Survey collects pet travel information for study

Academics at the University of Bristol are calling for UK dog owners to help them with a study about travelling with pets abroad.

The Great Pet Survey took place at the university's School of Veterinary Sciences and School of Biological Sciences last year, however, more information is needed.

Aiming to find out how dog owners protect their pets against parasites and diseases while travelling, the academics want to know more about where owners take their dogs outside the UK.

So far, the study has found that more than half of all journeys recorded were to France and that 36 per cent of dog owners took no specific precautions against parasitic diseases while abroad.

Furthermore, with eight per cent of travelling dog owners unaware that they could contract rabies, it revealed that knowledge of diseases that pass from dogs to humans is "generally poor".

Jess Stokes, a postgraduate who is involved in the study, said: "We are delighted with the number of people who have taken part in the survey but, with the summer holidays fast approaching, we want more dog owners to take part.

"By completing the survey, it will enable us to know if existing pet travel legislation is adequate, excessive or even relevant."

UK-based owners of dogs with pet passports may complete the survey, which takes between five and 15 minutes. All information will be kept confidential and used for scientific research purposes only.