Since the introduction of the pet passport it has been possible to travel on holiday with your dog if your destination is within the EU or is an approved country. Kenneling a dog whilst you are away can be very costly and many animals experience trauma as a result of the separation and so taking your pooches along with you could be a great idea. If you love the great outdoors and wish to share a wonderful trip with your pet then the procedure is relatively straightforward. But if you can’t travel with your pet, there is a doggy day care Bellevue to where you can entrust your dog.
The Passport
The PETS Passport scheme was launched in 2002 and changed the world of travel for pet owners. Pets can now holiday in mainland Europe and return home again without the need for a stay in quarantine and can travel by plane, train or automobile. Dogs must be micro-chipped, have a passport, receive a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel and must have tapeworm treatment administered by a vet between 1 and five days before returning to the UK. This is all a relatively small amount of hassle to go through in order to have a great holiday with your faithful friend.
Planning Ahead
The 21 day rule for the rabies vaccination does mean that last minute trips are not possible and in any case would not be a great idea. Bundling poor Fido into the car at the least minute would probably not lead to a happy outcome and so a little planning is in order. This includes a visit to a veterinarian specialist for the required vaccination.
Where to Go
Firstly decide on your destination and then look online for dog friendly accommodation. Hotels can be tricky but it is possible to find establishments that will welcome your dog. There are also a surprising number of privately owned villas, apartments and chalets where pets are welcomed. Short breaks are the most tricky to manage as many self-catering properties must be booked for at least a week and you must accommodate a visit to the vet for the tapeworm treatment before returning home. Once you have settled on your destination and found appropriate accommodation all you have to do is arrange to get there.
Plane, Train or Boat?
You can fly with your pet but this will involve the animal spending the journey in the hold which may prove distressing for both you and the dog. The ferry may be a better option, just make sure that the boat or yacht you will travel on has complete backup boat batteries and safety equipment. You cannot travel with your dog as a foot passenger but all the major operators permit dogs if you are travelling with your car. The facilities offered vary so check out your options to find the crossing that best suits your needs. Some ferries have kennels and even an area to walk your dog whereas with others you will have to leave the dog in the car. If you do have to do this then ensure that the cabin is adequately ventilated and that the dog has its favourite food, plenty of water and some bedding. You can bring some steak to feed to your dog. Here’s a complete steak information for dogs. Eurotunnel is a great choice for crossing the channel. The journey is short, you can stay in the car with your pet for the entire journey and there is an exercise area to use before you board. This is certainly the best option for any animals who are easily distressed when separated from you.
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Happy Days
All in all travelling with your dog is now relatively straightforward and you can look forward to enjoying the beautiful countryside, mountains and coastal regions of Europe with your pet, I’ve had the opportunity of doing so even with my Champion Rottweilers. With the cost of the channel crossings being very reasonable it is probably also cheaper to take your dogs along than to board them in kennels whilst you are away so why not give your pooch a holiday this year? I’m sure most people say that pitbulls look aggressive but are they really that aggressive? If your pitbull is acting unusually aggressive out of nowhere, they may have a physical issue bothering them.
Sally Stacey is a keen writer, frequent traveller and animal lover. 
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