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Most dogs are perfectly happy to travel in a car, particularly if they are introduced to car travel from an early age. However, even if your dog is a model passenger, you should take certain precautions for your own safety and that of your dog:
Where possible your dog should travel in the back of the car, behind a dog grille or in a suitable carrying box, or crate. |
Where this is not possible, you can fit an approved dog harness, which works in conjunction with the seatbelt and prevents the dog being thrown forward in the event of an accident.
You should never allow your dog to travel with its head out of the window - it could be injured by debris or jump out! |
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Train your dog to remain in the car until you have attached its lead - a dog that jumps out of a car as soon as you open the door could cause a serious accident.
If you are going on a long journey, plan your route so you can make stops every couple of hours to exercise your dog and give it a drink.
If your dog suffers from travel sickness, contact your vet for advice. |
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Keep it cool
Unlike humans, dogs cannot sweat to cool themselves down and rely instead on panting. This makes them very susceptible to heat stroke and every year many dogs die unnecessarily as a result of being left in a hot car.
In just half an hour the temperature of a car parked in the shade can double, so follow these simple guidelines and make sure your dog stays safe:
Do not leave your dog in a parked car - even on a relatively mild day.
If you have to leave your dog in the car, fit plastic ventilation grids on each side of the car, to create a draught.
Make regular checks on your dog.
Using a sunshade on the car windscreen and sunblinds on the window may help keep the car cool but still might not prevent your dog from overheating.
Remember - even if you car was parked in the shade when you left it, the sun will have moved by the time you return!
If your dog is overheated it will pant heavily, salivate and may collapse with shock. In this situation you should remove your dog from the car, soak it in cool (not ice cold) water and seek veterinary assistance straight away.
Even in winter, do not leave your dog in the car with the heating turned up as this could also cause the dog to overheat. |
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Taking your pet on holiday
Your pet is an important member of your family and, as more and more places both at home and abroad now welcome dogs, you might want to consider taking your dog on holiday with you.
Before you go... |
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Check that your intended destination and accommodation permits dogs and find out if any extra charges apply. |
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If you want to take your dog abroad, check whether your dog will need to go into quarantine or can travel under the Pet Travel Scheme (see our guide below). |
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If your dog is elderly, ill or does not travel well, you might want to consider leaving it with friends, or in a reputable boarding kennel, to avoid placing it under unnecessary stress. Alternatively, enable your dog to remain in its home environment by using the services of Homesitters (www.homesitters.co.uk) |
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Make sure your dog has a correctly fitted collar and identification tag - dogs can often get lost in an unfamiliar place. |
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Consider having a temporary tag made, with your holiday address and telephone number on. |
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Make sure you pack everything your dog might need, including medication, a spare lead, a canine first-aid kit and any travel documentation required. |
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Taking your dog's favourite toy and blanket is often reassuring. |
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If you might need to leave your dog alone in your holiday accommodation, it is wise to take a special dog crate to leave it in for short periods - a dog in an unfamiliar place is more likely to chew or become destructive and could cause damage if it becomes anxious. |
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Check your dog's insurance and your travel insurance to determine what level of cover is provided. |
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Some types of holiday accommodation will not admit certain breeds of dog, so make sure you check this out before you travel. |
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If you are planning a boating holiday, make sure your dog has a special canine lifejacket. |
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Find out the contact numbers of the veterinary surgeries in the area you will be visiting - the tourist information office is a good place to start. |
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Abroad
Following the introduction of the Pet Travel Scheme, your dog can now travel with you to certain countries, without going into quarantine.
How can I find out which countries are included in the Pet Travel Scheme?
The Pet Travel Scheme runs a helpline on 0870 241 1710. Alternatively, speak to your vet or visit the MAFF website at www.defra.gov.uk.
How do I obtain a 'passport' for my pet to travel?
You will need to visit an approved Veterinary practice where your dog will be vaccinated against rabies and have an identification chip inserted under the skin. Then, 30 days later your dog will have a blood sample taken to check that the vaccine has been successful. If the blood sample is positive, the Vet will sign the necessary papers that will serve as your dog's passport. If it is negative, the vaccination and sampling will need to be repeated. Obviously, the sooner you can begin the procedure, the better, as dogs will not be allowed to travel without this documentation.
Can I travel on any route and with any carrier I want?
No. You will need to book your trip with a recognised carrier as the Pet Travel Scheme currently only applies to certain routes and certain companies.
Is there anything else I should do before I travel?
Ask your vet to check that your dog's identification chip is in place and can be easily read. Also make sure you have the correct paperwork for each country you are staying in or travelling through.
What about coming home?
Between 24 and 48 hours before you return home, your dog must be inspected for Parasites, ticks and tapeworm by an approved vet. Make sure you ask your carrier company for a list of English-speaking vets in the country you are visiting and ensure the vet completes the official form. Also make sure you arrange the examination in plenty of time so that it can be carried out in the 24 and 48 hours before your return trip. |
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Holiday security
Follow the steps to give yourself peace of mind.
 Read the article
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Feline travel
Most cats are perfectly happy to travel in a car.
Read the article |
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Travel advice & tips
Before you go overseas, check out the FCO website.
Read the article |
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Pet friendly hotels - A source of information for pet owners, containing a list a premier UK hotels where pets can be taken
www.pawsforawalk.co.uk - Find hundreds of dog friendly places to stay, including country house hotels, warm and welcoming pubs, cosy and comfortable bed and breakfasts, and superb self-catering cottages and farmhouses in all parts of the British Isles and abroad
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