Thinking about taking your pet on holiday? You’re not alone.
More of us are choosing to include the whole family – pets too – when we travel.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with the experts at Petgevity to bring you practical advice on everything from pet passports and transport tips to what to pack.
Can you travel with a pet? Making the right choice for you (and them)
Taking your pet on holiday might feel like the natural choice, but not every animal is suited to travel.
Travelling with dogs: what to consider by breed, age and health
Dogs are by far the most common pets to take on holiday – and in many cases, travel well. If they’re used to car journeys, new walks, and being around people, chances are they’ll settle in just fine.
Is your dog new to travelling? The RSPCA recommends starting with shorter trips before heading further afield.
Travelling with cats: stress, safety and when to think twice
Most cats are happiest staying where they are. Even short journeys or overnight stays can cause them anxiety, and many struggle with being confined to carriers or unfamiliar accommodation. Changes to smells, sounds and surroundings can lead to anxiety, which often shows up as hiding, refusing food, or changes in toilet habits.
While certain breeds – like Siamese or British Shorthairs – might be more adaptable, they still need a very calm, quiet environment to feel safe.
Small pets: why rabbits, guinea pigs and rodents should stay home
Small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters are highly sensitive. Even short journeys can affect their appetite, behaviour or breathing. They’re usually best left in familiar surroundings.
Ferrets and travel: a specialist case
Ferrets are a legal exception in the world of pet travel. They’re eligible for an Animal Health Certificate and can travel abroad with the right documents. But that doesn’t mean they’re easy to take away. Many aren’t used to being handled for long periods – which can make travel more difficult, especially if you’re going far from home.
Choosing a pet-friendly holiday destination
Once you’ve decided to bring your pet along, the next big question is where to go. Your destination doesn’t just shape your itinerary – it also determines what paperwork you’ll need, how you can get there, and whether your pet will enjoy the trip.
UK holidays with pets
If it’s your first time travelling with a pet, staying within the UK can be a simpler, more comfortable choice for both of you. There’s no need for rabies vaccinations, paperwork or health certificates, and you won’t have to navigate the added stress of airports or ferry ports unless you’re heading across the Irish Sea.
Thinking of taking your pet to Northern Ireland?
If you’re travelling from Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales), the same rules apply as travelling into the EU. That means you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), a rabies vaccination and a microchip.
Taking pets to Europe
To travel to Europe, you’ll need an AHC, microchip and rabies vaccination. See the paperwork section below for full details.
If you’re travelling with more than five pets, be aware that different rules apply. You’ll only be allowed to take more than five animals to the EU if you’re attending or training for an event or exporting them for commercial reasons.
Despite the extra admin, many people travel happily with their pets to France, Spain, Germany and beyond. Europe is increasingly pet-friendly, with dog-welcoming hotels, cafes, campsites and walking trails in most major regions.
Travelling with pets worldwide
While it’s possible to take your pet on a long-haul trip, in most cases it’s not ideal. Every country has its own entry rules for animals, and some of them, including Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia are particularly strict. Most people doing this are relocating, not holidaying.
Pet passports, paperwork and essential checks
If you’re planning to take your pet abroad, you’ll need to get the right documents in place before you go. Since Brexit, Great Britain-issued pet passports are no longer valid, and the process has changed for UK travellers.
What is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)?
An AHC is now required for dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain to the EU or Northern Ireland. It replaces the old-style GB pet passport.
To be eligible for an AHC, your pet must be:
- microchipped
- vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel
The certificate must be issued by an official vet within 10 days of travel. It’s valid for:
- entry to the EU or Northern Ireland (within 10 days)
- travel within the EU (for 4 months)
- return to Great Britain (within 4 months)
What to expect during your AHC vet appointment
During your visit, your vet will:
- confirm your pet is microchipped
- check or update their rabies vaccination
- assess their fitness to travel, especially if they’re older or have a pre-existing medical condition
- offer guidance on managing anxiety, motion sickness, or ongoing conditions
- administer any required tapeworm treatment, depending on your destination
- complete and sign the AHC, based on your travel details
If your pet needs a rabies vaccine, there’s a mandatory 21-day wait before the AHC can be issued. That’s a legal requirement – so give yourself plenty of time.
