Top 5 Pet Moving Companies in 2026

Quick Overview:

Top Pet Moving Companies

Luxurious Pet Move Abroad Ltd: private UK‑Europe pet taxi via Eurotunnel
Starwood Pet Travel: global relocations with strict biosecurity focus
Air Animal: vet‑founded, health‑first air travel
Fetchapet: 30+ years of tailor‑made UK‑worldwide pet exports
Crown Relocations: full‑service moves for the whole family

What you’ll learn inside

Why private, door‑to‑door road travel is often the calmest choice
How DEFRA compliance, real reviews, and personal care set companies apart
Which service fits solo pet moves, nervous travellers

Moving your pet between the UK and Europe is a big step. You want a service that is safe, legal, and treats your companion like family. In 2026, a handful of companies stand out for their reliability, care, and real customer trust, which are Luxurious Pet Move Abroad Ltd, Starwood Pet Travel, Air Animal, Fetchapet, and Crown Relocations. . We’ve researched the best, focusing on door-to-door travel, DEFRA compliance, and personal service, starting with a name that keeps winning hearts.

What should you look for in a UK-Europe pet transport company?

Before you book, check these essentials:

DEFRA registration and UK/EU compliance – your pet’s travel must be legal and fully documented.
Exclusive, private transport – no mixing with unknown animals, which lowers stress and health risks.
5‑star reviews and real customer stories – a company that is trusted by hundreds of pet owners.
Door‑to‑door service – collection from your home (or airport) and direct drop‑off at your destination.
Experienced, insured drivers – DBS‑checked, trained in pet handling, and calm under pressure.
Modern, climate‑controlled vehicles – comfortable and safe for short and long journeys.
Clear communication and flexible support – someone who answers quickly and helps with paperwork.

2026 Top 5 Pet Movers Companies

1. Luxurious Pet Move Abroad Ltd: The Personal, 5‑Star Pet Taxi for UK‑Europe Pet Moves

This is the company that pet owners keep recommending. Luxurious Pet Move Abroad is a DEFRA registered, fully compliant pet transport service covering the UK and all of Europe via the Eurotunnel (LeShuttle). They offer private, door-to-door travel where your pet is the only animal in the vehicle — no sharing, no stress.

Why is Luxurious Pet Move Abroad the top choice for UK-Europe pet travel?

They have built their entire reputation on three things: safety, personal care, and genuine love for animals. Every journey is designed to keep your pet calm and you informed.

What makes them different?

Exclusive transport only – your pet (and you, if travelling together) are the only passengers. No other families, no other pets.
DEFRA registered and fully insured – they handle all the legal requirements, so your paperwork is always in order.
A fleet of six premium vehicles – BMW Seven Seater, Skoda Superb Estate, Citroën Grand, Peugeot 5008, VW Caddy. All climate‑controlled and regularly cleaned.
10+ years of experience – specialists in European pet transport, not just a bolt‑on service.
24/7 availability – they work around your schedule, not the other way round.

How do they keep your pet safe and comfortable?

Direct Eurotunnel crossing in just 35 minutes from Calais to Folkestone. You stay with your pet in the vehicle the whole time.
Regular comfort breaks every 2–3 hours on long trips, with fresh water, blankets, and pet seat belts provided.
Real‑time updates including photo messages, live location tracking, and quick replies on WhatsApp so you’re never left wondering.
Solo pet travel expertise: if you can’t travel, your pet still gets one‑on‑one care, comfort stops, and a calm journey.

What routes do they cover?

They travel to and from all these European countries, to any city:

France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, and Romania.

2. Starwood Pet Travel: Global Pet Relocation with a Focus on Safety

Starwood Pet Travel is well known for handling complex international moves, particularly from the US to destinations like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. For UK‑Europe moves, they are a solid option if you need a team that obsesses over biosecurity and strict import rules.

Why they are trusted:

IPATA member and heavily focused on safety protocols.
Experienced in navigating UK/EU pet travel regulations post‑Brexit.
Offer door‑to‑door service, though often more airline‑focused than road‑based Eurotunnel travel.
Strong reputation for professional communication and detailed planning.

Starwood is a great fit if your move involves multi‑country coordination, though for purely UK‑Europe road trips via Eurotunnel, you might prefer a specialist like Luxurious Pet Move Abroad.

