Holiday Checklist

1. Decide if your pet is staying at home or coming on holiday with you

2. Planning to take your pet with you? Check that your hotel, cottage or campsite is pet friendly. If you are planning to take your pet overseas with you, there is a lot of preparation you and your vet will need to do. Under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) you will need to begin the process at least 7 to 8 months in advance of your proposed trip abroad. Look at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ website (www.defra.gov.uk) for up to date information about what your pet will need, where you can travel and what types of pet would be allowed to travel abroad with you. Or contact the PETS helpline on 0870 241 1710. Also discuss with your vet what your pet will need, such as microchipping and vaccinations against rabies.

3. Planning to leave your pet at home? Consider the following options: See if friends or family who understand the care your pet will need whilst looking after it are willing to undertake this responsibility. Look into whether there is a kennel or cattery within a reasonable distance of your home and investigate the standard of pet care provided. Good kennels and catteries are usually very popular! So book up well in advance of your holiday. A third option is to see if there are any professional pet sitters in your local area.

4. Contact: Leave your holiday contact details with your pet’s carer and agree the type of situations or emergencies you would want to be informed of whilst away. Leave contact details for your pet’s vet with the person who is providing care for your pet.

5. Preparation: Write an authorisation letter for your pet’s carer which will mean that your pet can receive any veterinary treatment it may need whilst you are away.

6. Checks: If it’s a kennel or cattery that you’re opting for, inspect it for yourself. Look for bright and clean surroundings, adequate exercise areas and helpful, friendly staff.

7. Precautions: Before leaving check that all your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date. A reputable cattery or kennel will ask for proof that your pet has up to date vaccinations.

8. Company: Ensure that your pet is well acquainted with their carer and their new surroundings before you leave them.

9. Home comforts: Pack a few of your pet’s favourite toys or a piece of clothing with familiar smells if you are using a kennel or cattery to look after your pet.

10. Daily routine: Write down your pet’s usual routine and their food requirements, so any changes made to your pet’s day are minimal, and any special care they need can be catered for.

11. Car journeys: Whether your pet is going on holiday with you or travelling to kennels or a cattery if it involves a car journey allow them to become accustomed to your car. Ensure they are safely strapped in. For large dogs use a dog car safety harness. For smaller dogs, cats and other small furries use a pet carrier which can be secured in the foot-well of the car and ensure that the carrier remains well ventilated. Take long, regular breaks on long journeys, and only exercise dogs on leads when they are in unfamiliar areas. Don’t let a cat out of the car and make sure you always have fresh water available for your pet.

12. Finally remember that you can make sure you and your pet have a safe and wonderful time with preparation well in advance of your holiday.