More Pets being taken on Holiday says Brittany Ferries

A dog or cat is often considered to be very much part of the family, and it can add so much more to the pleasure of a holiday if you can take your pet with you.

Brittany Ferries has announced record carryings of pets - almost 30,000 dogs and cats - accompanying their owners on holiday during 2006. This has been a continuing trend since the introduction of the "Pet travel Scheme" in July 2004, when the government-approved Pet Passport was introduced. Doubtless the ease with which pets can now be taken by car to France and Spain, combined with the modest cost of so doing - only £10 to France and £20 to Spain - are both factors that have contributed to this growth. Indeed, Brittany Ferries flagship, Pont Aven, which operates the company's longest route from Plymouth to Santander in northern Spain, has 42 kennels within a special area on one of its upper decks. On the 19 ½ hour journey owners can visit their pets as often as they wish which makes the journey less stressful for pets and owners alike.

For further information call 08705 360 360 or visit brittanyferries.com

Notes to Editors

All Brittany Ferries routes are approved by DEFRA for participation in the PETS scheme. This applies only to cats and dogs and, before commencing travel it is the owner's responsibility to supply A valid DEFRA approved Pet Passport or veterinary certificate showing that the pet has been:

• micro-chipped, vaccinated and blood tested for antibodies to rabies. At least 7 months should be allowed for vaccination before travel commences.
• treated against ticks and fox tapeworm not less than 24 hours, and not more than 48 hours, prior to returning to the UK.

-Ends-

For further information contact Stephen Tuckwell
at the Brittany Ferries Press Office
Tel: 08709 010 215
Email: pressoffice@brittanyferries.com

Released 15 January 2007