Channel Tunnel with Pets 2026
The Complete Owner Guide to Eurotunnel LeShuttle Pet Travel
Eurotunnel LeShuttle is one of the most widely used routes for pet travel between the UK and France. The crossing from Folkestone to Calais takes around 35 minutes, pets remain in your vehicle throughout, and the experience is considerably calmer than a two-hour ferry for most animals.
But there is more to Channel Tunnel pet travel than simply showing up with your dog. In 2026, the document requirements for pets entering both the UK and the EU are specific and must be met before you reach the terminal.
What documents do pets need for Eurotunnel in 2026?
The documents required depend on the direction of travel:
Travelling from the UK to France (or wider EU):
- Microchip (ISO 15-digit, implanted before the rabies vaccination)
- Valid rabies vaccination
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a UK Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel
Travelling from France to the UK:
- Microchip
- Valid rabies vaccination
- AHC issued by an EU Official Veterinarian, or a valid pre-2021 EU pet passport
- For dogs only: tapeworm treatment within 24 to 120 hours of arrival in Great Britain
Step-by-step: travelling through the Channel Tunnel with a pet
Book your pet onto the crossing — Eurotunnel charges a separate pet fee, so confirm your pet is added at the time of booking, not on the day.
Get documents in order at least two weeks before travel — that includes microchip check, rabies vaccination confirmation, AHC appointment and (for dogs entering the UK) tapeworm timing.
Arrive at the terminal early — Eurotunnel advises arriving at least 45 minutes before departure. With pets, add extra time for document checks.
Proceed to the pet check point at the terminal — Border Force officers inspect documents before loading. Have originals ready.
Drive onto the shuttle — your vehicle is loaded onto the train and you remain in it for the crossing. Pets stay in the vehicle or carrier throughout.
Arrive at the other terminal and drive out — there are no further checks on exit. The inspection happens on arrival at the destination country terminal.
How much does it cost to take a pet on Eurotunnel?
Eurotunnel LeShuttle charges a separate fee to add a pet to your booking. This fee is in addition to the vehicle ticket price. The amount can vary depending on season and fare type, so check the current price on the Eurotunnel website when booking. Pets must be booked in advance and cannot be added on arrival at the terminal.
What happens during the crossing?
Once you drive onto the shuttle, the train departs and the crossing takes approximately 35 minutes. You remain in your vehicle throughout. There are no announcements requiring you to return to your vehicle before arrival. Pets stay in the vehicle (or in a carrier inside it) for the entire crossing.
The shuttle wagons are drive-through carriages. There is no access to a passenger deck from inside the shuttle. You, your pet and your vehicle travel in the same enclosed wagon.
Can you take a cat through the Channel Tunnel?
Yes. Eurotunnel accepts cats as well as dogs and other domestic pets, subject to their pet booking policy. Cats should be secured in a carrier in your vehicle. The same document requirements apply as for dogs, with the exception that cats do not need tapeworm treatment before entering Great Britain.
Travelling through Eurotunnel with Silver Pet Travel
Silver Pet Travel uses Eurotunnel LeShuttle on all our UK-France and France-UK pet transport routes. Your pet travels in a private vehicle with a dedicated handler, stays in a familiar carrier throughout the crossing and you receive updates via WhatsApp at every stage.
We hold DEFRA licence UK/REIGA/T2/00114485 and EU licence IE/TYPE2/3527 and can guide owners on document preparation before booking.
Planning a Channel Tunnel pet journey?
Get in touch with Silver Pet Travel for a free quote on private UK-France or France-UK pet transport via Eurotunnel. We handle the route — you focus on the documents with your vet.
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