How Pets Let’s Travel Began
Most companies start with a spreadsheet.
This one started with a cat.
From Fulham to Piedmont
In late September 2023 my wife and I packed the last of our things into the boot of a hatchback on North End Road in Fulham. Jenny — our eleven-year-old domestic shorthair — blinked at the morning light from her carrier as if she sensed an adventure coming. We were leaving London for good, trading traffic for vineyards and mountain air near Lake Viverone in northern Italy.
The journey itself looked simple on paper: London → Folkestone → Calais → Troyes → Biella.
It wasn’t simple at all.
Before departure, I discovered that exporting a pet legally from the UK to the EU involves a thicket of rules, acronyms, and shifting post-Brexit paperwork. Was it an AHC or an EHC we needed? Did the vet have to be an OV (Official Veterinarian)? What counted as the “point of entry”? Every phone call seemed to produce a new version of the truth.
In the end, we hired a specialist pet-transport company to drive alongside us through Europe. The service, hotel stops, and tunnel fees came to just under £2 400 — a price I was happy to pay for peace of mind. Still, as I watched Jenny’s documents multiply in my inbox — DEFRA forms, microchip records, rabies certificates, ferry manifests — I couldn’t shake the thought: why is this so opaque?
The moment the idea landed
At 12:24 p.m. on 30 September we rolled into the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone.
Jenny purred through security checks as the French official scanned our forms.
Forty minutes later we emerged in Calais and drove south toward Troyes for the night. In the hotel room, surrounded by carrier crates and coffee cups, I opened my laptop and typed a single note:
That note became the blueprint for Pets Let’s Travel.
Building from experience — not assumption
I’ve spent most of my career building companies. I founded the Pearl Lemon Group — a family of marketing, sales, and accounting businesses that operates globally.
That world taught me how to design systems: checklists, automations, distributed teams. It also taught me the power of trust; you don’t scale to hundreds of clients without earning it, day after day.
So when I created Pets Let’s Travel, I applied the same discipline but to something far more personal.
I wanted a company that could combine the rigour of an operations consultancy with the heart of an animal-rescue volunteer. Every exported reptile, cat, or dog deserved both.
A business born from empathy and precision
Relocating with pets isn’t logistics — it’s love under pressure.
Owners don’t care about acronyms; they care that their companion arrives safe, calm, and legal.
Yet to guarantee that, you must master the acronyms: DEFRA, APHA, EHC, TRACES, SIVEP, CHED-A.
That tension between emotional care and bureaucratic compliance became our niche.
We translate the complexity so owners can breathe again.
Our model is simple:
- We coordinate every document and veterinary step.
- We communicate clearly, often, and in plain English.
- We collaborate with trusted transport partners who share our welfare standards.
It’s the same “distributed team” approach that helped me grow Pearl Lemon — except instead of marketing campaigns, we manage living, breathing passengers.
From one cat to a community
Back in Italy, Jenny settled quickly. Ken, our Labrador-retriever mix, and Kiki, our Sicilian Podenco, soon joined her, chasing each other along the lakeside trails. Life in Piedmont gave me the space to reflect on what modern pet relocation could look like: a premium, owner-centric experience supported by meticulous compliance.
Within months the first inquiries arrived. People weren’t just asking for transport; they were asking for guidance — Which forms? Which vet? What if my snake needs a heat pad?
Those questions shaped our service tiers, our onboarding process, and our obsession with communication.
How we work today
When someone contacts Pets Let’s Travel, we respond within 24 hours.
The first conversation might happen by phone, Google Meet, or WhatsApp. We listen, explain the options, and send this very guide so they can see the depth of what’s involved.
Once a client confirms, we take full payment up front and assign:
- an Account Manager to stay in daily contact,
- an Administrator to handle the documentation chain, and
- the Transport Lead who will meet them and their pet in person.
That triad means there’s always someone checking paperwork, someone communicating, and someone driving.
Trusted specialists, transparent systems
We don’t pretend to own every vehicle on the road. Instead, we collaborate with independent, licensed specialists across the UK and EU who meet our welfare and documentation standards. They operate under our coordination — we remain the single point of accountability.
It’s a model that mirrors how I’ve run distributed teams for years: each partner is an expert in their craft, and our job is to orchestrate them flawlessly.
Values that anchor us
- Expertise means knowing the legal difference between an Animal Health Certificate and an Export Health Certificate — and making sure the vet uses the correct one.
