Taking your dog abroad? What you need to know

Thanks to the introduction of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), it is now easier than ever to take your dog with you on your holiday. For keen travellers this opens up far more possibilities; where owning a dog may have held back travel plans in the past, now your pooch can be part of them. But it is not as simple as turning up at the airport or driving up the Eurotunnel terminal with your dog in tow – there are a few things you’ll need to take care of first.

travel with dog Stuck in Customs / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA

The first is to satisfy the conditions of the Pet Travel Scheme, details of which can be found on the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) website. This includes ensuring your dog has had all vaccinations – including rabies boosters and tapeworm treatment – and that it has a valid EU Pet Passport. With all this documentation your dog will then be free to travel with you.

Where can you go?

Under the PETS scheme, your dog can travel freely in the European Union, as well as to selected non-EU countries (check the Defra website for a full list).

How can you travel?

Dogs can be taken by plane with the PETS scheme, although you are bound to use an approved carrier for your animal. Dogs can also travel with you in your car via ferry and the Eurotunnel, but are not permitted on Eurostar train services (except assistance dogs).

Preparations you need to make

Ensure your comprehensive pet insurance covers you while you’re abroad – vet fees overseas can be huge, as is the cost of transporting a seriously sick pet back home.

Travelling can be difficult on dogs – especially active ones which are used to bounding around all day, so as well as fulfilling are the logistical requirements, you should make other preparations.

The first thing to do is go through your planned itinerary and establish how it will work with a dog. Obviously you’ll want dog-friendly accommodation, but think about places of interest you want to visit – will they allow dogs? What about restaurants? Beaches? You don’t want to get to your destination and then realise you have to make a choice between your pet and the things you want to see.

If you’re travelling by car, think about how you can keep your dog occupied during the journey. A pet seatbelt is advisable in case of accident, while the interior should be covered with blankets to protect the upholstery from fidgety dog paws. Chew toys to allow the dog to burn off some energy will also be a help, and remember to keep your pet well hydrated – dogs don’t like hot cars!