Among the many thousands of people travelling through London’s Heathrow every day, are also an average of 5 assistance animals. And that number is growing. Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) has reported a 110% increase in assistance animal imports since 2021, as more passengers are being accompanied by trained support dogs. “Assistance dogs are specially trained canines that carry out specific tasks to support people with disabilities, including guiding visually impaired passengers, alerting people with hearing loss, and assisting individuals with physical or medical conditions”, the press release explains. Operated by the City of London Corporation, HARC processed 1,800 assistance animals in 2025, with demand peaking on transatlantic routes and during the holiday travel season – particularly these past two months as people journeyed to visit relatives. HARC explains the rise on account of ongoing regulatory updates and changes in airline procedures for recognizing assistance animals. Though there are some carriers that conduct their own dog training assessments, HARC assists the majority of airlines serving Heathrow, when it comes to performing arrival checks and welfare inspections. It is the UK’s only Live Animal Border Control Post authorized for all species, holds IATA’s CEIV Live Animals certification for excellence in handling and welfare standards, and has been in operation since almost 50 years, offering 24/7 care facilities. Recently, Susie Pritchard, a senior HARC representative, was appointed to the Assistance Dogs UK Advisory Panel to advise on future legal and policy reforms.
Peter Dunphy, Chair of the City Corporation’s Port Health and Environmental Services Committee, stated: “As part of our responsibilities for animal health and welfare across Greater London, and to support access for all passengers arriving into the UK, we work closely with airlines and Heathrow Airport to manage growing demand and maintain robust arrival checks as assistance dog travel increases.”
Susie Pritchard, Assistant Director of Animal Health and Welfare at HARC, revealed: “Our role has become more complex as the number of assistance dogs travelling through Heathrow has increased, and it is essential that checks remain consistent, health and welfare compliant, and focused on facilitating access to travel for passengers with assistance dogs.”
