Thinking of a summer holiday? Yes please! And would you like to take your pet with you?

These last two years have really taken their toll on our ability to go on holiday, but hopefully this summer we should be able to make our way to sunnier places without too much red tape. Unfortunately, I still have a job to do and won’t be holidaying for a few months, but it doesn’t stop me dreaming of sun and sea. I do love the south of France and hopefully I’ll be heading there soon.

But what about my pets? When I’m away for a short spell, I like someone to look after my pets in their own home. They are relaxed in their own environment.

However, when on a longer holiday, my pets are looked after extremely well by boarding kennels and cattery in East Lothian. Cats are not usually the best travellers but you can try using calming cat pheromones to relax them. Your vet can advise you on ‘Feliway’ cat calming products for any journey. My dog Lucy, on the other hand, loves travelling and adores going to the boarding kennel. She gets so excited when she knows she is on her way to the kennels.

But what if you want to take your pets with you on holiday? In Britain today, pets can travel by road, rail, sea or air. Each form of travel presents its own unique set of problems.

The Highway Code is very specific about animals in cars. They should be under control in vehicles and unable to distract you while you are driving. If you want your dog to be loose in the car, he should be separated from you, and thus an estate vehicle, SUV or hatchback with a strong dog guard is ideal. Alternatively, a crate or cage can be used, the dimensions of which should be comfortable for the animal.

Travel, or more correctly motion sickness, affects many dogs. It is due to the effect of the motion on the organs of balance located in the inner ear. Signs are usually excessive salivation, restlessness or excitement. Consult your veterinary surgeon as there are several prescription medicines that are extremely effective for this condition. Excitable dogs can be tranquilised but make sure you do not give too much, which may result in your pet becoming very drowsy, since the dose depends largely on the temperament and amount of excitement.

Remember that even the most well-behaved dog can take fright at the sight and noise associated with a railway station and trains. Make sure that the collar and lead are strong and secure.

Today, different railway companies have varying conditions regarding the transport of pets and therefore you should always enquire prior to your trip. Cats should be transported in secure carriers at all times. When travelling on the underground with your dog, remember it must be carried up and down any escalators. If you have a large dog, seek other means of access to the platform.

Many ships and ferries today have permanent kennels into which your dog must be placed for the duration of the trip. The provision of a familiar blanket or toy helps to ease the tension of the journey for your pet.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations regarding carrier size apply to all international flights. Remember the container will be your pet’s home for the length of the flight and also for an appreciable time prior to and after the flight after you have checked in and until he is collected after the flight. The carrier should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around freely. It is useful to use several thicknesses of newspaper, plus an acrylic dog bed of the VetBed type as bedding. A familiar article in the container helps to calm the animal. It is always worthwhile checking with the airline regarding their particular requirements.

Not only has Covid-19 had a marked effect on travel, Brexit certainly has in respect of travelling overseas with your pets. Previously, for travel to EU countries, we vets could issue passports for your pet to travel with you to Europe. This is no longer the case.

If you are considering travelling to an EU country with your pet, please start to plan long before your trip. Animals, specifically dogs, cats and ferrets, require an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) to travel to an EU country, including Northern Ireland. Any other pets require an Export Health Certificate or, if you are travelling to non-EU countries, you will require a specific certificate issued in combination of DEFRA and the country you are travelling to.

If you are travelling to an EU country, your pet needs to be microchipped and registered to you in the UK. This has to be read and confirmed by a vet prior to your pet being vaccinated against rabies.

Recently, Mr Andrew Finlayson came to our Tranent surgery with his beautiful greyhounds Celt and Lassie for their rabies vaccines. I checked their microchips and their paperwork prior to giving their vaccines. The AHC can only be issued more than three weeks after this rabies vaccination. The vet must be a registered official veterinary surgeon (OVS) in order to be able to complete the certificate. The certificate cannot be issued until within 10 days of your travel from the UK date. Your vet needs to check your pet at this time.

If you are travelling to Northern Ireland, Eire, Malta, Norway or Finland, your pet needs to be given medication against tapeworms between one and five days of you travelling. At Dunedin Vets, we combine this with the examination for the AHC.

Each AHC is unique to your pet or pets. Up to five animals can travel on one certificate. The certificates are only valid for one journey from the UK. You have to state the country where you are entering the EU and there only certain designated ports or airports you can travel to. There is a specific AHC for each EU country and each one issued has its own unique certificate number, for your pet or pets. The AHC is valid for up to four months; you must return to the UK before this time is up, but you can travel around EU countries during this time.

These AHCs are long documents which have to be completed accurately with all the correct details, which owners have to provide in advance to the veterinary surgeon who completes them.

If you are considering taking your pets to the EU this summer, contact your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible to ensure all the required paperwork is in order. We want to avoid disappointments at all costs.

If you are wanting to travel further afield, contact DEFRA as soon as you know. A recent Export Health Certificate for dogs travelling to Dubai took almost six months to arrange.

Plan in advance and hopefully everyone can have a lovely summer holiday.