- Calm means that when a border inspector asks for a document in French, we already have it printed, translated, and filed.
- Premium Care means small things — the temperature of a reptile’s container, the timing of a dog’s rest break — that make big differences.
Where we’re heading
Since that first overland trip with Jenny, Pets Let’s Travel has grown from a single idea to a specialist network moving animals safely between the UK and Europe every week. We now handle exotic species, reptiles, and complex multi-pet relocations.
The goal isn’t size; it’s standard. We want to set the benchmark for compliant, compassionate pet relocation.
Whenever an owner sends a message saying, “They’ve arrived — thank you for everything,” I think back to that night in Troyes, a cat curled on the bed, and the note on my laptop that started it all.
Why Reptile Transport Is Different
When most people picture “pet transport,” they imagine a wagging tail or a cat in a carrier. Reptiles travel very differently. They have unique biological needs and are governed by an entirely different layer of paperwork. If you’ve ever moved with a snake, gecko, or tortoise, you already know this isn’t a simple drive from A to B — it’s a carefully controlled journey between two regulatory systems.
The biology behind the bureaucracy
Reptiles are ectothermic: they rely on external heat to keep their bodies working. A cat can regulate its temperature within a few degrees; a corn snake can’t.
That one fact changes everything about how transport is planned.
- Temperature control: every container must maintain a safe thermal range — too cold, the animal shuts down; too hot, and it suffers stress or dehydration.
- Ventilation: containers need stable air flow without drafts.
- Light and dark: long exposure to bright light can disorient snakes; total darkness can calm them but must be balanced with inspection requirements at the border.
- Feeding schedules: most reptiles shouldn’t eat within 24–48 hours before travel; digestion at variable temperatures can make them sick.
Legal complexity: when your pet is also “wildlife”
Unlike cats and dogs, many reptiles are legally classified as wildlife under international trade conventions.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
- Divides species into three appendices; most common pet reptiles fall under Appendix II (or EU Annex B).
- Requires export and import permits showing the animal was captive-bred and legally acquired.
The Export Health Certificate (EHC 9027)
- The document that proves the animal is healthy and fit to travel from the UK to the EU.
- Issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) approved by DEFRA’s Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA).
The paperwork looks intimidating — but we handle it daily. For non-CITES reptiles like corn snakes, the process still involves DEFRA, APHA, the OV, and the French inspection service known as SIVEP (Service d’Inspection Vétérinaire et Phytosanitaire).
How the legal chain fits together
- DEFRA / APHA (UK) issue the official EHC template and register the application in their online portal.
- Official Veterinarian (OV) examines the reptile within ten days of departure, signs and stamps the certificate.
- TRACES NT (EU database) once APHA approves the EHC, the details feed automatically into this system so French border vets can see it.
- SIVEP / CHED-A (France) Calais border vets match the paperwork to the animal, verify health and identity, and issue a Common Health Entry Document – Animals (the “CHED-A”).
- Destination Vet (EU) optional but wise; confirms arrival and ongoing welfare.
One missing link in that chain can stop a journey cold.
The emotional gap most owners feel
Owners often say: “I just want to know my reptile is safe.”
But between “safe” and “legal” lies a maze of portals, acronyms, and ten-day validity windows.
That’s why at Pets Let’s Travel we handle:
- Scheduling the OV exam at the correct time.
- Filing the DEFRA application under our exporter credentials.
- Checking TRACES visibility before travel.
- Preparing bilingual travel packs (English + French) for SIVEP inspectors.
You still receive updates and photos, but you never have to wrestle with government portals at midnight.
The welfare difference
Beyond legality, reptile welfare requires knowledge that most general couriers simply don’t have.
- Heat packs & seasonal planning: we avoid mid-summer midday crossings and mid-winter overnight freezes; routes are planned by temperature map.
- Noise & vibration: reptiles feel vibration acutely; our partner vehicles secure carriers to dampen road rumble.
- Minimal handling: OVs and border vets are briefed to observe without unnecessary touching; stress can spike heart rates in snakes and lizards.
- Emergency contingencies: every journey has a protocol for vehicle breakdowns, ferry delays, or temperature alerts.
Non-commercial vs commercial moves
Most private owners fall under the non-commercial rule — you’re relocating your own pet, and you travel within five days of them. That’s the simplest route: one EHC 9027 and proof you’re the owner.
Commercial movements (e.g. breeders or rehoming organisations) are a different world: multiple permits, registration as a professional establishment, and regular inspections. We can advise on those too, but we separate the two tracks so individual owners don’t get lost in business-grade red tape.
