Pet Travel Documents and Health Requirements

For dogs, cats and ferrets entering Great Britain, GOV.UK’s route guide covers the required microchip, rabies vaccination, accepted travel document, declaration and any dog tapeworm treatment. The exact document depends on where you are travelling from and your circumstances.

For a typical France-to-Great-Britain journey, check that the microchip details and rabies record match the accepted travel document. If a dog is travelling, use the separate tapeworm guide on this site to plan treatment against the UK arrival time.

For the outbound journey, Great Britain residents should check the current GOV.UK guidance for taking a pet abroad and ask their vet which certificate applies. The pet’s microchip, rabies vaccination, document validity and timing must all meet the requirements for the destination country.

Use our checklist for preparation, including the return journey. A document suitable for re-entry to Great Britain does not automatically replace the document needed to leave Great Britain.

Do not use the dog, cat and ferret checklist for a rabbit. LeShuttle’s rabbit guidance says a vet must complete a Veterinary Certificate and that it should be carried in both directions; a new certificate is needed for each round trip. Confirm the current certificate with your vet and the relevant authorities before booking.

Rules for other species and non-standard movements can differ. Get advice specific to the species, route and purpose of travel rather than assuming standard pet rules apply.

For some countries of origin, extra tests or treatments may apply. Do not arrange blood tests based on a general summary: ask your vet which rules apply to your pet’s country history and destination.

• LeShuttle: travelling with a rabbit
• LeShuttle: pet blood tests
• LeShuttle: what your vet needs to know about travel documents
• GOV.UK: which pet travel document you need
• GOV.UK: taking your pet abroad
• GOV.UK: bringing a pet to Great Britain

LeShuttle says it cannot check pet travel documents before you arrive at Pet Reception. Have your vet check the paperwork before travel and contact the relevant authority if anything is unclear. If you need a vet near either terminal, LeShuttle provides current local-vet information.

• LeShuttle: can documents be checked in advance?
• LeShuttle: finding a vet near Folkestone or Calais

• Check the microchip number is readable and matches the travel document.
• Ask your vet to confirm the rabies record, document type, signatures and validity dates.
• Check every border you will cross, including the return journey and any onward EU travel.
• Carry the original documents and your LeShuttle booking confirmation.