Travelling with pets through the Channel Tunnel
Many travellers set off for France or beyond with their dogs, cats, or ferrets. Our guide provides the requirements, booking details, and step-by-step process so you know what to prepare before travelling.
Pet travel requirements
The requirements you have to complete before your departure
- A microchip that can be scanned and matches the details on the papers
- A rabies vaccination at 12 weeks or later, plus 21 days before first travel. Booster shots must be current
- An Animal Health Certificate for travel from Great Britain to the EU, issued within ten days of departure
- A valid EU pet passport is required when travelling to Great Britain, when issued before January 2021
For dogs, there is one more rule. A tapeworm treatment is required when entering Great Britain, Ireland, Malta, Finland or Norway. It must be given by a vet 24 to 120 hours before arrival and recorded in the travel documents. Cats and ferrets do not require worm treatment, but must follow the microchip and vaccination rules.
Dogs, cats and ferrets are the only animals officially classed as pets under the Pet Travel Scheme.
❗Official Gov regulation regarding tapeworm treatment
The process at Folkestone (and Calais)
- At both terminals, you must visit the Pet Reception. Signs with paw prints (*see image) guide you to the right place.
- Scan your pet’s microchip and check the documents. After approval, you receive a car sticker and a tag for your animal.
- Continue to regular check-ins and customs before driving onto the train. The journey lasts 35 minutes. Pets stay inside the car during the crossing.
Both Folkestone and Calais have designated areas for dog walking. In Calais, a drive-through reception is sometimes available, which can be helpful if your pet is more comfortable staying in the vehicle.
Booking and costs for pets
When you reserve a ticket, add your pet during the booking process. The fee is £22 per animal for each single journey. Registered assistance dogs travel free of charge.
For prices and availability, see Channel Tunnel tickets. If you are still weighing up the cheapest travel options, compare the Channel Tunnel and ferry. Travelling by ferry costs around £13 to £16 for a single trip, depending on the operator.
Returning to the UK with your pet
On the way back into Great Britain, the worm treatment requirement for dogs is strictly enforced. Without proof, boarding is not allowed. The treatment details must include date, time and the vet’s signature. Cats and ferrets can return without worm treatment, but the microchip and vaccination records must still be valid.
Helpful tips for pet owners
- It might sound logical, but many forget it: Bring water and a bowl, especially on busy travel days
- Keep familiar bedding or a toy in the car to keep pets calm
- Check in early during peak periods
- If documents are missing, staff may direct you to a local vet, which can add serious costs and delays.
Common pet questions
Can young puppies travel in the Channel Tunnel?
Only from 15 weeks, because the rabies vaccination requires a 21-day wait after the first jab, which occurs at 12 weeks.
Are cats allowed on the tunnel?
Yes. The same rules apply to dogs (and ferrets): microchip, vaccination, and documents.
Do pets leave the car during the crossing?
No. They remain in the vehicle for the 35-minute journey.
How much does it cost?
£22 per animal each way. Guide dogs with proof of registration travel free.
What if the documents are wrong?
Boarding is refused until the issue is corrected. You may need to visit a local vet. For more answers, see our Eurotunnel FAQ.
After arrival
From Calais, the A16 motorway starts directly outside the terminal. The yellow-marked areas for dog walking are signposted just after the exit. At Folkestone, paw print signs lead you to the pet facilities. You can't miss it.
Select pets during your booking
If you are booking through another company make sure you select pets correctly during the booking process as you can see in the image below:
Be aware there are extra costs for bringing a pet. It costs £22 per one-way trip for a pet.
Other small animals (Chickens, Rabbits, etc.)
These animals do not count as pets in the legal sense. (Only dogs, cats and ferrets count as pets under the pet travel scheme)
They cannot just be taken through in your car like a dog or cat.
Transport is possible, but you need to comply with livestock or animal transport rules. That usually means:
Health certificates from a vet. Sometimes, export papers are required (when travelling from the UK to the EU). Approved transport conditions (ventilation, secure cage, etc.).
A few examples:
Pet chickens: Two chickens would fall under poultry. Even if they’re pets, they’re still considered livestock, so you’d need to meet poultry movement regulations. This usually makes it impractical for casual travellers.
Birds (like parrots or canaries): They are subject to avian health regulations. You’d need veterinary paperwork, and in some cases import/export licenses.
- Exotic or dangerous animals (snakes, lizards, zoo species, farm livestock in normal cars) aren’t permitted for private travel.
Contact Eurotunnel Freight or Customer Service first. Don’t just show up at Folkestone or Calais with birds or chickens, and always make sure your paperwork is perfect.
Larger Animals (Horses, Donkeys, Cattle, etc)
In practice, these animals don’t travel with tourists on LeShuttle, but rather under livestock transport regulations for freight services or specialist hauliers.
The Channel Tunnel has special arrangements for equine transport, but not via Le Shuttle. Instead, they must travel on freight shuttles under approved transport conditions.
Pets through the tunnel
The Channel Tunnel is one of the quickest routes to France with pets, provided you prepare carefully. With the proper documents and treatments completed, the process is smooth, and your animals can stay in the comfort of your car for the short trip.
If you are planning your first journey, read more about Eurotunnel Folkestone and check the Channel Tunnel timetable.
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