It is now easier than ever to transport pets abroad from the UK.

Modern vaccines mean the risk of rabies is very low, while new animal welfare rules introduced in 2012 had the potential to save owners millions in fees.

But animal lovers travelling the world are still sparing no expense when it comes to keeping their furry, feathered or scaled companions by their side.

Owners will pay thousands to have pets fly to and from Scotland on selected air lines, be it Scottish Terriers to Abu Dhabi, Russian Blues to Johannesburg or budgies to Milan.

Enter Extrordinair, an animal transport service based at Edinburgh Airport, and the only one of its kind in Scotland.

As well as facilitating the UK's pet travel scheme - which only applies to cats, dogs and ferrets - Extrodinair are one of three border inspection posts for animals in the UK, enabling arrivals and departures of commercial creatures from reptiles and rodents to birds of prey.

Staff look after around 1000 animals per year in the crucial hours before and after flights, not only ensuring laws are upheld, but also making animals comfortable and reuniting them with their owners.

The latter is the most rewarding aspect of the job, according to managing director Sylvia Fleming.

"When animals arrive with us that's the end of their journey, so that's a happy time," she said.

"Animals are always pleased to see their owners. But actually animals travel well - it's the owners that have the anxiety.

"Because the owners are so upset about leaving their dog for instance, the dog then gets that from their owners. Then when dogs are in the hold it's dark, so they go to sleep."

Pets arriving at Edinburgh Airport are brought straight to Extrordinair's border inspection post in a quarantine cage.

Much like their human counterparts, pets are keen to empty their bladders, stretch their legs and enjoy a drink of water - all in kennels and cages that must be a particular size depending on its occupant.

Extrodinair staff will then read their microchips and check all relevant vaccinations and blood tests are in order. Rabies is the most common disease vaccinations are in place for, however with the range of animals coming through Edinburgh, staff are also watching out for the prevention of the spread of avian flu (birds) or African horse sickness.

If an animal is travelling to be sold, it must be taken through customs and staff will also call a vet if there are any health concerns, which is a rare occurrence.

Bizarrely, a more common hold up for staff is chatty parrots.

Sylvia said: "We've had some hilarious parrots which are the worst thing to come in because if they talk they keep the staff back.

"You just try phrases with a parrot saying 'hello', 'how are you?' They probably talk more to us than when their owner arrives.

"There have been occasions when owners come to collect them and it lets the cat out the bag that they can swear."

Generally it's a joyful affair for pets arriving in Scotland, but animal handlers have also had to comfort animals traumatised by war or abuse.

Each Sunday Extrordinair care for dogs coming off flights from Cyprus, rescued by charity workers who arrange new homes for them in Scotland.

Sylvia said: "The treatment of some animals is appalling. We had a dog from Afghanistan, which had a lot of publicity at the time after it was rescued by a soldier.

"It obviously had a traumatic time and when it arrived we couldn't get it out of kennel, it was so so scared. I believe it's doing really well now, but if you saw it your heart went out to it.

"We get quite a lot of working army dogs that are retiring and soldiers want to keep them. When you hear stories of what they do, they're so brave."

Extrordinair have been operating from Edinburgh Airport for 29 years, primarily transporting goods and working with Edinburgh Zoo.

They secured a border inspection post in 2011, coinciding with a change in regulations for transporting pets abroad in the UK. In order for cats, dogs and ferrets to qualify for air travel, they need to be microchipped, have a pet passport and have suitable vaccinations and blood tests if travelling from an unlisted country outside the EU.

Pet owners could fork out around £100 just to meet the criteria. But Extrordinair staff have seen animal enthusiasts pay up to $10,000 to fly pure breed bulldogs to Edinburgh from the US, while animals such as the Scottish border collie are coveted abroad because of recent trends in sheep dog trialling.

Now as more "pet agents" organise flights for owners, Sylvia warns of the dangers of using unaccredited companies.

"People should make sure when exporting a pet they use an approved agent," said Sylvia.

"More and more people are jumping on the band wagon. Make sure they're a member of British International Freight Association (BIFA).

"Companies quote thousands more than necessary, you'd be amazed at what people pay coming in."