How do you move a pet abroad and what does it involve?
Pet relocation requires an IATA-approved travel crate, an export health certificate, microchipping and rabies vaccination, and in some destinations a quarantine period on arrival. Timescales are driven by the destination's rules rather than the flight: Australia and New Zealand need several months of preparation, the EU considerably less. Daley & Co coordinate the documentation, the crate and the flight alongside your household move.
Overview
Pet Relocation
Moving with pets adds a layer of complexity that requires specialist knowledge and careful planning. Whether you are moving across the UK or relocating internationally, Daley & Co coordinates every aspect of your pet's journey — from IATA-approved travel crates and veterinary health certificates to destination country import requirements and quarantine arrangements where applicable. Your pets are part of the family, and we treat them that way.
What's Included
- Coordination of IATA-approved travel crates and carriers
- Veterinary health certificate and microchip compliance guidance
- Destination country import requirement research
- Quarantine and isolation facility booking where required
- Pet travel insurance advice and referrals
- Specialist pet transport partners for air and road travel
International Pet Relocation: Understanding the Requirements
Relocating a pet internationally is one of the most complex aspects of any move. Every destination country has its own import requirements, which may include specific vaccinations, microchip standards, blood titre tests, health certificates issued within strict timeframes, and sometimes quarantine periods. The UK’s own requirements for pets entering the country are among the most stringent in the world. Daley & Co’s pet relocation coordination service navigates these requirements on your behalf, working with your veterinary practice and DEFRA-approved vets to ensure every document is correct and every deadline is met. We have coordinated pet relocations to Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, the UAE, Singapore, and across Europe — each with its own specific protocols.
Preparing Your Pet for Travel
Preparation for pet travel should begin well in advance of your move date — typically three to six months for international relocations. Key steps include ensuring your pet’s microchip meets the destination country’s standard (ISO 11784/11785), completing required vaccinations (rabies is mandatory for most destinations), obtaining blood titre test results where required (with mandatory waiting periods), and acclimatising your pet to their IATA-approved travel crate. We provide a detailed timeline and checklist specific to your destination, and coordinate with your vet to ensure all steps are completed in the correct sequence. For pets with anxiety or health conditions, we can advise on travel preparation strategies and connect you with specialist veterinary behaviourists.
IATA-Approved Travel Crates and Carriers
All pets travelling by air must be transported in IATA-approved travel crates that meet specific size, ventilation, and construction requirements. The crate must be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It must have adequate ventilation on at least three sides, a leak-proof floor, and secure fastenings that cannot be opened accidentally. We source IATA-compliant crates in the correct size for your pet and advise on the acclimatisation process — gradually introducing your pet to the crate over several weeks so that it becomes a familiar, comfortable space rather than a source of stress. For larger dogs, custom-built crates may be required, which we can arrange through our specialist partners.
Pet Travel by Road Within the UK and Europe
For domestic moves within the UK or short-distance European relocations, road transport is often the most comfortable option for pets. This avoids the stress of airport environments and allows for regular comfort breaks during the journey. We coordinate with specialist pet transport companies who operate purpose-built vehicles with individual compartments, climate control, and regular rest stops. For European road travel, pets require a valid pet passport (or Animal Health Certificate post-Brexit), up-to-date rabies vaccination, and tapeworm treatment for re-entry to the UK. We ensure all documentation is in order before travel and advise on the most pet-friendly routing and ferry or tunnel crossings.
Pricing Guide
Pet Relocation Service Pricing
Pet relocation costs depend on the destination, the size and species of your pet, the travel method, and the specific documentation requirements of the destination country. We provide transparent quotations covering all coordination, documentation guidance, and travel arrangements. Below are indicative price ranges.
UK Domestic Pet Transport
From approximately £200–£500 depending on distance. Purpose-built vehicle with climate control and comfort breaks.
European Pet Relocation (Road)
From approximately £500–£1,200. Includes documentation coordination, transport, and ferry/tunnel crossing.
International Pet Relocation (Air, Cat/Small Dog)
From approximately £1,500–£3,000. Includes crate, documentation, airport handling, and flight booking.
International Pet Relocation (Air, Large Dog)
From approximately £2,500–£5,000+. Larger crate requirements and cargo handling for bigger breeds.
Australia/New Zealand (Includes Quarantine)
From approximately £4,000–£8,000+. Extended documentation process, mandatory quarantine period, and specialist handling.
Documentation Coordination Only
From approximately £300–£600. We manage all paperwork and vet coordination; you arrange transport separately.
All prices are indicative, exclude VAT, insurance, and insurance premium tax (IPT), and are subject to a free home survey. Final pricing is confirmed following survey and includes a full breakdown of all applicable charges.
How It Works
Our process, step by step.
Pet Travel Consultation
We assess your pet's species, breed, age, and destination to determine all requirements — vaccinations, microchipping, health certificates, and travel crate specifications.
Documentation & Preparation
We guide you through all required documentation and work with your vet to ensure compliance. IATA-approved crates are sourced and acclimatisation advice is provided.
Travel Arrangements
We coordinate with specialist pet transport partners for road or air travel, booking the most appropriate and comfortable routing for your pet.
Destination Arrival
We coordinate with destination agents to ensure a smooth arrival, including any quarantine or inspection requirements. You are kept informed throughout.
Why Choose Us
The Daley & Co difference.
Specialist Knowledge
Pet import regulations vary enormously by country and species. Our team stays current with all destination requirements, ensuring your pet's journey is fully compliant.
Stress Reduction
We advise on crate acclimatisation, travel day preparation, and post-arrival settling in — minimising stress for your pet and for you.
Trusted Partners
We work with IATA-registered pet transport specialists and DEFRA-approved facilities. Your pet's welfare is never compromised.
Verified Customer Reviews
What our customers say.
“Very friendly, efficient, careful and excellent customer service. They have worked very hard for us.”
“Helpful and friendly guys - Moved everything without complaint or issue.”
“The lads were very helpful”
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Get a free, no-obligation quote from our team today.
FAQs
Common questions answered.
Real Results
See this service in action
Read a detailed case study showing exactly how we handled a real pet relocation project — including the challenges, our approach, and the outcome.
Established 1948
78 years of trusted service. Fully insured, professionally trained, and committed to the highest standards on every move.
Daley & Co
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