MORE TH>N pet expert Joe Inglis on summer holidays with your pets
Online, June 13, 2010 (Newswire.com) - We all love to get away and enjoy some sun and relaxation in the summer, but for our pets the arrival of the summer holidays is not always a cause for celebration, with many ending up spending their 'holidays' in a kennel or cattery.
However, with the advent of the pet travel scheme and a more positive attitude to pets from many UK hotels and B&B's, there's now no reason why your pet can't enjoy your summer holiday with you.
What is the Pet Travel Scheme?
Introduced to the UK in 2000, the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), allows pet owners to take their animals to specific overseas countries and bring them back into the UK without having to go through quarantine.
In order to qualify for this scheme there are some very strict rules, some of which are shown here:
* The scheme only applies to dogs, cats and, rather strangely, ferrets.
* Pets need to have a microchip implanted under the skin.
* All pets need to be vaccinated against rabies and have a blood tests to check that the rabies injection has worked.
* Once the blood test has confirmed that the pet is fully protected against rabies, the vet will issue a pet passport which is an official document that is needed when you come back into the UK. And yes, it does have a space for a nice picture of your pet, although this is not a legal requirement!
* Crucially, the passport is not valid for entry into the UK for 6 months after the date of the blood test, so you need to get organised well in advance of coming back into the UK.
* All pets must be treated with an approved tick and worm treatment between 24 and 48 hours before re-entering the UK.
* Pet passports are only valid for a specific list of countries which includes the all of the countries of the EU, the USA, Canada and most of the Caribbean islands.
You can also visit the DEFRA website at www.defra.gov.uk for more information.
* Is your holiday right for your pet? *
Before deciding to take your pet with you on holiday, stop and think about whether or not the holiday is really appropriate for them. Bringing a pet along on the wrong type of holiday can lead to misery all round so it's well worth thinking it through and also checking that your pet will be welcome in the holiday accommodation before deciding to bring them along.
* Travelling with your pet: *
Whether you are heading across Europe or just across the UK there are some important things to consider before setting off with your pets:
Always plan your journey with your pets in mind - so make sure you schedule in plenty of breaks into car journeys, and try not to go too far on trains or buses in one go.
Make sure you pack everything your pet needs for the journey, including:
Water and a suitable drinking bowl
Food if the journey is going to extend beyond mealtimes
Poop scooper or bags for dogs
Bed or blanket
Favourite toys
Lead
Never, ever leave your pet in a parked car for any length of time as even short periods on moderately hot days can be fatal
Some dogs can get car sick but you reduce this by using a car seat harness to allow them to sit on the back seat and see out the front. If this doesn't work or isn't practical, ask your vet about car sickness medications.
* During you on holiday: *
Give your pet time and space to acclimatise themselves to their new surroundings and remember to take extra care when letting them outside in case they get lost or confused. It's always worth taking extra precautions, such as keeping a dog on the lead.
The sun can be dangerous to pets as well as people - pets with white skin, especially on their ears, are particularly prone to sunburn and even skin cancer so use a high-factor sun block on any white areas of skin that don't have much fur cover.
Dogs (and cats) can easily overheat and suffer from hyperthermia in hot weather - to avoid this make sure they always have access to shade, fresh water and plenty of fresh air.
While dogs in particular often enjoy playing in the sea, rivers or lakes, there can be hazards such as dangerous currents, hidden obstacles and even toxic blue-green algae in stagnant water, so make sure you check out any water before letting the dog plunge in.
* Kennels and Catteries: *
There may be time when taking your pet away with you is just not practical and you have to look at kennels or catteries. Although some pets really do enjoy these 'staycations', for many it's time to be endured rather than enjoyed. Here are my tips for helping your pets enjoy the kennel or cattery experience:
Check out any kennel or cattery in person before sending your pets there. Look for modern, clean and comfortable accommodation, kind and enthusiastic staff, and safe and appropriate exercise facilities.
If possible take your pet's own food so they don't have to change their diet while they stay, as this can cause digestive upsets.
Take your pets favourite bedding, toys and anything else that will help make them feel at home
* Frequently Asked Questions: *
Q. I really want to take my dog to France this summer but he doesn't have a passport - is there any way I can get a passport organised in time?
A. No - the 6 month rule is very strict and there is no way your dog would be allowed back into this country until 6 months after the blood test for rabies is taken.
Q. How often do I need to vaccinate my dog against rabies to keep his passport up to date?
A. The usual interval is 2 years but 3 years is acceptable in some cases depending on the vaccine brand used. Your vet will be able to advise you on this.
Q. How can I find holiday accommodation that accepts pets?
A. There are several good online guides available including www.petfriendlyhotels.com and www.dogfriendlybritain.co.uk and these are the best places to find hotels and B&B's that welcome 4 legged members of the family.
Q. I'm thinking of taking my cat away on a caravanning holiday as he really misses us when we go - is this sensible?
A. My advice would be not to risk it as however well-behaved and home-loving you cat may be, there's always the chance that they will take fright and run off, or simply get lost and you'll spend your holiday desperately searching for them.
About Joe Inglis:
Having qualified as a vet in 1996, Joe's appeared on a variety of TV programmes including Vet School, Vets in Practice and Blue
Peter, where he was the on-screen vet. Currently a vet for BBC's The One Show, and for The Wright Stuff on Five, Joe is MORE TH>N's official pet expert.
Joe Inglis has his own pet food company, at petskitchen.co.uk
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