Frequently asked questions

If your pet is on a treatment that cannot be interrupted during the journey, the Ohmydog team will ensure your pet receives their medication during the journey according to the veterinarian's instructions.

No, it is not mandatory. Medication is only recommended if your dog suffers from anxiety or extreme stress during travel. Consult with a veterinary anesthetist before administering any medication.

Trazodone is a medication used to treat anxiety and other behavioral disorders in dogs. It can help calm your dog during the journey.

We want all pets to have a calm and relaxed trip. If you think your dog might bark a lot during the journey, we recommend consulting with a specialist veterinarian. Veterinarians often recommend medications to improve this situation, with the most commonly used being Trazodone (an anxiolytic that relaxes at low doses) and Sileo oromucosal (an anxiolytic gel applied to the buccal mucosa, in the gum area).

Yes, for the safety of your pet and our staff, we may reject pets that exhibit aggressive or extremely troubling behaviour. It is important that your pet is prepared for the journey and does not display aggression that would hinder handling. Our team needs to be able to manage all pets during walks and feeding times.

It is not necessary for your cat to bring its litter box. Our team provides special travel litter boxes with appropriate measurements for each cage. These litter boxes are designed to fit perfectly in our cages, ensuring comfort and cleanliness throughout the journey.

As much as possible, the owner should have the cat already prepared in a carrier and bring it to the van for handover. We provide litter trays with specific measurements that fit our custom-made cages, supplied with litter for the cats during the journey. We provide products like Feliway to help keep cats calm during transportation. Feliway is a product that emits synthetic feline pheromones to reduce stress.

If your pet's bowls fit inside the bag with their belongings, we can carry them. However, during the journey, each cage will be equipped with special travel bowls for water and food, ensuring that your pet has access to water and food safely and conveniently throughout the trip.

It is not necessary for your pet to bring its bed. Our van is equipped with custom-made cages with padded, non-slip floors. These floors offer greater stability and comfort during the journey, making them more recommended than a bed typically used at home. The features of our cages ensure that your pet travels safely and comfortably without the need to bring their own bed. Due to the spaciousness of our cages and the wide aisle that allows for good ventilation and continuous airflow, we can only accept a small bag per pet.

Human food or frozen food is not permitted during the journey. We only transport food intended for animal consumption that does not require refrigeration, such as dry food, cans, pouches, and treats. We ensure that all food we carry is safe and appropriate for pets during the trip.

Food should be divided into portions for the travel days in food bags or containers. We will only carry dry food, cans, pouches, or treats intended for animal consumption that do not require refrigeration.

Each pet will have a tote bag provided by Ohmydog for carrying their belongings. You can prepare a thin blanket or T-shirt with a familiar scent (recognizing a familiar smell will help your pet have a much calmer journey).

Dogs should wear a collar or harness (or both if possible) and be walked before pickup. Cats and dogs should have trimmed nails and be clean without strong odors; otherwise, they will not be able to continue the journey. For cats, we provide litter trays and Feliway (no need to prepare it). As much as possible, the owner should have the cat already in a carrier and bring it to the van for handover.

If your pet is dirty at the time of pickup, they will not be able to continue the journey. It is essential that all pets are clean to maintain a hygienic and comfortable environment inside the vehicle. We recommend ensuring that your pet is clean and properly prepared before pickup to avoid any inconvenience.

Yes, it is necessary for your pet to have trimmed nails and be clean before the journey. Pets have a very sensitive sense of smell, so it is important that they do not encounter bad odors inside the vehicle. We thoroughly disinfect the van and wash all floors before each trip to ensure a clean environment. We ask that all pets be clean to maintain this hygiene.

Additionally, it is important that your pet's nails are trimmed. This makes handling easier and prevents them from getting caught in the padded floors of the van, which could cause discomfort. For these reasons, we ask that all pets have trimmed nails and be clean before traveling.

Yes, it is recommended to walk your dog before pickup. This helps shorten travel times for most pets and avoids delays. Additionally, it is beneficial for your dog to stretch its legs before the journey, making it more relaxed during the initial hours of travel in the van.

