Pets Travelling

Do you have the right size vehicle for your pet?

If you’re transporting small pets that isn’t such a problem to answer, but when our 12.5 million pet dogs that reside in the UK are being chauffeured around it can become more of a common problem.

Many owners changing cars forget about their dog requirements according to car vehicle sellers and have seen a rise of buyers having to exchange their cars, 2021, because they ‘forgot’ their dog may grow or mis-calculated their pets needs. Read more in our blog.

The recent pandemic has reduced the amount of animals being flown by air across the globe with hefty increases in their costs for doing so, reported by the Financial Times, Spring 2021. Where as the APATA The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association, confirmed in 2017 that more than 2 million pets and other live animals were transported Internationally from the United States and more than 4 million worldwide. Airlines had been increasingly advertising their pet services and care, vying for much needed passengers revenues.

Taking a look closer to home, it’s important our beloved pets are carried safely, and that the driver and occupants of vehicles as well as the pet, are insured to travel in vehicles.

There’s facilities for pets to travel with owners on UK sea crossings, UK trains, as well UK internal flights. Pet Check offer some helpful FAQ’s and Tips.

• 1. Before your puppy or dog gets into a car, ensure it is wearing it’s collar and ID tag.
• 2. Always carry a bowl and some fresh cool water for pet stops.
• 3. Put a blanket down or soft duvet for your pet to lie on, so it’s comfortable during the journey.
• 4. Harness your pet in the car, or secure the pet carrier, in the crate, or travelling secured in the boot of the vehicle with grills.
• 5. If travelling a long distance, prepare the pet for this by letting them get used to longer journeys than just going round the corner to the park for a walk or outing beforehand, building up the time spent in the car.
• 6. Train your dog to be calm and rested, as barking can be very distracting to the driver. Provide the pet with exercise before a long distance journey. It will help your pet to sleep more during the journey.
• 7. Consider weather conditions, and if warm ensure the windows have sunshades and the pet is not placed directly in the sun.
• 8. If your vehicle has air conditioning, use it.
• 9. If your journey really isn’t necessary in warmer weather, then leave your pet at home.
• 10. Give as much space to your pet as feasible and not sitting in direct sunlight.
• 11. Make pet stops regularly. Stop where it’s safe to let your pet have a drink, stretch their legs and relieve themselves.
• 12 If you stop for a break, Never leave a dog unattended in the car.
• 13. It’s always useful to carry a picture of your pet, on your mobile, at all times, the insurance details and microchip details, where applicable, in case of any emergency whilst travelling.
• 14. Small pets in carriers including cats may be just as nervous and will need settling in their carriers. Introduce the carrier in the home letting your cat get in and out of it and sleep in it, a couple of weeks before any long journey is taken for the first time.
• 15. Never let your dog, cat or small pet roam around your vehicle. It is very dangerous and distracting to the occupants and other drivers on the road. This can invalidate any insurance claim you may have, if an accident occurred.

Do I have to restrain my pet whilst travelling in a vehicle? Is it law?

In the UK –

Rule 57 of the Highway Code states:
“When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves if you need to stop quickly.
“A seat belt dog harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”

Highway Code

It’s very important to do this as accidents can easily happen including making sudden stops, where your pet may be flung into the air by the action. Larger animals have been known to injure passengers and drivers.

You may like to read our blog Does my pet need to be harnessed whilst driving? which provides more information.

9 helpful tips travelling with pets on UK trains

• 1. Avoid busy times and arrive with time to spare providing your pet plenty of time to prepare themselves for the journey, felling less anxious.
• 2 Bring plentiful freshwater, bowl, treats, particular if travelling a long time and ensure you have vets and medication details with you.
• 3. Before you board make sure your dog has eaten about 3-4 hours before travelling to avoid sickness and had a walk and relieved themselves.
• 4. Bring a blanket for them to sit on but don’t encourage them to sit on the seats.
• 5. Find a quiet area in the carriage and where your pet will be able to settle with room to turn, and sit down and be comfortable. This allows them to sleep more easily.
• 6. Plan a break in your journey if long, so that your dog can walk around and possibly relieve themselves outside the station before re-boarding.
• 7. Try not to sit near other animals to avoid confrontations.
• 8. Trains can have different levels at stations to platforms and some dogs may find it difficult to board the train and disembark. Care is needed and they may need some help being raised up or down from the train.
• 9. Let other passengers get off first and on, so as not inconvenience them and see where there is space for your pet after they have sat down. On short or busy journeys, you may have to stand up and have your pet close to your side until there is adequate room.
• 9. Cats and small pets are likely to be travelling in a carrier which should be placed on the floor for the journey and where they can settle down and sleep. A blanket placed in the pet carrier is ideal for extra comfort.

Can pets travel on UK sea crossings?

Dogs can travel on most routes and ferry crossings within the UK which are free of charge. Cats and small pets can be carried in a carrier or crate.

