Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC)
About This Facility
The Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) is the world's leading live animal border inspection post, operated by the City of London Corporation since 1977. Every animal entering the UK through Heathrow must pass through HARC, where DEFRA officials and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) inspectors verify documentation, scan microchips, and conduct veterinary assessments.
The facility handles approximately 8,000 dogs, 4,000 cats, 400 horses, 200,000 reptiles, 2,000 birds, and 28 million fish annually. Cats arriving at HARC are taken out of their travel crates and placed in individual heated catteries with food, water, and a litter tray while awaiting clearance.
Physical Arrival Directions
The HARC is located near Terminal 4 on the southern perimeter of Heathrow Airport. It is NOT in any passenger terminal — you must travel to it separately.
From the passenger terminals, take a taxi or private car to Beacon Road, off the A30. The facility is a yellow brick building with a large 'Q' on top.
Do not go to the HARC until your pet clearance agent or the HARC staff have confirmed your cat is ready for collection, as the veterinary inspection and customs clearance process takes 4–8 hours from flight landing. Bring photo ID to collect your cat.
Practical Tips & What to Expect
Start the HARC paperwork pre-check process at least 72 hours before your cat's flight departs by emailing scanned copies of all documentation to the HARC pre-check service. This dramatically speeds up clearance on arrival.
Pets can stay at HARC for up to 24 hours at no additional charge; after that, a daily boarding fee applies (approximately £52/day). Book a pet-friendly taxi in advance for collection, as the HARC is not accessible by public transport or on foot from the terminals.
The HARC waiting room has sofas, TVs, and vending machines for owners waiting for clearance.
Professional Pet Transport
Need door-to-door pet transport through London Heathrow?
Starwood Animal Transport handle permits, health certs, airline bookings & collection logistics.