dogs, birds, and more.
What’s Included in Your UK Pet Move:
Specialised advice from a dedicated pet travel consultant.
Managed bookings for your pet on the most direct route to your destination, including flights.
Guidance on choosing the best size travel crate for your pet.
Options to buy or hire an airline-approved travel crate from our IATA specified stock.
Time for your pet to adapt to their travel crate before moving day.
Advice and schedules for pre-import blood tests and vaccinations (including rabies).
Endorsements and vet checks with overseas animal health authorities.
Comfort stops for your furry friend before boarding flights.
Options for road transport in our temperature-controlled pet travel vans to drop-off and collect your pet.
Photo updates of your pet before take-off, and check-in with you once they’ve arrived safely.
Why You Should Choose Dogtainers
There are four different categories recognised by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. The categories are based on the rabies risks of animals coming from these countries. Cats and dogs from approved countries are allowed to enter, provided all the veterinary requirements are met.
We are Australia’s largest owner-operated pet transport network and the only pet travel company to have our own offices and staff located in every state in Australia, including the Northern Territory.
Dogtainers has been operating for 50 years, and we import thousands of pets into Australia every year.
We’re an official RSPCA partner and a member of IPATA.
Most importantly, we’re pet lovers just like you! We understand that pets are family, and they deserve to be treated like it.
PROCESS TIMELINE
Our streamlined process ensures a smooth, stress-free pet relocation from enquiry to final delivery. Every step is carefully managed to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and fully compliant with international regulations
Step 1
Enquiry
Step 2
Blood tests & vetwork (30–60 days)
Step 3
Final treatments (2–4 days prior)
Step 4
Paperwork and AQIS approvals
Step 5
Check-in & pre-flight care
Step 6
Flight to NZ (~3 hours)
Step 7
Arrival and customs clearance
Step 1
Enquiry
Step 2
Blood tests & vetwork (30–60 days)
Step 3
Final treatments (2–4 days prior)
Step 4
Paperwork and AQIS approvals
Step 5
Check-in & pre-flight care
Step 6
Flight to NZ (~3 hours)
Step 7
Arrival and customs clearance
UK REQUIREMENTS
All requirements for transporting pets to UK are managed with care, following all import and health regulations. From vaccinations and documentation to final checks and travel, every step ensures a safe and compliant journey for your pet.
Dogs
- Rabies Vaccination – must be current and issued a minimum of 21 days prior to departure.
- Microchip implanted.
- Tapeworm treatment – at least 24 hours prior to departure, only required for dogs.
- AQIS export paperwork, health certificate, and final veterinary inspection.
Cats
- Rabies Vaccination – must be current and issued a minimum of 21 days prior to departure.
- Microchip implanted.
- Tapeworm treatment – at least 24 hours prior to departure, only required for dogs.
- AQIS export paperwork, health certificate, and final veterinary inspection.
Vaccines:
- C3 vaccine for dogs – vaccines should be given at least 14 days old before export.
- F3 vaccine for cats – vaccines should be given at least 14 days old before export.
Our Partners on the Ground
We have many partners in and around the UK, including Pets Abroad UK. Based in London, their office is just a short drive from Heathrow airport. Their highly trained team can manage the final leg of your pet’s journey. With a dedicated fleet of pet-friendly travel vans, Pets Abroad UK is your local UK pet courier service, transporting dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, and more.
Pet Pickup from Heathrow in the UK
If you need someone to pick up your pet from Heathrow airport, the Pets Abroad UK team can collect your pet on your behalf and deliver them to your preferred address.
UK BANNED BREEDS
Pit Bull Terrier
Japanese Tosa
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
Brazilian Fila
What Are the Next Steps?
Ready to transport your pet from Australia to the UK and want to get the process started? Fill out our online quote form, and we’ll get back to you with more details about key dates, requirements, and estimated prices.
Still a bit unsure? We have pages dedicated to the pet flight process, how best to prepare your pet for transport and a list of frequently asked questions you may have.
Prefer to speak to a real person? You can call one of our friendly pet travel consultants on 1300 13 52 52, and they’ll answer any questions you have about transporting pets from Australia to the UK.
FAQs About Pet Transport to UK
How Long is the Flight From Australia to the UK for Pets?
In general, you can expect the flight to last between 18 and 24 hours, depending on where you’re coming from and where you’re going to. For your pet’s comfort, we always book the most direct flight available. When a direct flight isn’t available, we ensure your pet is taken care of during their layover.
How Long Does The Pet Transportation Process To The United Kingdom Take?
Although the flights to the United Kingdom might only take a number of hours, planning for your pet’s trip can actually take several months to complete. This is because of the very strict pet importation restrictions and scheduling requirements the United Kingdom has in place. To avoid disappointment, we recommend contacting us at least one month before you’d like your pet to fly out.
How Do I Transport My Pet From Australia To The UK?
To transport your pet from Australia to the UK, there are several steps that need to be taken. First, you must obtain an airline-approved pet carrier and ensure that your pet has been microchipped. Then, your pet must receive a rabies vaccination more than 21 days prior to travel and undergo a final vet inspection by an Australian registered vet. You must also make an appointment with the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment for an export permit and health certificate. After that, you need to apply for a UK Transfer of Residency (TOR) and contact the airline to make a flight booking.
What Are The Regulations For Transporting Exotic Pets To The UK?
The cost of transporting a pet to the UK can range from $3,800.00 to $5,400.00. This cost includes the transportation fee, health certificate, and other associated costs.
Can I Bring My Pet Into The UK Without Quarantine?
Yes, you can bring your pet into the UK without quarantine if you follow all the necessary procedures. Clearance usually takes between 4 to 5 hours, after which you can take your pet home.
What Are The Requirements For Pet Vaccinations When Travelling To The UK?
Pets travelling to the UK must have a rabies vaccination more than 21 days prior to travel. The vaccination must be given by a registered veterinarian and must be up to date.
How Do I Obtain A Pet Passport For Travelling To The UK With My Pet?
An import health certificate is required for pets entering New Zealand. The health certificate must be completed by an official veterinarian in the country of origin and is specific to the group country they are originating from, endorsed by USDA or CFIA.
For popular countries, the health certificate requirements are as follows: Australia: An official health certificate is required, along with a declaration by the owner or agent that the pet has not been in contact with livestock or other animals that have not met the entry requirements for New Zealand. United States, Canada, and Europe: An official health certificate is required, along with a rabies vaccination certificate.
United Kingdom: An official health certificate is required, along with a declaration by the owner or agent that the pet has not been in contact with livestock or other animals that have not met the entry requirements for New Zealand, and a rabies vaccination certificate.
It’s important to check the requirements for the specific country of origin as they may vary. Your pet transport service can help you obtain the necessary health certificates and ensure that all requirements are met.
What Are The Regulations For Transporting Exotic Pets To The UK?
If you are transporting an exotic pet to the UK, you will need to obtain an import permit from UK quarantine. Additionally, the pet may require a 4-month quarantine period upon arrival in the UK. It is important to check the UK government’s website for the latest regulations regarding the transportation of exotic pets.
Start Your UK Pet Transport Journey
Australia: 1300 13 52 52 | New Zealand: 0800 13 52 52