ROAD TRIP
WHAT WE DO
Dog-A-Porter is the ultimate dog chauffeur service. We obsessively love dogs and take their comfort and welfare extremely seriously.
Whether you are going on holiday or relocating in Europe, Dog-A-Porter can ensure that your beloved dogs can join you without the trauma of flying in cargo or in the back of a van.
No matter the destination in the UK or Europe, Dog-A-Porter provides a bespoke service for your specific needs. If your dog is small enough to fly in the cabin arriving into a European airport such Paris (for example), we offer an airport pick-up to drive your dog back to the UK while you continue your journey by air.
Dogs aren’t baggage, they’re family.
TRAVEL
We use a Mercedes GLE 4x4 SUV, chosen for its large rear space, comfort, luxury and high safety specifications. The vehicle is fitted with brand new Michelin winter tyres from October through to March each year and we also carry snow chains in the event of much colder climes. We have selected this type of vehicle as we aim to transport your dog in the safest and most luxurious way possible (regular vans are noisy, uncomfortable and can become very cold or hot inside depending on the weather).
The Client can specify how they would like their dog to travel in the vehicle. There is a dog guard for the boot, so your dog can travel in his or her own bed, or in a bed that Dog-A-Porter can supply. Dog-A-Porter also has a secured crate if the Client prefers. Your dog can travel on the back seat in a dog hammock which is attached by a harness. The car will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after each journey.
Dog-A-Porter Ltd is UK Government DEFRA Compliant and a Holder of Type 2 Animal Transporter Authorisation of Pets by Road (NSF valid for all journeys).
LOGISTICS
If possible and for a small additional fee, we will happily come and meet your dogs before we collect them to ensure the dog is familiar with Hugo and to discuss any particular needs such as food, medication or habits. As an additional service, we can also take your dog to the vet in the departing countries to obtain the relevant inoculations and paperwork. Hugo is also certified in dog first aid and CPR in case of emergencies.
We stop every two to three hours, or whenever necessary to give the dogs water and to stretch their legs in a safe place and always on a lead. If an overnight stay is required, we stay in dog friendly hotels. There will also be regular photo updates and you are more than welcome to FaceTime if you wish.
Vets in Europe and the UK have been plotted along the most popular routes incase of emergency, but we would make sure that whatever the destination we are prepared in advance. We also have insurance to complete the journey in case we have a problem with our vehicle.
ABOUT US
The business was founded by brother and sister team, Hugo and Camilla. Dog-A-Porter was a solution to a problem faced by Camilla as she was spending a lot of time in Switzerland and could not be without her dog, Alf. After doing some research, there were not many viable options to take Alf given he is a little prince and would not take kindly to being in the back of a van. Even if Alf was persuaded to go cargo, getting him back to the UK by air was limited, complicated and expensive.
Hugo’s background is in the automobile business. He is an experienced driver having driven for various car manufacturers, car magazines and TV network photo-shoots, plus he has extensive test track experience and ice surface driver training. The only thing Hugo loves more than cars is his 42kg Golden Retriever, Gus.
Hugo is also certified in dog first aid and CPR in case of an emergency.
So, with Camilla’s need for regal transportation for Alf and Hugo’s passion for driving and his love of dogs, Dog-A-Porter was born.
CHECKLIST
The Client is responsible to comply with DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme (if the dog is travelling out of the UK). Full information is at https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad/overview A summary of the required documentation and inoculation(s) are listed below:
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Valid EU Passport/Animal Health Certificate for UK registered pets
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Microchipped and date of registration
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Rabies vaccination at least 21 days prior to departure (and after the dog has been microchipped)
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Before entering the UK, all dogs must be treated for tapeworm and travel within 5 days of receiving the treatment, but not less than 24 hours. Please note that treatment is not required for dogs entering from Ireland, Finland or Malta.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information. Full terms of business are available upon request.
CONTACT US
If you would like to discuss your travel plans or get a quote, please contact us or fill in the form on the opposite page. Full terms of business are available upon request
Mobile + 44 (0) 7778 056618
In association with the Dog House for when you can’t take them with you…
Tucked away in a stunning valley with woodland, meadows, lakes, marshlands, streams, and rivers in Carmarthenshire, Wales, The Dog House offers an exemplary service for discerning dog owners, incorporating a fulfilling and fun daily routine for our guests. We take enormous pride in educating and caring for dogs, focusing on a combination of learning, exercise, games, and health.