According to recent research, many pets suffer from psychological distress when they are left behind as their owners go on holiday.  This distress is known as ‘separation anxiety’.

Ferry company Stena Line has been working with Dr Roger Mugford, an animal psychologist, and using research from the RSPCA.  Their findings show that those pets left in boarding kennels, and even with family and friends, are prone to suffer mental distress.

Travellers are being urged to consider a pet friendly holiday.

A spokesperson for Stena Line said:

“We are keen to encourage the trade to educate holidaymakers on taking their pets with them and persuade them to do so…We also want to help people to ensure that their pet travels as safely as possible, so we have asked Dr Mugford to work with us to devise a set of simple travel safety guidelines.”

Dr Mugford went on to explain:

“Left in unfamiliar environments pets have been known to reach levels of depression that verge on hysteria.  The travel industry needs to educate travellers on the ‘viable alternative’ of holidaying with pets, which can be “stress-free and enjoyable for everyone.”

Many ferry companies offer onboard kennels for those travellers who wish to take their pets on holiday with them, and there are many pet friendly holidays available not only in the UK but in Europe too.

However, it does mean that those people searching for cheap holidays would have to budget for an extra little holidaymaker.