There are so many more opportunities to take your puppy away with you on holiday these days. In fact, in most newsagents you’ll find publications that list holiday accommodation where you and your pet will be made most welcome. You can even take your pet on holiday abroad, thanks to the Pet Passport Scheme (PETS). This means that pet dogs that live in the UK can go to, and return from, European countries without quarantine. But organising a pet passport can take about eight months, so planning ahead is essential.

It almost goes without saying, but whether you intend to take your puppy on holiday at home or abroad, you should ensure he has the correct vaccinations before travelling, and that they’re up-to-date. If you’re in any doubt, then please consult your vet.

Preparing your puppy for the journey
It’s essential that your puppy is fit and healthy before he travels. However, during long journeys, dogs can become sick and show symptoms of distress. It would be advisable to ask your vet about travel sickness remedies, even tranquillisers if your dog isn’t a good traveller.

And as you’d expect, it’s important to get your puppy used to the car before he travels. Once he’s used to his household surroundings, place him in the car to sleep for half an hour, or allow him to explore the inside. When he’s used to the surroundings, you can take him on short journeys, gradually increasing them over time.

Before you hit the road
Your puppy should be fed well in advance of any travel. If this isn’t possible, you may like to consider putting off feed time until you arrive at your destination. And make sure he’s wearing a collar and tag with your address and contact numbers.

You might like to consider microchipping, too.

Basically, microchipping is an effective and simple way of linking your pet to you, and is a virtual guarantee of you both being re-united if your pets gets lost, strays or is stolen. A simple injection of a tiny microchip the size of grass seed is inserted under your pet’s skin. It cannot be seen but it can be read by a scanner. Your vet will be happy to give you more information about microchipping.

Now that you’re on your way
Your puppy should always be transported in complete safety, preferably in a purpose-built cage safely secured to the car (in the luggage department if you drive an estate car). However, if it’s not possible to put your puppy in a cage, he should be securely placed in the back of the car in a special dog seatbelt or harness. Alternatively, in an estate or hatchback, put him in the space behind a fitted dog guard. But always remember that your pet should be able to stand up and turn around, and sit and lie down comfortably. And please, never shut him in the boot or keep him in the front unless he’s secured.

Give your puppy a break
If you’re going on a long journey, take a break; stop the car and let your puppy have a drink of water and a little exercise. And if you’re making a short stop, for a meal or the toilet, never leave your pet in a hot, unventilated car; leave it in the shade with a window partly open. And don’t forget: The sun’s position changes throughout the day. Your car may have been in the shade an hour ago, but could be in the full glare of the hot sun now.

Home alone is not an option
You should never leave your puppy alone for any length of time. According to the RSPCA, more than one million dogs become distressed, noisy and destructive, often messing the house, when they are left alone. So if you’re going away on holiday, or even just for the weekend, please don’t let your arrangements get in the way of your pet’s needs. So plan ahead.

Kennels: Put your dog in a reputable boarding kennel and you’ll be assured of reliable care and attention in a pet-friendly environment run by people who love dogs and know what they’re doing. All they’ll ask of you is an up-to-date vaccination certificate. And make sure they or you have current pet insurance, just in case your pet needs emergency care in your absence.

Your vet will be able to advise upon the best kennels in your area.

Friends: You might be fortunate enough to have friends, or family, who’ll offer to look after your house, and your puppy, while you’re away, and come and stay. But make sure they know what’s involved and that they will get on with your pet. This is an ideal solution should your pet find it too unsettling to be away from home.