As a nation of pet lovers Britons share their homes with approximately 7.3 million dogs and 7.2 million cats with almost half of all UK households owning a pet. Skipad.co.uk, a ski accommodation website, has this year seen a rise in the number of European ski-rental properties welcoming guests with pets. This trend is set to continue when changes to the UK's Pet Travel Scheme from 1 January 2012 make it easier than ever to travel abroad with pets.

"Skipad.co.uk offers 82 catered and non-catered ski apartments and chalets across Europe that welcome skiing groups planning to bring their pets along. From January 2012 pets will no longer have to spend six months in quarantine, instead pets that are vaccinated against rabies 21 days before travelling will be able to travel between the UK and countries within the EU hassle free," said Gary Hector, Founder of Skipad.co.uk.

Owners travelling with their pets (cats, dog and ferrets) will still need a pet passport obtained via a local vet under the PETS scheme. Pets will be able to travel on flights and ferries to various European countries including popular skiing destinations France, Italy and Austria as well as Poland, Romania and Sweden to name a few.

"Families should call the ferry/airline to reserve their pet's travel and find out if pets can be carried onboard. Cost-wise there are always administrative charges but having pets travel in the hold is a more cost-effective way to travel with your pets," said Hector.

Catering for groups of any size, Skipad.co.uk offers a range of both exclusive and shared ski accommodation to suit all budgets. Skipad.co.uk is offering savings of 30% on weekly stays in January at the pet-friendly Apartment La Voute in Meribel, France. The luxury apartment, located in the heart of The 3 Valleys, sleeps up to six and boasts heated floors throughout.