A real-world example
Take Ruby, a snow corn snake recently exported from Kent to Germany.
She’s a non-CITES species, but she still needed:
- a veterinary health exam,
- EHC 9027 issued and signed within ten days,
- pre-notification through TRACES NT, and
- inspection at the Calais SIVEP.
Ruby travelled overnight through the Eurotunnel, cleared border control smoothly, and arrived in Germany with her owner waiting. Her paperwork, prepared in sequence, meant zero delays.
Every reptile journey follows that same choreography: documentation → inspection → entry. When each step is rehearsed, the crossing is uneventful — and that’s exactly what we want.
Why owners choose specialists
The difference between a general courier and a reptile-compliant transporter is knowledge.
A standard pet van might carry blankets and bowls; a reptile transporter carries thermometers, secure lids, and legally recognised documents.
That’s why we tell clients: this isn’t about luxury, it’s about legality.
A comfortable ride is useless if customs officers refuse entry.
By blending welfare science and bureaucracy, we make sure both halves of the journey succeed: your reptile arrives healthy, and your paperwork holds up to inspection.
The Compliance Landscape: How We Keep Every Journey Legal
Every legal pet move across the Channel is a chain of people, portals, and stamps. For most owners, that chain looks invisible until something goes wrong — and by then it’s too late. At Pets Let’s Travel, we make the invisible visible.
We work through five main bodies on every reptile journey:
- DEFRA The UK government department that governs animal exports.
- APHA Its operational branch that issues Export Health Certificates.
- Official Veterinarians (OVs) The only vets legally allowed to sign those certificates.
- TRACES NT The European database where the movement is logged.
- SIVEP / CHED-A The French inspection service that checks the paperwork at the border.
1. DEFRA: The Gatekeeper
DEFRA — the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs — controls what can legally leave the UK. It doesn’t check the animals; it controls the system the vets work inside.
When a client books with us, we create or update a DEFRA exporter account under our company registration. That account links our business details, address, and contact information with the APHA Export Health Certificate portal.
- Verify that the client’s reptile is eligible for export (some species need CITES permits first).
- Enter all details into DEFRA’s digital application — exporter name, consignee address, route, and travel date.
- Cross-check the species list against DEFRA’s live EHC library to confirm the correct certificate number (for reptiles: EHC 9027).
2. APHA: The Certificate Authority
The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) runs the online export system for DEFRA. It manages the vet sign-off process and uploads the approved certificate into TRACES NT so the EU can see it.
- They verify the exporter’s registration.
- They check the OV’s licence number to ensure it’s current.
- They release the digital EHC template to that OV’s account.
Our admin team monitors this portal until the template is assigned. We then coordinate with the vet to ensure inspection and certification happen within the legally required window — no more than ten days before departure.
If APHA flags any inconsistency (for example, a mismatched address or missing microchip number), we correct it immediately. That responsiveness prevents the most common cause of border delays: “EHC not visible in TRACES.”
3. The Official Veterinarian (OV): The Front-Line Certifier
- Physically inspect the reptile, verifying species, health, and microchip or tag number.
- Confirm the country of origin and provenance (where it was bred and kept).
- Complete and sign the EHC 9027, including the export permit number, vehicle registration, and exporter details.
- Stamp each page with their official coloured ink stamp (different colour from the printed text).
We prepare a complete digital pack for the vet before the appointment: animal details, exporter details, consignee address, and transport route.
That ensures the vet spends time examining the animal — not chasing missing information.
After the inspection, the OV uploads the signed certificate to APHA. From there it’s automatically visible to SIVEP officers in France through the TRACES NT portal.
We request a scanned copy for our own records and assemble the physical travel pack that will accompany the reptile.
4. TRACES NT: The Bridge Between the UK and EU
TRACES NT (Trade Control and Expert System New Technology) is the European Commission’s database for monitoring the movement of animals, plants, and food between countries.
- Exporter name
- Consignee name and address
- Species and identification number
- Vehicle registration
- Date and port of entry
When the transporter arrives at Calais or Coquelles, the French border vets at SIVEP open TRACES NT, locate the record, and perform their checks.
If any field is incomplete or inconsistent, they can legally halt the consignment until clarification.
- We verify TRACES visibility before the vehicle departs the UK.
- We print a bilingual (EN/FR) summary sheet listing the TRACES reference, EHC number, and OV stamp details.