The appointment usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes, but some vets may ask you to collect the signed certificate later. During busy times, it’s wise to book well in advance.
How much does an AHC cost?
Prices vary between practices, but most AHC appointments cost between £70 and £200. This usually includes the consultation, health check, admin time and certificate itself.
Paperwork for long distance travel with pets
If you’re heading somewhere outside the EU, an AHC won’t be valid. Each country sets its own rules for bringing in pets, and they can vary widely.
You might need:
- an export health certificate
- proof of rabies vaccination
- blood tests, such as a rabies titre test
- tapeworm or tick treatments
- to quarantine on arrival
In most cases, you’ll need to work with an official vet and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to get the right paperwork in place. Some countries have waiting periods of several weeks or months between tests and travel – so it’s important to check requirements as early as possible.
What your travel insurance covers – and what pet insurance can help with
After sorting your pet’s paperwork and getting the green light from your vet, it’s worth checking what kind of insurance you have in place – and what it actually covers.
Your travel insurance is there to protect you. It helps if you need to cancel your trip, access emergency medical care while you’re abroad, or return home early due to a personal emergency.
But if something affects your pet, you’ll need a separate policy to support that.
That’s where pet insurance comes in. It covers things related to your pet’s health and wellbeing – and depending on the provider, may also help if your pet is the reason you can’t travel.
With Petgevity, you can add a holiday and travel cover add-on to your policy. This includes up to £5,000 per person if you need to cancel or cut short your trip because of something that happens to your pet.
Pet travel essentials
Once the paperwork is sorted, it’s time to get ready for the journey. Here are some items most pets will need on the road or during a stay away from home:
- Lead, harness or collar with ID tag – include your contact number, not just your address. It’s a good idea to bring spares, just in case.
- Food and water bowls – ideally the same ones they use at home.
- Enough food for the whole trip – plus extra in case of delays or fussy eating.
- Waste bags, litter tray or puppy pads – depending on your pet and accommodation.
- Bedding or a crate – something that smells like home can help them settle.
- Toys or chews – familiar items can ease stress, especially during downtime.
- Towel or wipes – handy for muddy paws or sandy coats.
- Grooming brush – particularly for long-haired pets or warm destinations.
Don’t forget any essentials related to health:
- Health essentials – AHC, vaccination record, microchip details, insurance documents, prescriptions.
- First aid kit – your vet can help you put together something suitable for travel.
How you’ll get there – choosing pet transport
Once you’ve decided where you’re going and what to pack, the next step is planning how you’ll get there.
Taking pets on long car journeys
For most pets – especially dogs – the car is the easiest way to travel. It’s familiar, gives you control over stops, and allows you to set the pace. Cats and small pets can travel in secure carriers; dogs should be restrained with a seatbelt harness or crate.
- Plan regular breaks (at least every 2–3 hours) for toileting, water and exercise.
- Never leave your pet alone in a parked car – even for a few minutes.
- Try short journeys in advance to get them used to longer trips.
- Speak to your vet if your pet gets travel sick – there are remedies that can help.
Taking dogs and cats abroad by plane
Flying can be stressful for pets, so it’s best avoided unless necessary.
Are pets allowed in the cabin?
Some airlines allow small pets to travel in the cabin, usually as hand luggage in a soft, airline-approved carrier. This is generally restricted to:
- cats and very small dogs
- pets that weigh under 8kg–10kg, including their carrier
- short-haul or domestic flights, rather than long-haul routes
Cabin availability is limited, so be sure to check with your airline in advance. Pets must stay inside their carrier for the entire flight and fit under the seat in front of you.
Flying with pets in the cargo hold
If your pet is too large for the cabin, they’ll need to travel in the hold, in a temperature-controlled and pressurised part of the aircraft. They must be transported in an IATA-approved crate that allows them to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably.
