Airlines that carry dogs

There are companies that do this for you and make sure all your paperwork is in order etc....

I would suggest trying Bulgaria Air. I just used Bulgaria Air from Zurich to Sofia with my cat.

I doubt you'll find any of the low cost airlines will do this, when we flew our two dogs to Italy many years ago we used BA. We decided to board the dogs for a week prior to the move and the kennels arranged all the transport,
picked them up from us, took them to the airport, made bespoke kennels (very specific requirements) and did all the paperwork too. I had done all the vet and passport things already.

When we moved back to U.K. we had acquired more pets (6 total) so we drove them. And this time when we move to BG we will have even more pets so we'll drive again.

Don't forget the needed paperwork. See gov.uk

Yep, I'm on that thanks.

I inquired about this approx a month ago. The airlines are not currently taking animals.

The only airlines are private charter hire. To BG approx £12k one way for upto 4 passengers.

I am travelling with my cat on Bulgaria air on Friday to Zurich. But indeed they do not accept pets from GB. It is such a shame, I suppose its Brits taking back control or making things too difficult for airlines to manage paperwork.

I think people are confusing travelling in coach and hold. Big difference.

I'm not sure this has changed, but it used to be that BA was the only airline animals could leave the UK on. In Europe it's possible to take a small pet as carry-on luggage in a suitable pet carrier and keep it under the seat in front, but from the UK animals must go as freight.
AngelHalo, are even the companies that specialise in shipping pets not currently doing it?
We're thinking when we move to get a campervan and travel with the cats, though four days on the road with two unhappy cats isn't my idea of fun! Dogs would be far easier to take on a road trip!

Unfortunately their website states the are not carrying pets from the uk now. I think we have found a way forward though as can't leave him behind!

Wow, 12k!!

Hi Jane, I think you are correct about BA. Good luck with your cats! 😆

We sent our dog by air from Cyprus to UK because driving was impractical. It cost a small fortune. :-)

UK to BG is not a difficult drive (2 days, 1 overnight stay), so this might be worth considering, if your dog is happy with car rides.

Hia yes mine will ride all day in car an weeks so we are really lucky we will be doing drive Bulgaria when can no problems at all plenty stops fresh water it's all good plus no body will come near the vehicles

Glad you found a solution, Mel!

Hi Mel you say you have found a solution, please can you share it. We are moving in 12 weeks and need to bring a dog from the UK thanks!

I hope this helps but you are limited by weight and size of animal https://www.air.bg/en/services/flying-with-pets/

Road trip! Yay! :-)

Bullador, unfortunately that BG Air info doesn't apply when flying from the UK. 
DEFRA rules say BA only for transporting pets by air, as far as I know.

One of the options we looked into (pre-Brexit and pre-COVID) was getting a driver service to take us and our cats through the Channel Tunnel so we could catch a flight from the EU side and take them as hand luggage to go under the seat in front of us. That's probably still possible, but we're leaning toward getting a campervan and driving the whole way.

Though hubby is sick, so our plans keep getting delayed.

Thankyou for some responses here, it's looking likely my husband will end up driving the dog and cat over while I fly into Sofia with my two small children and new baby. It will be far more stressful this way but I cannot leave my pets behind

I am also looking for horse transport, no luck yet but I have three months to sort it. Any info is much appreciated x

Sounds like a good solution. Horses- oh my, a much bigger challenge. But there are quite a few Brits who've set up equestrian properties in Bg.
I don't know anyone personally, but I read about this horse riding place set up by Brits when I was considering buying a nearby property. Maybe worth contacting them and asking if they have any horse transport contacts? https://sakarhorsefarm.com/meet-the-team/

janemulberry wrote:

Bullador, unfortunately that BG Air info doesn't apply when flying from the UK. 
DEFRA rules say BA only for transporting pets by air, as far as I know.

One of the options we looked into (pre-Brexit and pre-COVID) was getting a driver service to take us and our cats through the Channel Tunnel so we could catch a flight from the EU side and take them as hand luggage to go under the seat in front of us. That's probably still possible, but we're leaning toward getting a campervan and driving the whole way.

Though hubby is sick, so our plans keep getting delayed.

Don't forget the needed docuuments for transporting animals into the EU.

Thanks for the reminder, Ramses.  We'll be sure to do so.

Paws Bulgaria. They will collect your pet & drive it over to BG! 🎉

Thank you Mel

When are you going over?

I will have to transport my pets from Irand to Bg. My dog comes from Poland so he's quite a traveller.
Have you used their services?

All clear... They only travel between UK and Bg😔

KingaCo. Clare wrote:

All clear... They only travel between UK and Bg😔

https://www.ipata.org/ipata-pet-shippers-air-and-ground