- We maintain WhatsApp and phone contact with the transporter in real time during the crossing in case SIVEP requests clarification.
This step — verifying TRACES before departure — is what differentiates a compliant export from a hopeful one.
5. SIVEP / CHED-A: The French Inspection
At the Eurotunnel terminal in Calais, every live animal entering the EU passes through SIVEP, France’s veterinary and phytosanitary border control service.
- The animal matches the paperwork (species, microchip, and number of animals).
- The Export Health Certificate is valid and signed within ten days.
- The entry has been pre-logged in TRACES NT.
When all three checks pass, SIVEP issues the Common Health Entry Document – Animals (CHED-A).
This document becomes the EU-side proof of legal import.
- Printed copies of the EHC, the CHED-A template, and our bilingual summary sheet.
- Photo ID and letter of authorisation showing they are acting for the exporter.
- Emergency contact numbers for APHA and Pets Let’s Travel headquarters.
Most inspections take between 15 and 45 minutes depending on traffic. Once cleared, the CHED-A is digitally signed in TRACES and emailed to the exporter automatically.
Our Internal Controls
- Dual Review every export file is checked by two staff members before departure: one administrative, one operations.
- Version Control each form is stored in Google Drive with timestamped revisions, so inspectors can see document lineage if ever requested.
- 24-Hour Line during border crossings, at least one senior coordinator remains awake and reachable for SIVEP, APHA, or the driver.
That last point might sound extreme, but when you’re moving animals, there’s no such thing as “office hours.”
Common Compliance Myths (and the Truth)
Myth | Reality |
“It’s just a pet, so it doesn’t need export paperwork.” | Any live animal crossing from Great Britain into the EU after Brexit requires an Export Health Certificate or equivalent permit. |
“My vet can sign it.” | Only an Official Veterinarian (OV) authorised by DEFRA can issue EHC 9027. |
“Once the certificate is signed, I’m done.” | The certificate must also be uploaded into TRACES NT and accepted by the EU inspection point. |
“Digital copies are fine.” | Digital signatures are accepted by APHA and SIVEP if they are verified PDFs printed in colour; however, physical copies must travel with the animal. |
“If there’s a problem, I can fix it at Calais.” | Not always — missing TRACES data or an invalid EHC can result in the animal being quarantined or denied entry. |
The Human Layer
Behind all the systems are people:
- Export officers at APHA who answer our calls at 9 p.m.
- Border vets at SIVEP who sometimes wave us through at dawn.
- Our own coordinators checking that every name, postcode, and registration number matches.
When owners see a calm message — “Ruby has cleared French customs” — it represents hours of quiet, precise coordination.
This isn’t luck. It’s the accumulation of checklists, cross-calls, and compliance culture that we built from the ground up.
Why It Matters
Reptiles can’t tell border staff they belong to you. Their paperwork speaks for them.
That’s why our philosophy is simple: no surprises at the border.
Every form we file, every vet we coordinate with, every late-night confirmation call exists to make sure the moment the French inspector opens the file, everything lines up perfectly.
When that happens, the check takes minutes, not hours — and your pet continues its journey in peace.
Step-by-Step: A Typical Reptile Journey
From enquiry to safe arrival in Europe
This is what a fully compliant, welfare-first reptile export looks like in practice.
We’ll follow a single case: a UK owner relocating their corn snake from Kent to Germany via the Eurotunnel.
The story begins a month before departure and ends when the animal is safely settled on the Continent.
Day −30 to −21 — Initial enquiry and consultation
It always starts the same way: an anxious but excited owner sends an enquiry through our website, usually beginning with, “Can you move my snake?”
Within 24 hours we reply with reassurance and a booking-call link.
The first conversation covers:
- species and approximate age
- origin (UK-bred or imported)
- destination country and postcode
- preferred travel window
- whether the animal has travelled before
We also explain the legal framework in plain terms: every reptile needs an Export Health Certificate (EHC 9027), issued by an Official Veterinarian and lodged with DEFRA/APHA.
If the species is protected under CITES, we flag that an extra permit will be required.
Once the owner understands the process, we send them a short digital proposal summarising:
- what’s included (documentation coordination, transport, customs clearance)
- estimated cost range
- expected duration
- next steps
Most owners sign and pay the deposit the same day—the reassurance of hearing “we’ve done this before” makes all the difference.
Day −21 to −14 — Booking confirmed and pre-travel admin
As soon as payment clears, the compliance machine starts turning.
