In January 2022, my husband, Winston the Corgi and I moved to Portugal for 3 months. It was wonderful to leave cold and rainy London from January-April and experience some winter sunshine.
But the best part of all?
Having Winston there with us of course!
Thanks to an amazing company called PetAir, we were able to fly him over to Lisbon where we met him before traveling up to Porto together.
This was much needed as my husband and I don’t own a car and we didn’t want to spend days driving across Europe in a hire car. Plus, most hire car companies only allow Assistance Dogs in their vehicles anyway.
Then, on the way back from Portugal, we used an incredible pet carrier company called Purrfect Pet Transport. This time, instead of flying, Winston was transported across Europe in a van!
So, if you’re considering a short-term move abroad and want to bring your Corgi with you, here are some of the best pet carrier companies to consider.
UK-based pet travel companies
1. PetAir
PetAir UK is a specialist pet transport service with a global reach, offering transport to over 295 destinations. With a foundation built by vets, the company ensures high standards of care, treating pets as part of the family.
They boast of having transported more than 30,000 pets since 2004, underlining their extensive experience. Their website showcases numerous positive reviews, emphasizing their reliability and quality of service. This makes PetAir UK a strong contender for those looking for comprehensive and caring pet transportation services globally.
2. Pets Abroad
Pets Abroad UK specializes in both domestic and international pet transport services, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey for pets traveling to various destinations. Their offerings include personalized travel arrangements, meeting the specific needs of pets and their owners.
The company takes pride in providing a stress-free experience, backed by their expertise in handling all necessary travel documentation and regulations. This focus on care and efficiency makes Pets Abroad UK an appealing option for pet owners seeking reliable transport services.
3. Air Pets
Airpets stands out as the UK’s leading pet relocation company, boasting over 50 years of experience and specialized facilities at Heathrow Airport. As a family-owned business, they prioritize reuniting pets with families worldwide, offering services to over 100 destinations.
They provide comprehensive support throughout the relocation process, ensuring flexibility, regular updates, and high standards of care and safety in compliance with major airlines. Their experienced team of pet travel consultants, veterinarians, and animal handlers are dedicated to delivering peace of mind and the highest quality service for your pet’s travel experience.
UK-based car transport company
4. Purrfect Pet Transport
I had to include Purrfect Pet Transport among the air travel companies because we’ve used them ourselves and can highly recommend them.
US-based pet travel companies
5. Pet Relocation International
Pet Relocation International (PRI) is a U.S.-registered company specializing in pet and people relocation worldwide. With over 20 years of experience, they offer a full-service package for all breeds, ensuring safety and compliance with international standards.
PRI is USDA Licensed, IATA L.A.R. Certified, and a member of the Animal Transport Association, offering services from anywhere to anywhere. They have a strong focus on providing stress-free experiences with options for in-cabin, in-hold, cargo, charter, and chaperone travel.
France-based pet carrier company
6. En Route Transport Animalier
En Route Transport Animalier offers specialized pet transportation services across France and Europe, focusing on safe and exclusive road transport for pets and up to two human passengers.
Licensed by the DDPP (Direction Départementale de la Protection des Populations), they ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and care. Their service is designed to be reliable, luxurious, and hassle-free, providing door-to-door transport with personalized attention to pets’ needs.
Australia-based pet travel companies
7. Jetpets
Jetpets, an Australian leader in pet transportation, boasts over 30 years of experience ensuring safe and comfortable travel for pets globally. They specialize in both domestic and international pet travel, offering services to key destinations worldwide, including New Zealand, Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America.
Recognized for providing first-class comfort for a wide range of animals, Jetpets emphasizes regular updates and meticulous care through their team of pet travel consultants, handlers, and resident vets.
Can’t See Your Region Listed Above?
If you can’t see your region listed above, don’t panic!
Many of these companies transport dogs from (and to) different countries than those they’re based in.
I recommend giving one of them a call to see if they can help you. At the very least, they should be able to recommend the closest pet carrier company to you.
Related FAQs
How much does it cost to transport a Corgi from one country to another?
In total, it cost us £1,434 to transport Winston from London to Portugal in January 2022.
Prices vary depending on the size and weight of your dog, as well as the location they’re traveling to.
Most of the companies above offer free custom quotations, so definitely check out their websites or contact them for more accurate pricing info.
Does my Corgi need a passport to travel?
The rules around pet passports and travel documentation vary from country to country.
In the UK, for example, you no longer need a pet passport. You need a health certificate issued by a vet no sooner than 10 days before your dog is due to travel.
Research the specific rules for your region and if in doubt, speak to your vet.
