Pet travel

35 minute crossing
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Travelling to France with a pet

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Are you travelling with a dog, or other pet?

From £22 per pet, each way

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Travel and stay together

Chill out and relax in the comfort of your own car.

35 minute crossing

365 days a year, 24/7. Spend less time travelling and more time exploring.

Exercise areas

Dedicated areas with artificial grass (no more muddy paws) and complimentary poop bags.

Award winning

Voted for by our pet customers for being pawsitively pawsome!

Pet Travel with LeShuttle

Having proudly carried nearly 4 million happy pets since 2000, we understand they are part of the family. Dogs in particular! We know how much your canines mean to you and we see so many dogs travelling with LeShuttle. So if you are travelling to France with a dog, going with LeShuttle means you can all stay together for the short 35 minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais. Enjoy stress free travel for you and your dog, cat, rabbit or any common type of pet.

Facilities are available in both Folkestone and Calais to enable 24-hour pet check-in.

Pets can travel for only £22 per pet each way (applicable for dogs, cats & ferrets). DEFRA Pet Travel Documentation is required. Registered Guide and Assistance Dogs travel free*.

Pet rabbits (along with rodents, birds, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles) are also welcome onboard providing your vet has completed a Veterinary Certificate.

Top tips for taking your dog or pet to Europe with LeShuttle

  • Ensure your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date before you book your holiday - don't leave it until the last minute.
  • If you have a long journey ahead of you give your pet a light meal before you go and remember to pack small snacks for them (and the family).
  • Plan to make plenty of stops along the way.
  • Pack additional items like spare collars, leads, beds, as well as toilet bags and of course plenty of water. It's thirsty work going on holiday.
  • Be aware there are more biting insects abroad than we have in the UK. Ask your vet how you can take preventative steps for your pet
Check our our Pet Travel Checklist

Travelling to France with a dog

Watch our video to find out more about travelling with your furry friends.

Commercial pet transporters

If you wish to travel with up to 20 animals maximum, Calais to Folkestone only you must:

  • Have a LeShuttle pet transporter account. Application for a trade account can be made here. A copy of your Type 2 licence must be provided with your application, which may take up to 14 days to become active.
  • Provide a copy of an approved Type 2 licence. (LeShuttle pet transporter account will be in the name of the Company registered on the Type 2 licence)
  • Provide a copy of a Vehicle Approval Certificate, issued by the relevant delegated bodies in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
  • Be registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) FOR IPAFFS in Great Britain to enable notification to the UK authorities of all movement of live animals.
  • Provide a copy of your Goods Movement document, confirming your 12 digit Goods Movement Reference (GMR), required by HMRC when travelling Calais to Folkestone.

Travel only accepted between 08:00 and 20:00, therefore reserve your travel as soon as possible with the Customer Support team. We are not able to accept requests for commercial transportation of animals with less than 2 working days’ notice before your travel date.

In order to complete the required pre-checks, please send all documentation together with a LeShuttle disclaimer via our contact us page.

Travelling Folkestone to Calais:

  • The limit is 5 pets per vehicle travelling with their owners,  no commercial movement is allowed due to the agreement with the French Authorities

In order to complete the required pre-checks, please send all documentation together with a LeShuttle disclaimer via our contact us page. We are not able to accept requests for commercial transportation of animals with less than 2 working days’ notice before your travel date.*

Download the disclaimer

Commercial transportation of animals from Folkestone to Calais is currently not accepted. In all circumstances travel with 5+ animals (cats, dogs or ferrets) per vehicle will be refused.
*Please note that our office is open Monday-Friday 9.00-17.30 (exc Bank Holidays)

Travelling with pets for a competition or event

Pets travelling for competitions, exhibitions, sporting events or training are permitted to travel with our service under the pet passport travel scheme. The following is required for travel for such events:

  • The pet(s) must be aged over 6 months
  • The owner must provide written evidence of attendance / registration of the sporting event, competition, training or dog show. 
  • The owner must provide the declaration of the event participation. Please click here for the link to DEFRA for the declaration for such event.

