Travelling by ferry with your dog

If you are travelling from the UK allow at least ONE month before travel to start the PETS travel scheme process. The Pet Travel Scheme is set up by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and it is a system set up so that pets can be taken abroad and also enter the UK as long as they meet a set of rules and regulations. Check out the Pet Travel Scheme on the DEFRA website.

Remember to get a new ID tag made for your dog. It will have to include any contact number with any international dialling codes and any holiday address. This way if your dog gets loose or lost they can hopefully be returned to you quickly.

Travelling within the UK is fine with your dog, but consider their needs if you plan to travel abroad and any climate change. A change in surrounding and climate may stress out your dog. The travelling may also be a stressful time for them. Are they up to it?

Check out that your holiday destination will allow dogs. Many beaches may be out of bounds for dogs especially in the summer months. Also check out that your rented accommodation or guest houses are dog friendly.

The same goes for any sightseeing trips. Make sure your holiday activities include your dog. You will not be able to leave them unattended in your accommodation or outside a tourist attraction. And never leave them locked up in a car as the heat inside can be fatal. If your holiday is going to include museums and theme parks, taking your dog on holiday will not be a good idea.

Also do your research into the destination and whether it will be safe for your dog. There may be snakes or other critters which may pose a danger to your dog. Also check out whether there are hunting seasons in your holiday area, which would also be a danger to your dog if they got loose.

Always make sure that there is some veterinary help or a vets practice in the area that you are staying in. Your dog will need to be accessible to pet treatment if they should need it.

If you are planning to travel abroad with your dog, you will need to consult your vet well before you travel. They will advise you of any boosters or vaccinations needed. These may differ depending on where you are travelling to and will also need to be administered in the time frames required. Some vaccinations need to be done 21 days before travel and some may need longer. One day late and you won’t be able to travel.

Ask your vet about possible diseases or ticks that your dog may be in danger of catching while abroad. Your dog may need to some extra flea treatment, but your vet will advise you of this. Your dog will also need treatment for parasites (tapeworm) before you travel. This treatment should be done no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before your arrival back in the UK.

If travelling abroad from The UK an EU pet passport will be needed. Always check that the pet passport documentation is signed and dated correctly by your vet. You will also need to get this documentation done well in advance of the trip. See our useful article on Five steps on how to get an EU Pet Passport

Check out all the rules and regulations needed when travelling abroad with your dog. Make sure you have all the necessary documents printed out and take them with you. These will include any veterinary papers, DEFRA Pet Scheme Guidelines and any guidelines provided by the ferry company.

Some ferry companies now ask you to buy a compulsory muzzle for your dog. If dogs are stressed or need to be attended by any ferry staff a muzzle will stop any nervous dog lashing out on staff.

Avoid travelling with your dog during the hottest part of the day. Dogs will travel better in the early morning or late at night. The temperatures are low at these times and will be beneficial to your dog during the ferry trip.

Some travel companies will only allow your dog on board if they are in a suitable pet carrier or stroller. Some pets are not allowed in the public spaces and may be required to be left in the car unattended. If this is the case they will need a travel carrier with enough room for them to move around in.

They will also need a good water supply left for them during the trip. You can buy non spill pet bowls which enables them to eat or drink during the crossing. Avoid over feeding them and don’t give them too much water to drink before you travel.

They will also need a good session of exercise before you travel. They may be cooped up unattended for a considerable amount time during the ferry trip. Make sure they have enough time to do their toilet business before you board the ferry. If you do have long journey a good tip is to leave them an item of your clothing that smells of you. They may get some comfort from that if you are not there.

Make sure you have a supply of poop bags and wipes with you when travelling. Dogs will not warn you if they need to poop so always be prepared for that. Wipes are good to clean up and sanitise after your dog. Dogs may also suffer from motion sickness on board the ferry and that will need to be cleaned up by you also.

If your dog has to stay within the car during the ferry trip make sure they have enough space, food and water. Also provide them with some toys so they don’t get bored. Keep your car window slightly open so that airflow can circulate within the car to avoid them overheating.

Look for the nearest space or park that your dog can have a run around. Bear in mind they have been cooped up for hours and will need to stretch their legs and do any toilet business. Ask ferry officials where the nearest dog friendly space is if you are unsure. If they do happen to do any mess pick it up and bin it appropriately.

Check up with the local vet practice. make a note of it’s opening and closing times and any contact numbers. It will be easier to organise a vet appointment before you travel back.

Most all ports will ask you to get out of your car to check you and your pet in. This can take a bit of time and is an upheaval especially if you have small children with you. Make sure your pet has been exercised well and given enough time to do their toilet business before checking in at the ferry port.

As advised in our ‘upon arrival’ section, check the opening hours of the local vet practice. Some practices will be closed weekends and Mondays. You must remember this when complying to the tapeworm treatment for your dog. Remember it’s no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before your arrival back in the UK. Plan ahead of time and make the necessary appointment with your vet, that way you can relax and enjoy the holiday. Don’t organise this at the last minute!

Actually make sure that there is a vet in the area before you plan your trip. They need to be professional and reliable.

Always check out any local festivals or bank holidays that may be happening in the area that you are staying in. Again, we advise to make the appropriate vet appointment when you arrive and make it well in advance of you returning home. Like any vet practice, they may run out of time slots and will not be able to see you. Any mishap, lack of paperwork or disorganised pet treatment will only ensure that your dog will be put into quarantine when you arrive in the UK.