Demand for pet passports up by 50 per cent
Dogs are the most likely pet to travel abroad, accounting for around three quarters of all pets whisked away in the last ten years.
The demand for pet passports has risen by a staggering 50 per cent, with dogs being the most popular travelling companion, according to new research.
Figures released by the APHA have revealed that a growing number of British citizens are choosing to take their pet with them on holiday, with the number of pet passports issued increasing by 50 per cent in the past five years.
Last year alone, over one million Brits travelled overseas with an animal companion - a rise of 65,000 compared to the previous year. Dogs are the most likely pet to travel abroad, accounting for around three quarters of all pets whisked away in the last ten years. A third of all Brits travelling abroad took a feline companion.
The figures also reveal that the months of June and July are the most popular time to apply for passports. France, Germany, Spain and Italy are the most popular destinations; however, some pets have travelled as far away as Turkey, the United States and even Australia.
More than half of the holidaymakers (54 per cent) said they took their pet away because they are 'part of the family', while one in three (31 per cent) wanted them to share their travel experiences. Other owners took their pet abroad simply because they couldn't find someone to look after them, or it works out cheaper than paying for a kennel or cattery.
Pet owners who wish to take their animals abroad must comply with procedures put in place by HM Home Office. Pets must be microchipped before they are vaccinated against rabies. If the microchip cannot be read on the pet's return to the UK, the pet could be refused entry or quarantined. In addition, a vet must treat any dog returning to the UK for tapeworm, which is then recorded in its pet passport.
However, the findings also reveal that there are significant risks to taking a pet abroad. One in 10 people had their dog’s microchip fail while they were away – which would have only been picked up when their pet was scanned upon trying to re-enter the country. The same proportion had to delay either their departure or return because their dog needed to have their tapeworm treatment repeated.
Others had to deal with their pet falling ill, being quarantined, lost or even dying while they were in another country. Unfortunately, one in seven who travelled with their pet over this period did not have appropriate pet insurance in place at the time of the trip.
Selwyn Fernandes, director of pet insurance provider LV, comments: “Pets are often like one of the family so it’s understandable that owners want to take them along on their travels – but it is important to acknowledge the possible dangers with taking animals out of the country. When planning to take a dog or cat on holiday, ensuring vaccinations are up to date, getting appropriate pet insurance and a pet passport should be top of the ‘to do’ list”.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
