Taking your pets travelling can have its excitements and challenges, and things get a little bit tricky when globe-trotting and dealing with international requirements. Designed to provide care for animals, the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) is dependably a large bright spot for pet owners and guarantees your furry, feathered, or scaled option is taken care of by professionals. This internationally acclaimed centre has led the way for animal care since opening its doors in 1977. It is located close to London’s Heathrow Airport and takes care of millions of animals every year, from dogs and cats to reptiles and fish. In this comprehensive guide, we discuss the services of the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre, how they operate and how to ease the journey for your pet.
What is the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre?
The Heathrow Animal Reception Centre, operated by the City of London Corporation, is the Principal Border Inspection Post (BIP) for live animals entering Heathrow. The UK and EU pet travel regulations act as a barrier to pests entering the UK in the baggage of incoming travellers. The Heathrow Animal Reception Centre checks that your pet can enter the UK safely and in accordance with these regulations.
Every year, the Heathrow Animal Reception centre can look after a large variety of animals, including approximately 22,000 cats and dogs, 400 horses, 100,000 snakes, 1,000 birds and 28 million fish. HARC is open 24/7 and provides facilities to care for the health of your pet, comfortable kennels and compliance checks to ensure that while you’re travelling, both you and your pet are safe and secure.
Services Offered at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre
The Animal Reception Heathrow provides a range of services aimed at putting animal welfare and regulatory compliance. Some of these services are as follows:
Veterinary Care
24/7 health checks and emergency care are provided under Travel Vet, the official veterinary practice of the HARC. Pets are checked to identify and resolve health problems at an early stage.
Customs and Documentation
The animal reception centre at Heathrow carefully checks documentation such as pet passports, Animal Health Certificates (AHC), or Great Britain pet health certificates if coming from a listed country, and entry is being sought under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).
Comfort Facilities
HARC provides several facilities to make pets comfortable during travel. Pets have access to heated kennels, feeding stations, and exercise areas. Outdoor runs have made room for dogs, while special temperature-controlled wings serve reptiles and birds.
Quarantine Services
For pets from other countries who need quarantine, the adjacent Heathrow quarantine centre at Airpets will provide certified accommodations only minutes away from HARC.
Now, your pet, be it a dog from the USA or a bird from Asia, all their needs are taken care of in a professional manner.
How Does the Pet Arrival Process Work at Heathrow Animal Reception Centre?
Once they arrive at Heathrow, pets are taken to the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (generally by the HARC staff or airline staff). This process usually takes 6–8 hours, although it can be longer during busy periods. Here is a breakdown of how to do this step by step:
- Collection from Aircraft
Animals are retrieved from the cargo hold and transported to HARC, located near Terminal 4.
- Health and Paperwork Checks
Animal health checks are carried out by veterinary staff, and microchips and paperwork are checked by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
- Rest and Recovery
Animals are taken out of travel crates and placed into a pen containing food, water, and an area to rest. If necessary, owners can schedule medication administration as needed.
- Customs Clearance
Once pets have cleared, they are available for collection by pet owners or a pet transport service within the five-day rule, which states that owners must enter the UK within five days of their pet.
Animal reception centre Heathrow ensures they move as smoothly as possible, anyhow, with pets and owners experiencing minimal stress.
Why Choose the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre for Pet Travel?
What makes the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre a top choice for pet travel? Its decades of expertise and comprehensive facilities set it apart. The Heathrow Animal Reception Centre is globally recognised for upholding International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards and UK regulations.
Moreover, Airpets have a Heathrow animal quarantine centre that provides quarantine for pets from other non-compliant countries, located next to HARC and with its dedicated staff (and visiting hours for the owner’s pet and the owner). HARC also features a waiting room with sofas, TVs and vending machines to offer comfort for owners when they are waiting for their pets. Having trained personnel alongside veterinarians in the facility is a proper assurance of animal care.
Tips for a Smooth Experience at Heathrow Animal Reception
Preparing for your pet’s arrival at the Heathrow Animal Reception can make all the difference. Here are some practical tips to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience:
- Secure Pre-Approval
For service dogs, get HARC’s letter of approval at least 72 hours before your flight. Without it, you will face a hold-up or quarantine.
- Verify Documentation
Your pet must have a pet passport, an AHC, or a GB pet health certificate. Verify microchip and rabies vaccination records.
- Choose IATA-Approved Crates
At the animal reception at Heathrow, they will look at the crates to see if they meet their standards, so all they need is a proper crate that is well ventilated and meets the IATA standards.
- Plan Your Arrival
Fly a few hours after your pet to cause the least possible wait time, or book a pet transport agency for a door-to-door delivery to meet you at your final destination.
- Pack Essentials
Pack your pet’s beloved blanket or toy to help them adjust at the Heathrow quarantine centre or HARC.
By advanced preparation, you can ensure your pet’s journey through the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre is stress-free.
Preparing a Pet for Travel to Heathrow Animal Reception Centre
Getting ready to travel with your fur-baby is not just about documents. Weeks before the trip, make sure to get your pet used to their travel crate well to minimise stress. Take them to the vet just to make sure they’re fit, and update their vaccinations if needed, too.
If your pet has a long flight ahead of them, do not feed them 4–6 hours before their departure, but be sure to keep them hydrated. Mark your crate with your contact information and a sticker that says “Live Animal.” These steps will ensure your pet arrives at the Heathrow Animal Reception in a position to clear quickly.
Simplify Your Pet’s Arrival with Heathrow Animal Reception Centre
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FAQs
How long does it take for pets to clear the Heathrow Animal Reception?
The process at the Heathrow Animal Reception typically takes 6–8 hours, including health checks and customs clearance. Times may vary during peak periods.
What documents are needed for the Heathrow animal quarantine centre?
You’ll need a pet passport, Animal Health Certificate, or Great Britain pet health certificate, depending on your pet’s origin, for clearance at the Heathrow quarantine centre.
What Is A Pet Relief Area At Heathrow Animal Reception Centre?
There are designated zones with concrete and grass areas for animals to relieve themselves. You’ll also need to bring your pooper-scooper bags, these are not supplied. You have bins available to throw out things.
