Pet Travel: An Important Guide To Help You and Your Pets
Why Pet Travel Insurance Matters
Standard travel insurance won’t cover your pet. That’s where pet travel insurance becomes essential.
While not legally required, it’s highly recommended – especially for trips abroad. Many full pet insurance policies offer international cover either as a standard feature or an optional upgrade.
Key Benefits:
- Emergency vet treatment abroad
- Quarantine and transport costs
- Replacement documents
- Holiday cancellation or interruption due to pet illness
- Emergency repatriation to the UK
What’s Typically Covered
Most Pet Travel Insurance Includes:
- Emergency veterinary fees while abroad
- Quarantine costs due to illness or document issues
- Lost or damaged document replacement
- Extra accommodation or transport costs if your pet falls ill
- Holiday cancellation due to pet health problems
- Emergency transport back to the UK
Common Exclusions:
- Failure to meet legal requirements (e.g. vaccinations, microchipping)
- Pre-existing conditions not disclosed or covered
- Elective or routine procedures
- Claims without valid receipts
- Limited or no liability cover abroad
What Affects the Cost of Pet Travel Insurance?
The cost of cover depends on several factors:
- Your pet’s breed and age
- Existing health conditions
- The country you’re visiting
- Duration of the trip
- Whether travel cover is included or added on
Around 60% of pet insurance policies include international cover, while 20% offer it as an optional extra.
What to Check Before Buying a Pet Travel Policy
Make sure the policy includes:
- Covered countries
- Annual or single-trip coverage
- Maximum claim limits for vet fees, quarantine, and transport
- Age limits for pets
- Cover for lost documents or theft
- Pre-existing condition exclusions
- Number of days allowed abroad (typically up to 90 per year)
Preparing for Pet Travel: Checklist
| Task | When to Do It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Check vaccinations | At least 21 days before | Rabies vaccine required for EU travel |
| Vet health check | 1 month before | Confirms fitness to travel |
| Apply for Animal Health Certificate (AHC) | Within 10 days of travel | Replaces UK pet passports |
| Review insurance cover | At least 1 month before | Confirm travel coverage |
Note: For travel outside the EU or Northern Ireland, you’ll also need an Export Health Certificate (EHC) and possibly an export application form.
Understanding the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
This scheme allows pets to travel between the UK and approved countries without quarantine, provided the following are in place:
- Microchipping
- Rabies vaccination
- Valid Animal Health Certificate
- Tapeworm treatment (for some destinations)
Pets must wait 21 days after the rabies vaccine before travelling.
Are Pet Passports Still Valid?
Pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for EU travel.
Instead, travellers must obtain a new Animal Health Certificate:
- Issued within 10 days of travel
- Valid for 4 months within the EU
Travelling Outside the EU
For non-EU destinations, prepare the following:
- Export Health Certificate (EHC)
- Export application form (for England, Wales, Scotland)
- Destination-specific health and entry requirements
Always check with the destination country’s government well in advance.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Insurance
If your pet has a medical condition:
- Declare all known issues to your insurer
- Confirm whether they’re covered abroad
- Carefully review exclusions before you travel
Flying with Pets: Airline Guidelines
Airlines That Accept Pets:
- British Airways
- Lufthansa
- Air France – KLM
- Emirates
- Singapore Airlines
- TUI (some conditions apply)
Airlines That Do Not:
- easyJet
- Jet2
- Ryanair
Pets typically travel in the cargo hold in an IATA-approved carrier. Only assistance or very small pets may be allowed in the cabin.
Approved Carrier Requirements:
- Secure, ventilated, escape-proof
- Large enough for the pet to stand and turn around
- External access for food and water
Other Travel Options
Eurotunnel (LeShuttle):
- Pets stay in the vehicle with you
- Dog exercise areas available
- All pet travel documents must be shown
Ferries:
- Most accept dogs; some allow cats and ferrets
- Some offer onboard kennels or pet cabins
- Often pets remain in your vehicle
Eurostar:
- Pets are not permitted (except assistance dogs)
- Service animals must be booked in advance
Transport Tips: Car, Public Transport, Air
Car Travel:
- Use a harness or crate
- Allow frequent breaks
- Never leave pets unattended in a vehicle
Public Transport:
- Check pet policies beforehand
- Keep pets leashed or in carriers
- Travel at quieter times where possible
Air Travel:
- Book direct flights if possible
- Get your pet comfortable with their carrier
- Avoid sedatives unless prescribed
- Arrive early and retrieve your pet promptly
Assistance Dogs: Key Considerations
Registered service animals can usually travel for free. Be sure to:
- Check space or seating requirements if your dog is large
- Inform the airline or transport provider in advance
- Provide documentation
