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London Heathrow LHR

Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) in London, United Kingdom: where dogs go after landing, what to bring, and how collection usually works.

Plan this routeCabin, cargo, breed and crate checks
Dog airport guide for London Heathrow
Dog arrival guide

Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC)

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. Dogs arriving at HARC are held in suitable animal accommodation with water and care while awaiting clearance.

All airportsOfficial facility page+44 (0) 20 8745 7894

Collection Point

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 dog 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 dog.

Hours

24/7 (365 days a year)

Dog-Owner Tip

Start the HARC paperwork pre-check process at least 72 hours before your dog'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.

Facility map

Map the animal facility, not just the passenger terminal.

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.

  • AirportLondon Heathrow (LHR)
  • CityLondon, United Kingdom
  • FacilityHeathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC)
  • Hours24/7 (365 days a year)
  • Phone+44 (0) 20 8745 7894
Open in Google Maps Official facility
London Heathrow airport location view

Before the flight

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.

After landing

Wait for clearance updates. Cargo and animal reception facilities are often outside passenger terminals and may need a taxi, car or agent appointment.

What to carry

Bring photo ID, original veterinary documents, microchip details, airway bill numbers, agent contacts and a charged phone.