From placing an order to the bird arriving at a UK airport, the process takes several weeks. Here is what the timeline looks like.
The typical timeline from order to delivery:
| Stage | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Order confirmed & documentation begins | Week 1 |
| Spanish CITES export permit application | 2–4 weeks |
| UK CITES import permit (Appendix I species) | 2–8 weeks |
| EU Animal Health Certificate (issued close to travel) | Within 10 days of travel |
| Flight booking & travel | 1–3 days |
| Border Control Post inspection on arrival | 1–4 hours on day of arrival |
Total from order to collection: typically 4–10 weeks depending on APHA processing times and flight availability. For Ireland, the process is typically faster (3–6 weeks) as no UK import permit is required for EU movement.
For Appendix II species to Ireland, timelines can be faster. For UK Appendix I species, the APHA permit processing time is the main variable — we cannot control government processing times, though we ensure our applications are complete and correct to minimise delays.
Browse our current availability and get in touch for pricing, delivery timelines, and documentation details.