The animals that pass through Heathrow Airport - in pictures

  • A female boa constrictor at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre. All photos: PA
    A female boa constrictor at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre. All photos: PA
  • Each year, about 14,000 dogs and cats, 400 horses, 100,000 reptiles, 1,000 birds and 28 million fish are imported through Heathrow Airport
    Each year, about 14,000 dogs and cats, 400 horses, 100,000 reptiles, 1,000 birds and 28 million fish are imported through Heathrow Airport
  • All animals are collected from the aircraft and taken to the airport's Animal Reception Centre for inspection
    All animals are collected from the aircraft and taken to the airport's Animal Reception Centre for inspection
  • Animals are provided with temporary accommodation while paperwork is checked before they can be reunited with their owners
    Animals are provided with temporary accommodation while paperwork is checked before they can be reunited with their owners
  • The centre, owned and operated by the City of London Corporation, can accommodate any animal species
    The centre, owned and operated by the City of London Corporation, can accommodate any animal species
  • An adult white tree frog at the reception centre
    An adult white tree frog at the reception centre
  • Chris, an animal attendant supervisor, checks on a cat at the reception centre
    Chris, an animal attendant supervisor, checks on a cat at the reception centre
  • A pug is brought in from the airport
    A pug is brought in from the airport
  • A clown fish arrives
    A clown fish arrives
  • The centre works with airlines to ensure animals are well looked after and meet requirements that allow them to travel without having to quarantine
    The centre works with airlines to ensure animals are well looked after and meet requirements that allow them to travel without having to quarantine