Pet Transport from France to UK: Post-Brexit Rules and What You Need

Since Brexit, the UK and EU have separate pet travel regimes. Bringing a pet from France to the UK is possible, but the process now involves more paperwork than when the UK was in the EU. The key requirement is an official animal health certificate (AHC) issued by an official vet in France.

The UK’s requirements for EU pets

The UK accepts pets from EU-listed countries (which includes France) without a titre test, but requires: ISO microchip, current rabies vaccination, an AHC issued by an Official Vet in France and endorsed by the French veterinary authority (DDPP or DDETSPP), tapeworm treatment for dogs, and travel on an approved route.

EU pet passport: no longer valid for UK entry

French-issued EU pet passports are no longer valid for entry to Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). You need the official AHC for each journey. Northern Ireland has different rules (it remains under a specific protocol).

The AHC

The AHC must be issued by an Official Vet (Veterinaire Sanitaire) in France. The vet will confirm: microchip, rabies vaccination (with date, product, batch, expiry), and fitness to travel. The certificate is valid for 10 days after the vet examination date for entry into the UK, then for onward travel for a further 4 months.

Tapeworm treatment for dogs

This is mandatory. Praziquantel at 5mg/kg minimum must be given by a vet between 1 and 5 days before UK arrival. The vet must record the treatment in the health certificate. Missing this step means your dog will be refused entry.

Approved routes

You must use a PETS-approved route. Popular options include:

  • Eurostar (Le Shuttle car train, not passenger trains) through the Channel Tunnel
  • DFDS ferry (Dunkirk/Calais to Dover)
  • P&O ferry (Calais to Dover)

Notify the ferry or Eurostar operator in advance that you are travelling with a pet.

Cats and ferrets

Cats follow the same rules as dogs (minus tapeworm treatment). Ferrets can also travel but have specific additional requirements.

What changed since Brexit

Before 2021, French pets with an EU passport could enter the UK without the AHC. Now every journey requires a fresh AHC and tapeworm treatment for dogs. Plan for a vet appointment 24 to 120 hours before each cross-Channel trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Pets can travel from France to the UK after Brexit, but the rules changed in 2021. French pets (or pets registered in the EU) now need an official animal health certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Vet in France, microchip, current rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatment for dogs, and must use an approved route.

No. France is a listed country for UK pet travel, which means a rabies titre test is not required. A valid rabies vaccination and the AHC are sufficient.

Yes. Dogs entering the UK from France must be treated against Echinococcus tapeworm (tapeworm treatment using praziquantel). The treatment must be administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before arrival. The vet must document it in the health certificate.

Approved routes include: ferry services (Eurostar in the car, Dover-Calais ferries operated by DFDS and P&O), and air cargo. Not all ferry routes are PETS-approved. Check the UK Government’s list of approved routes at gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain.

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