It is recommended that dogs wear a collar or a harness, preferably both if possible. This ensures greater safety and control during transport. We usually use double-point attachment leashes, connecting one end to the harness and the other to the collar for added security. Make sure the collar or harness is well-fitted but not too tight so your dog is comfortable.

Click the following link for frequently asked questions about the AHC: Questions about the AHC

Click the following link for questions about the European passport: Questions about the European passport

Pets must be accompanied by their original passports or Animal Health Certificates (AHCs). Specifically, for pets traveling with an AHC from the UK to Spain, the certificate must be in English and French, including page 9 as specified by the Ohmydog team.

At Ohmydog Pet Travel, we cover various areas in Spain, the United Kingdom, and Ireland to ensure the safe and efficient transport of pets between different locations. However, there are specific considerations regarding the areas we typically cover and those that might be exceptional:

• Ireland: We usually operate in areas such as Dublin in the Republic of Ireland and Belfast in Northern Ireland. Occasionally, and depending on the number of pet bookings and our availability, we might consider other areas.

• United Kingdom: Generally, we do not cover most of Wales, the Exeter area, Norwich, or regions further north of Glasgow or Edinburgh. However, we can make exceptions if there are enough pet bookings and the areas are accessible for our van.

• Spain: We typically do not cover western areas of the country, including autonomous ommunities like Extremadura, Galicia, and Asturias, among others. However, we assess each request individually and might consider traveling to these areas if it does not significantly affect the drop-off schedules of most pets. Similarly, we try to avoid small villages or mountain passes, meeting clients on the nearest main road to our usual route.

It is important to highlight that we prioritize ensuring that the overall travel time for most pets does not exceed 2 days and that the routes are as direct and efficient as possible, avoiding unnecessary detours. This consideration is crucial to ensure the well-being and comfort of all pets during transport.

These policies allow us to offer a reliable and safe service for the transportation of pets within these countries.

1. Inaccessible Areas: Some areas may not be accessible for our vehicle due to very narrow streets, steep slopes, lack of pavement, or being located within small villages. In such cases, we find a safe meeting point on the nearest main road to your home for the pickup or drop-off of your pet.

2. Uncovered Areas: There are also areas we typically do not cover. If your home is in one of these areas and you wish to book transport for your pet, we offer the option to arrange a meeting point in a nearby city that is within the route you wish to book. This ensures that we can provide the service efficiently and safely for your pet.

These measures allow us to adapt to different geographical situations and ensure that we can provide an optimal and reliable service for pet transportation with Ohmydog Pet Travel.

We prefer crossing to the United Kingdom by ferry rather than using the Eurotunnel for several reasons:

1. Electrical Plug-in: We are the only company that provides an electrical hookup to maintain climate control on ferries, ensuring the temperature inside the vehicle remains constant even during sea crossings.

2. Advanced Climate Control: Our van is equipped with an advanced climate control system that ensures a stable temperature during the hottest months. It also has high-quality acoustic and thermal insulation, guaranteeing a quiet and comfortable environment during the journey.

3. Ventilation System: Our rear ventilation grilles, equipped with hair-catching filters, along with the air conditioner's pollen filter, maintain an optimal environment for your pets, ensuring fresh and clean air at all times.

4. Air Flow Motors: Our roof air motors guarantee continuous air flow, with one motor bringing in fresh air and the other expelling it.

5. Heating System for Winter: For cold winter months, we have an autonomous diesel engine with heating that maintains a comfortable temperature for pets.

By choosing ferry crossings, we can ensure a more controlled and comfortable environment for your pets throughout the journey.

If you are not available at the scheduled time for the pickup or drop-off of your pet, we recommend following these steps:

1. Advance Communication: If you know in advance that you will not be present, please inform us as soon as possible. You can contact us by phone or email to notify us of any changes in your plans.

2. Find an Alternative: Arrange for a family member, friend, or pet boarding facility to handle the pickup or drop-off of your pet.

