You’re planning your next adventure on Eurotunnel LeShuttle, and you want to bring your dog along too. But what paperwork do you need for them to leave the UK? Let’s find out…
Can I Take My Dog on Eurotunnel?
You can take a pet dog from the UK to Europe on Eurotunnel. Your dog will need to meet certain conditions and you need to have the right paperwork in place.
You can’t however take a dog on Eurostar trains going into or out of London – unless they’re a guide dog or a special assistance animal.
What are the requirements for bringing my dog on Eurotunnel?
Check the requirements below to check you’re all sorted to bring your dog on your trip with you. These rules also apply to cats (and ferrets!).
Microchip
Your dog must be microchipped. When you check in for your journey, they’ll check that your pet’s microchip number matches the one on their documentation.
Rabies vaccination
Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before you take your journey out of the UK. Your dog must have been microchipped before the rabies vaccination, or at least on the same date.
Animal Health Certificate
For travel to France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, your dog needs an Animal Health Certificate. You can get this from a vet that’s registered to issue them – it has to be issued within 10 days of the date you’re travelling. Prices vary, so it’s worth checking a few different vets for the best deal.
Registered vets near Eurotunnel
EuroPets Folkestone – from £70
EasyPet Travel – from £69
Tapeworm treatment
This one is just for dogs. Dogs entering the UK must be treated against tapeworm – so you’ll need to prove your dog has had this treatment when you leave the EU to return home.
For trips of more than 5 days, you’ll need to do this at your destination. For shorter trips it can be done in the UK before you go.
You can find more information on travelling with a pet on the UK Government website and the LeShuttle website.
How much does it cost to bring my dog on Eurotunnel?
It costs £23 each way to bring your dog on Eurotunnel.
What else do I need to know about taking my dog on Eurotunnel?
Check in
There’s a specific check-in process to follow if you’re travelling with a dog, which is when they’ll perform the necessary checks and check your pet’s Animal Health Certificate.
Country-specific rules
Different countries have different requirements about how dogs must be secured in cars – for example in France they need to be secured in the backseat with a harness or canine seatbelt.
Essentials
Make a note of the essentials you need to bring for your pet so you don’t forget – things like lots of water, treats, bed and blanket, poo bags, spare collar and lead, toys and car harness or seatbelt.
Insurance
Make sure your pet has the necessary insurance to travel – you can use a site like moneysupermarket to check and compare policies.
Number of pets
There’s a maximum of 5 pets per vehicle.
So there you have it – we wish you safe travels with your pooch. Enjoy making those core (paw?) memories!
