Everything Pet Owners Need to Know about the Animal Aircare Facility (AAC) at London Heathrow

There is now a second location IAG Cargo, and British Airways (BA) will utilize for animal care, the Animal Aircare Facility (AAC) London Heathrow. This blog provides pet owners with everything they need to know about AAC, including pre-checks, necessary forms, and directions to the facility.

AAC Manager Prefers Pre-Checks

The AAC Manager prefers that pet owners complete pre-checks by emailing [email protected]. This will help ensure a streamlined process when clearing pets at AAC London Heathrow.

Necessary Forms for the Arrival Process

Pet owners must complete and submit three forms before the arrival of their pets at AAC London Heathrow. These are:

• Owner's Declaration to HMRC Revenue & Customs: This form gathers information about you and your pet, including breed and age, country of origin, ownership length, pet value, and full name and signature. Remember to include the airway bill number.
• Importer's Instructions: This form asks for details about the person importing the pet into the UK, such as airway bill number, flight information, arrival date, contact information, and the reason for import (such as Transfer of Residence (TOR), Returned Goods Relief (RGR), Temporary Admission (TA), Student, or Other).

• Owner's Declaration of Commercial or Non-Commercial Movement of Animals: This form asks for information about the owner and the pet, including the name and contact information of the owner, origin, flight number, date and time of arrival, and whether the shipment is commercial or non-commercial. It also asks for information on the species and number of animals, the name and address of the person collecting the pet, and whether the pet is transiting LHR. The form requires the owner to attach certain documents, such as the airway bill document and proof of travel, within five days of the pet's arrival (if it is non-commercial).

Pet owners should complete these forms as soon as possible and know that fees will be associated with the arrival process.

Directions to AAC London Heathrow

Here are the directions for pet owners traveling to AAC London Heathrow:

• Address: Building 579, Sandringham Road, Hounslow, London Heathrow Airport, TW6 3SF

• What3Words address for reception area: ///horses.bells.clever 

• What3Words address for customer car park: ///second.pushes.tigers 

If traveling from the M25, exit at Junction 14, whether you're traveling north or southbound, onto the A3113 double dual carriageway. Head east on the A3113, following signs for Terminal 4. 

• Go straight ahead at the next two roundabouts, bringing you onto a 40mph zone on Southern Perimeter Road. 

• You'll see an ESSO Fuel Garage on the opposite side of the road. 

• Shortly after, at a set of traffic lights, turn left into Seaford Road under a large metal gantry with yellow signs. 

• You'll see the AAC building directly in front of you.

Pet owners traveling with British Airways or other airlines should complete pre-checks and necessary forms as soon as possible to ensure a smooth experience.

• After completing the necessary forms, pet owners must pay the associated fees for their pet's arrival process.
• These fees can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the pet and the type of transport crate used. Pet owners should know that payment must be made in full before their pet arrives.

It's also important for pet owners to note that they will be responsible for arranging their transportation to and from the AAC. However, the facility is conveniently located near Heathrow Airport, making it easily accessible by car or public transportation.

Once at the AAC, pet owners can expect a smooth and efficient process for clearing their pets. The facility's manager recommends completing pre-checks via email to [email protected] to streamline the process further.

When collecting their pets, pet owners can use Google Maps or the what3words navigation service to locate the AAC quickly. The facility's address is Building 579, Sandringham Road, Hounslow, London Heathrow Airport, TW6 3SF. It's important to note that another Animal Reception Centre is across the road from the AAC, so pet owners should ensure they have the correct address.

Free customer parking is available directly opposite the reception area at the AAC. Pet owners should use the what3words address ///second.pushes.tigers to locate the car park. It's important to note that AAC also has other locations, such as Gatwick, for those seeking their services.

In conclusion, pet owners traveling with British Airways or other airlines should complete pre-checks and necessary forms as soon as possible to ensure a smooth and efficient process when clearing their pets at AAC London Heathrow. Payment for associated fees must be made in full before the pet's arrival, and pet owners are responsible for their transportation to and from the AAC.

 The AAC is conveniently located near Heathrow Airport, and free customer parking is available. Following these guidelines, pet owners can ensure a stress-free and safe travel experience for their furry companions.