Taking your dog from the UK to France can be a wonderful way to enjoy a holiday or make a permanent move without leaving your four-legged companion behind. But before you book your ferry, Eurotunnel crossing, or other transport, there are several pet travel requirements you need to understand.
So, can you take your dogs to France from the UK? The answer is yes. Dogs can travel from Great Britain to France, but you need to meet the relevant EU pet travel requirements before departure.
The rules have also been updated in 2026, making it particularly important to check the latest guidance rather than relying on older advice or an outdated pet passport.
Can I Take My Dog to France from the UK?
Yes, you can take your dog from Great Britain to France for a holiday, visit or relocation, provided your dog meets the applicable travel requirements.
For most non-commercial journeys from England, Scotland, or Wales to France, you will need to arrange:
- A compatible microchip
- A valid rabies vaccination
- An Animal Health Certificate
- Any additional treatment required for your route
- Travel through an appropriate travellers’ point of entry
You should also check the requirements for your return journey to Great Britain before leaving the UK.
DEFRA Pet Travel Requirements 2026
The DEFRA pet travel requirements are designed to help ensure that dogs, cats, and ferrets travelling internationally meet the relevant identification and health conditions.
For a dog travelling from Great Britain to France, the preparation generally starts with identification and rabies vaccination.
- Your Dog Must Be Microchipped
Your dog must be microchipped before, or at the same time as, its rabies vaccination. The microchip number needs to be correctly recorded in the relevant travel documentation.
If the microchip is not implanted or recorded correctly before the rabies vaccination, your dog may need to be vaccinated again, potentially delaying your journey.
- Your Dog Needs a Valid Rabies Vaccination
Your dog must have a valid rabies vaccination before travelling to the EU.
For a first rabies vaccination, your dog must be at least 12 weeks old, and you generally need to wait at least 21 full days before travelling. Your vet can confirm the exact validity period for the vaccine used.
If your dog’s booster vaccinations have remained up to date with no break in coverage, you generally do not need to wait again after a booster.
Animal Health Certificate for France
An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is an essential document for dogs travelling from Great Britain to France.
The certificate must be issued by an authorised official veterinarian and will include important information such as your dog’s identification and vaccination details.
For travel from Great Britain to the EU:
- The AHC must be issued before your dog enters the EU.
- It is valid for 10 days for entry into the EU.
- After entry, it can generally be used for onwards travel within the EU for up to six months.
- It can generally support re-entry into Great Britain for up to six months, provided the relevant conditions remain valid.
- A new AHC is normally required for each new journey from Great Britain to the EU.
Your vet will need the relevant microchip and vaccination information when preparing the certificate.
Important 2026 Pet Travel Update
There is an important change for British pet owners to be aware of.
EU pet travel rules changed on 22 April 2026. GB residents travelling from Great Britain to an EU country should obtain an Animal Health Certificate rather than relying on an EU pet passport previously issued to a GB resident.
If an old pet passport was used successfully for a previous trip, do not assume it will automatically be accepted for a new journey.
Always check the latest requirements before travelling.
Tapeworm Treatment Requirements
Tapeworm treatment is another point worth checking when planning European travel with a dog.
Requirements can depend on the destination and the countries included in your itinerary. If France is part of a wider European road trip, requirements for other countries may be different.
Speak with your vet before travelling if your itinerary involves countries with specific tapeworm treatment requirements. Your vet can confirm whether treatment is needed and ensure it is recorded correctly.
Essential Documents for the Journey
Keeping all your dog’s paperwork together can make travel day much easier.
Before leaving the UK, make sure you have the relevant:
- Animal Health Certificate
- Rabies vaccination information
- Microchip details
- Records of any required treatments
- Travel and transport booking information
Check the details carefully, especially the microchip number and vaccination information. Small discrepancies can create unnecessary problems when documents are checked.
It is also sensible to keep digital copies of important records alongside the original documents.
Preparing Your Dog for the Journey
Getting the paperwork right is only one part of successful pet travel. A long journey can be tiring for a dog, particularly if they are not accustomed to travelling.
Build Up to Longer Car Journeys
If your dog rarely travels by car, start with shorter journeys before the trip to France. Gradually increasing travel time can help your dog become more comfortable with being in the vehicle.
Bring Familiar Comforts
A favourite blanket, toy or piece of bedding can provide familiar smells during an unfamiliar journey.
These small comforts can be particularly useful when travelling for several hours.
Pack Food and Water
Bring enough of your dog’s usual food and fresh water for the journey. Keeping their normal diet can help avoid unnecessary digestive problems.
It is also worth packing bowls, waste bags and anything else your dog normally needs during a day away from home.
Plan Suitable Breaks
Long journeys should include appropriate opportunities for your dog to drink, stretch and relieve themselves.
The plan stops before departure rather than waiting until your dog becomes uncomfortable.
Keep Your Dog Secure
Your dog should be properly secured during the journey. The appropriate method depends on your vehicle and travel arrangements.
If travelling through the Eurotunnel or by ferry, check the operator’s current requirements as well as the government pet travel rules.
Returning to the UK with Your Dog
The journey home needs just as much attention as the journey to France.
Before leaving for France, check the current requirements for returning to Great Britain and make sure your dog’s documents will remain valid for the entire trip.
An animal health certificate issued for travel from Great Britain to the EU can generally be used for re-entry to Great Britain for up to six months, provided the applicable conditions continue to be met.
If you plan to stay in France or travel around Europe for an extended period, check the requirements for your return well before the certificate expires.
Travelling to France with a Professional Pet Transport Service
Not every owner wants to handle a long-distance international journey alone.
Driving for hours, managing a nervous dog, organising documents and keeping track of travel arrangements can make an otherwise exciting trip feel overwhelming.
Professional pet transport can provide a practical alternative when you need help getting your dog from the UK to France.
This can be particularly useful for owners who:
- Do not have a suitable vehicle
- Cannot take time off work
- Are relocating to France
- Need help with a long-distance journey
- Are uncomfortable driving abroad with their pet
- Need a dedicated service for their dog’s transportation
The exact arrangements will depend on your dog’s needs, your collection and destination points and the route being taken.
Make Your Dog’s Journey to France Easier
Taking your dog from the UK to France is perfectly possible with the right preparation. The key is to start early, check the latest requirements and make sure your dog’s microchip, rabies vaccination and Animal Health Certificate are all correctly arranged.
If managing the journey yourself is difficult, Pet Taxi Express UK provides professional pet transportation across the UK and Europe. From UK collections to journeys into France, our service is designed to help pet owners arrange safe and comfortable transportation for their dogs.
Contact us today to discuss your dog’s travel requirements and arrange suitable pet transport.
FAQs
- Can I take my dog to France from the UK without an Animal Health Certificate?
If you are travelling from Great Britain to France, you generally need an animal health certificate for your dog to enter the EU. The certificate must be issued correctly and within the required timeframe.
- How long before travelling should my dog have their rabies vaccination?
For a first rabies vaccination, you generally need to wait at least 21 full days before travelling. Your vet can confirm the exact requirements based on your dog’s vaccination history.
- Can I take my dog to France by car?
Yes. You can travel with your dog by car, provided you meet the applicable pet travel requirements and use a suitable approved route and carrier where required.
