Importing pets into the UK

Updated (Mar 2025)

Bringing your pet back to the UK doesn’t necessarily mean quarantine. If your pet meets the strict entry requirements, they can avoid it altogether. PetAir UK can arrange customs clearance for pets arriving at London Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW). We can also collect pets from the local Animal Reception Centre (ARC) and deliver them across most parts of the UK on the same day.

If the destination is further afield, pets may need to stay with us overnight before continuing their journey.

When landing pets into the UK, you’ll need a customs broker/clearance agent. PetAir UK can help with both non-commercial imports (personal pets) and commercial imports.

Not sure what type your pet’s import is?
Get in touch – we’re happy to advise on your specific situation.

Why choose PetAir UK?

At PetAir UK, we deliver a professional, reliable service with your pet’s welfare and your peace of mind as our top priorities. To support you, we offer a complimentary document pre-check to help ensure your pet meets UK import rules. This helps avoid costly delays or quarantine if paperwork is incorrect.

Please note: It is the legal responsibility of the pet owner and export agent to ensure all paperwork is accurate.
While we’ll flag any issues we notice, we cannot be held liable for errors in documentation.

If pets arrive with incorrect paperwork, they will be held at the ARC until the entry requirements are met—at the owner’s expense. We do everything we can to help you avoid this, so your pet can be cleared and reunited with you as quickly as possible.

Is landing pets into the UK expensive?

In short, yes – whichever UK agent you use, there are necessary fees involved.

At PetAir UK, we are competitively priced, and our fee includes coordination with the multiple agencies involved behind the scenes. You’ll only need to pay one clear fee up front, and we’ll handle the rest.

Contact PetAir for a pet travel quote and more details on the UK process.

What now?

We recommend using a local pet shipper in the country of origin. A good agent will understand the UK import rules and help ensure everything is prepared correctly. You’ll also benefit from paying them directly, rather than via a third party (which may cost more).

Need help finding one?

• Contact us for a recommendation
• Or visit the IPATA website: ipata.org

You can also contact IAG Cargo in the country of origin to book your pet’s flight: iagcargo.com

To confirm our services, we will need:

• Full flight details (time, date, and flight number)
• The Air Waybill (AWB) number

What counts as a commercial import?

Your pet will be treated as a commercial import if any of the following apply:

• They are under 6 months old
• You’ve owned them for less than 6 months at the time of travel
• There is any change of ownership (e.g., rescue, sale, or gift)
• The owner is not travelling within 5 days of the pet’s journey, or no travel proof is available

Note: The UK does not accept commercial pet imports from unlisted or unapproved countries. If your pet is coming from one of these countries, entry will be refused. Please contact us if you need clarification.

What’s needed for entry into the UK?

Entry requirements vary depending on the country your pet is travelling from.

You can:

• Contact us for tailored advice
• Or visit the official guidance here:
  https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain

If you’re unsure, feel free to email us at imports@petairuk.com and we’ll guide you.

Import VAT – What You Need to Know

Import VAT is due when pets arrive in the UK.
In some cases, VAT relief may apply under specific schemes:

1. Transfer of Residence Relief (ToR)

• Apply if you’re relocating to the UK and bringing your pet.
• Application processing takes 10–14 days, so apply early.
• This is a HMRC scheme—PetAir UK cannot assist with ToR applications.
• If ToR is refused, you will be liable for VAT on the pet’s declared value and freight cost.

Apply here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/application-for-transfer-of-residence-relief-tor1

2. Returned Goods Relief

• If your pet was exported from the UK within the last 3 years, they may qualify.
• You’ll need proof, such as:
  – Original UK export Air Waybill
  – Health certificate
  – Pet’s UK clinical history

VAT Calculation:

• Pet’s value
• + transport cost
• + a standard £100 VAT adjustment
• Then total x 20% VAT

VAT is in addition to landing and clearance fees.

Have questions or need tailored advice?
We’re here to help – contact us at imports@petairuk.com