How we Exported Our Dog to Europe from UK

We have been travelling the world with our beagle Sniffy, and we decided to take him from the UK over to Europe. When we decided to continue our travels from the UK to Europe, travel via ferry and train (using leShuttle, formerly Eurostar) were both options. We opted to take our car and Sniffy on leShuttle through the channel tunnel (“chunnel”) over to France. We would then continue on through France, Switzerland, Spain to Portugal. It’s interesting to note that, according to recent statistics, around 250,000 pets travel with their families each year across European borders. In preparing for the short journey across border, we had to prepare Sniffy for legal entry into the European Union (EU).

Preparing Our Dog for Travel

Preparation is key when relocating your dog from the UK to Europe. Here’s what we did to get started:

Microchip Database

• Ensured our dog was microchipped, which is a requirement under European Union pet travel regulations. The Proof of Keepership Certificate for Sniffy was an essential document for relocating him from the UK to mainland Europe. Issued by Animal Tracker for GBP 9.95, a DEFRA-approved pet microchip database, this certificate officially confirmed that Sniffy was registered under our keepership. While it did not serve as proof of legal ownership, it was necessary to demonstrate compliance with UK pet registration regulations when traveling internationally. As part of the pet relocation process, authorities often require documentation verifying microchip implantation and registered keepership, ensuring the dog’s identity matches travel and veterinary records. This certificate, along with Sniffy’s pet passport, microchip details, and vaccination records, allowed for a smooth transition across borders, meeting the necessary requirements for entry into the European Union.

Rabies Vaccination

Your dog (who must be at least 12 weeks old at time of vaccination) must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccine name and manufacturer, as well as vaccination date, valid from and expiry dates must be recorded in the AHC or EU Pet Passport by a registered vet (signature and stamp or vet details are mandatory) in the relevant boxes in Rabies Section of the EU Pet Passport or AHC.

Sniffy had a valid rabies vaccination after his entry to the UK from Australia. The vaccination is required at least 21 days before your travel date.

Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport

There have been some changes to the UK’s status in the EU pet travel scheme that may affect your pet travel requirements when using Le Shuttle. 

If you are traveling from the UK and your pet has an EU Pet Passport issued in Great Britain, it is no longer valid for travel to the EU. You’ll need to get an Animal Health Certificate instead.  

If you and your pet are departing from an EU country, you should get an EU Pet Passport.

If you and your pet are departing from a non-EU listed or unlisted third country or territory, you will need to obtain an Official Third Country Veterinary Health Certificate. If you’re not sure of the status of your departure country, you can find guidance here.

Choosing the Right Transportation Method

Traveling with a dog from the UK to Europe can be done in several ways. We considered the following options:

1. Driving: We found it’s often less stressful for dogs as we maintained a familiar environment, a short car ride on leShuttle in the Eurotuunnel and we were in France.
2. Flying: Direct flights are possible to minimize the time your dog spends in transit.
3. Ferry: You can travel to France or Spain with your pet aboard our ferries from around £35 to France and £50 to Spain each way.
4. Pet Transport Services: Ideal for those who prefer professionals handling pet relocation, but it can be costlier.

These are dog-friendly travel routes between the UK and Europe.

We decided that the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle was the best route for us with Sniffy to the mainland Europe, due to cost and travel time. Often on the ferries there is a requirement for the dog to stay in the onboard kennel, and longer ferry rides include an overnight onboard.

Driving a UK Car in France and Europe

We needed a Crit’ Air sticker to drive in low emission zones in France. A Crit’ Air sticker is a round sticker you place in the windscreen of your car. It categorizes your vehicle based on the level of emissions it produces. If you’re driving from the UK in a UK-registered vehicle, you won’t be able to buy a Crit’Air emissions sticker in France. You must order your Crit’Air emissions sticker direct from the official French government website and ensure it’s displayed before you leave for France. You cannot buy your Crit’ Air sticker from LeShuttle (formerly Eurotunnel LeShuttle). In 2025, Crit’ Air stickers cost €3.11 + €1.65 postage if you are registering a vehicle outside France and it will take between 10 days and six weeks to arrive in the post. Ours did not arrive in time for departure, and we were often anxious that we were not displaying the sticker on our car; and would have to explain in English that our registration plate is subscribed. However, we learned the stickers were contentious and locals were rebelling against them, with many cars not purchasing the sticker.

Also, you will require a UK magnet label for the rear of the car, and to have a safety triangle and hi-vis vest with you.

Many European countries (such as Switzerland) require a vignette (toll sticker) for highway use, which can be purchased at border crossings or online.

Booking Travel for Le Shuttle Crossing

Le Shuttle is the only link for vehicles crossing the Eurotunnel, providing a passage between the UK and France. Unlike traditional ferry services, which can be subject to weather delays and longer boarding times, Le Shuttle offers a streamlined process that takes just 35 minutes from coast to coast. With up to four departures per hour during peak times, it’s no wonder that over 2.6 million cars used Le Shuttle in 2022 alone. For our journey, we chose Le Shuttle for its efficiency and the convenience of staying with Sniffy in our car during the entire crossing. The terminal at Folkestone is well-equipped, with pet exercise areas and facilities to ensure your furry friends are comfortable before embarking. As we drove onto the train, Sniffy seemed unfazed, enjoying the continuity of being in his familiar surroundings.

Google Maps URL: Folkestone to Calais via Le Shuttle.

Folkstone Pet Reception

Border control is an essential checkpoint. We ensured our dog had all necessary documentation including booking reference number described above ready for inspection.

At the Eurotunnel, we used the Pet Reception for additional checks and assistance.

he 24/7 Pet Reception lets you check in your dog. Follow the paw prints through the car park to the Pet Reception at the Folkestone terminal building.Check-in is at least 1 hour (and no more than 2 hours) before you’re booked to depart.

There is a also a dog park and toilet area near the Pet Reception.

In-car Travel on the Train

Our car and all occupants was driven onto the train for the 35 minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais.

When arriving in Calais, France there was no additional requirements. We rolled off the train and was in a queue and on the motorway in minutes.

Relocating our dog from the UK to Europe was a straightforward process. With careful planning and consideration of each step, we facilitated a smooth transition, ensuring Sniffy felt safe and comfortable throughout the over to France.