How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Dog or Cat from the U.S. to the United Kingdom?

by transconpet | Oct 2025 | Pet Shipping Cost

A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Owners Planning International Moves

Introduction: Historic Streets, Green Countryside, and Bringing Your Pet to the UK

The United Kingdom—home to London’s bustling streets, the serene Scottish Highlands, and centuries of history—welcomes thousands of pets each year. But importing a dog or cat into the UK from the USA involves strict DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) regulations, mandatory microchipping, rabies vaccination, and a specific veterinary health certificate.

Pets must arrive as manifest cargo through an approved UK airport (such as London Heathrow, Manchester, or Edinburgh) and clear customs at an Animal Reception Centre (ARC) before being released.

The total cost to relocate a pet from the USA to the UK typically ranges from $3,000 for a small cat or dog to $7,000+ for a large dog, depending on flight route, pet size, and required veterinary preparation.

Here’s your complete breakdown of expenses, timelines, and tips to help ensure a smooth relocation—plus how Transcon Pet Movers can handle it from start to finish.

1. U.S. Preparatory Expenses (Typically $400–$1,200+)

a. Veterinary Visits & Vaccinations

ISO-compliant microchip implantation: $45–$75
Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel): $20–$50
Core vaccines: DHPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats ($25–$50 each)
Tapeworm treatment (for dogs, given 24–120 hours before arrival): $20–$40

b. USDA Document Endorsement

USDA APHIS endorsement fee: $38–$173

2. Shipping & Crate Costs (Approximately $2,500–$5,800+)

a. Airfare & Cargo Handling

Small dog or cat: $2,500–$3,400
Medium dog: $3,200–$4,600
Large dog: $4,800–$5,800+

b. Airline-Approved Crate

Standard IATA crate: $200–$400
Oversized/custom crate: $500–$1,200

3. UK Government & ARC Fees

Animal Reception Centre (ARC) Fee

London Heathrow ARC clearance: ~£500–£650 (~US$640–$830) per pet
Includes vet inspection, customs clearance, and document verification

DEFRA Compliance

No separate import permit is needed from the USA, but all pets must meet Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) requirements

4. Ground Transportation & Local Handling ($300–$900+)

U.S. Side:

Home pickup to departure airport: $200–$500

UK Side:

Delivery from ARC to final address: $100–$500 depending on distance

5. Additional and Contingency Costs

Boarding before departure: $30–$70/day
Missed tapeworm treatment timing: ~$100+ for re-treatment and clearance delay
High-season airfare surcharges: $200–$500

6. Real-World Examples

Example 1 – USA → London Heathrow, Cat

Vet & vaccines: $250
Crate + airfare: $2,800
ARC fee: $700
Delivery: $350
Total ≈ $4,100

Example 2 – USA → Manchester, Large Dog

Vet & vaccines: $350
Crate + airfare: $5,000
ARC fee: $700
Delivery: $400
Total ≈ $6,450

7. Timeline: Why Costs Add Up

Microchip & rabies vaccination: At least 21 days before travel
Tapeworm treatment (dogs only): 1–5 days before arrival in the UK
USDA health certificate: Within 10 days of departure
Flight booking: 4–6 weeks in advance

Any deviation—such as missing the tapeworm treatment window—can result in delays at the ARC and additional fees.

8. How to Save on Overseas Pet Relocation to the UK

Book flights outside the peak summer travel season
Confirm ARC appointment availability in advance
Use direct flights to approved airports to avoid layovers in non-PETS-compliant countries
Bundle services with a relocation company for smoother clearance

9. DIY vs. Professional Assistance

DIY:

Less expensive, but ARC paperwork is time-sensitive and mistakes can be costly
Owners must coordinate with airlines and DEFRA requirements themselves

Professional (like Transcon Pet Movers):

Manages all DEFRA compliance, ARC booking, and customs procedures
Provides home delivery after ARC clearance

10. Total Cost Summary

Route	Typical Total Cost
Small dog/cat → UK	$3,000–$4,500
Medium dog → UK	$3,800–$5,500
Large dog → UK	$5,200–$7,000+
ARC clearance fees	$640–$830

Final Thoughts: The ARC Is Your Gateway

Relocating a pet to the UK requires precision in timing and paperwork to pass through the Animal Reception Centre smoothly. Advance planning and the right partners make all the difference.

How Transcon Pet Movers Makes It Easy

At Transcon Pet Movers, we’ve relocated hundreds of pets from the USA to the UK via approved entry points including London Heathrow (LHR), Manchester (MAN), and Edinburgh (EDI). We work directly with ARC staff to pre-clear your pet’s documents, ensuring faster release and minimal stress.

Our 365-day, door-to-door service includes home pickup in the USA, compliant airline booking, ARC clearance, and delivery anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

We also coordinate tapeworm treatments for dogs with precise timing, avoiding costly delays at the ARC.

Whether you’re moving to London, a countryside estate, or a small coastal village, we handle every step—so you can simply wait for your pet to arrive at your new home.

Contact us today to plan your pet’s move to the UK.