AS WE MOVE into March and the beginnings of spring, I start thinking about holidays and where in the world I would like to be.

Unfortunately, I still have a job to do and won’t be holidaying for a month or two, but it doesn’t stop me dreaming. I do love the south of France and it’s there I’ll be heading 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, I like my pets to be looked after extremely well by boarding kennels and cattery, and there a good number of lovely ones in East Lothian.

Many cats are not good travellers and can arrive at the cattery salivating and bedraggled. You can use calming cat pheromones to relax them. Your vet can advise you on Feliway and other cat calming products for any journey. Many dogs, on the other hand, love travelling and adore going to a boarding kennel.

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

Road travel

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. If the dog is not so separated from you, he should be tethered so that he cannot act as a distraction. The easiest way of doing this is place him in the foot well in the back of the car, attaching the leash securely.

Travel, or more correctly motion, sickness is a condition which 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-only 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; again, consult your vet for advice.

Rail travel

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. If travelling with you in the carriage, make sure your dog is well behaved and does not upset other passengers. If travelling unaccompanied in the guard’s van, the dog should be in a transport cage of a suitable size. Motion sickness can present problems with rail travel too.

Sea travel

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. Mild tranquillisation may be possible since you can visit your pet during the trip and monitor the effect.

Air travel

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.

If you are thinking about travelling abroad with pets this summer, now is the time to start planning. Your pet must be microchipped and have a rabies vaccination at least three weeks prior to travelling. The microchip must be certified to you and your pet and be registered with a UK company. Your vet should provide you with a rabies vaccination certificate. These are required if travelling to EU countries.

Pets travelling to EU countries require an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Your vet can advise you of the time constraints as to when they can be completed prior to your journey. For certain EU countries, your pet has to be treated for tapeworms by a vet prior to the journey and the completion of the AHC.

Your pet will also require to be wormed by a vet in Europe prior to your return to the UK. These AHCs are valid for four months but you can travel throughout EU countries during this time.

If your pet has originated from an EU country, they may well have an EU pet passport. These are valid for travel so long as the rabies vaccination is kept up to date by a vet in the EU. UK vets are not permitted to add rabies vaccines to these passports.

If you are travelling to more exotic destinations, it is essential you contact the relevant authorities (DEFRA or APHA), who can advise on what your pet requires for travel in the way of paperwork and vaccinations. It is always best to do this well in advance of your travel to prevent any troublesome hold-ups during your journey. Some destinations such as Australia require you to start planning more than six months in advance of your trip and require two levels of veterinary authorisation. These certificates for travel are called Export Health Certificates (EHC).

I have considered an AHC for my cat Fiona, but I do wonder if she would be too stressed on any lengthy journey. I do know she is happy in the cattery and is extremely well looked after, so perhaps I will let her have her cattery holiday once more.

My sister’s greyhound Jet loves travelling, sleeping in the back of the car for hours on end. Greyhounds, despite being extremely fast runners, are the laziest dogs I know, so she will soon have her AHC for a wee trip to France this summer.

Whatever you decide to do this summer, plan ahead to ensure you and your pets have the best time possible.