Every dog owner knows the pain of leaving them behind when you jet off on a holiday with friends or family members. You’ll miss them and have to pay fees of up to £50 per night to ensure they’re well looked after in a kennel, so why not eradicate these negative aspects and take them with you?

Travelling with dogs has become more accessible in the modern world we live in, which is great news for the 31% of households with a dog in the UK. So, whether you’re jetting off to the Bahamas or a city break to Barcelona, bring your pooch to enjoy the experience with them too.

There are some things you’ll need to be aware of depending on where you’re travelling to and our guide will cover them all. This should ensure you have all the necessary information for a smooth trip overseas with your furry friend. Read on to find out more.

jojo taking dog on trip

Travelling with your pets doesn’t have to be stressful

Travelling with your dog

Your pup’s first flight can be a scary one as is often the case with humans too. So, you’ll want to do everything you can to make sure they feel as comfortable as possible for take-off and landing. Here’s how you can do that:

  • Travel on a private jet to get the freedom of an entire cabin. This should prevent your dog from being scared by other passengers and the noise they bring.
  • Pack plenty of their favourite treats to calm them down.
  • Bring a dog bed to ensure they’re as comfortable as possible and can get some shut-eye during the flight.
  • Bring a coat for them to stop them from getting cold
  • Make sure the airline are pet-friendly
traveller dog at airport

Pets travelling abroad can be seamless if you prepare

Travelling to the EU

If you’re travelling to a country in the European Union with a pet dog, you’ll need to ensure they have the following:

  • A microchip
  • A valid rabies vaccination
  • A valid pet passport that’s accepted in the country you’re heading to
  • Tapeworm treatment for those travelling to either Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta with a dog

There may be other requirements and regulations set by specific countries, or vaccinations needed. So check beforehand to find out if you need to bring anything else with you to guarantee entry with your pooch.

Travelling outside of the EU

As with EU countries, there are rules for dogs entering non-European Union countries. These are as follows:

  • An export health certificate
  • An export application if you’re in England, Scotland or Wales
  • A health check by a certified vet

So, wherever you’re heading around the world, it’s usually quite straightforward to get your pet there too. Just make sure you have all your documents to ensure smooth access wherever you go.