Each operator has a dedicated webpage about their guidelines when you are booking the crossing which need to be adhered to due to the length of the sea crossing and the dimensions and size of the ferry.

Hover ports operate around the UK and these are generally walk-on, walk-off quick crossings where pets may also go free with their owner. Cats and small pets in carriers or crates whilst dogs have to be on a collar, ID tag and lead.

As a general rule any pet found fouling crafts or port areas would be charged a penalty.

12 helpful tips for pets travelling by UK sea crossings

* Many of these tips apply for longer European sea crossings.

• 1. On longer UK ferry trips take time to choose the right crossing time for your pet. Some pets prefer not to travel in the heat so night crossings or first thing in the morning could be a better option during warmer weather and your pet may sleep throughout the journey. Dogs which are more susceptible to overheating tend to be very old or young, have thick, heavy coats or have very short flat faces – such as pugs and bulldogs. Dogs with medical conditions or taking some medications may also be at risk and advisable to check suitability with your vet before travelling.
• 2. Longer UK ferry journeys may or may not provide kennels for your pet whilst travelling. Take time to check out their facilities being offered.
• 3. No pet paperwork is required when travelling around the UK by ferry. Other requirements, however, may differ between the ferry company.
• 4. Always have the pet vets and insurance details available whilst travelling.
• 5. Your dog may be required to be muzzled when on deck on a ferry. Taking one with you may be essential and naturally wearing a collar, lead and ID tag as required in public places.
• 6. Poop bags in case of accidents that you are responsible to clean up, if your dog leaves your vehicle.
• 7. Freshwater for your pet with a bowl that your pet can drink during a sailing if left in the car along with a little food and treats depending on the length of sailing time.
• 8. Appropriate bedding so that your pet is comfortable whilst in the car during sailing and they must be able to get up and turn around in their space and lie down.
• 9. Do not feed too heavily before sailing, at least 3 hours beforehand. Provide a walk and ensure they relieve themselves before embarking.
• 10. Make sure the vehicle has adequate ventilation for your pet during sailing.
• 11. Cats and small pets should be transported in a carrier or crate and be provided with a blanket/bedding, adequate water and container for the journey. If a longer journey, some dry kibble may be useful that they can snack on.
• 12. On reaching your destination and dis-embarked, give your dog time to relieve itself, and have a good stretch, some freshwater and a meal if required

12 helpful tips for pets travelling by air in the UK

• 1. The government provide an approved list of airports both commercial and charter where pets may be transported between destinations from and to the UK.
• These are airports that have the appropriate veterinary support and DEFRA checked and registered.
• 2. UK airlines do not offer a check-in facility with your baggage for pets and live animals travelling. You cannot smuggle small pets into your hand baggage. 
• 3. Adequate notice must be given that pets are travelling.
• 4. Selected airlines permit pets to travel in the cabin where medically approved but at least a week’s notice is required. There are specific rules and guidelines to acquire this.
• 5. The UK airlines generally allow dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, hamsters, monkeys, ferrets, snakes, tropical fish and other live animals to be transported through dedicated and approved air partner services.
• 6. Pets have to be checked-in well in advance of flying, at the cargo centres, normally at least 4 hours before the fight time.
• 7. Pets can only be transported in the airlines and airline authorities approved crates. It is important to check this information with the airline concerned before buying a crate and accessories such as water bottles and feeders.
• 8. Pets must, as usual, conform to all medical and travel regulations of the UK. 
• 9. Pet crates must have your details and pet travel arrangements attached securely as well as any medication that may be necessary to be administered whilst in the handlers care. 
• 10. Whilst air partners handlers are naturally insured, owners should also check their travel and pet insurance policy wording as a precaution. 

Guide, hearing, medical and autism assistance dogs

Dogs are welcome to travel by buses, coaches, ferries, hovercrafts, trains and by air. They are encouraged to sit with their owners including the cabin of an aircraft with UK, European and most long haul carriers who will provide space such as the adjoining seat usually at no charge, but must be booked in with notice of assistance flying.

The recent pandemic has bought about new Rules to the way we must travel. It may have changed some of the travel operators’ Rules and Regulations concerning your and your pet travel. It is important to check with each company before booking travel for their latest updates.

Countries have dedicated networks of pet transport services for moving pets both domestically and internationally, where it has never been so easy and we see the rising trend to take your pet away with you rather than leaving it at home.

Companies partner with various air partners and organise forward on international services to the locating country, offering quotations online, whilst other countries specialise with particular country to country.

Forward planning and preparation is key, for a smooth journey, as it is to keep all routine jabs up-to-date for your pet. Rabies jabs, boosters, blood tests, tapeworm and other regular treatments, microchipping and pet passports all need to be in place with any other paperwork required specifically by the country journeying to.

1 January 2021 saw new pet regulations for cats and dogs and ferrets travelling to and from Europe and Northern Ireland from Great Britain.

The UK has become a Part 2 listed third country under the EU Pet Travel Scheme which means pet owners will have to ensure they have an animal health certificate (AHC) instead of the pet passport whilst previously enjoyed as a full member of the European Union.

