Question 1

What is door to door service?

Accepted Answer

Your pet will be collected in a climate-controlled, state of the art vehicle by a Pets Abroad UK pet handling specialist and transported to premium holding facilities before travelling. All Pets Abroad UK vehicles are DEFRA Type 2 authorised and in line with current regulation. At the appropriate time, your pet will be transported to the airport and a Pets Abroad UK handler will be waiting at the other end to carefully courier the pet to its final destination.

Question 2

What Is an Airport to Airport Service?

Accepted Answer

When you choose airport to airport pet travel, you are arranging for Pets Abroad UK to book your pet on a flight using their discounted freight rates. A crate for your pet will be available at the airport 90-120 minutes before travel.

The Pets Abroad UK office is just ten minutes from London Heathrow airport. We meet all of our clients at either our office, private boarding kennel, cattery, or vet clinic prior to travel to prepare the pets.

Question 3

Can I Have a Tailor-Made Travel Plan?

Accepted Answer

Our team consists of both vets and vet nurses. We can ensure that any anxious pets or pets on medication are catered for through a detailed travel plan specifically designed to address any special veterinary care they require.

With Pets Abroad UK’s extensive national network of professional pet travel consultants, you can confidently receive information on the many and varied levels of service. Simply contact Pets Abroad UK to discuss your requirements.

Question 4

How Long Before Take-off Must Pets Arrive at the Airport?

Accepted Answer

The UK requires pets to be checked in 4-5 hours prior to departure. To minimise last minute disasters, we usually meet the day before and board overnight on site, or request our clients arrive around 6 hours prior to the flight.

Pets Abroad UK travel consultants will confirm with each booking the time you are required to be at the airport and ensure your pet is presented within the requirements of the airline they are travelling on. Should your pet be travelling internationally your professional sales consultant will advise all details in regards to your pets’ movements prior to departure.

Question 5

Can I Give My Pet a Meal or Treat Before They Fly?

Accepted Answer

To avoid travel sickness, it is recommended you don’t feed your pet at least six hours before their travel time.

Question 6

Should I Sedate My Pet to Reduce the Stress of Travel?

Accepted Answer

Sedatives are not allowed but our experienced vets and vet nurses can advise on appropriate anti-anxiety medication for your pet if they require it.

Question 7

Where Do Pets Travel on the Plane?

Accepted Answer

Pets travel in a compartment which is usually at the rear of the plane. Pets travel in a temperature-controlled environment that is set to approximately 18deg by the captain of the flight. The compartment is pressurized in the same way the passenger cabin is and is dimly lit. With the gentle hum of the aircraft pets often spend the time dozing before reaching their destination.

Question 8

Can My Pet’s Favourite Toy or Blanket Travel With Them?

Accepted Answer

Pets from the UK are not allowed any toys or collars in their crate. However, we can affix them securely to the outside of the crate so they are around a familiar scent.

Question 9

Will My Pet Travel on the Same Flight as Me?

Accepted Answer

Every airline has to abide by a set of standards and regulations with pet travel, it is best to contact Pets Abroad UK to discuss the airline you intend to travel on prior to purchasing passenger tickets. This will enable you to make an informed decision on which airline you can travel on and suitable flights on offer with the preferred airline.

Question 10

<h2>What Happens Before, During and After the Flight?

Accepted Answer

Once lodged at the airline terminal for the flight the airline staff place your pet in a special waiting area. Your pet will be last to be loaded onto the flight to avoid any lengthy waits in the elements on the tarmac.

On the flight, the pets are secured into position in the temperature-controlled, pressurized area. Unfortunately, while in transit the aircraft configuration doesn’t allow for an airline staff member to check on your pets.

Pets are the first off the plane and are then taken to the cargo terminal. If your pet is transiting a particular airport on route to their final destination Pets Abroad UK staff will provide a comfort stop if time allows or the airlines will check to see that your pet is travelling well and ready for the next leg.

If your pet has arrived at their final destination before you’re ready to collect them, we have both kennels and catteries located just ten minutes from LHR where they can stay.

Question 11

Which Travel Crate Will My Pet Travel In?

Accepted Answer

It is critical to your pet’s wellbeing when travelling that your pet travels in a crate that is suitable for them. This means a crate that is not too small but also means a crate that is not too big. A crate that is too big for your pet can mean if the flight has some turbulence your pet can become unsettled.

Pets Abroad UK is an expert in crate size selection. All crates used by Pets Abroad UK comply with IATA specifications and are therefore approved by the airlines. Pets Abroad UK have extensive information on travel crates at crate hire.

Question 12

I'm Travelling Today but Not Ready to Collect My Pet. Can You Make Arrangements for Me?

Accepted Answer

Pets Abroad UK have a network of privately owned and approved agent boarding facilities in many destinations, please contact your Pets Abroad UK office to discuss the requirements for entry, local pricing and availability particularly in peak seasons. If you’re looking for longer-term pet accommodation, we have both kennels and catteries at our office facility, where we also provide veterinary services.

