Whether by car, plane or train, travelling with animals requires thoughtful preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. As pet owners across the UK prepare for their trips, Dr. Sarah Endersby BVetMed (Hons) MRCVS, Global Technical Manager Behaviour at Ceva Animal Health (Ceva) – the world’s fifth-largest animal health company and a leader in pet behaviour – shares a vet-approved checklist to help pet parents plan ahead and navigate the latest EU travel regulations with confidence.
‘’Travelling with your pet is highly rewarding, but it also demands careful and early preparation. Preparing ahead isn’t just about health checks and paperwork; it’s about understanding the new EU pet travel rules, arranging comfortable travel conditions, and anticipating your pet’s needs during the journey and at your destination. To help you get started, here are three essential steps every pet owner should follow.”
Planning your journey
- Schedule a vet visit before your trip to ensure vaccinations are up to date and get advice on appropriate parasite protection, which should be tailored to the region you are travelling to and may differ from what is needed at home.
- Check entry requirements and vaccination rules for your destination, especially given recent *EU regulation changes*. Your vet is the best source of information.
- Verify that your pet’s microchip is registered with your most recent contact information, and ensure your pet’s ID tag is visible. Consider adding a secondary tag with your holiday address.
- Pack a pet first aid kit with essentials such as a tick hook, sun protection for short-haired dogs, and any necessary medications. Consider health insurance for overseas travel.
- Confirm pet travel policies with airlines, trains, and public transport providers. Some may not allow pets or may require a separate ticket for your pet.
- Choose pet-friendly accommodations with secure and accessible outdoor spaces and check rules in parks and beaches around. Some restrict dogs during high season.
When travelling
- Avoid feeding pets right before departure to prevent motion sickness.
- Control temperature during travel, and keep pets well hydrated.
- If using a carrier, ensure it fits your pet comfortably and make this space comfortable by placing familiar blankets or toys inside. When travelling by car, ensure all dogs are properly restrained, smaller dogs secured in a carrier or crate fastened with a safety harness or seatbelt, and larger dogs wearing a harness clipped in safely, to keep them secure and comfortable during the journey.
- For longer trips, plan frequent stops for exercise, interaction and reassurance, water, and, if owners are sure their dog can stomach them, treats such as calming chews or long-lasting snacks.
- Never leave pets unattended in vehicles.
- Remember, under the new EU pet travel regulations, a maximum of five pets per vehicle is allowed.
Once at destination
- Allow your pet time to adjust and explore their new environment calmly.
- Set up a cozy area with familiar bedding and belongings from home.
- Identify and save the contact details of the nearest veterinary clinic at your destination in case of an emergency.
- Maintain your pet’s regular routine as much as possible: consistent feeding times and food, usual walk schedules dependent on temperatures, and quiet rest periods to help them recover from travel stress. It’s their holiday too!
