2 July 2008

A growing number of people are taking advantage of an initiative that allows them to take their furry friends on a European holiday without having to spend time in quarantine.

The Pets Travel Scheme, which covers Western Europe and Scandinavia, allows animals to avoid the lengthy quarantine period that most creatures have to undergo when travelling overseas on family holidays.

Over 50,000 pet passports are expected to be issued to UK pet owners this year after 49,910 were granted in 2007, according to the Sun.

In contrast, a recent survey by holidaylettings.co.uk suggests that only six per cent of holidaymakers who own animals have obtained an EU Pet Passport.

The majority (58 per cent) leave pets with friends or a relative, while 28 per cent of respondents favour professional services such as kennels or catteries.

Pet passports can be acquired by contacting the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs or via a local veterinary practice.