The Price Tag for a Pet's Holiday Abroad

If you are planning a holiday abroad and considering taking your furry friend, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey, nearly three out of ten pet owners are taking their pets with them on holiday this summer.  

When planning your getaway with your furry companion, it is important that you are aware of the extra steps and costs you will have. “Expect a few extra hundred euros for the dog’s and cat’s holiday abroad,” says Patrik Olsson, Dog Expert at Agria. Vaccinations, EU passports, transport, and pet-friendly accommodation are all extra costs you must consider. 

Luckily, taking your pet with you on holiday is becoming more popular with lots of new places accommodating cats and dogs. A recent survey from Agria shows that nearly one in three pet owners plan to take their pet on holiday within or outside the EU’s borders. This comprehensive guide will take you through all the considerations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday for you and your pet.  

When travelling within the EU, the basic requirements are that the animal must be ID-marked and have a valid rabies vaccination 21 days before travel to obtain an EU passport.  

The extra travel cost for celebrating a holiday abroad with your dog or cat can be between €300-€800. Examples of additional charges before the trip are:  

• A transportation bag for carrying your dog or cat during the journey ranges in price from €40 to €200.
• Typically, the cost of rabies vaccines is approximately €70.
• The price for tapeworm treatment falls between €3 and €18, with additional fees for veterinary visit which could cost approx €70-€80. 
• The cost of flying with pets varies from €75 to €400 depending on the destination. 

However, these may not be the only costs that will occur, regulations differ from country to country therefore, it is important before you consider taking your pet abroad, you do specific research on the requirements of the country you are planning to visit. Other vaccinations, deworming, and blood tests could add a significant amount to the cost of travel for your pet.  

The pet owners' planned destinations for summer 2023 are:   

• 85% of people surveyed are planning trips within Ireland  
• 19% are planning trips Abroad in the UK   
• 10% are planning trips Abroad in Europe  

When returning from abroad with your pet it will have to meet the requirements of returning to Ireland as if it were a pet from that country. This in most cases means that your pet will have to be treated for tapeworms by a local vet 1-5 days before returning to Ireland.   

Taking your pets on holiday can be a rewarding and enriching experience. By making the necessary preparations and understanding the costs and procedures involved, you can avoid any unnecessary setbacks and create lasting memories with your pets while ensuring their safety.  

For more information on taking your pets on holiday you can click Here

Click Here for the information portal for the return requirements for your pet.  

The survey was conducted by Xtreme on behalf of Agria, and 816 dog and cat owners contributed with answers. 

Agria is one of the world’s leading pet insurers. Agria Petinsure was established in Ireland in 2023 and is now a prominent feature of the Irish pet insurance industry, providing insurance for cats and dogs. Our mission is to provide the best care for pets and peace of mind for their owners by providing insurance solutions.