Category: London

Eurotunnel Pet Travel: A Quick Answer

You can travel between Great Britain and France with eligible pets using LeShuttle, provided you comply with the relevant travel-document, identification, vaccination and operator requirements. Dogs, cats and ferrets generally require a microchip, valid rabies vaccination and appropriate travel documentation. Additional requirements apply to dogs entering Great Britain.

• Route: Folkestone, England, to Calais, France, and the return route.
• Journey: The Channel Tunnel crossing takes approximately 35 minutes, excluding check-in, pet checks and waiting.
• Pet arrangements: Eligible pets can generally remain with their owners in their vehicle during the crossing.
• Documentation: Requirements depend on the direction of travel, the animal and the origin country.
• Pet check-in: Visit the designated Pet Reception and follow the current operator instructions.
• Cost: Pet fees and ticket conditions can change. Check the official LeShuttle website before booking.

Official information:
LeShuttle travelling with pets.

How Much Does Eurotunnel Pet Travel Cost?

LeShuttle charges a pet travel fee in addition to the applicable vehicle crossing fare. The amount depends on the operator’s current terms, and qualifying registered guide and assistance dogs may travel without the standard pet fee when the required evidence is provided.

Do not rely on older online articles quoting a fixed pet fee without checking the latest price. Before departure, confirm the current charge, the number of animals permitted, any booking requirements and whether changes to your reservation are necessary.

For current prices and booking conditions, visit
LeShuttle ticket fares
and its
official pet travel information.

How many pets can travel in one vehicle?

LeShuttle generally permits up to five pets per vehicle under its standard pet travel arrangements. Different procedures can apply to larger numbers of animals travelling for qualifying events or under specific arrangements. Check the operator’s current requirements if you are travelling with more than five pets.

Are guide and assistance dogs charged a pet fee?

Qualifying registered guide and assistance dogs can travel without the standard pet travel fee, subject to the operator’s requirements and supporting evidence. Confirm the booking procedure and documentation directly with LeShuttle before travelling.

Pet Travel Documents for Travelling from London to France

One of the most important steps when taking a dog or cat from England to France is arranging the correct documentation before departure. The rules differ between journeys from Great Britain to the European Union and journeys returning to Great Britain.

Travelling from Great Britain to France

Dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain to an EU destination generally need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an appropriately authorised veterinarian. Your pet must also meet the relevant identification and rabies vaccination requirements.

An Animal Health Certificate is generally valid for entry into the EU for 10 days from its issue date. Different validity periods apply to qualifying onward travel within the EU and return travel to Great Britain. Confirm the dates and conditions with your vet.

Under the current published guidance, UK residents travelling from Great Britain to the EU should not assume that an EU-issued pet passport can be used instead of an Animal Health Certificate. Check the current rules before departure, particularly if you own a property in France or have previously travelled under different arrangements.

Returning from France to Great Britain

When returning to England, Scotland or Wales from France, your pet must have a travel document accepted under the applicable UK rules. Depending on the circumstances, this may include a qualifying EU pet passport, an eligible Animal Health Certificate, a Great Britain pet health certificate or another accepted document.

The correct document depends on where it was issued, your travel history and the type of animal. Check the official requirements rather than assuming that the document used for the outward journey will always be sufficient for the return.

Read the latest government guidance:

• Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad
• Bringing your pet to Great Britain
• Getting an Animal Health Certificate

Microchips and Rabies Vaccinations for Pet Travel

Does my dog or cat need a microchip?

Dogs, cats and ferrets generally need an acceptable form of identification for international pet travel. A microchip must normally be implanted before, or at the same time as, the rabies vaccination. If the rabies vaccination was administered before the microchip was implanted, the vaccination may not satisfy the travel rules, and your vet may need to repeat the process.

Before travelling, ask your vet to verify the microchip number and ensure it matches the number recorded in your pet’s travel documentation.

Does my pet need a rabies vaccination?

Dogs, cats and ferrets generally require a valid rabies vaccination for travel between Great Britain and France. The animal must meet the applicable minimum age and waiting-period rules. After a first vaccination or qualifying primary course, the waiting period is generally at least 21 full days, although the precise requirements depend on the vaccine and circumstances.

Booster vaccinations may not require another waiting period if the previous vaccination remained valid without a break. Ask your vet to check the vaccination record, validity dates and any additional requirements for your destination.

