If your pet is traveling to the UK on British Airways or another IAG Cargo airline, it will likely be handled by the Animal Aircare Facility (AAC) at Heathrow rather than the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC). The two facilities operate side by side at Heathrow but are run by different organizations. Here is what to expect at AAC and how to prepare before your pet's arrival.
AAC is a privately owned animal reception facility that operates as an approved Border Control Post at Heathrow. Unlike HARC, which is run by the City of London Corporation and handles all species, AAC is a private operator that primarily handles dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. AAC also operates at London Gatwick Airport.
Which facility handles your pet is determined by the airline. British Airways and IAG Cargo typically route pets through AAC. Most other international carriers use HARC. Your relocation coordinator or airline can confirm which applies to your move. Both facilities perform the same core functions: document checks, microchip verification, health assessment, customs clearance, and temporary kenneling while you collect your pet.
AAC aims to complete the process and have pets ready for collection within 4 hours of arrival, though this can vary depending on flight volumes and whether an APHA vet is required for inspection.
AAC's management recommends that owners complete pre-checks before their pet's arrival by emailing lhroffice@animalaircare.co.uk. Completing pre-checks in advance helps streamline the clearance process on arrival day.
All pets arriving from outside the UK require UK customs clearance. AAC can act as your customs clearing agent for an additional fee, which requires submitting two forms in advance:
Submit both forms to lhroffice@animalaircare.co.uk as early as possible before your pet's arrival. Fees are associated with the customs clearance service and must be paid before the pet arrives. Contact AAC directly for a current quote.
Once your pet's flight lands, the AAC team collects your pet from the aircraft and transports them to the facility. Your pet is placed in a secure kennel with water, a bed, and a toilet area while document checks and customs clearance are completed. If your pet is arriving on a commercial health certificate, an APHA vet must complete the inspection -- AAC has no control over when the vet arrives, which can affect timing.
AAC is located at Building 579, Sandringham Road, Hounslow, London Heathrow Airport, TW6 3SF. Free customer parking is available directly opposite the reception area.
Navigation using What3Words:
Note that another animal reception facility (HARC) is located across the road. Make sure you have the correct address before heading to the facility.
From the M25, exit at Junction 14 onto the A3113 heading east toward Terminal 4. Go straight through the next two roundabouts onto Southern Perimeter Road. At the traffic lights after the Esso fuel garage on the opposite side of the road, turn left into Seaford Road under the yellow metal gantry signs. The AAC building will be directly in front of you.
Confirming which facility handles your pet and getting the pre-checks submitted in advance makes collection day significantly smoother. Talk to our team and we can help coordinate what needs to happen before and after your pet lands.