Drivers wishing to take their pets abroad now have more travel services to choose from.

Ferry operator DFDS Seaways recently launched new routes that cater for animals travelling under the Pet Travel Scheme (Pets) and others not restricted by rabies regulations.

Holidaymakers can take their four-legged friends on ships sailing from Newcastle to Amsterdam and those scheduled to run from Harwich to Denmark.

Ferries provide on-board kennels with the Newcastle service offering extra perks via the DFDS Seaways Pet Hotel.

Smaller creatures are obligated to travel within their owners' cars, where they have to remain for the duration of the sailing time.

The operator points out that animal lovers taking their dogs, cats and ferrets on its ships need to show their pets are immune from rabies, are microchipped and that they have been treated for ticks, as required by Pets.

According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs some smaller pets, such as rats and rabbits may pass between some countries without rabies restrictions being enforced.