Pets holidaying in record numbers

Pets are joining their owners on their holidays in record numbers, new figures from Brittany Ferries show.

Almost 30,000 dogs and cats went overseas with the ferry company last year, a growing trend since the introduction of the pet passports travel scheme in July 2004.

"Doubtless the ease with which pets can now be taken by car to France and Spain, combined with the modest cost of so doing – only £10 to France and £20 to Spain – are both factors that have contributed to this growth," said Brittany Ferries.

Under the pet travel scheme British holidaymakers can take their dogs, cats and ferrets to other European Union (EU) countries, and some non-EU countries, and return with them to the UK without the need for quarantine.

For more information on taking your pet abroad visit www.defra.gov.uk