Written question asked by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 June 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 June 2022. It was answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative) on Wednesday, 29 June 2022 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dogs: Holidays Abroad

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of UK holidaymakers who take more than two dogs when travelling abroad.

Answer: The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill proposes reducing the number of pet dogs, cats and ferrets that can travel to Great Britain in one non-commercial movement to five pets per vehicle. This was informed by research and engagement with various stakeholders, including authorised pet checkers, carriers, animal welfare organisations and veterinary bodies, to determine a suitable limit that would disrupt the illegal trade abusing the non-commercial pet travel rules while minimising the impact of genuine owners travelling with their pets. While we have information on the number of pets owned by families, we do not hold detailed data on how many pets people actually choose to take with them when going abroad.

Secondary information