Not only does it allow you to share experiences with your beloved companions, but it also eliminates the need for costly pet boarding or pet-sitting services. Additionally, having your pet by your side can provide comfort and companionship, especially in unfamiliar environments. Every country you visit will have different rules and regulations on what they require. Â
You also need to be familiar with the UK’s rules on re-entry as you may have to visit a vet on holiday to make sure they’re cleared to travel again. While you’re on holiday, you may find the local area has different laws regarding your pet. While in the UK, you can take your staffy to the park for an off lead run, if you’re going to Germany they are required to be muzzled in public so you need to check out dog laws for each place you visit. Â
Check entry requirements and documentation for the destination countryÂ
One of the first steps in preparing for pet travel is ensuring that you have the necessary documentation. This may include a veterinary health certificate, microchip details, and proof of vaccinations. Each country has its own requirements, so it's essential to verify the specific requirements for your destination. Remember to consider your return home. Â
The UK requires all dogs entering the UK to have been treated for tapeworm by a vet no less than 24 hours before and no more than five days prior to returning home. This can be a little tricky if there’s a language barrier but in most places where pet travel is popular, many vets in the area will be well versed in the process. Â
Â
What is a pet passport?Â
A pet passport is a document that contains essential information about your pet, including their identification details, vaccinations, and health records. It serves as a form of identification for your pet when travelling internationally and is required by many countries. At the beginning of 2023, all pet passports issued in the UK became invalid
following Brexit and we no longer use or issue them. Pet passports that were issued outside of the UK like in France or Northern Ireland remain valid. Â
Pet passports were valid for as long as your pet remained vaccinated, however the new process requires an updated vet check and certificate every time you travel.Â
Veterinary health certificate and vaccinationsÂ
This certificate verifies that your pet is in good health and has received all necessary vaccinations. Make sure to check the validity period of the certificate, as it may need to be issued within a certain timeframe of your travel date. You will normally have a ten-day grace period between receiving the check and travelling with your pet. Â
Due to these changes, pet travel has become more expensive as they will need a check every time they travel. Certificates are only able to be granted by an
Official Veterinarian. There are limited vets throughout the UK who can do this so you may not be able to use your regular vet and it will cost between £100 and £150. Â