How to travel with a pet
You’ve decided you want to take your pet on holiday with you but you don’t know where to start?
Here’s all the information you’ll need to make sure your furry friend is ready for their trip so they (and you) can have a safe and stress-free journey.
Microchips
In order to cross a border, you will need a valid microchip registered in your name – this will be recorded in your pet passport.
Rabies Vaccinations & Medications
Any pets travelling out of the UK will need valid rabies vaccinations, you pet must have had this at least 21 days before they are due to travel. It’s worth getting your pet health checked and ensuring they’re up to date with their flea & worming treatments.
Pet Passport
Like a human needs a passport to travel, your pet will need one too. These will have all the information in them about your pet including microchip details, pet descriptions and vaccinations updates. You can get these from your vet and they cost anywhere from £100 upwards.
Age
In order to travel, your pet must have had their rabies vaccination done 21-days prior (usually done after their first vaccinations) meaning they have to be at least 15-weeks old. You should confirm this with a registered vet. Travelling with a pet can be
Selecting a mode of transport can be confusing. A couple of things to note before you decide are 1. only pets under 8kg (including carrier weight) can travel in the cabin of an airplane 2. when returning to the UK, pet’s cannot travel in the cabin of an airplane.
Courier
Often the most comfortable route for pets. These are professional pet transportation companies that offer services of taking your pet from A to B. The pets have safe, comfortable rooms in the vehicle and couriers make sure to stop along the way for toilet and food breaks. To find reliable and safe businesses make sure they are DEFRA registered.
Train
It’s not possible to get a train out of the UK with a pet – the Eurostar is not pet-friendly (yeah we know – what a pain!). To check European Pet Friendly trains you can check out Seat61.
Ferry
Ferries can be a comfortable option for both owners and pets. Not all ferries allow foot passengers with pets so it’s worth checking the rules. Note that pets must stay either in a pet friendly cabin on in the on-board kennel. There are outdoor areas for pets to take a break and use the toilet.
Plane
Normally the quickest route. There are 2 options for pet travellers: 1. pet in the cabin – your pet must be less than 8kg and able to comfortably move around their bag 2. pet in the hold – this is a more expensive option however good for a quick transfer for larger dogs. In either case, the pet must be in a container approved by the airlines.