Taking a dog from the UK to France in 2026 requires specific documents that have changed significantly since Brexit. The old EU pet passport system no longer applies to UK residents, and the new requirement — the Animal Health Certificate — has a tight issue window that catches many owners out.
This guide covers exactly what you need, how to get it and the most common mistakes to avoid.
The three documents you need
Microchip
ISO 15-digit chip, implanted before the rabies vaccination. Must be readable by a standard scanner at the border.
Rabies vaccination
Must be current and valid at the time of entry into France. If expired or never given, the dog must be vaccinated and wait the full immunity period (typically 21 days) before travel.
Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
Issued by a UK Official Veterinarian within 10 days of the travel date. This is a single-journey document — it cannot be used for the return trip.
The Animal Health Certificate explained
The AHC replaced the EU pet passport for UK-resident pet owners travelling to the EU after 2021. It is issued by a UK Official Veterinarian (OV) and must confirm that:
- The dog is microchipped and the chip is readable
- The microchip was implanted before the rabies vaccination
- The rabies vaccination is current and was given at the correct age
- The dog is fit for travel
The AHC is valid for a single outward journey to the EU and then for onward travel within the EU for up to four months. It cannot be used for the return trip to the UK — a new certificate issued by a French (EU) vet is required for the return leg.
Common document mistakes when taking a dog to France
Assuming an old EU pet passport still works from the UK
UK-issued pet passports are no longer accepted for EU entry. UK residents need an AHC for every outbound journey to France or any EU country.
Booking the vet appointment too early
The AHC must be issued within 10 days of travel. If you get it issued early and then the journey is delayed, the certificate may expire before you travel.
Using a vet who is not an Official Veterinarian
The AHC must be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV). Not all UK vets hold OV status. Confirm this before booking your appointment.
Forgetting to check the rabies vaccination expiry
The vaccination must be valid at the time of entry, not just at the time of issue. A dog vaccinated a year ago may be approaching the expiry of their cover.
Do you need a vet appointment on the way back?
Yes. If your dog is making a return trip to the UK from France, you will need a French Official Veterinarian to issue an AHC for UK entry. That AHC must include the tapeworm treatment record — a requirement specific to dogs entering Great Britain (cats and ferrets are exempt).
For the return journey, the tapeworm treatment must be given by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before arriving in Great Britain. Schedule this appointment carefully relative to your departure from France.
Where to find an Official Veterinarian in the UK
APHA (the Animal and Plant Health Agency) maintains a list of vets who hold Official Veterinarian status. You can search on the GOV.UK website or call APHA to find an OV in your area. Many larger vet practices have at least one OV, but smaller practices may not.
How Silver Pet Travel helps with document preparation
We do not issue veterinary documents. But we do help owners understand what is needed, when the AHC window opens, how to time the tapeworm treatment on the return leg and what the vet needs to include in the certificate. That guidance is part of every booking we take.
Taking your dog to France and need help with the journey?
Silver Pet Travel provides private, door-to-door dog transport from the UK to France. Get in touch for a free quote and document guidance for your trip.
Get a Free Quote
