Compliance & Standards
Euro Pet Express operates to the highest standards of animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and transparency. All transport routes comply with DEFRA requirements, EU regulations, and UK animal health legislation.
We're not compliant just because a regulator told us to. We're compliant because we've seen, up close, what happens when people aren't.
David, Managing Director
DEFRA Type 2 Authorised
DEFRA Type 2 authorisation is required by UK law for any commercial transport of animals on journeys exceeding 65km. Euro Pet Express holds Type 2 transporter authorisation.
What this means for your dog: legally compliant long-distance transport, driver trained in animal welfare.
EU Transporter Authorisation – Type 2
Issued by Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and valid for all journeys, including those over 8 hours. It covers the commercial transport of dogs, cats and ferrets by van across the EU.
Vehicle Approvals
Our vehicles are inspected and approved for long journeys carrying dogs and cats, under UK and EU animal transport rules.
TRACES NT Registration
TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System) is the EU's online system for tracking animal movements. Our NT registration means all our movements are logged with authorities in both the EU and UK, ensuring full traceability of every animal we transport.
Animal Welfare Transport Regulation Compliance
We operate in full compliance with Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport, as retained in UK law. This covers journey planning, welfare inspection stops, vehicle standards, and driver competency.
Eurotunnel Calais–Folkestone Authorised Route
All our UK-bound journeys transit via the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle from Calais to Folkestone. This reduces overall journey time compared to ferry crossings and avoids the stress of open-sea travel.
Our Animal Welfare Policy
Euro Pet Express adheres to strict maximum journey times and ensures that all movements are planned to prioritise animal welfare at all times.
Vehicles are fitted with climate control systems to maintain appropriate temperatures throughout the journey, and crate sizes are chosen to meet IATA and DEFRA guidance.
Welfare stops are scheduled regularly to allow for hydration, comfort checks and, where necessary, brief periods outside the crate under supervision.
Feeding is carried out only when appropriate for the animal's welfare and in accordance with veterinary guidance to minimise travel sickness or distress.
All crates are secured to prevent movement during transit and are regularly inspected and cleaned between journeys.
Drivers hold certificates of competence in animal transport and are trained in welfare inspection procedures and emergency handling.
In the event of a veterinary emergency, we follow a defined protocol to obtain immediate veterinary assistance and notify relevant authorities where required.