Pet Travel Guide • April 2026
Taking Your Dog on the Eurotunnel: Cost, Rules & Checklist
It costs £22 per pet each way. Your dog stays in the car for the entire 35-minute crossing. Here is everything you need to know.
Pet Travel Cost Summary
£22
Per pet, each way
£44
Per pet, return
Free
Guide & assistance dogs
The pet supplement is charged per animal, per crossing direction. A family with two dogs on a return trip would pay £88 total in pet supplements (2 dogs × £22 × 2 directions). The supplement is added to your vehicle fare at the time of booking. Pets must be declared at booking — you cannot add them at the terminal without prior arrangement.
Documentation Checklist
Since Brexit, the documentation requirements for taking pets from the UK to the EU have changed. Here is what you need:
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip. This must have been implanted before the rabies vaccination was administered. The microchip number is linked to your pet's identity in all travel documents. If your pet was microchipped and vaccinated in the correct order, no further action is needed — but verify this with your vet during the AHC appointment. Pets microchipped before 2011 may have a non-ISO chip, in which case you will need to bring your own scanner or have a new ISO chip implanted.
Rabies Vaccination
Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination. The vaccination must have been administered at 12 weeks of age or older, and at least 21 days must have passed between the vaccination and your travel date. Annual boosters must be kept up to date. If the vaccination has lapsed, a new primary vaccination is required and the 21-day waiting period starts again. Keep your pet's vaccination card with you — the dates will be verified at the pet reception desk.
Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
An AHC must be issued by a UK vet within 10 days of your outward departure date. The vet must be an Official Veterinarian (OV) — not all practices can issue these, so check in advance and book early, especially before school holidays when demand is high. The AHC costs typically £100 to £200 depending on your vet practice, and is valid for a single trip to the EU (plus onward travel within the EU for 4 months). You need a new AHC for each trip from the UK to the EU. The AHC replaces the old UK pet passport, which is no longer valid for EU travel post-Brexit.
Tapeworm Treatment (Return to UK Only)
Before returning to the UK, your pet must receive tapeworm treatment from a qualified vet. The treatment must be administered between 24 and 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before your scheduled arrival time in the UK. The treating vet must stamp and sign your AHC or provide a separate certificate confirming the treatment date and time. This requirement applies to dogs only — cats and ferrets are exempt. Missing this window means your pet could be refused entry to the UK, quarantined, or you may be required to return to France for treatment.
Step-by-Step: Taking Your Pet on the Eurotunnel
Book Your Crossing with Pet
When booking on leshuttle.com, add your pet at the checkout stage. You can add pets for an existing booking by calling Le Shuttle customer services. The £22 per pet supplement will be added to your fare. Ensure you specify the correct number of pets travelling.
Prepare Documentation
Visit your vet (an Official Veterinarian) no more than 10 days before your outward departure. Bring your pet’s vaccination records. The vet will verify the microchip, confirm rabies vaccination is current, and issue an Animal Health Certificate. Allow 1–2 hours for the appointment. Budget £100–£200 for the AHC.
Arrive at the Terminal Early
Plan to arrive at the Folkestone terminal at least 1 hour before your booked departure (Le Shuttle recommends up to 2 hours for pet travellers). You will check in through the standard vehicle lanes first, then be directed to the dedicated pet reception building.
Pet Reception Check-In
Drive to the pet reception building (clearly signposted). A trained member of staff will check your pet’s microchip using a handheld scanner, verify your Animal Health Certificate, and confirm your rabies vaccination dates. The process usually takes 10–15 minutes. Both Folkestone and Calais pet reception desks operate 24 hours.
Board the Train
After pet check-in, you rejoin the main queue and board the train as normal. Your pet stays in your car throughout the 35-minute crossing. Ensure your pet has water and is comfortable. Keep windows slightly open for ventilation if it is warm. The air-conditioned carriage maintains a comfortable temperature.
Arrive in France
Drive off the train at the Calais terminal. French customs do not routinely check pet documentation on arrival, but you should keep your AHC accessible. You are now free to travel in France and the EU with your pet.
Prepare for Return
Between 24 and 120 hours before your return crossing, visit a French vet for tapeworm treatment (dogs only). The vet will administer a praziquantel-based treatment and stamp your AHC or issue a separate certificate. French vets (vétérinaires) are widely available — look for one near your accommodation and book in advance during busy periods.
