Pet travel comes in two flavours: assistance dogs, which have specific legal protections, and other pets, which travel by arrangement. Both are usually very doable with a transfer — the trick, as with so much airport travel, is to book ahead and share the details so the right vehicle and a willing driver are in place.
01 / ASSISTANCE DOGSProtected by law
Assistance dogs have legal protections, and licensed drivers are generally required to carry them — they shouldn't be refused or charged extra for the dog. If you're travelling with an assistance dog, simply let the operator know when you book so the journey is arranged smoothly. This is a right, not a favour, and a professional operator handles it as routine.
02 / OTHER PETSBy arrangement, booked ahead
For pets that aren't assistance animals — a family dog, a cat, a small animal — carriage is generally at the operator's and driver's discretion. That's not a barrier; it just means you arrange it in advance rather than turning up and hoping. Book a pet-friendly transfer, explain what you're bringing, and a suitable vehicle and a driver happy to carry pets is allocated.
03 / CARRIERS & COMFORTSafe and secure travel
For most pets, a carrier or crate is the way to travel — it keeps the animal safe and secure, reduces stress, and protects the vehicle:
A familiar blanket and a calm manner go a long way to settling a nervous animal, and a towel keeps things clean for everyone.
04 / KEEPING THEM CALMA smoother journey
- Exercise beforehand — a walk before the trip helps a dog settle.
- Don't overfeed right before — a light stomach travels better.
- Secure the carrier so it can't slide, and keep it where your pet can sense you.
- Allow extra time so nothing is rushed — pets pick up on stress.
05 / THE EASY WAYWhy a pre-booked transfer suits pet travel
A door-to-door transfer is ideal with a pet: no crowded train platforms, no changes, no carrying a crate up escalators, and a driver who's expecting you and your animal. With meet-and-greet and flight tracking on the return, you're met calmly with your pet after a flight — far less stressful for both of you than navigating public transport.
The pet-travel rule: for an assistance dog, just declare it — it's protected. For any other pet, book a pet-friendly transfer ahead, bring a suitable carrier, and share the details. Plan it once and the journey to the airport becomes the calm part of your pet's big trip.
06 / FAQFrequently asked questions
Can I take my pet in an airport transfer?
Often yes, if you book a pet-friendly transfer in advance and tell the operator. For pets other than assistance dogs it's generally at the operator's and driver's discretion, so arranging ahead — usually with a carrier — is the way to be sure.
Are assistance dogs allowed?
Yes — assistance dogs have legal protections and licensed drivers are generally required to carry them. Let the operator know when you book so the journey is arranged smoothly.
Do I need a carrier or crate?
For most pets, yes — a suitable carrier keeps the animal safe and protects the vehicle. Tell the operator the type and size of pet and the carrier, and bring a towel or blanket for comfort.
What should I tell the operator when booking?
The type and size of pet, whether it travels in a carrier, the number of passengers and luggage, and whether it's an assistance dog, so a suitable vehicle and willing driver are allocated.
Is there an extra charge for a pet?
Assistance dogs shouldn't be charged extra. For other pets, any arrangement is confirmed when you book — ask the operator, and you'll know the fixed fare in advance.
Is a transfer better than the train with a pet?
Usually yes — door-to-door with no changes, no carrying a crate through stations, and a driver expecting you and your animal makes it far calmer for both of you.
Time Matters
Travelling with a pet? We'll plan it
Pet-friendly Heathrow transfers booked ahead — assistance dogs welcome, carriers accommodated, door to door with no stress. Tell us what you're bringing.