Pet friendly summer holidays across Europe

The Pet Travel Scheme, operated by DEFRA, means that UK residents can now take their pets on holiday to other European Union countries, and return to the UK without the need for quarantine. Holidaymakers with pets can now visit a vast number of destinations across Europe, as long as they use a route (ferry crossing/rail terminal/airport) and transport company approved by DEFRA.

Holiday home specialist MyVillaRenters (which has a pet-friendly property search facility on the website) has approximately 1,500 pet friendly properties across Europe, many of which are still available for hire over the summer holiday period. Here are just three examples of pet friendly properties in France, Ireland and the Netherlands all within easy driving distance of the DEFRA approved ferry terminals –

Built into a limestone escarpment in the 16th Century by the Church, La Bordeliere Country House (sleeps six – ref: 7443) was originally used as an alms house for pilgrims on the route to Santiago de Compostella in Spain. Located in the small French hamlet of Montmorillon (under six hours’ drive from the Calais Ferry Terminal), the three-bedroomed property has been thoroughly refurbished throughout, whilst retaining many of the original character features. The price of a week’s stay, throughout July and August, is just £399 (total).

Surrounded by green and lush rolling hills, the beachside Carleton Cottage (sleeps eight – ref: 3079), is around three hours’ drive from Dublin Ferry Port. Located on a landscaped hillside overlooking the old walled seaside port of Youghal in County Cork, the four-bedroomed property, with pool and tennis court, has great views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. A week’s stay, throughout July and August, costs just £896 (total).

Just a short drive or train ride from Amsterdam’s ferry port (Ijmuiden), the Pulizer Apartment (sleeps two – ref: 8330) is situated right in the heart of the capital city. Situated just around the corner from Anne Frank’s house, the apartment’s terrace area overlooks the Pulizer garden and has great views towards the Westerkerk (Netherlands's most renowned church) – plus the van Gogh, Stedelijk and Rijks museums are all within walking distance. The price of a week’s stay, throughout July and August, is just £475 (total).

Prices include seven nights’ self-catering accommodation. Ferry crossings and car hire extra. Telephone MyVillaRenters on 08700 272 650 or visit www.villarenters.com for further information.


Ends: 21 June 2005
Press: For images or further information please call Jamie Fox at Fox Vincent Associates on 020 7808 7151 or email jamie.fox@foxvincent.co.uk