Cost of Animal Transportation
across the UK

# Animal Transportation Accreditation

The primary regulatory framework for animal transportation in the UK is governed by the Animal Health Act 1981 and associated welfare regulations, but the key trade bodies providing accreditation are the Road Transport Association (RTA), the British Association of Removers (BAR), and sector-specific organisations like the National Equine Transport Association (NETA) for horse transport. Many animal transport providers also seek certification under the Defra-approved scheme for professional animal transportation, which requires operators to demonstrate compliance with animal welfare legislation and journey planning standards. Being a member of these bodies signals that a provider has been vetted for their standards of care, vehicle maintenance, driver training, and adherence to legal requirements around temperature control, rest periods, and contingency planning for emergencies during transit.

To verify a provider's accreditation, you should ask for their membership details and check directly with the relevant trade body's website, where most maintain searchable registers of accredited operators. You can also request documentation of their insurance (particularly public liability and animal welfare liability), their latest inspection reports from local authorities, and evidence of driver training certifications, such as the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). This verification matters significantly because accredited providers are subject to regular audits and complaints procedures, meaning there is a formal recourse mechanism if something goes wrong. Non-accredited operators may still operate legally, but they fall outside these accountability frameworks, leaving you with fewer protections and limited recourse beyond small claims court.

Accredited animal transport providers typically charge 15 to 40 per cent more than unaccredited competitors, depending on the distance, animal type, and additional services required. This premium reflects the genuine costs of maintaining higher standards: regular vehicle inspections and specialist equipment, ongoing staff training and welfare certifications, comprehensive insurance policies, and administrative compliance with trade body requirements. For most owners, this