Important Information

Essential legal requirements for Travel.

Wondering what the legal requirements are for your pet to travel from the UK to Europe or from Europe to the UK? Below is the list of all the legal requirements.

1. Microchip your pet

You must get your pet microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination. If you do not, they’ll need to be vaccinated again.

2. Get your pet vaccinated against rabies

Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies before it can travel. Your vet needs proof that your pet is at least 12 weeks old before vaccinating them.

If your pet needs a rabies vaccination, you must wait 21 days after the vaccination before your pet can travel.

If your pet has already been vaccinated, check if they need a booster vaccination.

You do not need to wait to travel after a booster vaccination if there has been no break in the vaccine cover.

3. Get a pet travel document

Get an animal health certificate from your vet if you’re going to an EU country or Northern Ireland.

Your pet’s animal health certificate will be valid after the date of issue for:

10 days for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland
4 months for onward travel within the EU after you enter the EU
4 months for re-entry to Great Britain

You can also use a valid pet passport if it is accepted in the country you’re travelling to. You can no longer use a pet passport issued in Great Britain to enter the EU.

4. Get a tapeworm treatment for your dog

A vet must treat your dog for tapeworm and record it in either an animal health certificate or a valid pet passport if you’re travelling directly to:

Finland
Ireland
Malta
Northern Ireland
Norway

The treatment must have been given no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days (120 hours) before you arrive.

Journey Essentials

What things will your pet need for the Journey? Below is a list of a few things we recommend. The list is not exhaustive or conclusive because every pet is unique and each one likes different things. The idea is to ensure their safety and provide them with some comfort during the journey.

1. General good health.

Please ensure that your pet is in good health and doesn’t have any stomach issues or any new symptoms. If you suspect that they are not 100% fit, please consult your veterinarian immediately and also inform us as soon as possible.

2. A Safe Travel Container.

Any crates of containers to accommodate you pet during the journey need to be safe, spacious and suitable for them. If you don’t have a crate, we can provide one for your pet’s journey. We ensure that the crate is spacious and comfortable, meeting all the necessary safety standards for travel.

3. Their favourite toy or other item.

A journey by road can be long and stressful. Our experienced handlers always try to minimise the stress levels for your pet. However, sometimes it helps the pet relax if they have something they take comfort or enjoyment interacting with. These can be things such as their favourite toy, a t-shirt with your scent on it or their favourite blanket. We recommend placing one of these items in the crate with them to help them relax.

What happens during the Journey?

Wondering what will happen to your pet during the journey? We understand that the journey by road is stressful for both, the pet and the owner. The last thing you need as the owner, is not knowing how your pet is doing. To put your mind at ease, below is a list of things you can expect from us once we have picked up your pet.

1. Their comfort.

Our vehicles are purpose built for pet transport. The cages are climate controlled and the temperature as well as the humidity levels are continuously monitored throughout the entire journey. We also ensure that your pet always has access to fresh water in their cage and keep an eye on their fluid intake.

2. Food and water.

We will discuss your pet’s dietary requirements, meal times and any allergies with you prior to pick up. The driver will document these and as ask you to give us detailed information on how frequently you would like them to be fed and their normal portion size for each meal. Staff will then adhere to their meal plan throughout the journey. We always recommend that you give us sufficient food to take along on the journey. We want to keep your pet’s diet consistent to reduce stress and to ensure their well being. They will always have access to fresh water in their cage. Again, We will usually fill up two or three large bottles of water from their usual water source to ensure that their stomach doesn’t get upset by drinking from a new source.

3. Comfort Breaks.

We understand how important leg stretches and comfort breaks are for the pet as well as the driver. Hence, we endeavour to stop at a safe place with some green areas every 4 – 5 hours. This enables the driver and the pets to stretch their legs, have a walk or a little play session to ensure they remain fresh and comfortable.

4. Updates on your pet.

We send regular updates during the journey. Especially when stopping for comfort breaks. We will provide you with the driver’s live location, regular photos and short videos during the journey. At the very least, you can expect a status and progress update from us every 4 to 5 hours. That is our absolute minimum update promise. Updates are usually sent via WhatsApp.