South West England, encompassing Bristol, the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, and the rugged coastlines of Devon and Cornwall, presents unique challenges for pet transport. Long distances between rural villages and the need for comfortable, climate-controlled travel through varied terrain make choosing a specialized courier essential.
Whether you're moving a puppy from a breeder in Somerset or relocating a senior dog to the Cornish coast, here are the top 5 verified pet transport companies in the South West for 2026.
The Best Pet Transport Companies in South West England
1. 101 Pet Express (Exeter Hub) – Best for Regional Connectivity
⭐ 5.0 / 5.0 (Award-Winning Service)
📍 Location: Exeter, Devon (Serving the entire South West)
🔗 Website: 101petexpress.com/pet-transport-exeter
The Real Deal: As a key gateway to the South West, 101 Pet Express operates a major hub in Exeter. They are DEFRA Type 2 licensed, meaning they are legal for the long hauls required to get pets from Cornwall or Devon to the rest of the UK. They offer both fully caged vans and VIP people carriers for owners who wish to travel with their pets.
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Key Features: Live WhatsApp updates, climate-controlled fleet, and specialized routes for nervous travelers.
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Estimated Price: Local Devon moves from £95; Exeter to London/Midlands approx. £280 – £450.
2. Animals at Home (Mendip & Bristol West) – Best for Medical & Emergency Transport
⭐ 5.0 / 5.0 (Vet-Trained Teams)
📍 Location: Serving Bristol, Bath, and the Mendips
🔗 Website: animalsathome.co.uk/mendip-and-bristol-west
The Real Deal: This is more than a taxi; it’s a professional animal ambulance service. Their vehicles are DEFRA-approved and designed with veterinary-grade construction (including escape hatches). All staff are trained in pet first aid and handling, making them the top choice for senior pets or those requiring medication during transit.
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Key Features: 24/7 emergency service, oxygen-carrying capabilities, and RCVS-accredited training for drivers.
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Estimated Price: Local "Pet Taxi" call-outs from £45; mileage-based quotes for longer transfers.
3. The Pet Bus (Launceston) – Best for Cornwall & Devon Rural Moves
⭐ 4.9 / 5.0 (Highly Experienced)
📍 Location: Launceston, Cornwall (Serving PL and TR postcodes)
🔗 Website: thepetbus.co.uk
The Real Deal: Based right on the border of Devon and Cornwall, The Pet Bus specializes in the long-haul "Deep South West" routes. They are famous for their compassion and "one-on-one" care, ensuring that pets aren't just stuck in a van but given regular breaks at scenic South West stop-offs.
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Key Features: Thermostatically controlled heating/cooling, non-slip flooring, and Puppy/Kitten specialist handling.
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Estimated Price: Regional Cornwall/Devon transfers typically range from £150 – £300.
4. West Cornwall Removals (Pet Division) – Best for Full House Moves
⭐ 5.0 / 5.0 (Family Run)
📍 Location: Penzance, Cornwall
🔗 Website: westcornwallremovals.co.uk
The Real Deal: For families moving their entire lives to the coast, this Penzance-based company offers a specialized pet-friendly removals service. Unlike standard movers, they have a dedicated team that understands how to transition animals during the chaos of a moving day, ensuring the dog is the least stressed member of the family.
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Key Features: Combined furniture and pet relocation, over 550 genuine reviews, and 24/7 availability.
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Estimated Price: Integrated into removal quotes or standalone pet moves from £1.50 per mile.
5. Paws on the Move – Best for Budget-Friendly Local Transfers
⭐ 4.8 / 5.0 (Local Specialist)
📍 Location: Serving Somerset and North Somerset
🔗 Website: paws-on-the-move.org
The Real Deal: Focusing on the "Pet Taxi" side of transport, this service is perfect for those in the Bristol/Somerset area needing short-to-medium distance transport. They offer a very transparent pricing structure which is a breath of fresh air for local owners.
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Key Features: Pet First Aid certified, fully insured, and highly flexible for last-minute bookings.
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Estimated Price: £10 call-out fee + £2.50 per mile. Bespoke quotes for journeys over 50 miles.
💰 2026 Average Pricing for South West Pet Transport
| Journey Type | Estimated Price Range |
| Local Pet Taxi (Bristol/Exeter) | £35 – £85 |
| Cornwall to London (Long Haul) | £450 – £750 |
| Devon to Midlands | £300 – £550 |
| Emergency Vet Transport | £60+ (plus mileage) |
