Taking Your Pets on Holiday - Blog about Pet Animals

If you are planning on taking your pet on holiday you should do some planning ahead of time. If you plan ahead and find establishments who are pet friendly you and your dog or cat will both enjoy yourselves. There are many sites on the internet that can help you find a hotel or B&B that is pet-friendly.

If you are taking pets abroad, the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows pet owners returning to the UK from certain countries to avoid having to quarantine their animals as long as they meet the rules. The rules and guidelines are in place to keep the UK free from rabies and certain other diseases.

Many airlines will not transport pets and Eurostar will not accept them either. However, Eurotunnel and most ferry routes will accept them provided they remain inside your car. The Defra's guide lists all the routes eligible for the Pet Travel Scheme.

Your dog or cat will have to be micro-chipped, and vaccinated against rabies. They will also have to undergo a blood test to ensure the vaccination has worked. Your vet will have to give you a certificate proving your pet has been vaccinated. Something very important to keep in mind is this all has to be done 6 months before you plan to travel.

You must also obtain an EU Pet Passport from a government authorized vet. Every time you return to the UK your pet must checked by a local vet and treated for ticks and tapeworm. You should ask your vet if the country you are traveling to requires an Export Health Certificate.

Another thing to check on before hand is that some countries may have different regulations for dogs and cats that you need to be aware of. Make sure you don't forget the countries you will be travelling through if you are driving. Many European countries are dog friendly and in some places they are allowed in restaurants and public places.

Depending on your pet, sometimes it will be easier if you leave them behind when you go abroad on holiday. It might be less stressful for both you and your pet if you find a suitable kennel or pet sitter.

Today, with the cost of medical treatment and veterinarian visits for your pets at an all time high and still increasing, a smart move is to buy pet insurance. This will give you peace of mind and the ability to take care of your four-legged family members in case of a medical emergency or injury. You can get pet insurance for older pets too. They don't have to be puppies or kittens to be eligible; as long as you keep the premiums up they will be covered for their lifetime.