The government are trying to secure a Part 1 listed status for the UK from the EU Commission, as they believe that Great Britain meets all the requirements to secure it. Part 1 is the same pet travelling rules as EU member states and where the Great British UK pet passports could remain in use.

For more details as to the new rules read our blog ‘Choosing To Travel To Europe With Your Pet’.

Contact your veterinary practice firstly to see if they can advise you about the country you wish to travel to and the requirements needed for your pet’s travel arrangements. They may refer you to a more experienced authority.

Rules are different than those of the EU.

Your pet must be healthy before setting off and strong enough to withstand along air journey.

It is advisable to take with you a muzzle as many countries require these to be worn when dogs are being dog walked.

Rules returning to the EU have not changed since 1.01.21 as entry will remain the same for all EU travel into the UK.

This means you will need to visit a vet at the port before embarking on a ferry / ship so that your dog can have its regulation tapeworm treatment before entering the UK and your must have this stamped on your new paperwork by the vet. This treatment is normally by tablet and there are normally several vets available nearby. It can be useful to book your dog in before leaving the arrival port starting your journey.

A pet passport issued in an EU country can still be be used by a pet travelling from the UK to the EU.

An EU passport is valid for the life of the pet. The nationality or residency status of the pet’s owners is irrelevant.

It is advisable to research the country’s requirements before making bookings if you intend to travel with your dog.

• Check also what the weather is likely to be and whether your dog can handle soaring temperatures.
• Research the vets in the area and emergency facilities.
• The length and type of journey and how you consider your dog will cope.
• The dog-friendly accommodation availability.
• Whether local restaurants allow dogs to accompany you and dog walking on resort beaches?
• Whether your dog would be content and safe staying in the holiday accomodation without you if they cannot accompany you?
• Is there access to plenty of open space, and being able to relieve themselves adequately?

Alternatives are to consider leaving your dog at home and booking pet sitting arrangements or kennel accommodation.

There are several different solutions for domestic travelling including crates, kennels, grills and carriers to secure your pet whilst travelling depending on their size and the vehicles boot area, back seat availability, ensuring they travel as safely and comfortably as possible.

Pet crates and carriers, harnesses and grills all help to stop the distraction of pets roaming around a car, which can lead to accidents and injury. They protect drivers from sudden impact if they have to stop suddenly. It may not prevent injury to your pet but it will help to protect the drivers and passengers from sudden flying objects.

Pet crates and carriers can be used for taking pets to the vet, use on weekend short breaks or holiday breaks, double-up as a pet bed, whilst the pet retains some familiarity and makes them less anxious.

Pets travelling by air are required to travel in specially approved kennels. Checking with the airline is essential that your animal kennel conforms to their standards. Just like passenger travel, each airline has different rules and regulations for animal transportation which needs careful attention. When buying a kennel, and travelling by air, check the airline regulations carefully and purchase a kennel only from their approved list.

The best sort of crate depends upon the size of the pet and the required use.

• Dogs should have room to be able to stand up, turn around and sit down, in the crate, otherwise, they will be cramped. 
• Crates are designed in different shapes for different vehicles.
• There are some crates designed with two or three door openings, those separating the cage for two dogs travelling and for hatchback and sloping boot shapes.
• Important to measure the area where the crate is going to be used carefully before purchasing.  
• Crates can be sold as ‘small ‘medium’ or ‘large.’ Important to check the sizes offered against your actual dog size, to ensure you are providing enough room.
• If your pet is at puppy stage, budget wisely and buy the size appropriate for when it is larger in a few months time.
• Dog crates come with a range of accessories including covers which can provide your dog with a feeling of safety and security when in an enclosed environment. 
• Crates can fold down and become multi-functional. They can be used inside the home, and be taken out of vehicles and used in the home. Great for pet-friendly holiday vacations away.
• Complete by providing a duvet mattress inside the crate for your pet to lie on providing comfort.

Before purchasing any kennel, ensure you check with the airline which kennels they approve. They will not transport your pet if you have not conformed to their regulations including within the UK.

• The IATA, the International Air Transportation Association, require you to purchase a kennel that allows the size to be the dog’s length and half leg length providing room for them front and back of the kennel. Pets must be able to turn around and lie down comfortably.

• You are allowed to supply two water bottles and food bowls attached to the front of the crate. This allows staff working with the animals at airports to replenish when necessary without opening the door and the risk of your pet escaping.

• Kennel doors are normally caged wired so that the pet can breath fresh air and see what is happening around them. The door must shut well.

• Approved IATA pet kennels are made of fairly lightweight but robust plastic. For ease, there are crates with wheels, similar to suitcases, which help with generally manoeuvrability around airports.

• You must provide details attached to the top of the carrier of any food, with the food, required during the journey, a list of any medications needing administering in addition to your name, contact details, flight number and destination airport and contact details for pick up.

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