With the holiday season fast approaching, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is reminding pet owners to start getting their pets travel-ready if they are planning to take them abroad this summer.

While the EU Pet Travel Scheme allows for the free movement of dogs, cats and ferrets within Europe with a valid Pet Passport, BVA is advising owners to give serious thought to their pet’s health despite the ease of travel.

Many diseases that occur abroad are not seen in the UK, which leaves dogs and other pets potentially unprotected and susceptible to contracting them. Some of these diseases can even be fatal.

BVA recommends that pet owners visit their local vet at least three weeks before travelling to make sure that their pet and its passport are ready for holidays, as some of the preventive medications must be started before leaving the UK.

Tick treatments are no longer required under the scheme, but with many of the diseases transmitted by biting insects and ticks, BVA strongly advises that preventive, or prophylactic, tick treatment is continued.

BVA senior vice president Gudrun Ravetz said: “Pets are a big part of the family and so it’s great that they are able to join their owners on holiday, but it’s important to remember that the free movement of our pets overseas shouldn’t translate into the free movement of disease.

“I would encourage owners to contact their local vet for more information on pet travel requirements and to book an appointment as soon as possible to make sure their pet is fully protected when it travels.”