Bringing Cats and Dogs

Do I take pets on vacations? Not really ... sorry if this sounds a bit cruel, but I think they are better off staying behind.

Our two tomcats occasionally go for vacations themselves - you see, there is this really nice boarding cattery where they can hang out with the other dudes, eyeing feline femme fatales and generally relax until feeding time. It's all-inclusive too. Like humans flying to Cancun, really ... should it be called Catcancun instead of Moggie Motel maybe?

But I digress - I tend not to advise taking pets on Irish vacations if it can be avoided at all. Traveling long distances is stressful for your pet, especially if it has to be done in a cargo hold. And while we humans enjoy different surroundings on our travels, for your feline or canine companion they might be boring at best, scary at worst.

Before you can bring a pet into Ireland you will also have to check the rules and regulations on pet travel and quarantine - generally speaking only animals normally resident in the UK are allowed in without major checks. And then there is the problem of finding pet-friendly accommodation ...

So think twice (at least) before jetting in with a pet in tow. And take heed that the same regulations also affect guide dogs!

Photo © 2006 Bernd Biege licensed to About.com, Inc.