If you wish to travel with more than 5 pets for such an event, this must be authorised at least 2 working days in advance of travel, by completing our contact us form and supplying the above information along with the booking reference number you will be using for travel.

If you are travelling with more than 5 pets, all must be travelling for the event, you cannot bring additional pets who will not be taking part. Bookings cannot be made through a pet transporter, as this will be classed as commercial pet transport.

Pet Holiday Ideas

FAQ

Our checklist

Pet check-in

  • What are the Pet Reception opening hours?

    Facilities are available in both Folkestone and Calais to enable 24-hour pet check-in.

    For more information, see our dedicated Pet Travel page.

  • Where do I check-in my pet on the Folkestone Terminal?

    Simply follow the signs to the Pet Reception, located at the entrance of the Passenger Terminal Building. 

    Facilities are available in both Folkestone and Calais to enable 24-hour pet check-in.

     

    folkestone-pet-area.jpg

  • Where do I check-in my pet on the Calais Terminal?

    Simply follow the paw print signs to the Pet Reception building, located before check-in on the Calais Terminal.

    Pet_Map_Calais_Feb_23.png

    If you travel during the night, head to the Pet Reception. If the building is closed, please report to the Night Time Pet Check-In in order to contact a member of staff.

  • Are there any designated pet exercise areas on either Terminal?

    Yes, you will find dedicated pet exercise areas throughout the site at both terminals.  These are all clearly marked in yellow. You will also find a pet exercise area behind the fuel garage, once you’ve disembarked your shuttle on arrival in the UK.

    All our pet exercise areas have complimentary dog waste bags for your convenience.

    Our Folkestone Pet Exercise area has moved!

    folkestone-pet-area.jpg

  • Do I need my booking number when I visit the Pet Reception?

    Yes, please bring your booking confirmation number. This will help identify your booking and speed up the pet check-in process.

    At the UK Pet Reception from 1st January 2021 you should also bring with you your pet's Animal Health Certificate and the pet reception referral hanger you will have been issued at check-in.

    An EU pet passport, issued in Great Britain, will be invalid to travel from UK to France from the 1st January 2021.  However, it will still be valid from France to UK if issued before the 1st January 2021.

    At the French Pet Reception also bring either your pet's Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport.

  • Do I have to bring my pet inside the Pet Reception?

    Yes, unless the sign indicates that the drive-thru (which is only available at Pet Reception in Calais) is open.

  • Are there any pet checks carried out when I travel from the Continent?

    Yes, mandatory checks are required when travelling with your pet(s) from the Continent.  Read our Pet Travel Scheme checklist before travelling or visit the DEFRA website for further details.  Please Note, you MUST visit the Pet Reception building on our Calais terminal before you check-in to travel.

     

    Pet-Map-Calais-Feb-23.jpg

  • Are there any pet checks when I travel from the United Kingdom?

    Yes, from 1st January 2021 mandatory checks are required when travelling with your pet(s) from the UK. Read our Pet Travel Scheme Checklist before travelling or visit the DEFRA website for further details.

    Pets-Map-UK.jpg

  • Are there any other pet controls after I have checked-in?

    Travel Calais to Folkestone

    No, after a satisfactory check, display the sticker received at the Pet Reception Building on our Calais Terminal in your windscreen and head to check-in.

     

    Travel Folkestone to Calais

    From 1st January 2021 you will need to take your pet referral hanger, which has been issued at check-in, to the pet reception located at the Passenger Terminal Building.

    From here, the pet checks will be carried out before you are able to proceed to your shuttle.

  • What is the minimum check-in time at the Pet Reception?

    Please check in your pet at least 1 hour, and no more than 2 hours before your booked departure.

Pre-travel requirements for pets

  • I am travelling with my rabbit, what do I need to do?

    Your vet will need to complete a Veterinary Certificate. Please ask your vet for more details. You will be required to take your rabbit’s Veterinary Certificate with you in both direction of travel should you be stopped by French Border Controls. A new Veterinary Certificate will be required for each round trip. Pet rabbits (along with rodents, birds, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles) continue to travel free of charge and do not need to be added to a booking.  

  • How do I get an animal health certificate?