Pets Abroad UK can also offer many other services whilst boarding such as exercise plans, hydro bathing and grooming services, please call to discuss.

Question 13

I’m Unsure of the Style of Service I May Need?

Accepted Answer

Pets Abroad UK can handle as much or as little of a service as you may need. We can offer a full door to door service meaning your pet will be collected from your residence in one of our climate-controlled vans, taken to boarding or directly to the airport depending on the flight schedule and collected and delivered at the destination. In the case of international travel, this would also include the customs clearance and other requirements in the destination country.

We also offer other services including airport to airport or depot to depot, depending on what you may need. Please see our pet travel services page for more details.

Question 14

What Else Can I Do to Ensure My Pet Has a Safe and Comfortable Trip?

Accepted Answer

The first rule to follow is that you stay relaxed. Pets can sense stress in humans and it makes them uneasy, particularly if there is a change in the air like a move domestic or overseas. When you send your pets with Pets Abroad UK, you can trust that your pets will be given the highest standard of care. All decisions we make for your pet regarding the routing, day and time of travel, crate size and other relevant items are based on ensuring the highest level of welfare for your pet. Check out our tips on preparing a pet for travel go to pet travel preparation.

Question 15

What if My Pet Needs a Vet While Travelling?

Accepted Answer

Pets Abroad UK works with the United Kingdom’s largest contingent of government Official Vets right across the country. While the requirements have changed we very much recommend a former accredited vet completes your vetting. Pets Abroad UK works with accredited vets in your area to ensure timely blood tests are met and all necessary vaccinations are given all within a controlled veterinary environment rather than your house environment minimising the risk to your pet.

Question 16

Is Pet Transport Safe?

Accepted Answer

The overwhelming answer to this question is yes!

Dogs, cats and other pet’s types like reptiles, rabbits, birds and even fish travel extremely well without suffering any adverse side effects. Pets travel in a pressurized, temperature-controlled dimly lit section of the cargo hold, where the travel crates are safely strapped into position by trained airline staff. It may be of some comfort to know that the captain of the aircraft sets the temperature of the cargo hold. When animals are travelling the temperature is generally set to approximately 18 degrees Celsius.

Pets Abroad UK strictly follow the protocols laid out by IATA in the Live Animals Regulations manual. The regulations cover key areas such as crate specifications, airport and airline restrictions and safe travelling conditions. In addition to the Live Animal Regulations (LAR) Pets, Abroad UK calls on a nationwide network of government accredited vets to ensure timely blood tests are met and all necessary vaccinations are given all within a controlled veterinary environment minimizing the risk to your pet.

The shortest routes to all destinations are chosen. If a direct route is not possible, where time permits Pets Abroad UK staff will do a personal comfort stop in transit at the airport terminal. Your pet will have access to water throughout the flight.

For further information regarding how best to prepare a pet for transport go to pet travel preparation.

Question 17

Where Do Dogs Go on a Plane?

Accepted Answer

Some airlines allow small pets to travel in the cabin, but this is less common. In most cases, dogs travel in the cargo hold at the rear of the plane. This compartment is dimly lit and pressurised in the same way the passenger cabin is, with its temperature set to roughly 18 degrees by the captain. Most pets acclimatise well to this area and often spend the flight sleeping before reaching their destination.

Question 18

UK Pet Pick Up and Delivery

Accepted Answer

Our UK team is based in London, with a team of drivers and vans designed for pet transport.

The office is Located close to Heathrow Airport. We can transport your pet by road from any airport to anywhere in Great Britain.

Our UK-based team has a fleet of drivers and Type 2 DEFRA-approved vans to transport pets anywhere in the United Kingdom.

Question 19

What if something goes wrong?

Accepted Answer

Dogtainers™ proudly stands as the first and only pet transport company in Australia to introduce a Domestic Pet Transit Plan for your cherished pet (intended for use within Australia only). Our Pet Transit Plan is crafted to address concerns related to unforeseen circumstances that may arise, even in an ideal scenario. This plan provides protection against unexpected costs associated with events beyond anyone’s control, including aircraft delays, cancellations, reschedules, aircraft changes, and other operational issues. Your pet’s journey is important to us, and the Domestic Pet Transit Plan offers peace of mind in navigating the uncertainties of travel.

If something goes wrong during your pet’s travel, Dogtainers is committed to addressing and resolving issues promptly. We have dedicated customer support to assist you in case of any unforeseen circumstances. It’s important to communicate directly with Dogtainers if you encounter any concerns or challenges during your pet’s journey.

Dogtainers has experience in handling various situations and will work diligently to ensure the well-being and safety of your pet. We may provide updates, guidance, and assistance as needed to address any issues that may arise. In the event of an emergency or concern, reach out to our 24 hour customer support team for immediate assistance and resolution on 1300 13 52 52.