Travelling to France with your dog can be a wonderful experience, whether you are planning a seaside holiday, exploring the French countryside or relocating to a new home. But before you pack your bags and set off across the Channel, there are a few important things to arrange.
From choosing between Eurotunnel and a ferry to preparing your dog’s travel documents, a little planning can make the journey much easier for both of you.
If you are travelling to France with a dog from the UK, this article covers the essential requirements, transport options and practical tips to help you prepare for the trip.
Preparing for a Journey from the UK to France with a Dog
Before booking your transport, make sure your dog meets the pet travel requirements for entering France.
For most non-commercial journeys from England, Scotland or Wales, the main requirements include:
- A compatible microchip
- A valid rabies vaccination
- An Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
- Compliance with the entry requirements for your chosen route
Your dog must be microchipped before, or at the same time as, receiving its rabies vaccination. If it is the first rabies vaccination, you generally need to wait at least 21 full days before travelling.
An Animal Health Certificate must be issued by an authorised official veterinarian before your dog enters the EU. It is valid for 10 days for entry into the EU, so your departure needs to fall within that period.
Important: Since the EU pet travel changes introduced on 22 April 2026, residents of England, Scotland and Wales should not rely on an EU pet passport for entry into the EU. Check the latest GOV.UK pet travel guidance before departure.
Eurotunnel or Ferry: Which Is Better for Travelling with a Dog?
Choosing between Eurotunnel and a ferry depends on your route, budget, travel preferences and your dog’s needs. Both options can work well, but the experience is different.
Travelling Through Eurotunnel
LeShuttle, formerly known as Eurotunnel, carries passengers and their pets between Folkestone and Calais.
One of the main advantages is that your dog can stay with you in your vehicle during the Channel crossing. The crossing itself takes around 35 minutes, although you should allow additional time for check-in, pet checks and onward driving.
The Eurotunnel may suit dogs that are comfortable travelling in a car and owners who prefer a short crossing.
Before departure, check the official LeShuttle pet travel requirements and make sure your booking includes your pet where required.
Travelling by Ferry
Ferries provide another way to travel from the UK to France with a dog. Depending on the operator and route, pets may be permitted to remain in your vehicle or use designated pet-friendly facilities.
The arrangements vary considerably between crossings. Some routes offer pet-friendly cabins or kennels, while others require pets to stay in the vehicle during the sailing.
Before booking, check:
- Whether dogs can remain in the vehicle
- Whether pet-friendly cabins or kennels are available
- Whether you can visit your dog during the crossing
- The operator’s check-in and documentation requirements
- Any additional pet charges
Choosing the Right Option
If your dog becomes unsettled during long car journeys, consider how they may cope with the entire trip, including driving to the terminal and continuing after arrival.
For some dogs, a short Channel crossing may be preferable. Others may be more comfortable with a ferry route that offers suitable pet facilities.
The best option is the one that fits your dog’s needs and your overall journey.
Essential Documents for Travelling to France with a Dog
Getting the paperwork right is just as important as booking your transport.
- Animal Health Certificate
An animal health certificate is generally required when travelling from Great Britain to France. Your vet will need evidence of your dog’s microchip and rabies vaccination history before issuing it.
The certificate is valid for 10 days for entry into the EU. After entry, it can generally be used for onward travel within the EU and re-entry into Great Britain for up to six months, provided the relevant conditions remain valid.
A new certificate is generally required for each separate trip from Great Britain to the EU.
- Rabies Vaccination Records
Check that your dog’s rabies vaccination is valid for the entire journey. If your dog needs its first vaccination, allow sufficient time for the waiting period before arranging the certificate and travel.
- Microchip Details
Make sure your dog’s microchip number matches the details recorded on its travel documents. It is worth checking this with your vet before departure.
Keep all original documents accessible during the journey rather than packed away in your luggage.
Travelling from France to the UK with a Dog
The return journey needs just as much attention as the outward trip.
Before leaving for France, check the current requirements for bringing your dog back to Great Britain. The acceptable documentation depends on your circumstances and the country you are travelling from.
An Animal Health Certificate issued in Great Britain can generally be used for re-entry for up to six months, provided the relevant conditions continue to be met and your dog’s rabies vaccination remains valid.
If you plan to stay in France for an extended period, check your return documentation well before it expires.
Dogs returning to Great Britain from France generally need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet within the required timeframe, with the treatment recorded in the travel document. The usual window is 24 to 120 hours before arrival in Great Britain, subject to the applicable exemptions and current rules.
Helping Your Dog Stay Comfortable During the Journey
Once the documentation is organised, focus on making the trip as comfortable as possible.
Get your dog used to the car. If your dog is not accustomed to long journeys, try shorter trips beforehand.
Pack familiar items. A favourite blanket or toy can provide a familiar scent in an unfamiliar environment.
Bring food and water. Take enough of your dog’s usual food and fresh water for the journey. Avoid sudden dietary changes before travelling.
Plan regular breaks. For longer drives, identify suitable stopping points where your dog can drink, stretch and relieve themselves safely.
Keep your dog secure. Use an appropriate restraint or travel arrangement suited to your vehicle and your dog’s size.
If your dog experiences severe travel anxiety or motion sickness, speak with your vet before departure.
When Professional Pet Transport Can Help
Driving to France with a dog can involve considerable planning, particularly if you are travelling a long distance, moving home or managing a busy schedule.
Professional pet transport can be useful when you do not have a suitable vehicle, cannot make the journey yourself or would prefer assistance arranging your dog’s transportation.
Before booking, discuss your dog’s size, temperament, travel needs, collection point and destination. It is also important to confirm who will handle the required documentation and whether the planned journey falls under ordinary non-commercial pet travel rules or different commercial transport requirements.
Clear arrangements before departure help avoid confusion on travel day.
Make Your Dog’s Journey to France Easier
Travelling to France with your dog from the UK is much easier when you organise the essentials early. Choose a suitable crossing, check the current entry and return requirements, arrange the correct documents and plan the journey around your dog’s comfort.
If you need help with the transportation side, Pet Taxi Express UK offers pet transport services for journeys across the UK and Europe. Whether you are relocating, visiting family or arranging a longer journey, get in touch to discuss your dog’s requirements and available transport options.
Contact us to plan your dog’s journey and arrange suitable pet transportation.
FAQs
- What is the easiest way to travel to France with a dog from the UK?
The best option depends on your route and your dog’s needs. LeShuttle offers a short vehicle crossing between Folkestone and Calais, while ferries provide alternatives with different onboard pet arrangements.
- Do dogs need an animal health certificate to travel to France?
Dogs travelling from Great Britain to France generally need an animal health certificate, along with a compatible microchip and valid rabies vaccination.
- Can dogs stay in the car on the Eurotunnel?
Yes. On LeShuttle, pets can remain with their owners in the vehicle during the crossing. Check the operator’s current pet travel requirements before departure.
- What do dogs need when travelling from France to the UK?
Dogs must meet Great Britain’s entry requirements, including the correct travel documentation, identification and vaccination conditions. Tapeworm treatment is generally required within the specified period before arrival, subject to applicable exemptions.
