Travelling with your pet is an exciting adventure. However, it is a huge responsibility that requires extensive preparations and planning to ensure their comfort and well-being. If you are planning a holiday and have decided to take your fluffy family member with you, there are numerous things that you must take care of.
But fear not! Our travel guide will help you on your quest. We have given you all the necessary planning tips from start to finish. Read it thoroughly before planning your vacation.
How to Choose a Destination While Traveling with Your Pet?
There are a few things that you should keep in mind while planning your holiday with your pet:
- Are pet-friendly accommodations available?
- Do restaurants allow pets to accompany you?
- Can they stay comfortable in those surroundings?
- Is the weather and temperature suitable for your pet?
- Does your destination have good vet facilities?
- Is there any disease in the area that may endanger your pet?
- Can your pet calmly travel to that distance?
How Many Pets You are Allowed to Take with You?
Regulations allow you to take up to 5 pets when going in and out of the UK. However, there are a few exceptions in case you are participating:
- In a competition
- In a show
- In a sporting event
However, in such cases, you need evidence of participation in those events that you can show at the point of entry. Furthermore, your pet needs to be at least six months old to take part in events and training.
Which Documents Are Required to Take Your Pet Abroad?
There are some documents that you need to arrange when travelling with your pet abroad. These documents include:
Pet Passport: A passport is an essential pet document that you need to have while taking your pet across the UK and Europe. It provides your pet’s official record, including its identification and health status.
Microchip: Your pet must have a 15-digit microchip that can be used for its identification. The chip must comply with ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 standards. Also, make sure that all the microchip records are up to date.
Rabies Vaccination: Make sure that your pet has received its rabies vaccination at least 21 days before the travel date. Also, vaccination records should be kept up to date.
Additional Vaccinations: You may need any additional vaccination for your pet. This depends on the pet’s species and your destination. You can check with your vet for it.
Health Certificate: Some countries in the EU may also demand a health certificate for your pet to ensure it is fit for travel. You can get a health certificate from an accredited vegetarian.
What are the Travel Options for Your Pet?
There are essentially two travel options that you can select while going abroad, i.e. air travel and ground travel. However, you must choose your travel mode carefully to ensure your pet stays comfortable during the journey. Here are the key features of both of them:
Air Travel
- It is cost-effective and suitable for long-distance travel.
- It is the fastest way to arrive at your destination.
- You can organise your travel plan easily.
- This gives you access to a vast range of holiday destinations.
Ground Travel
- You will have a person with your pet during the whole journey.
- This travel option is highly suitable for large dog breeds.
- You can create a controlled environment in the car for your pets.
What Essentials You Should Pack?
Below is a list of the things that you may need during your travel and after reaching your destination. This is a generic list, and you can specify it according to your needs.
- A crate or a safe car harness
- Essentials for its exercise break
- Their favourite treats
- Comfortable bedding
- Familiar toys
- Poo Bags
- A Muzzle
- Enough drinking water and food for the journey
- A collar with a tag and your contact information
Important Tips for Travelling Abroad with Your Pet
Keep your Pets Secure
If you are travelling by road, make sure that the vehicle is suitable for your pet’s travel and that they are properly harnessed and watched during the travel.
Cats and carriers
If you are travelling with your cat, it is recommended that you keep them in its carrier and place a seat belt on it.
Keep Them in the Back Seat
If you are travelling with a smaller pet, it is safer for them to sit in the back seat rather than the passenger seat.
Keep them from Leaning Out of the Window
Letting your pets take their heads out of the window, and lean outside is considered highly dangerous and must be avoided.
Plan Their Rests
If you are travelling a long distance, it is important to add pit stops where your pets can rest, stretch their legs and take a walk.
Get a Helping Hand
It is highly recommended to travel with another person while you are taking your pets on a long journey outside the UK.
Don’t leave the Alone in the Car
Leaving the pets inside the car, especially if the air conditioning is turned off, can prove to be lethal and dangerous for them.
Don’t Play the Music Too Loud
Playing the music too loud for a long time will make your pets uncomfortable due to their sensitive hearing and trigger anxiety and panic.
Wrapping Up!
Taking your pet abroad requires thorough planning and is subject to multiple regulations. There are several things that you must consider while planning your holiday with your pets. You can engage Super Pet Travel to ensure a comfortable journey for your fluffy friend across the continent.
