Bristol Airport to open animal reception centre

25/06/2009

Bristol Airport has announced the opening of a new animal reception centre next month.

From July 1st, pet owners will be able to fly their cats and dogs in and out of the regional transport hub.

Travellers who have a passport for their animal will be able to bypass the standard six month quarantine period, subject to strict pet assessment by specialists.

Bristol International is only the fourth airport to offer an animal reception facility, behind Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester.

Paul Rankin, general manager of airside operations at the airport, commented: "We are delighted to be able to respond to demand from passengers and airlines for this facility.

"The Animal Reception Centre will enable airlines to offer an additional service, meeting the needs of the many pet owners who want to take their animals overseas."

Bristol Airport recently submitted plans for a £150 million expansion of its facilities to North Somerset Council.

If approved, the air hub could increase annual passenger numbers from six to ten million.