    You must take your pet to your vet to get an animal health certificate. You need to do this no more than 10 days before you travel. The certificate needs to be signed by an official veterinarian.

    Your pet’s animal health certificate will be valid after the date of issue for:

    • 10 days for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland
    • 4 months for onward travel within the EU
    • 4 months for re-entry to Great Britain

    Your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland from Great Britain. For more information visit Defra’s website: https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad

  • Can LeShuttle check my pet travel documents in advance?

    We are not able to check any documents before arriving at Pet Reception buildings. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Defra for advice.

  • What your vet needs to know about your pet's official travel documents
    • When the Official Veterinarian "OV" is completing your pet’s official travel documents (Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport), make sure the date of implantation or date of reading of the microchip is the same date, or before, the date of the rabies vaccination
    • The certificate reference number must be written on each page of your pet’s Animal Health Certificate
    • Each page must be stamped with the official stamp of the OV/LVI (Local Veterinary Inspector) for British vets on your pet’s Animal Health Certificate
    • All relevant Section of an EU Pet Passport should be correctly filled and stamped where needed by your EU Official Veterinarian ("EU Vet").
    • For the Rabies Section of the EU Pet Passport make sure that vaccine name and manufacturer, date of vaccination, "valid from" and "valid until" dates, and EU Vet details or stamp and signature of your EU Vet are filled in dedicated boxes.
    • A GB/non-EU vet cannot complete the Rabies section of an EU issued pet passport.
    • If an EU vet inserts the non-EU/GB vet’s details on the Rabies section of an EU issued pet passport, such that it appears to have been completed by a GB/non-EU Vet it will invalidate the document. Travel will not be permitted.
    • The EU Vet must insert their own details or stamp and signature in the dedicated boxes on the EU pet passport.
    • If a Rabies vaccination in an EU issued pet passport has expired whilst the pet has been in GB, an Animal Health Certificate must be issued for travel. You will then need to attend an EU Vet to update your EU pet passport.

    For more information please see: OV Instructions (defra.gov.uk)

  • What are the health requirements for bringing a pet to France?

    Your dog, cat or ferret will need to be microchipped, have the correct pet documentation and a valid vaccination against rabies. Read our Pet Travel Scheme Checklist before travelling or visit the DEFRA website for further details.

  • Where can I find a local vet?

    In the UK

    Please click here to find a list of local vets near our Folkestone terminal.

    In France

    Please click here to find a list of local vets near our Calais terminal. Please note payment in cash may be required by some French vets.

  • How often does my pet have to have a blood test?

    Blood test is no longer required if you are entering the UK from EU and listed non-EU countries

    Blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination if entering the UK from unlisted non-EU countries.

    Visit the DEFRA website for further details.

  • What do I have to do to bring my pet dog, cat or ferret back into the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)?

    To bring your dog, cat or ferret into the UK under 'PETS' you must follow the revised procedures which come into effect from 1st January 2021. Read our Pet Travel Scheme checklist before travelling or visit the DEFRA website for further details. Please note, you MUST visit the Pet Reception building on our Calais terminal before you check-in to travel.

  • What do I need to know about the new Pet Passport?

    Changes to the Pet Travel Scheme will come into effect on 1st January 2021. Read our Pet Travel Scheme Checklist before travelling or visit the DEFRA website for further details.

Dog tapeworm treatments

  • Does my dog need a tapeworm treatment for travelling to the EU?

    No, this worm treatment is only required travelling from Calais to Folkestone

  • What happens if my dog doesn’t have the tapeworm treatment in time?

    The tapeworm treatment must be administered by a vet between 24–120 hours before arrival in UK. Failure to do so will result in your pet being refused travel until the tapeworm treatment has been administered within the time frame above.

  • When does the tapeworm treatment have to be applied to my pet dog?

    Your dog must be treated against tapeworm before travelling to the UK. 

    Treatment must be administered by a vet not less than 24 hours (1 day) and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before the dog's scheduled arrival time in the UK. Treatment date and time must be recorded by the vet in the pet’s documentation.

    If you are travelling to France and returning to the UK within 5 days, the tapeworm treatment can be administered by a vet in the UK before your outbound journey to France.

