Planning to take your dog or cat to France from the UK? Since Brexit, the rules have changed — and getting it wrong can result in your pet being refused entry or quarantined.
This complete 2026 guide explains everything you need to know about pet travel to France, including requirements, costs, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Summary
To take your dog to France, you must:
-
Microchip your dog
-
Get a valid rabies vaccination
-
Wait 21 days
-
Get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) within 10 days of travel
-
Travel to France
-
Get tapeworm treatment before returning to the UK
​
Step-by-Step: UK to France Dog Travel
1. Rabies Vaccination (Start here)
Your dog must be:
-
Microchipped
-
Vaccinated against rabies
Dogs can be vaccinated from 12 weeks old, and you must wait 21 days before travel.
Most rabies vaccines last 3 years.
Typical cost: £50–£90
2. Plan Your Route to France
Most common routes:
-
Eurotunnel (Folkestone to Calais)
-
Ferry (Dover to Calais or Dunkirk)
-
Ferry (Portsmouth to Caen, Cherbourg, St Malo)
France is usually the quickest and easiest EU entry point.
​
3. Get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
You must:
-
Get it within 10 days of departure
-
Have had rabies at least 21 days before
-
Visit an Official Veterinarian
Key facts:
-
Covers up to 5 pets
-
Valid for 6 months in the EU
-
Single-use only
​
4. Travel to France
At the port or Eurotunnel:
-
Microchip will be scanned
-
Documents checked
After entry, you can travel freely within the EU.
​
5. Tapeworm Treatment (Before Coming Home)
Before returning to the UK:
-
Must be done 1–5 days before arrival
-
Must be administered by an EU vet
-
Must be recorded in your AHC
​
6. Return to the UK
At the UK border, your paperwork will be checked.
​
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
AHC issued too early
-
Rabies not valid or within 21 days
-
Missing tapeworm treatment
-
Errors on certificate
​
Protecting Your Dog in France
Risks include:
-
Ticks
-
Fleas
-
Some mosquito-borne diseases (southern France)
​
Travelling by Car with a Dog
-
Use a harness or crate
-
Take regular breaks
-
Keep water available
-
Never leave your dog in a hot car
​
Need an Animal Health Certificate?
-
Book online in minutes
-
Fast turnaround
-
Experienced Official Veterinarians
​
FAQs
Do I need an Animal Health Certificate for France?
Yes, all dogs travelling from the UK to France require an AHC.
How long is an AHC valid?
10 days for entry into the EU, and up to 6 months for travel within the EU.
Do dogs need tapeworm treatment from France?
Yes, before returning to the UK.
Can I still use a UK pet passport?
No, UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid.
Can I still use an EU pet passport?
No, UK residents are no longer permitted to enter the EU with an EU pet passport.
​​
​
​
Contact Us if you have any further questions, our RCVS registered Official Veterinarians are on hand to offer you obligation free expert advice!
​
​
​