Whether you’re heading off on a UK staycation or venturing abroad, a little preparation can help make travelling with your pet safe, stress-free and enjoyable. Here’s our handy checklist before you set off.
Before You Travel
✔ Check your pet is fit to travel
If your pet has any ongoing health conditions or you’re unsure whether they’re well enough for a long journey, book a health check before you go.
✔ Ensure your microchip details are up to date
Your pet’s microchip is only useful if the contact details are correct. If you move house or change your phone number, remember to update the database.
✔ Pack the essentials
Don’t forget:
- Food and treats
- Fresh water and a travel bowl
- Any medications
- Lead, harness or carrier
- Bedding or a favourite blanket
- Poop bags or cat litter
- Toys for enrichment
- Towels (especially after beach walks!)
Travelling by Car
- Always secure your pet using a crash-tested harness, crate or pet carrier.
- Never allow pets to travel on your lap or with their head out of the window.
- Plan regular stops every 2–3 hours so your pet can stretch their legs, have a drink and go to the toilet.
- Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Temperatures can rise dangerously quickly, even on mild days.
Holiday Hazards
Keep an eye out for:
- Hot pavements that can burn paws
- Grass seeds, especially after countryside walks
- Ticks and fleas
- Salt water and blue-green algae
- Unfamiliar foods and barbecues, which may upset tummies or be toxic
Going Abroad? Don’t Forget an Animal Health Certificate
If you’re travelling from Great Britain to most countries in the EU or Northern Ireland with your dog, cat or ferret, you’ll usually need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
An AHC must be completed by an Official Veterinarian and is generally issued within the 10 days before you travel. Your pet must also:
- Be microchipped.
- Have a valid rabies vaccination (given at least 21 days before travel if it’s their first vaccination).
- Meet the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting.
As travel rules can vary between destinations, we recommend contacting us well in advance—ideally several weeks before you travel—to make sure there’s plenty of time to arrange vaccinations, paperwork and your Animal Health Certificate.
While You’re Away
Try to keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible. Feed them at their usual times, provide plenty of fresh water and avoid over-exercising them in hot weather. If you’re staying somewhere new, give them time to settle and always keep dogs on a lead if you’re unsure of the surroundings.
Enjoy Your Holiday
A little planning goes a long way in helping your pet have a safe and happy holiday. If you’re planning to travel abroad or have any questions about travelling with your pet, our team is always happy to help.
Safe travels from everyone at James Street Veterinary Centre!
