The idea of moving abroad with your pet seems simple until you try. Considering pet policies on airlines, health certificates, microchip scans, and paperwork to deal with post-Brexit, many pet owners realise that travel with their pet is not easy at all. That’s why we offer pet removal services UK wide. We take all the stress of transport, paperwork, and paperwork off your hands so your pet can arrive safely and legally.
If you’re looking to move your pets from the UK to Europe or anywhere else in the world, here’s how professional pet moving works, what it costs and how to choose the right company, with UK & Europe Pet Taxi as a perfect example of a reliable service.
How Much Do Pet Relocation Services Cost in the UK?
Costs can vary greatly depending on distance, pet size, and travel method. A door-to-door taxi journey from within Europe costs less than a few hundred pounds, while long distance or flight-assisted trips (e.g., UK to Middle East or the US) can cost in the thousands. Ultimately, it will depend upon the route (road or air), type of crate used, how many pets are travelling together, and how much paperwork and vet time is included. You can also need to factor in any ferry crossings or overnight stops along the way. Most good companies, like UK & Europe Pet Taxi, offer a free quote once you have checked your pet’s size, destination, and date of travel so you know what it will cost ahead of time.
What Documents Are Required for UK Pet Relocation Post-Brexit?
Since Brexit, you cannot just take your pet from the UK to the EU using the old EU Pet Passport. This is where a lot of owners get caught out. In addition to an Animal Health Certificate issued by a vet within ten days of departure, you also need to show that your pet has had a valid rabies vaccination with at least twenty-one days before departure. This means it should be fitted before the rabies vaccine is given, and not after. Dogs traveling to Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway are also required to have a tapeworm treatment within a certain timeframe before arriving. Professionals are well versed in these regulations to make sure you don’t miss a deadline or get turned away at the border after months of planning.
How Do Professionel UK Transporters Move Pets Safely to Europe?
Rather than cramming a pet into a cargo hold, many of today’s pet movers now use climate-controlled vans and regular breaks for water, food and toilet breaks, much like a pet taxi or commercial freight. Pets are transported in secure, ventilated crates that fit their breed and size, and are monitored all the way around, with many companies providing live updates for owners. Breaks every few hours keep pets comfortable, and dogs and cats go through Border Control Posts to check their paperwork and microchips. This is less stressful for animals than being separated from their owner and stuck in an aircraft hold for the entire journey.
What Is Included in a Door-to-Door UK Pet Relocation Service?
For a full-service door-to-door service, the pet is collected from your home and delivered to you new home, without you having to drop him off. This includes collection and delivery from both homes, the usual paperwork and vet contact, border checks and customs coordination, and comfort breaks, feeding, and watering throughout the journey. Many also offer real-time tracking or updates, giving pet owners peace of mind. UK & Europe Pet Taxi has this model in place, taking every headache out of the owner’s side of the move, from the first phone call to the last goodbye.
How Long Does the Pet Relocation Process from the UK Take?
Your arrival time will depend on the length of your journey and when paperwork needs to be processed. From the UK, a journey to nearby countries such as France, Belgium, or the Netherlands will take about one or two days, while a journey to the South or Eastern European countries such as Spain, Italy, or Poland will take between two and four days depending on how far you are travelling and whether you have to make any stops along the way. For paperwork purposes, it is important to book at least ten days in advance to obtain your Animal Health Certificate, so plan ahead of your trip, perhaps three to four weeks in order to have plenty of time for vets appointments and changes to documents as you travel may be made.
Can Pets Travel from the UK to Europe Without Quarantine?
Yes, in most cases, pets travel without quarantine provided they meet the microchip, rabies vaccination, and Animal Health Certificate requirements for entry. Quarantine is only required if the documentation is incomplete, if the pet is travelling from a non-listed country, or to countries with strict biosecurity standards, such as certain non-EU countries which have their own entry requirements. Rules can vary by destination, so your relocation specialist will check exactly what the regulations are for your particular country before you book, to make sure you are not surprised when you arrive.
What Features Should a Licensed UK Pet Relocation Company Have?
Before you book anyone to come and take your pet, make sure they are legally allowed to transport their animal, are insured and use vehicles that are kept at the right temperature, are upfront with prices and no hidden costs in the fine print. Look for genuine, verifiable reviews by previous customers. Ideally, they will provide a route map and a tracking number should you want to monitor the pet’s progress along the journey. Experience is also important, especially if they have done regular moves as well as last-minute moves or emergency moves because situations often arise. Choosing a licensed and experienced company means you will be compliant with UK and EU regulations, and also ensures your pet has a smooth journey.
Final Thoughts
Moving a pet from the UK has more moving parts than people realise. It can be a stressful time to coordinate paperwork, timing, transport methods, and border regulations. Working with a reputable company like UK & Europe Pet Taxi takes the guesswork out of the process so you can concentrate on finding a home for your pet and ensuring it makes the journey as smoothly as possible. Read more: Pet Relocation