Can a DEFRA approved pet courier collect and check in my pet for travel?
Yes. If you need a trusted service to collect your pet and check them in for a flight, Tailored Pet Travel is fully DEFRA approved and handles the process from start to finish. We take care of every detail, including travel crates, documentation, and live updates.
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What makes Tailored Pet Travel a reliable choice?
Licensed, experienced and DEFRA compliant
Tailored Pet Travel is officially licensed by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. All vehicles and processes meet national standards for live animal transport, covering everything from welfare inspections and climate control to qualified handlers.
Holding a Type 2 licence means we are authorised to manage long distance travel. This includes journeys over eight hours and preparation for air freight which is essential when relocating pets internationally.
Start to finish management
We collect pets from homes, breeders, and a wide range of locations throughout the United Kingdom. Each journey includes secure crate transport, vet documentation checks, and check in at airports or ferry terminals. Whether your pet is travelling abroad, joining a new family, or relocating with you, we cover every stage.
Our animal transport specialists handle all logistics, maintain clear communication, and ensure every animal receives professional care throughout the trip.
Trusted by pet parents across the UK
Families, professionals, and breeders regularly choose us. They value our open communication, frequent updates, and calm approach to transport. Our reputation as a reliable pet travel provider makes us a go to option for UK and international moves.
Pro Tip: Always confirm your courier’s Type 2 licence before booking international travel—it’s legally required and protects your pet’s welfare.
Let Us Handle Airport Check In for Your Pet
We provide check in, vet trips, and real time updates—stress avoided.
Why does DEFRA licensing matter for pet relocation?
Animal welfare and legal standards
DEFRA certification shows that a pet transport provider meets strict government guidelines. These cover key areas such as crate size, temperature control, travel time planning, and hygiene.
Following these standards not only protects your pet’s health but also ensures your move complies with UK laws and international entry rules.
Why Type 2 licensing is important
A Type 2 licence is required for longer journeys and confirms that a courier is fully equipped to manage a pet’s welfare across extended distances. Our procedures have passed DEFRA inspection and remain under review to ensure best practice.
What does the pet collection and check in process involve?
Step 1: Pet collection at your location
We collect animals from homes, kennels, breeders, and agreed pickup points. Every van is fitted with IATA compliant crates, internal climate systems, and GPS so you can follow your pet’s location.
Comfort and safety are built into every part of the journey. We focus on giving each animal a secure and calm start. As part of our UK wide animal handover process, we ensure timing, crate placement, and route planning are carefully managed.
Step 2: Documentation and health checks
Our team works directly with your vet to review microchip details, rabies vaccinations, and any treatments needed. If your pet is flying, we arrange the Export Health Certificate and confirm all destination paperwork is in order.
We are familiar with regulations for many countries, including those with complex entry controls like Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and the United States. That means fewer surprises and smoother travel for your pet.
We help organise all required pet travel documents including crate specifications, pet passports, and quarantine support when necessary.
Step 3: Check in at the airport or crossing point
Once your pet reaches the Animal Reception Centre or cargo terminal, we oversee the check in. Every form is verified, the crate is logged into the system, and we remain on site until the airline confirms cargo acceptance.
If travelling by Eurotunnel or ferry, we confirm each step, including check in, paperwork, and timing. Our team works directly with staff to ensure all animal transport documentation is correctly processed.
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What Does ‘Check In’ Mean in Pet Transport?
Check in means the courier brings your pet to a cargo terminal or veterinary clinic, handles the handover, and ensures documents are submitted correctly. If you’re searching for a courier to take your pet to the vet, make sure they provide these services as part of their offer.
What Is Included in Airport Cargo Handover Services?
Couriers like Tailored Pet Travel are authorised to access cargo zones and complete the check in process. This service is especially helpful when owners cannot be there in person.
Do Pet Couriers Offer Vet Appointments and Kennel Drop Offs?
Your courier may also deliver your pet to the vet for documentation or to a boarding facility as arranged. Timing, handling, and communication are key parts of this service.
Pro Tip: Ask if your courier provides airport access or check in services—most don’t, and it could leave you doing the final handover yourself.
Where does Tailored Pet Travel operate?
Nationwide UK coverage
We serve regions across the United Kingdom including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Kent, Bristol and many surrounding areas. Our couriers are available throughout the week and provide flexible collection options.
Whether you are in a city or a rural postcode, our team likely covers your location. Our wide reach makes us a dependable choice for those looking for pet transport services near me.
How to check availability in your area
It only takes a moment to confirm. Visit TailoredPetTravel dot com, enter your postcode, and you will see your options right away.
How can you get a quote or more information?
Simple contact and support
Our quote system is quick and our support team is easy to reach. You can send an enquiry through our website or speak with us by phone, email, or WhatsApp.
We give you real time location updates and remain in contact throughout. Everything is kept clear and simple.
What Our Customers Say
“Tailored Pet Travel made our puppy’s relocation smooth and simple. We never needed to visit the airport or worry about the check in.”
– Sarah R., Wandsworth, London
“We were relocating to Australia and had no idea how to manage our dog’s travel. Tailored Pet Travel sorted everything — documents, crate, flights — even updates on the day.”
– Michael & Leila H., Edinburgh
“Our breeder recommended them and now we know why. They picked up our kitten, handled the paperwork, and got her to us without a hitch. Five stars all round.”
– James P., Manchester, North West UK
Why Pet Owners Trust Tailored Pet Travel for Stress-Free Moves
If you are searching for a DEFRA approved pet courier near you, Tailored Pet Travel delivers a complete pet relocation service that is safe, compliant, and highly rated by families across the UK.
From Export Health Certificate preparation and real time GPS tracking to secure collection and check in at major airports, our experienced team manages every detail. Whether your pet is heading abroad or arriving in the UK, you can trust that they are in capable hands.
We specialise in both domestic and international pet transport — including road journeys, pet flights, ferry crossings, and Eurotunnel support. Each animal’s comfort and safety is prioritised at every stage by our trained, animal-first handlers.
Let us handle the paperwork, transport, and timing. You focus on welcoming your pet to their next home, and we’ll provide your pet flight check in service.