Yes, very good point Claire, the OP doesn't have to sit waiting in UK, they could leave UK in July and come back when the 6 months from blood test is up.

The only problem with that plan is that if they have to book ferries and hotels and are one of the unlucky 1% they might loose their bookings and maybe any deposits they've paid.

I guess it all comes down to how much of a gambler you are

The first year cost the most around £200-£250 per dog, so not cheap, after that you have to visit the vet just before you go for a spot on flea and ringworm etc. Also dont forget you have to visit a vet before your return. My uncle from Holland used to do it all the time with no hassle. When i took mine to Belguim it was easy enough.

I have only done this one way (we came to live in Italy and have not been back for a visit yet).

My boosters are every 3 years and the blood test doesn't ever need to be done again.

Can I just say, because it's really important that you need a SCALIBOR collar for sand flies not just a flea collar. And it must be put on at least a week before travelling as it needs time to travel into the blood stream.

It depends on the `make` of vaccine used. Some are licenced for 2 years, some for 3. The vet will know as it`ll be in the paperwork.

Thanks Claire, I thought it was down to the 'maker' and 'nowt to do with legislation. I must check our paperwork sometime.

Something I have picked up elsewhere from those who travel abroad.... Be very careful about vaccine dates.

As you know UK write dates as day/month/year but USA use month/day/year... not sure about other countries. That can cause problems if misinterpreted.

Out if interest has anyone experienced adverse reactions to the rabies jab? I don't boost my dogs regularly and use nosodes for the years inbetween. However I have been hit with a dilemma. Me and my collie have been invited to a selection day for the british agility team to compete at the European champs in austria in July. Due to the dates I can't go this year as he has no passport but what I'm weighing up is if I get asked in the future do I put his health at risk for what is a purely selfish opportunity.

Help...... what would everyones advice be

jo

Yes indeed, I once worked for an American company and you wouldn't believe the confusion it can cause I might be wrong but I think all Europe uses the dd/mm/yy format whereas (As you rightly said) America & Canada use mm/dd/yy format.

I am not aware of any adverse reactions to the rabies jab, but of course I am only talking about our two dogs who have been OK with it and they get the booster every year.

Since you asked for advice I would say do it, rabies is a terrible disease, and even if your dogs don't go abroad it's still possible to get it in UK, not often it's true, in fact exceedingly rare but we still get the odd idiot who tries to bring in a dog or cat unvaccinated and there have been some rabies outbreaks in the UK in the last 50 years

We are on track for our road trip in Aug , rabies jabs done and no adverse effects so far , scalibor collars planned for use prior to travel , ferry booked , we are going Plymouth to Santander and they have doggie provision with cabins that the dogs can sleep in with you and swipe card to the doggy deck for the daytime. We are going to my SIL who has 2 dogs and her neighbour has boarding kennels so they have sleeping arrangements sorted if they do not get on with my SILs 2 spanish hunting dogs, I have done a lot of research and thought long and hard about the risks , but the dogs travel well , we are not making the journey difficult and have booked dog friendly hotels en route, my SIL has spoke to her vet who will cover us while we are there for 3 weeks, its been a lot of work to arrange and a fair expense but I am looking forward to be able to have a holiday with my woofs !

Taking the dawg to France later this year.can anyone advise re-ferry travel.On the short Dover-Calais hop,what provisions are made for dogs?Do they have to be left on the car deck in a kennel etc? Would the Tunnel be a better option for a nervous Whippet? Also,would it be advisable for dog to wear a specialist flea collar even tho we are not going to the south?Any help appreciated.