Our admin coordinator opens a new project file named after the animal (e.g. “Ruby_2025_Export”).
Inside that folder sit standard templates:
- Exporter details sheet – our company information for DEFRA.
- Consignee sheet – the owner’s name, address, phone number in the EU.
- Route plan – pick-up location, port of exit (Folkestone), border post (Calais SIVEP), destination.
- Species record – Latin and common names, sex, age, identification number.
We then register or update our DEFRA exporter account and submit an online application for EHC 9027.
The system instantly generates a case reference number — the key identifier for the file.
At this stage we also:
- contact one of our partner OVs to schedule the inspection;
- pre-book a Eurotunnel slot timed for quiet overnight hours (cooler and calmer for reptiles);
- assign a trained transporter from our UK partner network.
Day −14 to −10 — Owner briefing and document checklist
Attached are:
- a Letter of Authorisation template so the vet can act on the owner’s behalf;
- guidance on feeding, enclosure cleaning, and temperature prior to inspection;
- instructions to ensure the reptile hasn’t eaten within 48 hours of the exam.
We schedule a short WhatsApp call to run through the paperwork together.
This is when nervous owners usually relax—they realise we handle the confusing bits.
Day −10 — Veterinary inspection
The Official Veterinarian arrives (or the owner visits the clinic).
Armed with our pre-filled forms, the vet verifies:
- species identification (matching microchip or visual traits);
- general health and freedom from lesions;
- the animal’s origin and ownership;
- cleanliness and suitability of the travel container.
The OV signs and stamps EHC 9027 in blue ink, adds the case number, and certifies it valid for 10 days.
A scanned copy goes to APHA, and the entry automatically appears in TRACES NT, visible to French border staff.
We confirm receipt of the signed EHC and add it to the travel pack.
Day −9 to −5 — Pre-notification and final preparation
Our operations coordinator logs into TRACES NT to verify the upload.
If the system hasn’t synced yet, we phone APHA’s export line to push it through manually—this extra check saves countless headaches.
Meanwhile, we assemble the physical travel folder:
- colour print of EHC 9027
- bilingual summary sheet (English/French)
- copy of owner and driver IDs
- letters of authorisation
- emergency contact list
- vehicle registration details
The transporter receives digital copies too, stored securely on their phone.
We test our group WhatsApp channel (“Ruby Transport Updates”)—owner, admin, and driver all in one chat for real-time communication.
Day −4 to −1 — Temperature and welfare planning
Four days before departure, we check weather forecasts along the route.
If overnight temperatures dip below 10 °C or exceed 28 °C, we adjust departure time or vehicle setup (heat packs, ventilation).
We remind the owner:
- no feeding after 48 hours pre-departure;
- secure the snake in a breathable cloth bag inside its familiar hide box;
- label the container clearly with species, name, and “Live Animal – Handle with Care.”
The driver cleans and disinfects the vehicle according to DEFRA welfare guidelines and photographs the setup for our records.
Day 0 (Evening Departure)
19:30 – Pick-up
The driver arrives at the owner’s address.
Together they review the paperwork and take a quick welfare photo of the animal in its container.
The owner signs the transport manifest, and the vehicle departs.
22:00 – Arrival at Folkestone Eurotunnel terminal
At the freight gate, the driver presents the travel folder.
Border Force verifies:
- exporter name matches EHC 9027
- vehicle registration = certificate field
- animal container secure and labelled
If everything aligns, they wave the vehicle through to the SIVEP office on the French side.
Day +1 (01:30 – Calais SIVEP Inspection)
At the Calais SIVEP facility, the French veterinary officers open the TRACES NT record.
They check:
- Certificate number (25/2/xxxxxx) matches TRACES entry.
- OV’s signature and coloured stamp.
- Species and quantity of animals.
- Vehicle plate number and transporter ID.
Occasionally they visually confirm the animal without handling it.
When satisfied, they issue the CHED-A (Common Health Entry Document – Animals), both digital and paper.
The entire process usually takes 20–40 minutes.
Our on-duty coordinator monitors the WhatsApp group, ready to respond if inspectors request clarification.
As soon as clearance is granted, the coordinator messages:
✅ “Ruby cleared Calais SIVEP – documents validated 02:10 a.m.”
That single line represents weeks of groundwork paying off.
Day +1 Morning — Transit through France and arrival in Germany
Once cleared, the driver continues through France, keeping the van temperature stable (about 26 °C for corn snakes).
