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Welcome to Pets by Plane

As experts in organising international air travel for pets, we are very proud of our motto 'We Care in The Air' and always make the comfort, safety and well-being of your pet our top priority.

About Us

A family run company, we have been shipping pets for over 25 years. Our comprehensive services cover every aspect of pet transportation, from paperwork and documentation to securing the most pet-friendly flights.

We work closely with airlines, customs officials, and other relevant authorities to navigate the complexities of international regulations, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process for you and your pets

What we do?


Planning a move abroad or going on a holiday and wondering about the best way to take your beloved pet along? Look no further! At Pets By Plane we specialise in all aspects of pet transportation by air.

Pet Export

With over 25 years of experience, our dedicated export team specialise in organising transportation to more than 150 countries. We are committed to guiding you through the entire process, ensuring a smooth, stress-free journey for both you and your pet.

Pet Import

Bringing a pet to the UK involves complying with specific import procedures to avoid any stay in quarantine. These vary depending on the type of pet and the country of origin. We provide comprehensive import services to ensure you and your pet are reunited as quickly as possible.

Popular Destinations

We can arrange travel to almost any country in the world and have been doing so for over 25 years. Some of our most popular destinations are featured below, but please don’t hesitate to contact us for other countries as we almost certainly can help!

Taking your pet to Australia

Taking your pet to New Zealand

Taking your pet to United States

Taking your pet to South Africa

Taking your pet to Europe

Taking your pet to Hong Kong

FAQs

Frequently asked questions...

We are sure you will have plenty of questions for us and we will happily answer these for you. In the meantime, some of our most frequently asked are below- for more information please don't hesitate to call, whats app, or use the online quote form.

In general, all pets must travel as 'manifested cargo'.  This means they travel in a special animal friendly compartment which is below the passenger cabin. This is kept pressurised, heated and ventilated throughout the flight.  It is also kept dark, which encourages pets to sleep through the flight.

All pets have to travel in containers which are compliant with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations, ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the flight.  Following these guidelines ensure they will have enough space in their crate to stand up, lie down and turn around easily.

We provide standard or custom-made air kennels which include absorbent bedding and food and water pots. We ensure the container is secure and isn't too big (which can make your pet feel insecure), or too small. We usually like to deliver your container at least a month before your pet's flight so they can get used to it well before they travel.

Airline shipping is calculated on the volume of the  travel crate. We advise constructing a bespoke IATA compliant wooden crate which is based of measurements of your pet - which helps minimise costs. Therefore, each quote is entirely unique. For a full quote it is best to fill in our online form and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

We will always try to use an existing travel crate, providing it is IATA compliant. To be certain that your own crate is suitable we would need to know what size it is, what it is made of (plastic or wood) the internal dimensions and some specific measurements from your pet. Click here to find out what measurements we need and how to measure your pet. 

Each country has different requirements when it comes to documents. Some require import permits to be applied for in advance - others don't. Almost all countries require some form of export documentation, whether an official DEFRA health certificate or an Animal Health Certificate. This defines the entry criteria that must be met which could be blood tests or vaccinations. Rabies vaccinations are a requirement for most countries. We can advise on each basis depending on where you are going to

Most flights will leave from the main international airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh etc).  Ultimately, the departure Airport will be determined by your destination as not all airlines serve all routes. We will always try and base the quote on the closest airport that we can fly from, minimising transfer times on the ground and if a transit stop is required on the journey.

 If you let us know which flight/airline you are planning to use and the date you plan to travel, we can make every effort to book cargo space on the same flight. This does depend on the airline having space and, for some flights, the time of arrival at transit points along the way. Additionally, in some countries animals are only permitted to arrive at certain airports. 

Unfortunately no. Neither passengers nor crew have access to the cargo hold during flight.

 Your pet will not be fed during the flight and we advise that you only give a light meal in the morning of travel if it's on a night flight. If your animal will be flying in the day, we advise it should be fed the night before. Your pet's air kennel will be fitted with a water container which will be filled before departure. We would also suggest that you exercise your pet as near to the flight time as possible.

We know that travel problems do arise. Maybe your own plans have changed, or your pet is unable to travel at the original time. Don't worry, as we can change the flight and get your pet back on track very quickly and, usually, only a small admin charge will be made to cover the amended paperwork and permits. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions regarding your pet's travel. 

Need any Help?

We're sure you have lots of questions about organising travel for your pet. We've listed some of the most common above, but please don't hesitate to contact us if you have something specific you would like to ask.

Read the latest news.

Discover the ins and outs of stress-free pet travel with our Pets by Plane blog!

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