5-point Plan To Get Your Pet Holiday-ready

7 years ago
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Posted
11th July, 2017 16h15

Author
BVA

With summer holidays in sight, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has launched an easy 5-point Pet Travel Checklist to help dog owners planning to take their canine friend abroad with them make sure that they are travel ready. 

Within Europe, the EU Pet Travel Scheme allows for the free movement of pets from country to country with a valid Pet Passport, but BVA is advising dog owners to give serious thought to their pet’s health despite the ease of travel. Many diseases that occur abroad are not seen in the UK, which leaves dogs and other pets potentially unprotected and susceptible to contracting them. While tick treatments are no longer required under the scheme, BVA strongly advises that prophylactic tick treatment is continued.

Owners also need to consider if their pet is likely to be affected by the stress of long-distance travel and the high temperatures in many southern European countries.

British Veterinary Association President Gudrun Ravetz said:

“Many of us look forward to taking our pets on holidays abroad with us, but it is important to prepare for the trip in advance so that your pet travels as safely as you. This includes making sure their vaccinations and pet passport are up to date, their microchip is working and any other preventive treatment suggested by your vet is completed. Owners should consult their local vet for advice at least three weeks before travel.” 

To help prepare for summer trips overseas, BVA has produced a handy Pet Travel Checklist that summarises what checks dogs need and how far in advance to book an appointment with their local vet before going on holiday:

• Book an appointment with your vet at least three weeks before travel to get started on the right medication at the right time
• Check rabies vaccination and pet passport are up to date
• Ensure microchip is working and reading correctly
• Speak to your vet about preventive treatment needed to protect your dog against ticks, sandflies, heartworm and tapeworm and any other potential parasites or diseases
• Talk to your vet if going somewhere hot to discuss prevention of heatstroke and how to recognise signs of the problem in your dog

For more information, owners are encouraged to read the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation guide to diseases that pets may encounter abroad: https://www.bva-awf.org.uk/sites/bva-awf.org.uk/files/user/taking_your_pets_abroad.pdf

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