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Tips to prepare for a trip with your pet

Published: 09 July 2012

With even more torrential rain expected to hit the UK over the coming weeks, the best way for you to experience summer might be with a caravan break abroad. Of course, while the rain is lovely weather for ducks, chances are your own animals won't take too kindly to being left behind.

However, if you're planning to take your furry friend abroad with you, there are certain rules that you need to be aware of, depending on your destination of choice. As of January of this year, all pet dogs, cats and ferrets can enter or re-enter the UK from any country in the world without quarantine, as long as they meet travelling standards. 

One of the most important things to do before taking your animal on holiday overseas with you is to make sure that it is first fitted with a microchip (note that this should also be done before it is vaccinated against rabies).

The microchip number will help you identify your pet and it should also be correctly recorded on its EU pet passport, which is necessary for travel and can be obtained by an official veterinarian.Make sure that the microchip number is registered on a database and updated with your holiday details as this will help to re-unite you if your pet should go missing while you're abroad.

In terms of vaccinations, it's important to make sure that your beloved animal is vaccinated against rabies in line with travel guidelines, which state that there's a wait of 21 days from the day of the first rabies vaccination before the pet can enter or re-enter the UK.

Of course, certain countries may have different rules depending on what type of dog you have. In France, for example, if your dog belongs to any breed officially regarded as dangerous, you won't be able to enter the country. These include Staffordshire terriers (without pedigree), mastiffs and pit bulls (without pedigree).Similar rules apply for different breeds in Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands.

With many different guidelines, it's important that you do your research thoroughly before taking your pet abroad. However, if you do your homework, you'll both be able to relax and enjoy your time away. 


http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/planning-your-holiday/overseas-holiday-planning/travel-essentials/general-advice/travelling-with-pets/
http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/