Return Check-In at Calais
At the Calais terminal, check in at the pet reception desk as you did at Folkestone. Staff will verify your microchip, AHC, and tapeworm treatment dates. The tapeworm treatment timing is strictly enforced — if it was administered outside the 24–120 hour window, your pet may be refused entry to the UK.
Eurotunnel vs Ferry for Pets
| Criteria | Eurotunnel | Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Pet cost | £22 per pet each way | £25+ per pet (varies) |
| Where pet travels | In your car, with you | Vehicle deck (no access) or pet cabin |
| Crossing time | 35 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Pet cabins | N/A (stays in car) | Available on some P&O sailings |
| Dog walking at terminal | Pet exercise areas available | Limited on-board areas |
| Stress level for pets | Low (short, stays with owner) | Higher (longer, may be separated) |
| Check-in process | Dedicated pet reception | Varies by operator |
Most dog owners strongly prefer the Eurotunnel because their pet stays with them in the car for the short crossing. On most ferry services, pets must remain in the vehicle on the car deck, and passengers are not permitted to access the car deck during the voyage. This means your dog is alone on the vehicle deck for 90+ minutes. P&O Ferries offers pet-friendly cabins on some sailings, which is the main exception, but availability is limited and the cabin supplement adds to the cost.
For anxious dogs, dogs that suffer from travel sickness, or first-time travellers, the Eurotunnel's 35-minute crossing with the owner present is significantly less stressful. Both terminals have pet exercise areas where you can walk your dog before boarding and after arrival.
Common Questions About Pet Travel
Can cats travel on the Eurotunnel?
Yes, cats are welcome on the Eurotunnel under the same conditions as dogs. The cost is £22 per cat each way. Cats should travel in a secure carrier within your vehicle. The documentation requirements are the same: microchip, rabies vaccination, and Animal Health Certificate. Cats are exempt from the tapeworm treatment requirement on return to the UK, which simplifies the process slightly. Many cat owners find the short Eurotunnel crossing less stressful for their cat than a 90-minute ferry journey.
What about rabbits, ferrets, and other pets?
Ferrets can travel on the Eurotunnel under the same rabies vaccination and AHC requirements as dogs and cats. Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other small mammals can also travel but have different documentation requirements depending on their species. Birds and reptiles have separate regulations. For any pet other than dogs, cats, or ferrets, contact Le Shuttle customer services before booking to confirm the specific requirements and any restrictions.
Can I walk my dog at the terminal?
Yes, both the Folkestone and Calais terminals have designated pet exercise areas where you can walk your dog on a lead. These are grassed areas near the terminal buildings. It is a good idea to give your dog a walk and a chance to relieve themselves before boarding, as they will need to stay in the car for the 35-minute crossing plus boarding and disembarkation time. Bring water and a bowl for your dog, especially during warm weather.
What if my pet is anxious about travelling?
The Eurotunnel is one of the best options for anxious pets because the crossing is very short (35 minutes) and your pet stays with you the entire time. If your pet is particularly nervous, speak to your vet about calming aids or mild sedatives. Familiar blankets and toys in the car can help. Some owners cover the car windows to reduce visual stimulation. The carriage itself is well-lit and reasonably quiet — the noise level is similar to driving on a motorway. Most dogs settle within a few minutes of the journey starting.
Preparation Timeline
Plan your pet's travel documentation well in advance. Here is a recommended timeline:
3+ months before
Ensure microchip is implanted and rabies vaccination is up to date. If your pet needs a first rabies vaccination, allow 21 days before travel.
1 month before
Book an appointment with an Official Veterinarian (OV) to issue your Animal Health Certificate. OV appointments can be busy before school holidays, so book early.
10 days before departure
Visit the OV for your AHC appointment. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of your outward travel date. Bring your pet, their vaccination records, and your travel dates.
Day of departure
Pack your AHC, vaccination records, and pet supplies. Arrive at the terminal at least 1 hour early. Head to pet reception after vehicle check-in.
1–5 days before return
Visit a French vet for tapeworm treatment (dogs only). The treatment must be administered 24–120 hours before your arrival time in the UK. Get the vet to stamp your AHC.
Return day
Check in at Calais pet reception. Documentation and tapeworm timing verified. Board the train home.