Flying overseas with your pet will get easier “as time goes on”, Pete the Vet has predicted. 

Whereas before pets were classed as excess baggage, now they are considered to be freight and the cost has surged in recent years. 

Still, Pete the Vet believes it is worth shopping around. 

“There’s a lot of variety between different airlines,” he told The Anton Savage Show. 

“I think Ireland isn’t really good yet in including animals in aeroplane flights. 

“In the States, if they’re small enough, you can just put them in your lap and there’s no bother with that at all. 

“Whereas, in this country, we tend to take it very seriously indeed - because we people really just aren’t used to doing it. 

“So, I think that scenario is going to get better as time goes on.” 

Black tabby Maine Coon cat with leash wandering in backyard. Young cute male cat wearing a harness go on lawn having lifted tail. Pets walking outdoor adventure on green grass in park.

Getting your pet the correct paperwork is another issue that people can find stressful.

“These days you can get a pet passport for your dog very easily - and your cat,” he said. 

“What you have to do is make sure the animal is microchipped, then you have to make sure that it’s vaccinated against rabies. 

“After that, you have to wait for three weeks and then you’re good to go… to take your pet to Europe.  

“It’s more complicated if you go to other countries; you sometimes have to have a blood sample taken to check for rabies. 

“It can get more technical. 

“What I would say to anyone thinking of taking their dog overseas, I would just check the website - the Irish Government has a very good website about pets and travel. 

“It lists each country and what you need to do for each country.

“It’s very easy to do now.”  

Pet passports can be issued to dogs, cat and ferrets only; if you wish to travel with any other type of animal you must check the destination country’s rules before you book.