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Eurotunnel with dogs and pets: rules, check-in and how to book
The Eurotunnel is the most pet-friendly way to cross. Your dog or cat stays with you in the car for the whole 35-minute journey, with no kennels and no being left alone. Here is what you need and how it works.
Taking dogs or pets on the Eurotunnel is popular for good reason: your pet stays in the car with you for the entire crossing on LeShuttle, so there is no separate pet area and no stress of being left alone below deck. Before you travel you will need the right pet documents, and there is a quick pet check-in at Folkestone. This guide covers what you need, how pet check-in works, and how to book, with links to the official rules so you always have the latest requirements.
Can you take dogs and pets on the Eurotunnel?
Yes, and it is one of the best ways to travel with a pet to Europe. On the Eurotunnel's LeShuttle service, your dog, cat or other pet travels in the car with you for the whole 35-minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais. There are no kennels, your pet is never separated from you, and you simply stay in your vehicle as you would on any crossing. It is calmer for nervous dogs than a ferry, where pets often have to stay in the car on a lower deck or in onboard kennels.
You book your car as normal and add your pets to the booking. The main thing to get right is the paperwork, which changed after Brexit.
What you need to take a dog or pet to France
Since Brexit, the old EU pet passport issued in Great Britain is no longer valid for travel to the EU. Instead, you need an Animal Health Certificate and a few other essentials. The core requirements for dogs, cats and ferrets are:
- Microchip: your pet must be microchipped.
- Rabies vaccination: a valid, in-date rabies vaccination is required, given after the microchip.
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC): issued by a vet shortly before you travel, this replaces the old GB pet passport for trips to the EU.
- Tapeworm treatment for return: for coming back into the UK, dogs need a tapeworm treatment given by a vet within a set time window before arrival.
How pet check-in works at Folkestone
The Eurotunnel has a dedicated Pet Reception at the Folkestone terminal, where your pet's microchip and documents are checked before you travel. The process is quick and designed for pets.
- Book your car and add your pets when you book, so you are expected at pet check-in.
- On arrival at Folkestone, follow the signs to the Pet Reception building.
- Staff scan your pet's microchip and check the Animal Health Certificate and rabies record.
- There is a pet exercise area where your dog can stretch its legs before boarding.
- Once checked, you drive to the train and your pet stays in the car for the 35-minute crossing.
Allow a little extra time for pet check-in on top of the normal arrival time, so you are not rushed. See our timetable for crossing times and plan to arrive in good time.
Why the Eurotunnel is better than the ferry for dogs
For most dog owners, the tunnel wins over the ferry. Your dog stays with you in the car the whole time, the crossing is just 35 minutes rather than 90 or more, and there is a pet exercise area at the terminal. On many ferries, pets must stay in the car on a lower deck or in kennels away from you, which can be stressful for both of you. If you do want to compare, see Channel Tunnel or ferry.
Which pets can travel on the Eurotunnel?
The pet travel rules cover dogs, cats and ferrets. The requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination and an Animal Health Certificate) are broadly the same for each. Assistance dogs travel too, with some additional support at the terminal. Whatever pet you are bringing, check the official guidance for the exact requirements for your animal before you book your vet appointments.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take a dog on the Eurotunnel?
Yes. Your dog travels in the car with you on LeShuttle for the 35-minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais, with a quick pet check-in at the terminal beforehand. You book your car and add your pets to the booking.
What documents does my pet need to travel to France?
A microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an Animal Health Certificate (which replaced the old GB pet passport after Brexit). For the return to the UK, dogs also need a tapeworm treatment within a set time window. Always confirm the current rules on gov.uk before booking your vet.
Do pets stay in the car during the crossing?
Yes. On the Eurotunnel your dog or cat stays in the car with you for the whole 35-minute journey. There are no kennels and your pet is never separated from you, which is why the tunnel is popular with pet owners.
How does pet check-in work at Folkestone?
There is a dedicated Pet Reception at the Folkestone terminal where staff scan your pet's microchip and check its documents. There is also a pet exercise area. Allow a little extra time on top of your normal arrival time.
Is the pet passport still valid?
Pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for travel to the EU after Brexit. You now need an Animal Health Certificate instead. Passports issued in some other countries may still be valid, so check the official guidance for your situation.
How much does it cost to take a pet on the Eurotunnel?
There is a charge per pet added to your car booking, plus the vet costs for the Animal Health Certificate and treatments. Check the current pet fee in the booking module above, and your vet for the certificate cost.
Taking your dog or pet on the Eurotunnel is the calmest, quickest way to travel with an animal: your pet stays with you in the car for the whole 35-minute crossing, with a simple pet check-in at Folkestone. The key is the paperwork, a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an Animal Health Certificate, so plan your vet visits early and always confirm the latest rules on gov.uk. Then book your car, add your pets, and you are ready to go.