Moving from the UK to Europe with your pet? Our professional pet relocation service makes international moves stress-free. We handle everything from documentation to door-to-door delivery across all European countries.
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What is Pet Relocation?
Pet relocation is more than just transport - it's a comprehensive service designed for people permanently moving abroad or relocating for extended periods. Unlike one-off pet transport, relocation services include:
- Documentation assistance - Help obtaining Animal Health Certificates
- Vet coordination - Scheduling required vaccinations and treatments
- Door-to-door collection and delivery - From your UK home to your new European address
- Real-time updates - Track your pet throughout the journey
- Post-arrival support - Advice on registering your pet in your new country
Why Choose Ground Transport for Pet Relocation?
When relocating pets internationally, you have two main options: air freight or ground transport. Here's why most pet owners choose our ground transport service:
Advantages of Ground Pet Relocation
- No cargo hold - Your pet travels in a climate-controlled vehicle, not an aircraft cargo compartment
- Less stressful - No airport handling, crating requirements, or loud aircraft noise
- Door-to-door - We collect from your UK home and deliver to your European address
- Flexible scheduling - Choose your preferred date, not limited to flight schedules
- You can travel with your pet - Option to accompany your pet on the journey
- Better for nervous pets - Calmer environment with regular comfort breaks
Who We Relocate
- Dogs - All breeds, all sizes, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes
- Cats - Domestic cats of all ages
- Ferrets - Full documentation support for ferret travel
Pet Relocation Requirements: UK to Europe
Since Brexit, UK pets need specific documentation to enter EU countries. We guide you through every step:
Required Documents
- Microchip - ISO 15-digit compliant (must be implanted before rabies vaccination)
- Rabies vaccination - At least 21 days before travel
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) - Issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel. Valid for up to 6 months for onward EU travel and return to GB
- Tapeworm treatment (dogs only) - Administered 1-5 days before entering the EU
Documentation Timeline
| When | Action Required |
|---|
| 3+ months before | Ensure microchip is implanted |
| 3+ weeks before | Rabies vaccination (if not current) |
| 10 days before | Visit OV vet for Animal Health Certificate |
| 1-5 days before | Tapeworm treatment (dogs only) |
| Travel day | We collect your pet with all documents |
The Pet Relocation Process
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Contact us with your relocation details. We'll provide a quote and discuss your pet's specific needs, travel date preferences, and any special requirements.
Step 2: Documentation Support
We provide a checklist of required documents and can recommend DEFRA-approved vets in your area. We'll verify all paperwork before travel day.
Step 3: Collection Day
Our driver arrives at your UK address at the scheduled time. We perform a document check, ensure your pet is comfortable, and begin the journey.
Step 4: Channel Crossing
We travel via Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle) from Folkestone to Calais. The crossing takes just 35 minutes. Your pet stays in our vehicle throughout - no cages, no kennels.
Step 5: European Delivery
We drive directly to your new European address. For longer journeys, we include comfort breaks for your pet. You'll receive updates throughout.
Step 6: Handover
We deliver your pet to your new home, provide all travel documentation, and offer advice on registering your pet locally if needed.
Popular Relocation Routes
UK to France Relocation
France is the most popular destination for UK pet relocations. Whether you're moving to Paris, the South of France, or rural Normandy, we provide door-to-door service.
View France relocation prices →
UK to Spain Relocation
Relocating to Spain with your pet? We cover all regions including Costa del Sol, Barcelona, Madrid, and the Balearic Islands (via ferry connection).
View Spain relocation prices →
UK to Germany Relocation
Moving to Germany for work? We transport pets to all major cities including Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Cologne.
View Germany relocation prices →
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pet relocation take?
Journey times vary by destination. France takes 1 day, Spain 2-3 days, and Eastern Europe up to 4 days. We provide overnight stops for longer journeys.
Can I travel with my pet?
Yes! You can accompany your pet on the journey if you prefer. Contact us to discuss this option.
What if my pet gets anxious during travel?
Our experienced drivers are trained in pet care. We make regular comfort stops, provide water, and ensure your pet stays calm throughout the journey.
Do you provide pet crates?
We have secure, comfortable spaces in our vehicle. Cats typically travel in carriers. Dogs can travel freely in the designated pet area or in their own crate if preferred.
What about overnight stops?
For long journeys (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Eastern Europe), we include pet-friendly overnight accommodation. Your pet stays with our driver at all times.
How does dog transport to Europe from the UK work?
A professional pet transport service collects your dog from your UK address, takes the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle from Folkestone to Calais (the safest, shortest crossing at 35 minutes), then drives onward to your destination in mainland Europe with regular comfort stops. The driver handles all paperwork — Animal Health Certificate, microchip checks, and EU border procedures — and delivers your dog door-to-door.
Do you handle pet moves abroad permanently, not just holidays?
Yes. Permanent pet relocations to France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy and beyond are a major part of our service. For a permanent move we coordinate the full chain: pre-travel vet documentation, Animal Health Certificate timing, Eurotunnel booking, in-cab care, and door-to-door delivery to your new home in Europe. No air travel, no kennels, and your pet never leaves the vehicle except for supervised comfort stops.
Book Your Pet Relocation
Ready to relocate your pet to Europe? Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
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