Going on holiday is up there with one of the most exciting times of the year, but for our furry friends, it can be super stressful. Whether you leave your dog with friends or family, or give them a break in a kennel or other house sit, suddenly not having you around can be very upsetting.
However, going away doesn’t mean you always have to leave behind your dogs and despite the wealth of dog-friendly places in the UK, you don’t always have to stay on home turf. It is possible to treat your dog to an overseas holiday, too.
So if you fancy setting out with your pup in tow, here’s how you can take your dog on holiday.
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Does my dog need a passport?
Before you worry about how to get your dog to your destination, first you’ll need to make sure they’re legally allowed to travel. If you are visiting the European Union or Northern Ireland, your dog will need a health certificate from an official vet.
You must get the certificate from your vet at least 10 days before you depart for your holiday and only if your dog has had its necessary vaccinations and boosters, including rabies. If your dog needs a rabies vaccination, then you must get this 21 days before your vet can issue a certificate and then wait 10 days before departure, so be sure to plan well ahead.
Your dog must also have a microchip that has been updated with your most recent contact information.
If you are travelling outside of the UK or EU, then extra tests may be required, including blood tests. Be sure to speak to your vet, or a travel agent and consult the Government website before you book anything.
Plane
The majority of UK airlines do not allow passengers to bring their pet into the cabin with them unless they are assistance dogs. KLM and Lufthansa will permit some animals under 7kg in a carrier to travel in the cabin, however, you must contact the airline directly to organise this and you are not guaranteed a spot for your animal in the cabin.
Many other airlines, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and TUI, will carry pets in the cargo hold. Organisations such as PetAirUK can help to arrange this part of travel with you or you can contact the airlines directly.
Train
Eurostar
If you’re going on a quick trip across the Channel by Eurostar, unfortunately, your dog will have to wait for you to return. Only assistance dogs are permitted on board the Eurostar.
Eurotunnel/Channel Tunnel
If you prefer to take your own motor, then you can bring your dog into France with the Eurotunnel. Crossings take roughly 35 minutes and if you want to bring your pets, it’ll cost an additional £22 per pet, per crossing - so you’ll pay £44 return for one dog.
National Rail
For those staying on home soil but who prefer to leave the car at home, then the good news is that UK railway services do allow dogs on board. Up to two pets are welcome on board free of charge as long as they keep off the seats and do not disturb other passengers.
Ferry
Dogs can have sea legs too and if you’re hopping on the ferry to Amsterdam, definitely bring them along, too. For crossings between Newcastle and Amsterdam, travellers can book pet-friendly cabins for the entire journey which can accommodate up to two medium-sized dogs and sleep up to four people. To book one of these cabins, give the DFDS contact centre a call.
Cruises
There aren’t many cruises that will offer places for dogs, after all a lengthy trip on a ship isn’t the best environment for a dog. However, certain cruise lines will permit dogs on board, including Cunard.
For travellers venturing out to the United States on the Queen Mary 2, the ship does have kennels available on board. Dogs staying in the kennels will get food and water bowls, dog biscuits, dog coat, fleece blanket and a free portrait taken on board.
Dogs are not allowed in guest cabins or public spaces but passengers are able to visit their pets in the kennels each day. Contact Cunard directly to check kennel availability to see if there is space for your pet.
If you do travel to the States with your pet, ensure that you get them all of the correct documents, health checks and vaccinations that are required.
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