The most popular animal companions for British holidaymakers are dogs – with more than 11,000 joining their owners on holiday in August last year. Cats travel more in the spring – with over 1,100 travelling with their owners abroad in April and May last year.

The regulations may have been simplified, but Britons wishing to take their pet on holiday must dot the i’s and cross the t’s, or their furry friend will have to stay at home.

The most complicated element of the procedure is timing – vaccinations must come in the right time period in order for the animal to be able to travel.

Fundamentally, these are the rules:

8 best British holiday cottages for dogs

Throw your pooch a bone by bringing it along for the ride, says Robert Ryan

• Britain's 10 best dog-friendly beaches

• A dog-friendly hotel in the southwest

• Brittany Ferries pet price hike

8 best British holiday cottages for dogs

Throw your pooch a bone by bringing it along for the ride, says Robert Ryan

• Britain's 10 best dog-friendly beaches

• A dog-friendly hotel in the southwest

• Brittany Ferries pet price hike

The 20 best holidays with your dog

From pooch spas to Alpine walking with dogs, Ginny McGrath finds the best holidays for people who don't want to leave Rover at home

Pembrokeshire perfect for the family - and dog

Tania Alexander and family didn't want to leave Noddy behind when they went on holiday to Tenby

• Nice doggies quaff champagne in holiday heaven

Related Links

• 8 best British holiday cottages for dogs

The dog or cat must be microchipped so it can be identified

The animal must be vaccinated against rabies and be blood tested (the order in which these must be done varies by country)

Pets must have an EU pet passport

Pets re-entering the UK must be treated against ticks and tapeworm not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before it is checked in with the ferry, flight or rail operator

Animals can only be transported by approved transport providers

Animals cannot enter the UK until at least six months have passed since the blood test

The full regulations are published on the Defra website.

Confusingly, some countries have alternative rules, so it’s worth doing your research before you go – for example, in Germany, dogs must wear collars with their owners details, and across Europe, not all train operators allow dogs onboard, including Eurostar and some services in Spain, Ireland and Norway.

Additionally it’s worth remembering that a certified vets may be closed on Sundays, for example, making crossings on certain days impossible because of the regulations relating to tick and tapeworm treatments.

Need to know

Stena Line operates twice daily six-hour crossings between Harwich and the Hook of Holland with fares starting from £49 one-way for an adult and car. Crossings for pets, kept either in the onboard kennels or in the car, cost £11 one-way.

Times recommends

• Oasis of the Seas: the Times review
• The 20 best new year party places to stay
• Green Spaces 2009: are you the winning writer?