Taking your dog on holiday takes some organisation. There are many regulations that require consideration, from safety in the car, to travelling on planes or ferries. These regulations change on a regular basis, so it is wise to check before you leave – just call the Defra Helpline on 44 (0) 870 241 1710.

What should I do before I go abroad?

 Microchip your dog

• Your dog needs to be microchipped. Check this procedure and the costs with your vet.
• It is highly recommended that after your dog is microchipped it is registered with Petlog, the largest pet reunification scheme in the UK, as this can prove extremely effective in locating a lost pet. The Petlog Premium service can even alert local vets and dog wardens when an owner sends a SMS text message to say where their pet was lost. You can also include your dog’s PETS Passport Number on your Petlog Premium record. Petlog is a member of the European Pet Network so can still help to get your dog back to you if you lose him when on holiday – but remember to add your holiday details to your pet’s record on Petlog before you travel by telephoning 0870 606 6751.

Vaccinate your dog against Rabies

• Your dog must be vaccinated 21 days prior to travel. Check this procedure and the cost with your vet.
• A month after the vaccination, a blood test is taken to make sure it has created enough antibodies. A passport is then issued once confirmed. All UK vaccinations have a validity period of 2-3 years, however, listed countries do differ. Please check with the authorities of the country you are travelling to for further information.

What about quarantine?

• When the passport has been issued the dog can travel to any of the countries in the PETS Travel Scheme and return to the UK six calendar months from the date the blood test is drawn without going into quarantine.

Other considerations:

• Check whether your dog can travel with the airline and ferry company you wish to use. You can travel by Eurotunnel but NOT by Eurostar (assistance dogs only).
• If you travel by plane and will be accompanying your dog, some airlines may allow you to book your dog in as excess baggage as opposed to cargo, which usually works out cheaper. Your dog must fly in an IATA approved crate and you should check with the airline about how to measure your dog for an IATA approved crate. Airlines should provide information guides on how to do this.
• Most ferry companies will not allow dogs up on to the decks so your dog will need to stay in the car throughout the duration of the crossing. Some ferry companies will allow you to check your dog throughout the crossing but you are advised to check before travel. For foot passengers, some companies do have kennels on the car decks. If you decide to take a ferry crossing, make sure your dog will be happy to sleep in the vehicle or in a kennel (whichever you choose) throughout the duration of the crossing.
• Before booking your holiday accommodation, ensure that the hotel or guest house will accept dogs. Most places on the continent are dog-friendly but, be advised you will normally be expected to pay a fee per dog.
• Consider travel insurance which covers your pet for emergency overseas veterinary and kennel costs.

What should I do whilst I am abroad?

• Before travelling in a car, gradually accustom your dog to car travel by taking your dog on short journeys.
• Always ensure your dog has plenty of ventilation and shade in the car and that fresh drinking water is readily available.
• Train your dog not to bark or move around excessively whilst your car is in motion, as this can be very distracting to the driver.
• Check the regulations for travelling by car for the country you are visiting as some countries insist that dogs wear canine seat belts or be carried in a cage.
• Transport your dog safely, preferably by using a special dog guard, dog cage or canine harness. Your dog will be better protected and feel more secure if he has his own space in the car rather than being ‘squashed’ in with the luggage.
• When taking your dog on a long journey, ensure you make regular stops to exercise your dog. Remember always to clean up after your dog in any public place.
•  Make certain your dog is kept on a lead in all public places.
• Ensure your dog is sociable and obedient. This can be done through the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme, which is a fun and enjoyable way of training your dog to be sociable and provides essential advice on responsible dog ownership.
• Make sure your dog wears an identification collar and tag with your current contact details. The Control of Dogs Order 1992 advises that any dog in a public place must wear a collar tag with the name and address of the owner written on it. The phone number is optional (but advisable). It is well worth adding your address while on holiday to your dog’s tag even if this is done simply by means of sticky tape over the current tag. The Kennel Club can provide these tags – log on to www.thekennelclub.org.uk for further information.

What about coming back to the UK?

• To come back into the UK your dog must have a tick and tapeworm treatment administered by a vet not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before you check-in with an approved transport company for the journey that brings your dog in to the UK. The vet has to sign the passport to say this has been carried out. If you are only going on a day trip, the tick/tapeworm treatment has to be administered before you leave the UK in order to comply with the 24 - 48 hour rule.
• The passport and the dog’s microchip number are checked before returning to the UK in the “PETS check point”. This check has to be paid for when you purchase your tickets initially.
• If you are importing a dog from abroad then it has to have a Pet Passport (the same as a UK dog travelling abroad).

Have a safe journey.

Travelling across to France? Don’t leave your pet at home! With Eurotunnel, you & your pet can sit back and relax together.Your pet stays with you in your car throughout the journey: Folkestone to Calais in only 35 minutes! For more details visit www.eurotunnel.com.

Last updated - February 2008

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