They stop periodically for quiet checks but never open the main container unless there’s an emergency.
By late morning the vehicle crosses into Germany.
Because the snake entered legally via Calais, no additional border inspection occurs—the CHED-A is valid for the entire EU.
09:30 – Delivery at destination
The driver meets the owner at their home in Sarow, reviews the paperwork once more, and hands over:
- EHC copy
- CHED-A copy
- welfare log sheet
- feeding and temperature notes
The owner signs a receipt confirming safe delivery and condition of the animal.
Day +2 — Post-arrival follow-up
Our coordinator checks in via WhatsApp:
“Just confirming Ruby’s settled? Any sign of stress or feeding issues?”
We encourage owners to book a short consultation with a local vet within a week, particularly if the journey exceeded 12 hours.
Finally, we archive the case file in our system:
- DEFRA application
- OV certificate scan
- CHED-A document
- driver log
- communications thread
Everything stays on record for two years, satisfying both DEFRA and APHA audit requirements.
What the Owner Never Has to Do
Behind the scenes, each of these steps requires forms, emails, and phone calls.
Here’s what we take off their plate:
Task | Who Handles It | When |
DEFRA export application | Pets Let’s Travel Admin | Day −21 |
APHA coordination | Admin + Vet | Day −10 to −5 |
TRACES verification | Compliance Team | Day −9 |
Border pre-notification | Transport Ops | Day −5 to −1 |
SIVEP clearance | Driver + Coordinator | Day 0 → +1 |
CHED-A download & archival | Admin | Day +2 |
To an owner, it feels seamless: a few emails, a pick-up, and a happy reunion on the Continent.
The Result
At the end of every successful run, three things are true:
- The reptile has travelled safely and legally.
- Every authority—DEFRA, APHA, SIVEP—has the paperwork they expect.
- The owner can finally breathe out.
What began as an overwhelming maze of acronyms becomes a smooth, human-centred experience.
That’s the essence of Pets Let’s Travel: we turn bureaucracy into calm, predictable routine, so that your pet’s first European adventure is as uneventful—and as safe—as possible.
Service Tiers & Add-Ons
Because not every journey—or every owner—needs the same level of support.
Over time we discovered that owners fall into three broad groups. Some simply need a safe, legal ride. Some want our administrative muscle to handle every form and phone call. And a few want absolute peace of mind, with 24-hour contact, vet oversight, and white-glove service from door to door.
Optional Add-Ons (Available for any tier)
Add-On | Description | Typical Cost Range |
CITES Permit Assistance | Application and liaison with APHA Wildlife Licensing for protected species | £120 – £250 |
Emergency Overnight Boarding | DEFRA-approved reptile boarding en route (24 h max) | £100 – £180 |
Temperature Data Logger | Continuous recording of internal crate temperature; PDF report after arrival | £35 |
Extended Communication Pack | Daily WhatsApp updates with photos for owners abroad or time-shifted | £45 |
Insurance Upgrade | Additional cover for rare or high-value specimens | Quoted individually |
All add-ons are invoiced transparently and only where they genuinely improve welfare or compliance.
How Clients Choose
- 1. Initial Consultation we walk you through these tiers, explaining in plain English what you do and what we do.
- 2. Quotation you receive a side-by-side comparison table showing inclusions, exclusions, and timelines.
- 3. Booking & Deposit once you select your tier, a 50 % deposit secures your slot and documentation support begins.
- Upgrade Option you can move up a tier any time before the EHC is issued.
Example Scenarios
Transparency and Trust
- a written agreement covering scope and responsibilities,
- clear refund and rescheduling terms,
- and direct access to their assigned coordinator.
We never hide behind partners or paperwork.
If a subcontracted driver or vet is involved, they’re working under our oversight and documentation standards.
Why We Offer Tiers
Because not all stress looks the same.
Some owners lose sleep over forms.
Some over temperature control.
Some simply over not knowing.
Our tiered system lets each owner buy back exactly the peace of mind they need—no more, no less.
Appendix & Checklist
Your Reptile Export Readiness Guide
(UK → EU, via Eurotunnel or Ferry)
This section brings everything together.
Think of it as the behind-the-scenes playbook we follow — simplified for owners who want to understand exactly what happens and when.
1. Pre-Booking Phase — Understanding Eligibility
Before anything else, check that your reptile is eligible to travel.