3. Flexibility: We understand that unforeseen events can arise, so we ask for flexibility to adjust the times as much as possible. For this reason, our team will be sharing their current location via GPS installed in the van at all times, as well as updating any variations in the schedule and frequently notifying clients of any possible changes.

At Ohmydog Pet Travel, we ensure that our clients are kept informed about any changes in the schedule during their pet's journey. To facilitate this communication, we create a WhatsApp group for each trip, where we share a real-time GPS link so you can track the van's location throughout the journey.

Through this group, we provide periodic updates on the trip's progress and any adjustments to the planned schedules. This allows you to stay aware of any changes and plan accordingly.

In addition to the WhatsApp group, our team is available to answer any questions and provide assistance at all times, ensuring a safe and smooth transport experience for your pet. This approach guarantees direct and effective communication, keeping you informed in real-time about the status and schedules of your pet's journey with us.

The pickup and drop-off times are estimated and are subject to possible changes during the trip. It is important to understand that due to various conditions such as traffic, weather, border controls, and other unforeseen circumstances, the times can vary significantly. Each pet needs individual care, and some may require more time during stops to relieve themselves, or we may have other pets traveling with special needs (such as medication administration) that could delay us a bit more during stops.

We ask our clients for understanding and flexibility regarding possible adjustments to the pickup and drop-off times.

Our goal is always to provide a safe and comfortable service for the pets, ensuring that we minimize any inconvenience as much as possible and mitigate the stress they might experience. We prioritize a calm and safe journey above all.

At Ohmydog Pet Travel, we offer two types of pet transport services: shared trips and exclusive trips. Here are the differences between them:

1. Shared Trip:

• Concept: In a shared trip, multiple pets from different owners travel together in the same van on a scheduled trip.

• Benefits: This service can offer cost savings as transportation expenses are divided among multiple clients.

• Considerations: Stops and schedules may vary to accommodate the needs of all pets on board, which can result in longer travel times depending on the route and intermediate stops.

2. Exclusive Trip:

• Concept: In an exclusive trip, your pet is the only one traveling in the van for the entire journey.

• Benefits: This service offers greater flexibility in pickup and drop-off times, as well as the planning of the specific route according to your needs.

• Considerations: It can be more expensive than a shared trip since it covers all transportation costs dedicated exclusively to your pet.

Choosing between a shared trip and an exclusive trip depends on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your pet. Both services are designed to ensure safety, comfort, and well-being during transport with Ohmydog Pet Travel.

The price covers the transport of your pet in a van adapted and equipped for long-distance travel, ensuring their comfort and well-being throughout the journey.

Additionally, we review your pet's travel document and provide personalized attention to ensure your pet can travel without stress.

These elements are included in the transportation price to guarantee a safe and stress-free experience for your pet with Ohmydog Pet Travel.

The duration of your pet's journey with Ohmydog Pet Travel can vary based on several factors. These include the distance between the pickup point and the final destination, traffic conditions, scheduled stops, and weather conditions. Our team always plans trips to be as direct as possible to ensure all pets arrive at their destinations quickly and safely.

Despite our efforts, we aim to provide an estimated pickup and drop-off time at least 1 week before the departure date. However, it's important to note that we may arrive slightly earlier or later than the scheduled time. Therefore, we ask for your flexibility in this regard.

Dogs should be dewormed 1-2 days before traveling for the journey from Spain to the UK or Ireland.

For dogs, cats, and ferrets, it's necessary that they have a microchip and a current rabies vaccination. Additionally, they need either a European Pet Passport or an Animal Health Certificate for non-commercial movement.

Dogs specifically require internal deworming 1-2 days before traveling from Spain to the UK or Ireland.

If you have a different type of pet not mentioned above, please contact our office for specific guidance based on your situation.

Unfortunately, one of the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme is that the owner travels within 5 days before or after their pet's journey. Failure to meet this rule means it is

considered a commercial movement, and additional rules known as the Balai rules will apply.

