Taking your pets on holiday?

Check out our quick guide for what's required for a trouble-free pet / dog friendly holiday

For most families that own pets, the furry friends are considered part of the family as much as everyone else; therefore going on holiday without them is not an option for most of us. All pets are different and taking pets abroad can either be stressful or enjoyable for both yourself and your animal. Some pet owners prefer to leave their dog with someone responsible at home, whereas other pet owners feel it is a must to bring the family pet along. Holiday rentals in the UK and Europe have pet friendly accommodation and locations suitable for all the family including our cuddly companions.

Wherever you're travelling to, you will always find options to take your pet on holiday from travel providers such as trains and airlines. However, travelling by car remains the most convenient and cost effective way to go on a pet friendly holiday hence the majority of holidays with pets are either in the UK or nearby European countries such as France and Spain.

When holidaying in the UK, many people choose to take their pets with them if possible. Pet friendly holidays are more convenient/popular in the UK because there are no regulations that need to be met or required. There are many self catering rental options that are fully equipped and suitable for all the family and pets. Dog friendly cottages in Cornwall are a perfect example of a well suited setting, with open fields and beaches, great for family walks and outdoor activities. Cottages in The Lake Districts and Yorkshire Cottages are also other great pet friendly locations.

As well as travelling with your animals around the UK some people like to venture a little further out. European destinations are also popular with self catering accommodation to suit your family and pets. European destination can include farmhouses in France, villas in Spain and cottages in Ireland. Also if you are deciding to go on vacation with your pets then there are certain rules and regulations that need to be followed to make sure your pet is safe and your holiday runs as smooth as possible.

Taking your pet abroad?
Travelling within the EU (or into the EU from another ‘listed' country)
When travelling to or returning to the UK from another EU or non-EU listed country your pet needs:

• a microchip


• a rabies vaccination (make sure your pet is microchipped first or the vaccination won't count)


• a pet passport or official third country veterinary certificate


• tapeworm treatment (for dogs only)


• You must also use an authorised carrier and an approved route.


• You must wait 21 days from the date of the rabies vaccination before travelling.

Other types of pet
There are no restrictions on bringing pet rodents, rabbits, birds, ornamental fish, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles to the UK from other EU countries.
Pet rabbits and rodents from other countries must spend 4 months in quarantine. They need a rabies import licence and must enter the UK at a Border Inspection Post.