Practical pet travel guide
Dog Travel Checklist: UK to France
A clear preparation checklist for a private dog journey from Great Britain to France.
Updated
9 September 2026
Journey
Great Britain to France
Format
HTML guide and PDF
Use this checklist with official guidance
Rules checked on 9 September 2026. Requirements can change. Recheck GOV.UK, French Customs, your vet and your chosen carrier before travel.
01 / Checklist
Before booking
- 01
Confirm the journey is private and non-commercial
Sale, rehoming, rescue and some unaccompanied movements can follow different import or commercial rules.
- 02
Confirm who will travel with the dog
The owner or an authorised person may accompany the dog. If the owner is not present, carry written permission and ensure the dog travels within five days of the owner.
- 03
Check the five-pet limit
From 22 April 2026, non-commercial entry to the EU is normally limited to five pets per private vehicle, rather than five per person. Event exceptions have conditions.
- 04
Choose an eligible route and operator
Confirm that the carrier accepts pets on the route, then check pet booking, vehicle and border procedures before paying.
- 05
Check age and any breed restrictions
France does not permit Category 1 attack dogs. Category 2 dogs have specific legal conditions. Do not classify a dog only by appearance; check official French guidance.
02 / Checklist
Vet and documents
For most Great Britain residents travelling to France, the practical document route is a current Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a UK Official Veterinarian for each trip.
- 01
Microchip before, or on the same day as, rabies vaccination
The microchip must be readable and its number must match the travel document. If identification happened later, the dog may need vaccination again.
- 02
Valid rabies vaccination
The vaccination must remain valid on the date of EU entry. If cover has lapsed, treat the next vaccination as a primary vaccination unless your vet confirms otherwise.
- 03
Wait at least 21 full days after a primary vaccination
Day 1 is the day after vaccination. A valid uninterrupted booster normally does not restart the waiting period; confirm the record with your vet.
- 04
Obtain a current AHC from a UK Official Veterinarian
The AHC must be issued using the current form. During the 2026 transition, ask your OV to confirm that the correct template is being used for your travel date.
- 05
Enter the EU within the AHC's 10-day window
Day 1 is the date of issue. The AHC can then support onward EU travel and re-entry to Great Britain for up to six months, or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever is earlier.
- 06
Do not assume an EU pet passport is valid for a GB resident
Rules changed on 22 April 2026. GB residents should obtain an AHC for travel from Great Britain to the EU unless official guidance confirms a specific exception.
- 07
Carry original, consistent records
Check the name, owner details, microchip number, vaccination entry, dates, signatures and written authorisation before leaving.
03 / Checklist
Booking and travel day
- 01
Add the dog to the booking
Tell the operator in advance and confirm the pet fee, vehicle arrangement, check-in location and any carrier or restraint requirement.
- 02
Keep documents ready for inspection
Carry the original AHC or other accepted document, rabies record, booking confirmation and any written authorisation together.
- 03
Know the route difference
LeShuttle is a vehicle shuttle through the Channel Tunnel. Ordinary pets are not accepted on Eurostar services to or from London; guide and assistance animals follow separate rules.
- 04
Pack practical welfare essentials
Bring water, a lead and familiar restraint, waste bags, towel, food if appropriate and a calm plan for breaks. Give medication only on veterinary advice.
- 05
Keep emergency details accessible
Carry your vet's number, the operator's contact details, the owner or authorised person's number and the destination address.
- 06
Allow time and protect the dog from heat
Arrive early enough for the operator's process. Keep the dog secure, shaded and supervised, and never leave a dog in a hot vehicle.
Before you set off
One final scan.
Do one final scan: dog, documents, microchip record, booking confirmation, route details and emergency contacts.
Return journey
Return to Great Britain
- 01
Arrange tapeworm treatment for return
A vet must administer and record an effective treatment no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before the dog's arrival in Great Britain. Time it against arrival, not departure.
- 02
Confirm the return document remains valid
A GB-issued AHC can normally be used for re-entry for up to six months after issue, provided the rabies vaccination remains valid.
04 / Official sources
Open and recheck these sources shortly before travel.
Planning a private pet taxi journey?
Travel with your dog in a private vehicle via LeShuttle.
Discuss your route at europawtravel.com/contact/ or call +44 7387 223383.
Important
This checklist is general travel information, not veterinary, legal or border approval. The owner remains responsible for obtaining the correct documents and meeting current entry rules. Requirements may differ for commercial movements, rescue or rehoming, more than five pets, restricted dogs, young animals, or pets travelling outside the standard owner-accompanied window.
Last reviewed and updated: 9 September 2026
Download the checklist PDF