    Please note if the tapeworm treatment is not administered in time or correctly documented by a vet, it will result in your pet being refused travel.

    Tapeworm treatment must:

    • Be administrated by a vet
    • Must contain Praziquantel to be effective against Echinococcus tapeworm

    The following products : Stronghold, Advocate, Frontline or Frontline Combo, Nexgard or Nexgard Spectra will not be accepted and will result in the animal being refused travel.

     

    Further information about pet travel and requirements

  • What tapeworm treatment can be used on my dog?

    You must ensure with your vet that only approved tapeworm treatments containing praziquantal or other active substances licensed and marketed as effective against tapeworm are used to treat tapeworm.

     

    Please note that the products "Advocate" and "Frontline combo" do not contain praziquantal and therefore are not acceptable treatment against tapeworm for pets travelling under the Pet travel Scheme rules. 

    Also please note that "Stronghold" is not licensed as a tick or tapeworm treatment and therefore is not acceptable treatment against tapeworm for pets travelling under the Pet travel Scheme rules.

    Please contact DEFRA or your vet for more information.

General FAQs

  • Brexit and pet travel

    If you have questions or concerns about travelling with your pets after Brexit, please check our dedicated post-Brexit travel page. More information

  • Is there a limit to the numbers of dogs, cats or ferrets I can take?

    There is a limit of 5 pets (cats/dogs/ferrets) per vehicle.

    Please see here for more information about commercial pet transporters, or to open a trade/business account

  • Can I take my horse to the Continent?

    Eurotunnel Le Shuttle are able to transport domestic equidae on its single deck passenger shuttles. Horses must travel in a horse transporter of the appropriate standard and must have Type 2 transporter of the appropriate certificate of inspection under article 18(2) of the Welfare of Animals during Transport regulations, or national equivalent. Please click here to book using one of our horse travel partners.

  • Guide and Assistance dogs

    LeShuttle is an authorised pet carrier and does not prevent any dog from accessing its service where the animal meets the requirements of the DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) and EU entry requirements.

    The Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and International Guide Dogs Federation (IGDF) programmes in the UK are noted to demonstrate how they verify the way the user has been taught to supervise the dog in a responsible way to carry out a specific task to assist a disabled person, or person with a medical condition which requires the use of an assistance dog, without which they could not access a service. To ensure genuine assistance dog users are able to exercise their rights and ensure the legitimacy of assistance dogs, the current UK guidance is that the standards of training, behaviour and health that should be applied in relation to international travel have been established by ADI or in the case of Guide Dogs, to the standards set by the IGDF.

    In line with other international carriers (including those who are not authorised to carry pets but are obliged to carry ADI and IGDF registered dogs which also meet the criteria of the PETS travel scheme) LeShuttle accepts, free of charge, assistance dogs certified by an organisation that is a full member of ADI and IGDF, the accrediting bodies for assistance dog organisations worldwide.

    The Government does advise that people who travel with guide or assistance dogs check with the travel company, if the organisation that trained your dog is not a member of either association (ADI or IGDF) Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain: Guide and assistance dogs - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

    As an authorised carrier of pets, LeShuttle does not exclude access to its service to any dog which meets the PETS criteria and pays the relevant fee.

  • Can I add pets to a booking I have made already?

    Yes you can. Amendments to your travel booking can be made subject to availability, as long as they are completed before the expiry of the ticket (before midnight on the current date of travel). With most bookings you can now do this online using the password which was in your emailed booking confirmation. However, if you paid for all or part of your booking using Tesco travel vouchers, you will need to arrange this by contacting us by phone.

  • Does my dog need a muzzle when travelling?

    Pet owners must remain responsible for their dogs at all times. If your dog usually wears a muzzle then we would advise you continue to use it.

  • Where are pets kept whilst on-board the shuttle?

    Your pet stays with you in your vehicle during the 35 minute crossing.

  • Where can I find a pet friendly hotel?

    Please click here for a list of pet-friendly hotels near our Folkestone terminal.

* When accompanying their owner. An official registration certificate will have to be presented at the pet reception on both our UK and French terminals prior to travel, together with the dog's travel documentation.

See: Carriage of animals

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