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Pets on holiday

If you are considering taking your pets on holiday for the first time we recommend that you should start planning more than six months ahead of your departure. Ensure your pet has been micro chipped, vaccinated against rabies and protected against ticks and tapeworms. For going abroad, you must also have a certificated blood test conducted on your pet.

It is recommended that you keep all the documentation together, preferably with your pet passport as you will be expected to show everything to international customs.

All this documentation and certification is required by law. Since October 2004 all member states became compatible so now you will need to apply for an EU Pet Passport.

You should confirm with your carrier and destination that they will accept registered pets. Different carriers have different requirements, particularly with regard to the size of any pet container(s), dog crates. If you are using ferries advance bookings are essential. You will not be able to board any craft with a pet if you just turn up on the day! Check with the ferry company for any special rules or requirements.

Between 24 and 48 hours before your return to the UK you will have to take your pet to a vet, in the country you are visiting, to have your pet treated for ticks and tapeworms. You will not be allowed to bring your pet back into the UK without a vet's certificate to say this has been carried out without undergoing 6 months quarantine.

Pets must be at least three months old before they can travel abroad without quarantine. Some countries require that dogs are muzzled in public.

Some other useful sources of information:

Travel information from Petplanet

Email here for official government information

Information on pets on aircraft

UK pet friendly hotels and accommodation and type in the search box 'pet friendly hotels' and then email the hotel you choose to ensure their pet policy hasn't changed.

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