Travelling With Your Pet
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Booking a holiday? Whether you're going abroad or staying in the UK, plan ahead if your cat or dog is coming too.
If the cost of putting your pet into a cattery or boarding kennels is making you think again about taking a holiday, you could look at letting your cat or dog travel with you.
Of course, you need to make sure they'd be happy on the journey and in an unfamiliar place, so here are some things to consider when travelling with your pet:
At home: Travelling in the UK
Travelling in a car can be stressful for your cat or dog, so follow these tips to get them ready for their holiday in the UK:
Put together a pet travel kit for your cat or dog, which should include their water bowl, a lead, their favourite toy, a poop scoop and plastic bags for any waste.
Cats and dogs should travel in a safe cage or carrier, with enough room for them to lie down and move around. Put their favourite blanket in there so they have a familiar smell, and get them used to it in the house before you put it in the car. Although dogs love to travel with their heads outside the car window, don't let them do this as it's very dangerous.
Get your pet accustomed to car travel with a few short trips before you embark on a big journey.
Give your dog or cat a light meal before you go, and don't be tempted to feed them on the move as that could increase the risk of sickness.
Make regular stop-offs for your cat or dog to stretch their legs, and never leave them unattended in a car. It doesn't take long for heat stroke to occur if they're left in hot cars.
Abroad: Taking your cat or dog further afield
Thinking of taking your pet abroad? Get organised in advance:
Weigh up the pros and cons of taking your cat or dog abroad before you book your holiday. Generally, cats are more comfortable on familiar territory so would be best left at home. Dogs may fare better, but take into account the length of the journey and whether they'd be happy with the change in routine and surroundings.
If you do decide to take your dog abroad, take him to the vet to check he's well enough to travel, is free of fleas and worms and that his vaccinations are up to date. Rabies vaccinations are a must, and your dog must have tapeworm treatment one to five days before departure.
Any dog travelling abroad will need to be microchipped and have a Pet Passport, which can be issued by your vet. If your pet doesn't have the right paperwork when you return to the UK, they could be put into quarantine. Find out more about DEFRA's Pet Travel scheme at http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/
Travelling abroad with your pet can incur vet's fees, so it's worth checking if your Pet Insurance covers them. John Lewis Pet Insurance includes travel cover as standard, whereas many other providers will treat it as an optional extra.
About John Lewis Insurance:
With John Lewis Pet Insurance you can choose from four levels of cover for vet's fees so you can find the right level for you and your pet.
Don't worry about unexpected vet's bills - you can claim up to £10,000 each year if your pet gets injured or falls ill.
You won't be out of pocket if your pet falls ill - your vet is paid directly, provided they're set up to receive payments.
If your pet causes an accident, the policy protects you against legal liability up to £2 million.
There are no upper age limits on the policy for vet's fees, and your cat or dog can be covered from eight weeks old.
Visit www.johnlewis-insurance.com/pet for further information and a quote.
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