What we do
Taking Your Pet Abroad
There's no getting around it—taking your pet by air outside the UK, whether on a short holiday or more permanently, is expensive, time-consuming, and complicated.
A host of regulations need to be followed, both country- and airline-specific, and they often change. Generally, the farther away or more exotic your destination, the more work is needed to meet import regulations and veterinary requirements and navigate the local rules.
Our job at Pets by Plane is to help you find and book the best flight, navigate the complexity of international regulations and ensure your pet travels as safely and economically as possible.
How it Works?
To start things off, we request that you complete our simple online form so that we can understand more about your pet’s journey. We require you to include your pet measurements (dogs only) and breed information- which are used to calculate the correct sized travel crate, and check your dog and/or cat is allowed to travel (some airlines have breed restrictions).
Once we know the crate size, we can look at the routes to your destination. Sometimes, direct flights are not an option, and a transit flight is required. However, we can normally always find a suitable route wherever you are going too. We calculate the shipping cost and prepare a quote, along with a list of all requirements and the services we can provide that are specific to that destination.
Â
Once you accept a quote, we will work closely with you to meet the country-specific import requirements. For some countries, the process is much simpler (USA, Europe) than others (Australia, New Zealand), and our quote and services reflect this.
As the flight draws closer, you will receive the travel crate for your pet to get used to before the flight. We will ensure all the documents are correct and complete, so that on the day of departure, there are no surprises or hiccups, ensuring you are reunited as quickly as possible at your destination.
What we do?
Airline and Route
Based on your pets breed and destination we will select the best airline and route. We work with many airlines, from British Airways, American Airlines, Emirates, Qatar, Lufthansa and KLM, to ensure that even for breeds restricted by some airlines, we can find a safe route for you.
Entry Requirements
Each country has differing rules and regulations. Some require blood tests, others don't - our knowledgeable team will help you navigate what is required and advise on vaccinations, speaking direct with your vet to ensure these are completed at the correct time.
Travel Crate
Using your pet's measurements, we will calculate the correct sized travel crate required for your pet, ensuring it is both airline and IATA-compliant. This could be a bespoke wooden crate or a moulded plastic crate. Each pet,and journey, is different and we will advise the best option for you.
Export Health Certificate
More often than not, an export heath certificate (EHC) will need to be completed within a certain period before departure. We apply to DEFRA on your behalf and can either complete this for you or send direct to your own vet for completion
Collection
We can include the option for us to collect your pet on the day or day before the flight, either heading straight to check in or overnight boarding depending on the services you request. All vehicles are DEFRA registered air conditioned vans.
Arrival
We can introduce you to other IPATA registered agents in the country of import to help with import clearance and handling, allowing you and your pet to be reunited as quickly as possible! Or, in some cases we can use our network of brokers to clear customs for you allowing you to collect from the cargo facility 2-4 hours after arrival.
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 on our FAQ page, but please don't hesitate to contact us if you have something specific you would like to ask.
