The RSPCA Top ten travel trips to taking your pet abroad

SeaFrance asked Tim Miles, the RSPCA’s Chief Veterinary Adviser, to give us their top 10 tips on how to care for your pet when you take them on holiday abroad with you:   1.Make sure you plan your journey time carefully, taking into account the need to stop at regular intervals to exercise your pet.   2.Whilst en route to your holiday destination, make sure your pet is always on a lead when you are exercising it.   3.Take a sufficient amount of your pet’s usual food and enough water for the journey.   4.Ensure your pet carries an identity disc that includes your holiday address.   5.Acclimatise your pet with car travel by taking it on local short trips before embarking on a long journey.

6.Do not feed your pet within two hours of starting your journey to avoid travel sickness.   7.Ensure your vehicle is well ventilated and cool en route, including during ferry crossings.   8.When planning to take your pet abroad, first make sure you understand the requirements of the Government Pet Travel Scheme.  Details are on this page.   9.Talk to your own veterinary surgeon about using preventative anti-parasite treatment whilst you are abroad.   10.You will need to identify a veterinary practice overseas that can issue your pet with a certificate of treatment for parasites within 48 hours of your return journey to the UK.

	Here’s a suggested pet packing list for you:
Bed / blanket  Collar with holiday destination and home ID discs Bowl for food and water Lead Plenty of food and water for the journey, and for the duration of your holiday if required Litter supplies for your cat Pooper scooper for your dog Cat basket (if required) Brush / comb Toys for your pet All the required pet documentation for travel abroad Disinfectant