More and more
people want to bring their pets with them on holiday and there are an increasing
number of holiday rental properties that will accommodate those that
do
Taking Pets to France on Holiday
If you are travelling to
France with pets it is required that each pet must have a full and valid 'EU
Pets Passport' in order for them to return to the UK without being
quarantined for 6 months. Your vet will be able to advise you about pet
passports and they will be up to date with the ever changing regulations. These
will include;
1: Restricted Breeds of dangerous dogs. 2: The age of
your pet. Pets are not normally vaccinated against rabies until they are 6
months old and then require a further 6 months before being allowed to
travel. 3: Microchip identification (not tattoo). 4: A valid rabies
vaccination, if your pet has not been vaccinated against rabies then a blood
test will be required after the first vaccination and your pet must wait a
further six months before being allowed to travel.
Before you return to the UK
you will be required to take your pet to a French vet who will carry out a tick
and flea treatment 24 to 48 hours before departing, the vet will then stamp and
sign the passport. Failure to get this treatment and the relevant documentation
will result in your pet being refused entry to the UK.
A list of veterinary practices in the Vendée with some 60 veterinary
practices listed, you should not be more than a few minutes away from one. It is
recommended that you contact your nearest vet a week before returning to the UK
to make an appointment.
Some of you may wish to have your pet on holiday
with you, but may not have the room in your vehicle, perhaps you have more than
one, or simply not care to have your pet with you on your voyage. Whatever the
reason there is service called Animal Couriers that can help you. This
company specialises in pet travel, it is certified by Defra, has specialised
vehicles and can tailor make the arrangements to suit you. For more details see
their website on http://www.animalcouriers.com/ or phone them on 44+(0)1483
200123. As sometimes happens you may have fallen in love with a stray animal
and wish to give it a new and safe home. To do this you will need to either
ensure that it has the correct passport to comply with the stringent UK entry
conditions, or you could use the above service at Animal Couriers. They will
collect your new found friend from you, keep it quarantined until the passport
comes into effect and then deliver it to you in the UK.