For further details on commercial imports under the Balai rules, please refer to the official guidance provided by the UK government: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/import-live-animals-and-germinal-products-to-great-britain-under-balai-rules#commercial-imports

Due to the complexity of this issue and potential delays at port controls, our company cannot assist with commercial movements of animals. If you are able to travel within the 5-day window following non-commercial rules, we would be delighted to assist you with your booking.

Having a commercial movement in our van may cause delays in our route. As the majority of our clients are owners traveling within the 5-day timeframe, our aim is to transport only non-commercial movements. This ensures shorter times at border crossings.

A commercial movement of pets refers to any travel where the primary purpose is the sale or transfer of ownership of the animal. In these cases, the pet is not traveling solely as a companion of the owner for relocation or personal reasons but is being moved for a commercial transaction involving the pet.

A non-commercial movement of pets refers to travel where there is no transfer of pet ownership or commercial purpose. Additionally, according to the Pet Travel Scheme, the owner must demonstrate that they are traveling within 5 days in the same direction as their pet for this movement to be considered non-commercial.

To secure your pet's space with Ohmydog Pet Travel, we require a 50% deposit of the total service price. The remaining amount is due 1 week before the journey.

Available payment methods include:

• Bank transfer: You will receive our banking details to facilitate fund transfer from your bank account.

• Payment link: If you prefer to pay by credit card, we can generate a secure payment link. Please note, there will be an additional 3% charge applied for payments made via this method.

Yes, we will send you a service contract to formalise the booking. This contract details the pickup and drop-off information, contact details, pet specifics, service terms and conditions including transport description, responsibilities of both parties, payment terms, cancellation policies, and any other relevant information to ensure a safe and satisfactory experience for your pet at Ohmydog Pet Travel.

Additionally, specific sections within the contract address special needs such as medication administration, special foods, allergies, and unusual behaviors, among others.

Yes, at Ohmydog Pet Travel we issue invoices for our services. Once payment for your pet's transportation is completed, we will provide you with an invoice detailing all relevant service information. This invoice serves as a proof of payment and can be used for any administrative or tax purposes you may have. If you have any specific requests regarding the invoice, please let us know, and we will be happy to assist.

We offer a 48-hour window for you to book your pet's space once you receive the quote. It's important to confirm the booking within this period to ensure availability and proper planning for your pet's transportation with Ohmydog Pet Travel.

We hold various certifications and credentials that attest to our experience and commitment to pet welfare during transport. These include: animal welfare courses, ATES type 2 license for international pet transport, DEFRA License, Transport Manager Certificate, and Master's in Business Administration, among others.

To ensure you can track your pet's journey, we employ an advanced real-time communication and monitoring system.

A week before departure, we create a WhatsApp group for all clients, serving as the main communication platform throughout the trip. Through this group, we share a GPS link that allows you to monitor the van's exact location in real-time. This way, you'll always know where your pet is located.

We provide clear instructions for accessing our onboard webcams. Additionally, we communicate estimated pickup and drop-off times, and promptly update you on any potential itinerary adjustments.

Throughout the journey, we regularly update you with photos and videos of your pet's journey. This allows you to observe their well-being and ensures they receive attentive care. This comprehensive tracking system offers peace of mind, knowing you can actively follow your pet's progress and receive continuous updates on their condition and whereabouts.

For winter months, we have an autonomous diesel heater that maintains a comfortable temperature for pets.

We are the only company equipped with a plug-in ensuring optimal climate control inside the vehicle even during ferry crossings.

Our van features an advanced climate control system that ensures a stable temperature during hot months. Moreover, it is equipped with high-quality acoustic and thermal insulation, providing a quiet and comfortable environment during travel.

The rear ventilation grilles, fitted with filters that trap pet hair, along with the pollen filter in the air conditioning system, guarantee your pets enjoy fresh and clean air during the entire journey, ensuring optimal air quality.

On the roof, our air motors maintain continuous airflow: one brings in fresh air while the other expels it, ensuring constant ventilation throughout the journey.