Looking for pet transport in Aberdeen? Here’s a rating-sorted look at who actually operates locally, what NorthLink Ferries offers for pets, and what the DEFRA licensing tells you.
A note on the ratings below: these are Google’s, from real reviewers, not our own inspection.
Pet transport operators covering Aberdeen
Hillside Pets
Broomhill Cottage, B979, Stonehaven AB39 3SN
★ 4.7 (7 reviews)
Phone: 07841 698776
Google Maps · Website
Genuinely based just outside Stonehaven, a short drive from Aberdeen, Hillside Pets covers Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire with a dedicated pet taxi service — trips to the groomer, vet or other appointments, with or without you present — alongside pet sitting and dog training. They can arrange local jobs at short notice and take on longer-distance transport within the UK on request.
National operators who also cover Aberdeen
The same recurring UK-wide names show up here too — The Pet Bus, PetsA2B, ExecPets and others among them. None of that makes them the wrong choice, particularly for longer or international moves, but they’re covering Aberdeen from elsewhere rather than being based here.
Checking a DEFRA licence in Aberdeen
Type 2 (long journey, over 8 hours) authorisations are published as open data by the Animal and Plant Health Agency and updated monthly. Type 1 (up to 8 hours) isn’t published anywhere public. We checked the current register directly and Hillside Pets doesn’t currently appear under that name — their own site doesn’t state DEFRA authorisation either way. This doesn’t mean they’re unlicensed: their described work is mostly short, local trips, the kind that commonly sits under Type 1, which isn’t published anywhere we or you can check independently. Ask them directly for their current authorisation reference, particularly if you’re booking longer-distance transport.
A genuinely distinctive local feature: NorthLink Ferries to Orkney and Shetland
Aberdeen is the mainland departure point for NorthLink Ferries sailing to Orkney and Shetland, and the pet arrangements are genuinely worth knowing about if you’re travelling with a dog. NorthLink’s passenger vessels offer pet-friendly cabins with vinyl flooring, a water bowl and a dog treat on arrival, alongside heated kennels off the car deck for larger numbers or bigger dogs. There’s also a dedicated dog lounge on MV Hamnavoe, bookable in advance, with space for up to eight dogs, seating, bowls and a sea view. As well as the cabin charge, there’s a £15 supplement per pet. Dogs can also stay in your vehicle for the crossing if you’d rather, or accompany you on the outer deck.
If you’re flying a pet in
Aberdeen Airport is approved to accept assistance dogs only under the Pet Travel Scheme — this is stated directly on the airport’s own site, not something we’ve inferred. If you’re flying a pet other than a genuine assistance dog into Scotland, the confirmed Animal Reception Centre is at Edinburgh Airport, operated by Extrordinair as Scotland’s only Border Inspection Post — worth checking that guide before assuming Aberdeen can handle your pet’s arrival.
Getting around: the A90
Aberdeen sits on the A90, the main road connecting the city south to Dundee and Edinburgh, and north towards Peterhead and Fraserburgh. For pet transport specifically, this is the natural route for operators covering the wider North East of Scotland.
What to have ready before you travel
A DEFRA authorisation reference on request, confirmation of whether your pet travels alone or with others, and a written quote before booking are the same basics that apply everywhere in this directory — our pet transport hub covers the full list of questions worth asking and red flags to watch for. If your dog is a puppy coming from a breeder, our guide to puppy couriers covers what’s genuinely different about that specific journey.
For dogs that find travel or a ferry crossing stressful, some owners find a natural calming supplement helps take the edge off — worth having a look around Calmshops. It’s not a substitute for the checks above, just something that can help alongside them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions dog owners may have about this topic.
Is there a local pet transport operator in Aberdeen?
Yes — Hillside Pets, based just outside Stonehaven, covers Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire with a dedicated pet taxi service alongside pet sitting and dog training.
Can I take my dog on the ferry from Aberdeen to Orkney or Shetland?
Yes — NorthLink Ferries offers pet-friendly cabins, heated kennels, and a dedicated dog lounge on MV Hamnavoe. There’s a £15 supplement per pet in a cabin, and dogs can also travel in your vehicle or on the outer deck.
Does Aberdeen Airport have an Animal Reception Centre?
No — Aberdeen Airport is approved to accept assistance dogs only under the Pet Travel Scheme, confirmed directly on the airport’s own site. Scotland’s only confirmed Animal Reception Centre is at Edinburgh Airport.
Does the DEFRA Type 2 register cover all licensed Aberdeen operators?
No — it only covers Type 2 (long journey, over 8 hours) authorisations. Local operators doing shorter, everyday jobs commonly hold Type 1 authorisation instead, which isn’t published anywhere public.
Written by Georgiana & Figo. Have a question about pet transport? Have a look around Calmshops or drop us a line — we answer everything.
