UK vet’s tips on travelling to France with pets for the first time

If you are preparing for your first trip to France with your pets, and fear getting something wrong, here are a few things you need to know. 

That first journey can feel daunting, but once you get the hang of it and experience the joy of having your pets with you, you’ll never look back.

I’m a vet, but also a travelling pet owner and now live permanently in Normandy with my partner and our cat Baby G. I know what you’re thinking - being a vet gives me special privileges, but, in reality, it is quite the reverse. 

For instance, we can’t issue our own pets’ travel documents. It’s considered a conflict of interest. 

Despite all my experience, travelling with animals can still present problems. The fear of getting something wrong is forever present.

Eurotunnel is the easiest route. If you can afford it, choose Flexi Plus, at least till you get used to it. Ferries require your pet to stay in your car and access to the car deck is forbidden during the trip. Some have designated pet-friendly cabins, but these are limited and need booking well in advance.

Travel prepared. Our cat Tom was a seasoned traveller and had his own routine on arrival anywhere new: toilet first, food second, then we could go and eat. Holly, our rescued Westie, was a different kettle of fish. 

Her first journey to France resulted in diarrhoea for much of the trip. One saving grace was the numerous stopping points along French motorways.

On arrival at our hotel (yes, most hotels in France accommodate pets), Holly was allowed into the restaurant. Other diners rarely seem surprised by her presence, though one guest, a non dog lover, did ask to be moved to another table.

The main rule that still catches people out on returning to the UK is the tapeworm treatment for dogs. This does not apply to cats. Your dog’s treatment must be administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before arrival in the UK and certified accordingly.

Finally - your pet must travel with the person whose name appears on the certificate. If that is not the case, a written authorisation is required confirming permission for someone else to travel with the animal, even a spouse.

Peter Culpin is a British veterinary surgeon with over 45 years of clinical experience in the UK who now lives in Normandy.

Pet travel rules: key update for UK travellers to France

UK-issued EU pet passports are no longer valid for travel to France. They have been replaced by an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), which must be issued by an official UK vet before each trip.

The AHC applies to dogs, cats and ferrets (up to five animals per certificate). It is valid for entry into the EU for 10 days from issue and for up to six months of onward travel once abroad. A new certificate is required for every journey from the UK.

To obtain one, pets must be microchipped and have an up-to-date rabies vaccination, with proof required at the time of application.

Costs are unregulated and vary widely, typically ranging from around £110 to £380+ per certificate, with extra fees for additional pets. A physical microchip check by an authorised vet is always required, even if part of the process is started online.

Guide dogs are not exempt from the requirement, a point that assistance dog organisations say creates added financial and administrative strain for disabled travellers.