Species eligibility:
- Non-CITES reptiles (e.g., corn snakes, bearded dragons) can move with an EHC 9027 only.
- CITES-listed reptiles (e.g., boas, pythons, tortoises) require an additional CITES Export Permit from APHA Wildlife Licensing.
Ownership proof:
- Receipts from purchase or adoption.
- Vet records showing long-term care.
Condition of animal:
- Healthy, eating normally, no visible lesions or shedding stress.
- Must not be gravid (carrying eggs).
Exporter location:
- The animal must have been in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) long enough to be classed as “of UK origin.”
Destination:
- We currently service EU mainland via France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Austria.
If unsure about any of these, your coordinator can check the DEFRA database before booking.
2. Booking Checklist — What We Need from You
Once you confirm you’d like to proceed, here’s what we’ll ask for:
Document / Item | Who Provides It | Purpose |
Copy of owner’s photo ID (passport or national ID) | Owner | Required by APHA and SIVEP |
Proof of ownership (purchase or vet record) | Owner | Links animal to exporter |
Destination address & contact | Owner | For TRACES & CHED-A |
Species details (Latin & common name) | Owner or vet | To fill EHC accurately |
Microchip / tag / visual ID | Owner or vet | Required for traceability |
Letter of Authorisation | Owner | Allows us to act on your behalf |
Vet details (if you have one) | Owner | For coordination |
Payment confirmation | Owner | Confirms booking & triggers DEFRA submission |
All data is securely stored and deleted after legal retention periods.
3. Veterinary Phase — EHC & Health Prep
This is where legal certification happens.
Book the inspection window:
- 10 days before travel is the magic number — EHCs are only valid for 10 days from the vet’s signature.
Prepare the reptile:
- Feed lightly 3–4 days before.
- No food 48 hours before inspection.
- Ensure the enclosure is clean and secure.
During inspection:
- The vet confirms the species and identification.
- Checks overall health and skin condition.
- Signs and stamps EHC 9027.
After inspection:
- The vet uploads the certificate to APHA → TRACES NT.
- We receive a digital copy for review.
- The original printed certificate travels with the animal.
4. Compliance Timeline — What Happens Behind the Scenes
This is what your coordinator and our internal team are doing:
Day | Task | Department | Output |
−30 | Receive enquiry & create project file | Sales | Internal ID created |
−21 | Register/exporter DEFRA account | Compliance | DEFRA Case Ref No. |
−14 | Assign OV and schedule inspection | Admin | Appointment confirmation |
−10 | OV issues EHC 9027 | Veterinary | Signed/stamped certificate |
−9 | Verify upload to TRACES NT | Compliance | TRACES visible |
−5 | Assemble physical travel pack | Admin | Binder ready |
−1 | Final welfare checks, vehicle sanitisation | Transport Ops | Cleared for departure |
0 | Border inspection (Calais SIVEP) | Driver + Coordinator | CHED-A issued |
+2 | Delivery confirmation | Transport Ops | Owner receipt signed |
+7 | Post-arrival follow-up | Client Care | Case archived |
5. Travel Day Documents — What Must Be in the Vehicle
- 1. EHC 9027 (Export Health Certificate) – signed by OV.
- 2. Letter of Authorisation – from owner to Pets Let’s Travel.
- 3. Letter of Authority (Subcontractor) – from Pets Let’s Travel to partner transporter.
- 4. Bilingual summary sheet (EN/FR) – route, TRACES number, contact info.
- 5. Vehicle registration & driver ID.
- 6. Owner’s ID copy (passport or EU ID card).
7. Emergency contacts:
- Pets Let’s Travel Coordinator (24h)
- DEFRA Export Helpline: +44 3000 200 301
- APHA Centre (region-specific)
- SIVEP Calais: +33 3 21 19 48 00
6. At the Border — What Happens at Calais (SIVEP)
- 1. Driver checks in signed by OV.
- 2. SIVEP vet opens TRACES NT record and confirms all details.
- 3. Visual inspection may occur; reptile container is not opened unless necessary.
- 4. CHED-A issued. (EN/FR) This EU document now becomes the “import passport.”
- 5. Vehicle released. Transit continues.
Average duration: 15–45 minutes.
If the system is busy, it can stretch to 60 minutes — but our pre-clearance preparation avoids almost all delays.
7. Delivery & Handover — The Final Steps
- Confirm recipient ID matches the consignee name on the certificate.
- Take photos of the container before handover.
- Exchange paperwork (EHC + CHED-A copies).