While pets are physically separated from baggage and cargo, they won’t have any human contact during the flight – which can be unsettling, particularly for nervous or senior animals.
Things to consider:
- Pets must arrive well in advance of the flight for check-in and handling.
- The environment will be dark, loud and unfamiliar.
- Sedation is not recommended, as it can interfere with breathing at altitude.
- Flat-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs are often banned from travelling in the hold due to increased respiratory risk.
- Some airlines have stopped offering hold pet travel altogether, while others only allow it on certain routes or at certain times of year.
Ferries and Eurotunnel pet travel
If you’re heading to Europe, the Eurotunnel and most ferries allow pets.
Travelling with pets in the Eurotunnel (Folkestone to Calais):
- Your pet will stay with you in the car for the whole journey.
- You’ll need to check in at the Eurotunnel pet reception at least one hour (but no more than two hours) before departure. Pet-friendly facilities are available there.
- The journey time is short (around 35 minutes), making it low-stress.
- A pet travel fee applies, and you’ll need your AHC or valid passport.
Do ferries allow pets?
- Most routes allow pets but require them to stay in the car or a designated kennel area.
- Some allow supervised visits during crossing.
- Always check ventilation, temperature and access in advance.
Keeping your pet safe and happy while you’re away
You’ve made it. After all the planning, it’s time to enjoy your break with your pet beside you. Here’s how to help them feel at home, even when you’re away.
Keep routines as normal as possible
Holidays are exciting, but too much change can unsettle your pet. Stick to familiar routines for feeding and walks where possible, and make sure they get enough downtime between activities, especially in busy or unfamiliar environments.
Stay cool and hydrated
Heat is one of the biggest risks for travelling pets, especially in warmer climates, cars, or places without air conditioning. Dogs and cats can’t cool themselves down as easily as humans, and even a short walk in the midday sun can lead to heatstroke.
Don’t assume they won’t wander
Unfamiliar places can be disorienting for even the most well-behaved pets. Always use a lead near roads or in public spaces. If you’re staying somewhere new, check that outdoor areas are fully enclosed – and don’t rely on gates or fences until you’ve tested them.
It’s a good idea to keep cats indoors unless they’re used to travelling. If you do let them explore, consider a secure outdoor enclosure or supervised garden time.
Plan for the unexpected
Hopefully you won’t need emergency support, but it’s always better to be prepared. Before you travel, find the nearest vet to your destination and save the number in your phone. If you’re abroad, look for a clinic that offers 24/7 care or English-speaking staff.
Have your pet insurance documents to hand. Knowing who to call and what to provide will save time if something does go wrong.
What if you’re not taking your pet with you?
Travelling with pets isn’t always the right choice. Whether it’s the destination, the journey or your pet’s health that makes it impractical, deciding to leave them at home can be the kindest option.
Pet-sitters and home-based care
If your pet is most comfortable in their own space, a live-in or drop-in pet sitter might be a good option. These professionals care for your pet in your home – keeping their routine, surroundings and stress levels in check.
Trusted friends or family
If you have a friend, neighbour or relative your pet already knows, they might be happy to help. Just be sure they’re familiar with your pet’s needs – and feel confident handling any health issues or emergencies.
Leave clear written instructions for feeding, medication (if needed), and contact details for your vet and insurance provider.
Boarding kennels and catteries
Well-run boarding facilities can be a good option, especially for dogs who enjoy company and routine. Look for one that’s licensed, has good reviews, and lets you visit in advance.
Some facilities now offer “luxury” pet hotels or home-style boarding – these can be a nice middle ground between a kennel and a sitter.
Final thoughts
We’ll leave you with some wise words from Paola Farrugia at Petgevity, who knows a thing or two about making pet travel feel more manageable:
“Travelling with a pet is a big commitment, but it can be an amazing experience when you’ve planned ahead and have the right support in place – including insurance.”
If you decide your pet’s better off staying at home, that’s okay too. What matters most is making the decision that’s right for them.
With support from your vet – and the right pet insurance in place – you’ll be ready to enjoy your holiday.
