Special requirements: Travelling with pets
Holidays in the UK should be hassle-free - providing your destination is a pet-friendly one. Remember to ask in advance about bringing animals.
Venturing overseas
At the moment, cats and dogs can travel to 22 rabies-free countries around the world. If your pet doesn't already have a passport, apply for one at least six weeks before your holiday.
The four-stage process costs from about £165, and involves having your pet microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and blood-tested by a UK government-approved laboratory. For more information about this and pet-friendly travel, see our feature Before You Go - Pets' Passports.
Holidays nearer home
It's amazing how much gear cats and dogs need for a holiday. Like us, they need a bed, grooming products, and pills and ointments for any health problems. Remember to pack:
- A well-ventilated travel case lined with soft, warm material for cats and small dogs
- A large rug to put in the boot, backseat or floor of the car for dogs
- Nibbles, water and toys that don't squeak
- Their bed, a grooming brush and a favourite blanket, if they have one
- A record of their vaccinations and treatments
- Wet wipes, a leash for pit stops and a bag for rubbish
- If your pet hasn't been away from home before and they're a little anti-social around other people and animals, think about taking them to behavioural classes before going away
The destination
Many B&Bs, hotels and guesthouses in the UK welcome pets with open arms.
- Always check whether your accommodation has pet-friendly owners and, if you've got a dog, enough space nearby to walk them
- Check in advance if there's a vet near where you'll be staying
- Make sure dogs can be fed somewhere away from bedrooms and dining areas
- If animals are allowed in rooms, pack a clothes brush to remove hairs from furniture
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra): http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh
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