Tapeworm Treatment for Dogs Returning to the UK

Dogs travelling from France into Great Britain generally require a qualifying tapeworm treatment administered by a vet. The treatment must be given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before the dog’s arrival in Great Britain, subject to the applicable exemptions.

The vet must record the treatment correctly in the accepted travel document, including the product details, date and time, together with the required veterinary authentication. A treatment that falls outside the permitted time window or is incorrectly documented can prevent the dog from travelling.

Some common flea and parasite products do not meet the specific tapeworm-treatment requirement. Do not assume that a routine flea treatment or general worming product is sufficient. Ask your vet to use a treatment that satisfies the current rules.

There are specific exemptions for certain origins, including Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Northern Ireland under the relevant UK guidance. Short trips can also have special timing arrangements. Confirm the rules that apply to your itinerary.

Official guidance:
Tapeworm treatment for dogs entering Great Britain.

LeShuttle Pet Reception: Check-In at Folkestone and Calais

Pets travelling on LeShuttle must complete the relevant pet check-in procedure before boarding. Allow sufficient time for document checks, identification checks and any other requirements specified by the operator.

Pet check-in at Folkestone

At the Folkestone terminal, follow the signs to the designated Pet Reception in the passenger terminal area. LeShuttle recommends arriving for pet check-in approximately one hour before departure; check the latest instructions and your booking details before setting off.

Pet check-in at Calais

At Calais, follow the signs to the designated pet check-in facility. LeShuttle provides a drive-through Pet Reception at the French terminal when the relevant service is available. Follow the signs and staff instructions on arrival.

What should I bring to Pet Reception?

• Your LeShuttle booking reference.
• Your pet’s original accepted travel documentation.
• Proof of the relevant vaccination and treatment details.
• Any additional documents required for your animal or circumstances.
• Your pet, as required by the operator’s check-in procedure.

LeShuttle also provides pet exercise facilities at its terminals. Check the official website for current opening arrangements, check-in instructions and available facilities.

Visit the
LeShuttle pet travel guide
for the latest information.

How to Prepare Your Dog or Cat for a Long Journey

A little preparation can make an international road journey less stressful. Before leaving London or another UK location, consider your pet’s routine, comfort, health and individual needs.

1. Arrange a veterinary check

Check that vaccinations, identification and travel documentation are up to date. If your pet has a medical condition, takes medication or becomes anxious in vehicles, discuss the journey with your vet in advance.

2. Bring familiar food and water

Pack your pet’s usual food, fresh drinking water, bowls and any prescribed medication. Sudden changes in diet can cause digestive upset, so avoid introducing unfamiliar food immediately before travelling.

3. Use appropriate pet restraints

Ensure your pet is secured safely in the vehicle using an appropriate carrier, travel crate, harness or restraint system suitable for the animal and vehicle. A pet should not be allowed to move freely in a way that could distract the driver or compromise passenger safety.

4. Pack essential supplies

• Lead, harness, collar and identification tag.
• Suitable carrier or travel crate where appropriate.
• Food, drinking water and bowls.
• Waste bags and cleaning supplies.
• Familiar bedding or a blanket.
• Medication and veterinary contact details.
• Copies of relevant travel documents, stored securely.

5. Plan suitable rest stops

For longer journeys, plan appropriate breaks for your pet to drink, stretch and relieve itself safely. Choose secure locations away from traffic and keep dogs on a lead where appropriate. Never leave an animal unattended in a vehicle in conditions that could endanger its health.

6. Check rules at your destination

France may have local requirements concerning animal control, identification, access to public places and the safe restraint of animals in vehicles. Check the rules that apply to your destination and any other countries through which you plan to travel.

London to Paris with a Dog: Planning a Private Chauffeur Transfer

If you are travelling between London and Paris with a pet, your journey may involve a collection from your home, hotel, airport or another address, followed by a road transfer towards the Channel Tunnel and onward travel in France.

Heathrow Gatwick Cars provides private airport and long-distance chauffeur transfer services. If you need help planning a journey involving a pet, contact us before booking so that we can discuss your requirements and establish whether a suitable vehicle and arrangement are available.

What to confirm before booking

• Your collection and destination addresses.
• Your travel date and preferred departure time.
• The number of passengers and amount of luggage.
• Your pet’s species, size and number of animals.
• Whether your pet will travel in a carrier or use a suitable restraint.
• Any special vehicle requirements or accessibility needs.
• Your Channel crossing arrangements and intended onward route.