3. Air Animal: Vet‑Founded Pet Movers Putting Health First

Founded by veterinarians, Air Animal understands the medical side of pet relocation better than most. They work directly with major airlines and focus on “Fit to Fly” certificates, microchipping, and health checks.

Why they are trusted:

Vet‑led expertise ensures your pet’s health is the priority.
Excellent at managing complex veterinary paperwork for UK entry.
Global coverage, including UK‑Europe routes, though primarily air‑based.
Strong emphasis on pre‑travel veterinary preparation and comfort.

If your pet has health concerns and you’re considering flying, Air Animal offers real peace of mind. For road‑based, private taxi‑style travel across the Channel, a dedicated pet taxi service is still the calmer choice.

4. Fetchapet: 30+ Years of Pet Exports Worldwide

Based in the UK, Fetchapet has been moving pets internationally for over three decades. They specialise in bespoke pet export and import, ensuring your dog, cat, or other animal meets every destination‑specific requirement.

Why they are trusted:

Huge experience, particularly with UK‑to‑worldwide and Europe‑to‑UK moves.
Offer customised travel plans, including road and air combinations.
Known for personal service and regular updates throughout the journey.
Deep knowledge of AHCs, pet passports, and tapeworm treatment rules.

Fetchapet is a reliable, long‑standing option, especially if your move involves complex export/import paperwork for multiple pets.

5. Crown Relocations: Full‑Service International Moves Including Pets

Crown Relocations is a global moving company that handles everything from household goods to pet transport. For families moving their entire lives between the UK and Europe, Crown offers a single point of contact for the whole move.

Why they are trusted:

Fully integrated service – your pet’s move is coordinated alongside your furniture and belongings.
Experienced in UK‑EU pet travel regulations and customs procedures.
Offer destination services, home searches, and settling‑in support.
Professional, insured, and with a long global track record.

Crown is ideal if you want a completely managed relocation. However, the pet transport portion is often subcontracted, so you may not receive the same personal, one‑to‑one care a specialist pet taxi company provides.

Side‑by‑Side Comparison of Best Pet Moving Companies

Here’s a quick look at how these five companies stack up against each other:

Company	Best For	Transport Style	DEFRA Registered?	Standout Feature
Luxurious Pet Move Abroad	Private, door‑to‑door UK‑Europe pet taxi	Road (Eurotunnel)	Yes	Exclusive vehicle, 5‑star personal care
Starwood Pet Travel	Complex international moves from US/overseas	Air & road	No (focus on US‑UK)	Biosecurity and strict import expertise
Air Animal	Health‑focused air travel	Air	No (vet‑led)	Founded by veterinarians
Fetchapet	UK‑based worldwide pet exports	Air & road	Yes	30+ years of tailor‑made moves
Crown Relocations	Whole‑family relocation (home + pet)	Air & road (often sub‑contracted)	Not always direct	Combined household and pet moving

How to choose the best pet-moving abroad company for you?

Want private, door‑to‑door road travel with no other animals? Luxurious Pet Move Abroad is built for exactly that.
Need a vet‑led, health‑focused service with air travel? Air Animal is your best bet.
Moving from the US with strict biosecurity needs? Starwood Pet Travel excels here.
Looking for decades of UK‑Europe export experience? Fetchapet is a solid choice.
Relocating your whole household? Crown Relocations ties it all together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What paperwork does my pet need to enter the UK from Europe?

You will need a valid UK animal health certificate. Dogs also require a tapeworm treatment administered 24–120 hours before arrival. It is your responsibility to ensure the documents are correct, though a good pet taxi service will guide you.

Why is the Eurotunnel the best way to travel?

The crossing takes only 35 minutes. You stay in the vehicle with your pet the entire time, which is far less stressful than flying. There’s even a pet exercise area at the terminal.

Can I travel with my pet, or must they go alone?

Both options are available. Many families choose to ride together with their pet. If you can’t travel, your pet can travel solo with a trained, caring driver who provides updates.

How much does a pet taxi from Europe to the UK cost?

Costs vary based on distance, number of pets, and any extra services. Reputable companies provide a clear, all‑inclusive quote upfront with no hidden fees.

How can I be sure my pet is safe during the journey?

Choose a DEFRA registered company with private transport, DBS‑checked drivers, climate‑controlled vehicles, and real‑time tracking. Read reviews that mention gentle handling and regular comfort stops.