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Travelling with a pet, whether it's a short car journey to the coast or a full trip abroad, takes a bit of extra planning — but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth, low-stress experience for both of you. Whether you're setting off from Witheridge for a weekend away or planning something further afield, the basics below will help you get it right.
For any journey, make sure your pet is secured appropriately. In the car, a well-fitted harness that clips into the seatbelt, a secured carrier, or a dog guard for the boot all help keep your pet safe and reduce distractions for the driver — loose pets in a moving vehicle are both a welfare risk and, in the UK, can be a driving offence under the Highway Code. Pack familiar items such as their usual bedding, food, water and a favourite toy, and plan regular breaks on longer journeys so your pet can stretch, drink and go to the toilet.
Microchipping is worth double-checking before any trip, particularly abroad — make sure your contact details are up to date on the microchip database in case your pet becomes separated from you. It's a five-minute job that makes an enormous difference if the worst happens.
The most common way most of our clients travel with pets. Beyond restraint, think about temperature — a car can overheat dangerously fast in warm weather, even with windows cracked, so never leave a pet unattended in a parked vehicle. Frequent stops on long journeys, and a settling-in period before you set off, both help reduce travel anxiety.
Both are well-used routes for pet travel to Europe and generally require your pet to stay in the vehicle or a designated pet area, depending on the operator. It's worth checking the specific carrier's pet policy in advance, as they vary.
Flying with pets involves airline-specific rules around carrier size, cabin versus hold travel, and documentation, and requirements differ considerably between airlines and destination countries. Book well ahead and confirm requirements directly with the airline, as these can change.
A little preparation before you travel makes the difference between a stressful trip and a comfortable one for your pet.
If you're planning to travel abroad with your pet, you'll need to arrange the correct paperwork well in advance. An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is typically required for travel to the EU and confirms your pet meets the entry requirements of the destination country, including microchipping and an up-to-date rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel. The certificate needs to be issued by an Official Veterinarian within a set window before you leave — usually within 10 days of travel — so it's worth booking this appointment several weeks ahead rather than at the last minute. It's a service we offer here at the practice through our small animal team.
Requirements can vary by destination country and are occasionally updated, so it's always worth checking the current rules for your specific destination before booking travel, rather than relying on a previous trip's requirements.
If you're arranging international travel for a horse rather than a pet, the process is different again, involving its own health certification and, depending on the destination, additional testing. Our equine team can help with shipping documentation and health certification for travelling horses.
Once you've arrived, give your pet time to adjust to a new environment before introducing them to lots of new people or places. Keeping to familiar feeding and walking times, where possible, helps reduce the disruption of travel. A familiar blanket or toy can also help a pet settle more quickly in unfamiliar surroundings, and it's worth keeping the first day or two low-key rather than diving straight into sightseeing together.
AHCs need to be issued within a set window before travel — typically 10 days — so it's best to book your appointment several weeks ahead of your trip to avoid last-minute availability issues, especially in busy holiday periods.
Requirements vary by destination, but rabies vaccination is commonly required, and needs to be given at least 21 days before travel. It's worth checking specific requirements for your destination as early as possible in your planning.
Sedation for travel isn't generally recommended without veterinary advice, as it can affect an animal's ability to regulate their body temperature and balance, particularly at altitude. Speak to your vet before considering it.
Carriers and border authorities can and do refuse travel without the correct documentation, which is why booking your Animal Health Certificate appointment early, with enough buffer before your trip, is so important.
This depends on the operator — most UK trains allow well-behaved pets, often for free, but policies vary by company and some limit the number of pets per carriage, so it's worth checking ahead.
Whether you're heading away for the weekend or planning an international trip, a bit of forward planning — and the right paperwork sorted early — makes all the difference to a stress-free journey for you both.
