Travelling on the Eurotunnel With a Dog

Travelling between the UK and Europe with your dog can be a bit of a hassle at first especially if you’re a doing first time. The good news is that Eurotunnel is a pretty easy and pet-friendly way to travel with your dog.

In this guide we explore what you need to know about taking your dog on Eurotunnel, including the rules, check-in, costs, and all that. It’s meant to be easy to understand.

Can You Travel Between Europe and the UK With a Dog?

Yes, it’s easy to do. Dogs can travel between the EU and the UK via the Eurotunnel as long as you follow the pet travel rules. The requirements vary depending on your direction of travel – either from Europe to the UK or from the UK to Europe.

Eurotunnel Dog Requirements

If you are planning to travel with your dog from the UK to Europe you’ll need a UK animal health certificate. UK pet passports aren’t accepted for EU entry anymore.

Your dog needs to be microchipped
It should have an EU pet passport and a UK animal health certificate
Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies
It needs a tapeworm treatment
Check it’s not on the UK’s banned breed list

If you’ve got all these sorted, you’ll have a hassle-free check-in at the Eurotunnel Pet Reception.

Tapeworm Treatment

The tapeworm treatment must be given by a licensed vet
The treatment must be recorded in the EU pet passport or UK Animal Health Certificate, including the date and time and also the vet stamp and signature of the registered veterinarian.
The treatment must cover tapeworm specifically
Tapeworm treatment must be at least 24 hours and not more than 120 hours before entering the UK

Many vets near Calais offer walk-in appointments and are familiar with the process.

Microchip & Rabies Vaccine Rules

Your dog’s microchip must be implanted before (or on the same day as) the rabies vaccination. If the rabies vaccine was given before the microchip, the vaccine is not valid for travel.

Also note:

Rabies vaccination becomes valid 21 days after vaccination
Travel is only allowed after this waiting period

How to Get an EU Pet Passport

For EU residents, getting a pet passport is simple:

Visit a vet authorised to issue pet passports
Often issued the same day

Once issued, any EU vet can update it. UK vets must not write in an EU pet passport (except tapeworm treatment).

Eurotunnel Dog Requirements (UK ➝ France)

Travelling from the UK to France is simpler. Your dog must:

Be microchipped
Be vaccinated against rabies
Have a UK Animal Health Certificate or a valid EU pet passport

No tapeworm treatment is needed when entering France.

UK Animal Health Certificate

Issued by a UK vet
Must be issued within 10 days before entering the EU
Required if your dog does not have a valid EU-issued pet passport
Allows travel within the EU for up to 4 months, or until the rabies vaccination expires

Eurotunnel Rules for Dogs

Maximum 5 pets per vehicle
Dogs must stay inside the vehicle during the crossing
Dogs must be on a lead in check-in and waiting areas
Dogs are allowed in duty free, but not food courts
Crossing time is only 35 minutes

Eurotunnel’s Dog Check-In Process

Arrive at the terminal and follow signs to Pet Reception
Your dog’s microchip is scanned
Documents are checked
You receive a window sticker
Continue to normal passport control and boarding

The process is usually quick, but allow extra time during peak seasons.

Eurotunnel vs Ferry With Dogs

Many pet owners prefer the Eurotunnel because:

It’s faster
Dogs stay with you in the vehicle
No kennels or separation
Less stress for pets

For nervous or senior dogs, Eurotunnel is often the calmest option.

Important Things to Know About UK Pet Travel

Like most countries, the UK has specific laws regarding travelling with your dog, especially when driving. One of the most important rules is that all dogs, regardless of size, must be properly secured while the vehicle is in motion. There are several safe and approved ways to do this:

A seat belt lead attached to a comfortable harness
For small dogs, a crate securely fastened on the back seats
For large dogs, a crate secured in the boot (trunk) of the car
Using a car divider while your dog sits in the boot (trunk)

These measures keep your dog safe during an accident. They also protect passengers and reduce distractions for the driver.

Dogs can usually ride public transport in the UK with few rules. This is different from many EU countries. There, dogs might need to wear muzzles or follow height limits. Rules can differ by city or transport provider. Some may also charge extra to bring a dog on board. It’s always best to check with the driver or ticket staff before travelling.

Pet Travel Checklist

Need Help With Pet Travel Planning?

At Luxurious Pet Move Abroad, we focus on easy international pet travel. We handle Eurotunnel trips, provide paperwork help, and offer door-to-door transport solutions.