According to a new study, three quarters of pet owners don’t know their pets could lose their European passport in the event of a no deal Brexit.
Currently, EU nationals can travel freely with their cat, dog or ferret – if it has a European pet passport. But leaving the EU without a deal could lead to the UK getting unlisted, third country status.
This in turn would mean pet passports issued in the UK would become invalid for travel in the EU.
Commissioned by Hotels.com, the research of 2,000 pet owners found half of those whose animal had a passport will holiday in the UK more regularly – if their dog or cat is unable to travel overseas.
As a result, the provider of hotel accommodation has launched Euro Pup Fakeations’ – so dogs can experience a European holiday without leaving the UK.
Adam Jay, president of Hotels.com, said: “We can see why pet owners are barking mad if pets lose their European pet passports. But vacations are not lost when you can staycation or even fakation. Remember your dog needs a holiday as much as you do.”
The study also found that four in 10 pet owners plan their entire holiday around their furry friends. They’ll take a whole host of factors into account when booking a trip away – including packaging all the right things.
Three quarters of pet owners surveyed make sure they take their pet’s preferred food and two thirds make pack their special blanket.
One in 10 even take a tablet loaded with their pet’s favourite TV shows. It also emerged that one quarter believe their pets need a holiday just as much as they do.
The study, carried out by OnePoll, also found one in 10 have facetimed their dog or cat when they’ve holidayed without them.
To soften the blow of being away for a week or two, a quarter of pet owners also said they will bring back a gift from their hols for their pet.
It was also revealed that six in 10 pet owners would like to see more ‘pet-friendly’ hotels opened across the UK, which tallies with Hotels.com customer data showing there has been a 70% increase in the number of searches for pet-friendly hotels among UK travellers.
Adam Jay added: “Pet-friendly travel is on the rise and we have lots of pet-friendly accommodation on offer.”
For more information on Euro Pup Fakeations you can visit www.hotelsdot.co/PupPassports.
