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
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.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
The only pet transport company in Australia with a formal
International Service Guarantee
Your pet's international move is managed by experienced professionals every step of the way — backed by the only guarantee of its kind in the industry.
Fully compliant travel
All arrangements completed in a timely, secure and fully compliant manner — nothing left to chance.
Your pet's comfort first
Your pet acclimatises to their crate before travel and flies in a pressurised, temperature-controlled cabin at 18°C.
End-to-end management
From permits and health checks to airline coordination and delivery — we handle every detail so you don't have to.
Trusted by industry leaders and government bodies
What’s Included When We Plan Your Pet's Travel
- Specialist advice from a dedicated pet travel consultant.
- Flights for your pets and ongoing booking managment.
- Help to select 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.
- Assistance with arranging Government Health Certificates and export/import permits.
- A comfort stop on their way.
- 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.
TRUSTED SINCE 1971
Why Choose Dogtainers
Australia's most trusted pet transport company — 50 years of experience, offices in every state, and a team of genuine pet lovers.
● Official RSPCA partner
● IPATA member
● Australia's oldest pet transport company
Offices in every state
The only pet transport company with local offices and staff in every state and territory — always someone nearby looking after your pet.
50 years of experience
Operating since 1971 — Australia's oldest pet transport company, moving thousands of pets safely every year.
Accredited and trusted
Official RSPCA partner and IPATA member. Your pet is in certified hands from pick-up to delivery.
Pet lovers, just like you
We know pets are family. Every team member shares your commitment to their care and wellbeing.
Taking Dogs from Australia to the UK
Flying dogs from Australia to the UK is one of our most popular routes. We regularly fly dogs from Sydney and Melbourne to London, England.
Comfortable Air Travel for Pets
Pet transport by air is the quickest and most efficient way of moving your pet to or from the UK with the least amount of hassle. For international flights, pets travel in the cargo cabin, which is pressurised just like the cabin you fly in. The captain of the plane knows your pet is on board and keeps the air-conditioning set to a comfortable 18ºC. With the gentle hum of the aircraft, pets often spend the time dozing before reaching their destination.
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.
The Process
A Clear Path, Every Step of the Way
From first enquiry to safe arrival, our team manages every requirement so your pet's journey stays simple and stress-free.
Enquiry
Tell us about your pet, travel dates and destination.
Health & Vaccinations
Required tests and treatments completed to schedule.
Documentation
Import permits and paperwork lodged and approved.
Booking & Crate Prep
Pre-Flight Check
Final vet clearance and comfort check before departure.
Arrival & Delivery
Customs cleared and your pet safely reunited with you.
Please allow enough time for the full process — depending on your destination country's requirements, this can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months. Our team will confirm the exact timeline for your pet's journey.
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.
- 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.
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.
International Pet Transport to the UK FAQs
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.
How Much Does It Cost To Transport A Pet In The UK?
The cost of transporting your pet will vary depending on several factors, such as the route, breed, weight, and mode of transport, so it’s best to get a Quote to get a better idea of the costs involved.
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?
Once you arrive at a UK port with your pet, UK customs and quarantine will complete the necessary paperwork and issue a pet passport.
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.
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.