Moving Pet to the UK? Read this!

Moving your pet to the UK requires four to six weeks pre-planning at this time.

• Pets immigrating to the UK must travel air cargo. Airline choices and space are limited.
• The Animal Reception Center (ARC) at Heathrow Airport in London is booked four to six weeks out. All animals entering the UK through Heathrow must go through the ARC.

There are options to flying into Heathrow. Options add travel time, planning time and may increase cost.

• We can book air cargo into Manchester or another major European airport. Pet import requirements in that destination will apply. 
• We can arrange ground transport from major airports to your new UK home.
• If you are booked to fly before your pet can relocate, we can work with your pet's designated caregiver or can recommend a pet hotel. We will then arrange pick-up and drop-off at air cargo when your pet is booked to fly.

To get started, tell us more about your pet move. A pet mover will be assigned on our next business day. Your pet move manager will email you with their contact and more information about next steps. All of our UK move specialists know the challenges surrounding a UK pet move and they are creative about moving your pet safely to your new home.

Don’t Tranquilize Pets on the Move Advises Air Animal Veterinarian

Air Animal advises pet parents not to dose their pets with tranquilizers before a pet move. Tranquilizers affect pets differently than they affect people and the outcome may be unpredictable, says Dr. Walter M. Woolf, Air Animal’s veterinarian owner.

“In pets, tranquilizers dilate the veins and arteries slowing blood flow. They depress breathing. And, they reduce the natural ability to regulate body temperature. All of those responses can cause medical problems during transport. Our pets can’t complain, but they may act frightened or may become aggressive when tranquilized,” he said.

Air Animal recommends asking a veterinarian about a DAP collar for dogs or Feliway cat pheromones. DAP collars and Feliway can help pets in a range of stressful situations: air travel, settling into new homes, fireworks, Christmas, new baby and staying home alone. They may also help prevent or reduce stress-related inappropriate behaviors including excessive barking, destruction/clawing/chewing, house soiling, pacing, trembling, salivating. Re-training may be required to eliminate unwanted behavior. DAP is not usually recommended for hyperactive or aggressive pets.

Thundershirts, another type of calming device, cannot be used on board aircraft. Airlines have prohibited them because they may constrict the pet’s chest and lungs and cause breathing problems during flight.

“We don’t recommend using CDB treats, oils or THC-derivatives either. They can also muddle hearing, vision and balance,” Woolf added.

Moving is stressful enough. Pet moving made easy® is our focus, our passion and our promise.

Leon, Shetland Sheepdog, New Jersey to Switzerland

KNOWAtlanta Relocation Magazine Features Air Animal

Thanks a million, KNOWAtlanta Relocation Guide for the shout out in their Oct. 1, 2019 post about moving pets to Atlanta. Our tails are wagging!