Not every company advertising pet transport on social media is legally allowed to carry your pet across the Channel. A legitimate UK pet transport company must hold a DEFRA Type 2 authorisation for international journeys, carry proper insurance, and be able to prove both. This checklist shows you exactly what to check before you hand over your pet.
Why Legitimacy Matters
Pet transport is not a standard courier service. It involves live animals, cross-border veterinary rules, and legal liability at both UK and EU borders. An unlicensed operator may be cheaper, but if they are stopped at Folkestone or Calais without the right paperwork, your pet can be refused entry, quarantined, or returned at your expense. Worse, an uninsured operator leaves you with no recourse if something goes wrong.
Checklist: How to Verify a Pet Transport Company
1. Ask for the DEFRA authorisation number
For any journey from Great Britain into the EU, the transporter needs a DEFRA Type 2 authorisation. This is issued by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) after an inspection of vehicles, records and procedures.
What to do:
- Ask the company for their Type 2 authorisation number.
- Contact APHA on 03000 200 301 or email apha.defra.gov.uk to confirm the number is valid and current.
- Check the authorisation covers the species you are transporting — some licences are limited to dogs, cats, or other categories.
2. Check the vehicle and driver standards
A legitimate company should be able to tell you:
- Whether the vehicle is fitted with climate control and ventilation.
- Whether there is non-slip flooring and secure crate points.
- Whether drivers are CRB/DBS checked.
- Whether the driver has animal-handling and first-aid training.
3. Confirm insurance cover
Ask what insurance covers your pet during the journey. The answer should include:
- Live animal transport liability.
- Public liability.
- Vehicle insurance for international use.
If the company cannot email you an insurance summary, treat it as a red flag.
4. Read reviews on independent platforms
Check Google Reviews, Trustpilot, or Facebook for patterns. A handful of five-star reviews posted within the same week can be fake. Look for:
- Detailed reviews mentioning specific routes.
- Responses from the company to negative feedback.
- Reviews spread over months or years.
5. Ask how the journey is documented
A professional transporter keeps journey logs, welfare checks, and copies of your pet's paperwork. Ask:
- Will you receive a copy of the transport document?
- How often are welfare checks recorded?
- Will you get updates by WhatsApp or SMS?
- What happens to your pet's paperwork at the border?
Red Flags to Avoid
| Red flag | Why it matters |
|---|
| Refuses to give a DEFRA number | They may be unlicensed. |
| Quotes significantly below competitors | Insurance, licensing, and welfare standards cost money. |
| Uses a normal car or unmarked van | No climate control, no secure crate points, no APHA inspection. |
| Asks you to book only by WhatsApp with no contract | Harder to trace if something goes wrong. |
| Cannot explain Eurotunnel pet procedures | Lack of experience can cause refused crossings. |
| Offers shared transport without clear consent | Mixing pets increases disease and stress risk. |
Questions to Ask Before You Book
- What is your DEFRA Type 2 authorisation number?
- Will my pet travel in a dedicated vehicle or share with other households?
- What is included in the quoted price?
- Who is the driver, and do they have animal welfare training?
- How do you handle delays, cancellations, or pet illness en route?
- What documentation do I need to prepare?
- Can you provide proof of insurance?
- What happens if UK Border Force refuses my pet at the border?
DEFRA Type 1 vs Type 2: Which Do You Need?
- Type 1: For journeys under 8 hours. Suitable for some domestic UK transport.
- Type 2: For journeys over 8 hours and all international journeys from Great Britain. Required for Eurotunnel crossings to France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and beyond.
For almost any UK-to-Europe pet move, you need a Type 2 transporter. Do not accept a Type 1 licence as sufficient.
What If a Company Fails the Checks?
If a company cannot prove DEFRA authorisation or insurance, do not use them. You can report unlicensed international pet transport to APHA. It is not worth the risk to save a small amount of money.
How PetVoyageUK Meets These Standards
- DEFRA Type 2 authorised for international journeys.
- Annual APHA inspections passed.
- CRB/DBS-checked drivers with animal welfare and first-aid training.
- Climate-controlled, non-slip vehicles with live CCTV on request.
- Full live-animal transport insurance.
- Private vehicle policy: we never mix pets from different households.
- Transparent quotes with all Channel crossings, tolls and mileage included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check a DEFRA number myself?
Yes — contact APHA with the company's authorisation number. They can confirm whether it is valid and what it covers.
Does every pet taxi need DEFRA approval?
For UK-only short journeys, a standard taxi may not need DEFRA authorisation. For any international journey or long-distance welfare-regulated trip, Type 2 authorisation is required.
What if the company says they are 'DEFRA registered' but not authorised?
There is no meaningful 'DEFRA registered' status for pet transport. The legal terms are Type 1 or Type 2 authorisation. Ask for the specific authorisation number.
Should I pay a deposit before checking credentials?
No. Verify credentials first. A legitimate company will not pressure you to pay before answering basic compliance questions.
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