Can I take my dog to France from the UK?

Yes, provided your dog meets the entry requirements and your chosen carrier accepts the booking. Prepare the paperwork and transport together, particularly if you have a fixed departure date or plan to return soon afterwards.

This guide concerns a personal pet journey from Great Britain. Northern Ireland arrangements and journeys involving a sale or change of ownership need their own checks.

Your preparation checklist

1. Speak to your vet before booking

Give the vet your destination, dates, residency and travel history. Ask them to check identification, vaccination records and the document for your journey.

2. Check the microchip and rabies record

The microchip must precede or coincide with the rabies vaccination. After the first vaccination course, the wait is at least 21 full days, depending on the vaccine. Ask your vet to establish the travel date from the actual record.

3. Arrange the correct travel document

For residents of England, Scotland and Wales travelling to the EU, current GOV.UK guidance requires an Animal Health Certificate rather than relying on an EU pet passport. EU entry must be within its initial 10-day validity window. See the official outbound requirements.

Do not apply this statement to every owner worldwide: residency and the journey matter.

4. Confirm the transport

Check that the dog is accepted on your particular booking. Give a taxi operator your passengers, dog size, carrier and luggage information. For a ferry or flight, verify that service's animal arrangements.

5. Prepare the return

For the France-to-Great-Britain leg, arrange veterinary tapeworm treatment within the required 24 to 120 hours before arrival and have it recorded. Check the official treatment guidance when setting the appointment.

Before leaving home

Keep original documents accessible and check that the pet's details match. Pack the items you will need during the road journey separately from luggage that can remain stowed away. Discuss any health or handling concerns with your vet and transporter in advance.

If another person will accompany the dog, or ownership is changing, check the rules for that arrangement instead of assuming this checklist covers it.

Choose the guide for your next decision

Compare transport options if you have not chosen a route. Use the cost guide to build a budget, or read about Eurostar and LeShuttle if you hope to travel by train.

Common questions

How early should I speak to my vet?

Before committing to travel dates. A first vaccination course or missing records can affect when the dog can travel.

Does having an EU passport remove the need for an AHC?

Not for the GB-resident situation described above. Ask your vet to check your residency and itinerary against current guidance.

Can another person travel with my dog?

An authorised person's journey may be permitted subject to the applicable rules. Confirm the requirements and timing for your particular arrangement before booking.

What if my return date changes?

Recheck treatment timing, document validity and your transport booking. Contact the vet if the new arrival falls outside a required window.

Plan your private road journey

We can discuss the transport while you arrange the veterinary preparation. Send your UK collection point, French address, preferred date and passenger and pet details.

Plan a private UK to France journey