- Record the handover signature.
- Notify Pets Let’s Travel HQ for closure.
We then email a digital archive link to the owner — all documents, timestamps, and route details in one folder.
8. Document Archive & Retention
Under DEFRA and APHA regulations:
- We keep each export file for two years (digital copy).
- Files are stored securely in encrypted cloud folders.
- Clients may request deletion after this period.
Each file contains:
- EHC 9027 (original + scan)
- CHED-A copy
- Letters of authorisation
- Transport log sheet
- Communications record (for audit traceability)
9. Owner’s Quick Checklist
Task | Completed? |
Confirm species eligibility (CITES or non-CITES) | ☐ |
Provide proof of ownership and photo ID | ☐ |
Complete Letter of Authorisation | ☐ |
Provide destination address | ☐ |
Schedule veterinary inspection (10 days pre-travel) | ☐ |
Confirm vehicle collection date | ☐ |
Receive EHC copy from vet | ☐ |
Verify TRACES upload | ☐ |
Prepare reptile for travel (fasting & enclosure prep) | ☐ |
Receive WhatsApp group invite | ☐ |
Receive CHED-A confirmation post-crossing | ☐ |
Confirm safe delivery | ☐ |
This list mirrors the one we use internally—if you’ve checked every box, you’re export-ready.
10. Contacts & Acronyms Reference
Acronym | Meaning | Function |
DEFRA | Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs | UK government department overseeing animal exports |
APHA | Animal & Plant Health Agency | DEFRA agency managing export health certification |
EHC 9027 | Export Health Certificate (Reptiles/Amphibians) | Mandatory certificate for reptile export |
OV | Official Veterinarian | DEFRA-licensed vet authorised to sign EHCs |
TRACES NT | Trade Control and Expert System (EU database) | Tracks cross-border movement of live animals |
SIVEP | Service d’Inspection Vétérinaire et Phytosanitaire | French border veterinary inspection authority |
CHED-A | Common Health Entry Document – Animals | EU proof of entry issued after inspection |
CITES | Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species | Governs protected species |
BCP | Border Control Post | Designated EU inspection point (e.g. Calais, Dunkirk) |
11. Timelines at a Glance
Phase | Approx. Duration | Key Output |
Booking & Pre-Check | 3–5 days | Confirmed quote + deposit |
DEFRA Registration | 2 days | Case reference number |
Vet Coordination | 3–5 days | EHC issued |
TRACES Verification | 1 day | Record visible to SIVEP |
Transit & Inspection | 1 day | CHED-A issued |
Delivery & Handover | Same day | Owner receipt |
Post-Arrival Support | 1–2 days | Welfare follow-up |
Typical total timeline: 14–18 days (Premium Assistance model).
12. Insurance, Risk & Welfare
Optional add-on policies can increase cover for:
- rare or high-value reptiles,
- extended boarding delays,
- or veterinary emergencies.
Welfare policy summary:
- Temperature maintained within species-appropriate range.
- No unnecessary handling.
- Direct routes prioritised.
- No unplanned overnight stops unless for welfare reasons.
13. Aftercare Advice
- Leave it undisturbed for 24 hours to reorient.
- Offer water but delay feeding until the animal resumes normal behaviour.
- Maintain stable temperature and humidity.
- Schedule a short vet check within a week, particularly for long journeys.
We’re available for advice during this settling period — you can message your coordinator anytime within seven days of delivery.
14. Example Document Pack (Reference Only)
Document | Issued By | Purpose |
Export Health Certificate (EHC 9027) | Official Veterinarian | Certifies animal fitness and legality |
Letter of Authorisation (Owner → Pets Let’s Travel) | Owner | Grants permission for export representation |
Letter of Authority (Pets Let’s Travel → Partner Transporter) | Company | Authorises transport partner at border |
CHED-A | SIVEP | Confirms EU entry |
Bilingual Summary Sheet | Pets Let’s Travel | Clarifies details for French officials |
Vehicle Log & Cleaning Record | Driver | Proves welfare compliance |
15. Key Takeaway
Moving a reptile isn’t about luck — it’s about lawful coordination.
Every certificate, signature, and phone call creates a paper trail that proves your pet’s journey was ethical, safe, and compliant.
When you book with Pets Let’s Travel, that trail is built for you — end to end.
All you need to do is pack the enclosure, sign the forms, and trust that when the border lights turn green, your reptile’s paperwork is already waiting on the other side.
A Note from Our Founder
