Let’s talk jet-setting pets. Because let’s be honest, dogs also deserve a holiday. 

Whether you’re heading off for a short break, relocating, working overseas or planning a longer adventure, taking your pet abroad takes more preparation than just packing food and a few treats. From paperwork and vaccinations, to travel comfort and return requirements, there are a few important steps to get right before you set off. 

With the right planning, travelling abroad together can be safe, smooth and much less stressful for both of you. 

Yes, pets can travel from Great Britain to the EU by ferry, Eurotunnel or air, depending on the route and transport provider. 

However, pet travel rules have changed in recent years. For most dogs and cats travelling from Great Britain to the EU, pet passports are no longer valid. Instead, you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate, often shortened to AHC. 

It’s worth checking your route and destination well in advance, as different countries and travel companies may have their own rules about how pets can travel.

An Animal Health Certificate is an official document issued by a vet that confirms your dog or cat meets the health requirements for travel to the EU. 

An AHC is valid for a single trip, so you’ll need a new one each time you travel from Great Britain to the EU. Timing is important: you must enter the EU within 10 days of the certificate being issued. 

Once you’ve entered the EU, the certificate is valid for onward travel within the EU for up to six months, and for re-entry to Great Britain for up to six months, as long as your pet’s rabies vaccination remains valid. 

To qualify for an AHC, your pet needs to be microchipped and have an up-to-date rabies vaccination. If it is their first rabies vaccination, you must wait at least 21 days before travelling. Dogs usually cannot be vaccinated against rabies until they are at least 12 weeks old, which means the youngest a puppy can normally travel is around 15 weeks.

In other words: timing is everything. If your dog has never left the sofa, you may not want to start with a last-minute trip to Rome. 

Before travelling, speak to your vet as early as possible. They can check microchip, rabies vaccination status and general fitness or suitability for travel, as well as advise on parasite protection. 

Different countries may carry different disease risks, including parasites and infections that are less common in the UK. Your vet can recommend appropriate protection based on where you’re going and how long you’ll be away. 

This is especially important if your pet is very young, elderly, anxious, flat-faced or has an existing health condition.

Once the paperwork is underway, it’s time to think about packing. 

Useful travel essentials include usual food, any medication, a lead, ID tag, muzzle, travel food and water bowls, and a secure travel harness or sturdy crate. Portable bowls are especially useful for ferry crossings, service stops, walks and hotel stays. 

It’s also worth checking country-specific rules about taking pet food out of the UK. Some destinations restrict certain animal products, including raw or meat-based foods, so don’t assume your dog’s normal dinner can automatically cross the border. 

The last thing you want is customs confiscating the kibble.

Your pet should be safely secured during travel, whether that means a crash-tested harness for your dog or a well-fitted travel crate for your cat, ensure whichever products you use are approved for your type of journey. 

Comfort matters too. Bring familiar bedding, a favourite toy or something that smells like home. Dogs and cats can become excited or anxious in unfamiliar places, and familiar scents can help them settle. 

If your pet is nervous, calming aids may help, but they work best alongside good preparation. Build up to longer journeys gradually if you can, especially if they’re not used to travelling.

Long journeys are easier when you plan breaks in advance. 

Give opportunities to safely drink, stretch, toilet and reset before continuing. This is especially important on road trips, but it’s also worth planning around ferry terminals, ports, hotels and pet-friendly stops. 

Always keep your dog on a lead in unfamiliar places. Even confident dogs can become startled by traffic, crowds, tannoy announcements or new surroundings.

Don’t forget that coming home has its own rules. 

Dogs and cats need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet before re-entering Great Britain. This must be given no less than 24 hours and no more than five days before you arrive back. The vet must record the treatment in the correct travel document. 

There are some exceptions depending on where you are travelling from, so always check the latest GOV.UK guidance before you return.

After all, a tapeworm is not the kind of souvenir anyone wants to bring home. 

Taking your pet abroad does involve paperwork, planning and a little extra organisation, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. 

By sorting your Animal Health Certificate in good time, checking your destination’s rules, packing the right essentials and keeping your dog or cat safe and comfortable during travel, you can make the journey much smoother. 

Passport ready. Lead in hand. With the right prep, you and your passenger can enjoy your next adventure with confidence.