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No dedicated ARC — most pet cargo routes via Heathrow (LHR/HARC) in London, United Kingdom: where dogs go after landing, what to bring, and how collection usually works.
London Gatwick (LGW) is the UK's second-busiest airport but does NOT have a dedicated Animal Reception Centre (ARC). Unlike Heathrow, which has the world-class HARC facility, Gatwick lacks purpose-built animal handling infrastructure. As a result, virtually all pet cargo destined for the UK via London routes through Heathrow (LHR) regardless of which terminal or airline the owner flies. If you are flying into Gatwick yourself while your dog travels as cargo, your pet will almost certainly still arrive at Heathrow — you will need to collect them from HARC separately.
Gatwick has no Animal Reception Centre. If your dog is arriving at Gatwick as cargo, contact your pet shipping agent well in advance — most will route pet cargo through Heathrow instead. If for any reason cargo does arrive at Gatwick, collection is via the Gatwick Cargo Centre on Perimeter Road South, accessible by taxi from the South Terminal.
Gatwick Cargo: Mon–Fri 07:00–22:00 (limited Sat/Sun)
Do not assume your dog will arrive at the same airport as you. If you book a passenger flight into Gatwick, your pet shipping agent will still route your dog's cargo through Heathrow in the vast majority of cases. Plan for separate collection at HARC, Terminal 4 area, Heathrow. Always confirm routing with your pet shipping agent at the time of booking — not the day before.
The critical address is usually the cargo, animal reception, quarantine or border-inspection facility. Use this as a starting map search, then confirm the exact entrance with the airline, facility or receiving agent before travelling.
Send document scans early where the facility offers pre-checks, and confirm whether the airline treats your dog as cabin, checked baggage, AVIH or manifest cargo.
Wait for clearance updates. Cargo and animal reception facilities are often outside passenger terminals and may need a taxi, car or agent appointment.
Bring photo ID, original veterinary documents, microchip details, airway bill numbers, agent contacts and a charged phone.