Your dog, cat or ferret need no longer miss out on your holiday.

If microchipped and immunised against rabies, the animal can obtain an EU Pet Passport and travel with you.

True, the animal can only go to approved countries via approved routes, and the procedure for obtaining a pet passport is not uncomplicated. But the EU Pet Passport System, which was introduced in 2004, gives greater flexibility than a lengthy stay in quarantine.

To ensure you do avoid quarantine, check with the relevant authorities in the country you wish to enter that you are following the correct procedure.

Some countries, such as the UK, Ireland and Malta, have specific requirements.

UK Pet Travel Scheme

Dogs, cats and ferrets entering the UK without quarantine must be microchipped, then vaccinated against rabies and have a blood test confirming immunity.

The animal cannot enter the UK until six months after the clear blood test, and must be treated for ticks and tapeworms at the time of re-entry into the UK. Booster rabies vaccinations will enable the pet to retain its EU passport indefinitely.

Other rules apply to rodents, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles.

The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has detailed information about taking dogs, cats and ferrets in and out of the UK. See: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm

DEFRA has a list of approved EU routes and transport companies, and a telephone helpline: 0870-241-1710.