UK ↔ EU ↔ UK Commercial Pet Transport Rules

Commercial Pet Transport Between the UK and the EU

Commercial pet transport applies when pets are moved by a third party or when a journey involves rescue, rehoming, breeding, sale, or transfer of ownership.

This applies even if no profit is made.

Most rescue and adoption journeys are legally classed as commercial.

What Is Classed as Commercial Pet Transport?

A journey is classed as commercial if ANY of the following apply:

• Pets are transported by a third party

• The owner is not travelling with the pet

• Pets are being rehomed or adopted

• Rescue organisations are involved

• More than 5 pets are travelling

• The journey involves sale or ownership transfer

Calling a journey “non-commercial” does not change its legal status.

Documents Required for Commercial Transport

Commercial UK ↔ EU pet transport requires:

• Microchip

• Rabies vaccination

• Commercial Export Health Certificate (EHC)

• TRACES registration and approval

• Approved destination details

• Transport records and journey logs

All commercial movements must comply with DEFRA, APHA, and EU TRACES regulations.

Transporter and Vehicle Requirements

Commercial pet transport must be carried out by:

• DEFRA / APHA Type-2 licensed transporters

• Approved and inspected vehicles

• Temperature-controlled transport systems

• Trained and authorised drivers

Failure to comply may result in refused entry, vehicle seizure, or animals placed into quarantine.

Rescue and Rehoming Transport

Rescue and rehoming journeys are always commercial, regardless of:

• Volunteer drivers

• Donation-only transport

• “Cost-only” contributions

Rescue animals must travel under commercial rules.

Why Correct Classification Matters

Incorrect classification can lead to border refusals, welfare risks, delays, and legal consequences.

Commercial compliance protects the animals, the transporter, and the owner or rescue organisation.

Why Choose DL Pet Transport?

DL Pet Transport provides DEFRA and APHA Type-2 licensed transport, TRACES-compliant documentation handling, and experienced UK and EU route knowledge.

Every journey is correctly classified and fully compliant.

Not Sure Which Rules Apply?

If you are unsure whether your journey is commercial or non-commercial, contact DL Pet Transport before travel so the journey can be assessed correctly