Travelling with your puppy

There are so many more opportunities to take your puppy away with you on holiday these days. In fact, in most newsagents you'll find publications that list holiday accommodation where you and your pet will be made most welcome.

You can even take your pet on holiday abroad, thanks to the Pet Passport Scheme (PETS). This means that pet dogs living in the UK can go to, and return from, European countries without quarantine. But organising a pet passport can take about eight months, so planning ahead is essential.

It almost goes without saying, but whether you intend to take your puppy on holiday at home or abroad, you should ensure he has the correct vaccinations before travelling, and that they're up-to-date. If you're in any doubt, then please consult your vet.

Preparing your puppy for the journey

It's essential that your puppy is fit and healthy before he travels. However, during long journeys, dogs can become sick and show symptoms of distress. It is advisable to ask your vet about travel sickness remedies, even tranquillisers if your dog isn't a good traveller.

And as you'd expect, it's important to get your puppy used to the car before he travels. Once he's used to his household surroundings, place him in the car to sleep for half an hour, or allow him to explore the inside. When he's used to the surroundings, you can take him on short journeys, gradually increasing their length over time.

Before you hit the road

Your puppy should be fed well in advance of any travel. If this isn't possible, you should consider putting off feed time until you arrive at your destination. And make sure he's microchipped, wearing a collar and tag with your address and contact numbers.