Important: Confirm pet acceptance, vehicle suitability, international operating arrangements, crossing bookings and any additional charges before making a reservation. A chauffeur transfer enquiry does not itself confirm that a vehicle can take a pet or that an international journey has been booked.

Explore our
London to Paris transfer service
or contact Heathrow Gatwick Cars to discuss a tailored journey.

Travelling with Rabbits, Rodents, Birds and Other Pets

The requirements for animals other than dogs, cats and ferrets can differ considerably. Rabbits, rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates may be subject to different health certification, import controls, wildlife protection requirements or restrictions depending on the species and the countries involved.

Do not assume that the standard dog and cat travel scheme applies to every animal. Before travelling, confirm the requirements for your species with the relevant government authority and LeShuttle.

Start with the official
UK guidance on bringing other pet animals into Great Britain
and the
LeShuttle animal travel guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eurotunnel Pet Travel

Can I take my dog from London to Paris on Eurotunnel?

Yes, eligible dogs can travel on LeShuttle between Folkestone and Calais. You must arrange the correct documentation, microchip identification, rabies vaccination and operator check-in. You must also arrange suitable onward transport from Calais to Paris.

Can my cat travel on LeShuttle?

Cats can travel on LeShuttle if they meet the applicable travel and documentation requirements. Check the latest rules for microchipping, rabies vaccination and accepted travel documents before departure.

How much does it cost to take a pet on Eurotunnel?

LeShuttle charges a pet travel fee in addition to the vehicle crossing fare. The published pet price can change, so check the current
official pet travel page
before booking.

How long is the Eurotunnel crossing?

The LeShuttle crossing between Folkestone and Calais takes approximately 35 minutes. Allow additional time for arrival, check-in, pet document checks, boarding and onward travel.

Can my dog stay with me during the Channel Tunnel crossing?

Eligible pets generally remain with their owners in their vehicle during the crossing. Follow the operator’s instructions and ensure your pet is appropriately restrained or secured.

Do I need a pet passport to travel from England to France?

Dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain to an EU country generally need an Animal Health Certificate and must satisfy the relevant identification and vaccination requirements. Do not assume that an EU pet passport can be used by a UK resident for the outward journey. Check the current rules with your vet and the official government guidance.

Does my dog need tapeworm treatment before returning to England?

Dogs entering Great Britain from France generally require an approved tapeworm treatment administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before arrival, subject to applicable exemptions. The treatment must be recorded correctly in the accepted travel document.

When should I arrive at LeShuttle Pet Reception?

Follow the current check-in instructions for your booking. LeShuttle advises travellers to allow approximately one hour for pet check-in before departure. Allow additional time if you need to resolve documentation issues or have other travel arrangements.

Can I arrange a private transfer from London to Paris with my dog?

You can enquire with Heathrow Gatwick Cars about a private long-distance transfer involving a pet. Acceptance depends on advance agreement, vehicle suitability, the journey arrangements and any applicable additional charges. Confirm all details before booking.

Can I take more than five pets on LeShuttle?

Standard arrangements generally allow up to five pets per vehicle. Additional animals may require special arrangements, particularly for qualifying competitions or events. Contact LeShuttle directly to confirm eligibility and the procedure before travelling.

Where can I find the latest Eurotunnel pet travel rules?

Check the
LeShuttle pet travel guide
and the relevant
UK government guidance for taking pets abroad.
Requirements can change, so check again shortly before departure.

Related Travel Resources

Continue planning your trip with these related Heathrow Gatwick Cars resources:

• London to Paris private chauffeur transfers – plan a long-distance journey between the two cities.
• Hotels in London, England – explore accommodation options before your journey.
• Hotels in Paris, France – research accommodation for your stay in the French capital.

Check each hotel’s pet policy directly before booking, as pet acceptance, room availability and additional charges vary between properties.

Plan Your Journey with Heathrow Gatwick Cars

Whether you are travelling from London to France, arranging an airport transfer before your holiday or planning a longer private journey, advance preparation is essential when travelling with an animal.

Contact Heathrow Gatwick Cars with your collection address, destination, travel date, passenger numbers, luggage requirements and pet details. We can discuss your requested journey and advise whether a suitable transfer arrangement is available.

Enquire About a London to Paris Transfer

Please remember that Heathrow Gatwick Cars does not replace veterinary advice, government guidance or LeShuttle’s booking and pet check-in procedures. Always verify your pet’s eligibility and documents before travelling.