Pet Transport UK to France: Post-Brexit Documentation in 2026
Taking your dog or cat from United Kingdom to France comes down to good timing and the right paperwork. Expect about 4-8 weeks. Nothing here is unusually complex, but the deadlines matter. There is no routine quarantine, provided the …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United Kingdom to France
typically takes around 4-8 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The United Kingdom to France pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm microchip is ISO-standard and pre-dates rabies vaccination
Responsible: Vet to confirm
Verify now. This is the most common documentation error.
2
Confirm rabies vaccination is current and 21-day wait is complete
Responsible: Vet to verify
At least 21 days must have passed since the first vaccination in the primary course.
3
Book Eurotunnel crossing, ferry crossing, or air cargo space
Responsible: Owner
Book your transport method first, especially for popular dates.
4
Find and book appointment with APHA-authorised Official Veterinarian
Responsible: Owner
Book 2-3 weeks ahead. OV appointment must be scheduled within 10 days of travel.
5
OV issues Animal Health Certificate
Responsible: APHA-authorised OV
Within 10 days of travel date
6
Travel to France via chosen route
Responsible: Owner
On travel date. Present AHC at French border inspection post if required.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter France
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Primary vaccination followed by a 21-day wait before EU entry. Boosters must be within validity.
Rabies titre test
Not required. France/EU accepts pets from the UK (a listed country) without a titre test.
Quarantine
Not required for pets with correct documentation.
Import permit
No import permit required for companion animals (dogs, cats, ferrets) entering France.
Health certificate
AHC issued within 10 days of travel, valid for EU entry and then for 4 months of onward travel within the EU.
Export permit (United Kingdom)
No export permit required from the UK. The AHC serves as the travel document.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Eurotunnel vehicle booking: £60 to £200 depending on date and peak season surcharge
Ferry crossing: £50 to £180 depending on ferry company and route
AHC from Official Veterinarian: £150 to £400 depending on vet and location
Air cargo: £400 to £1,200 from Heathrow for the air route option
Pet transport agent fee if used: £200 to £800
Total typical range (driving): £200 to £600
Total typical range (air): £700 to £2,000
Critical points to read before you book
GB pet passports (issued in Great Britain) are NOT valid for entry into France or any EU country. Post-Brexit, UK pets require an Animal Health Certificate issued for each journey. This applies even if you have an old GB pet passport with valid vaccinations recorded in it.
The AHC is valid for 10 days from the date of issue for EU entry. It cannot be used for a return journey from the UK. Each trip from the UK into the EU requires a new AHC.
Certain breeds are restricted in France under dangerous dog legislation: Category 1 dogs (including Pit Bull Terrier types and Boerboel) are banned, and Category 2 dogs (including American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Tosa) require a muzzle and lead in public. These are in-country rules, separate from import entry rights.
Foot passengers on Eurotunnel cannot bring pets. Only vehicles can carry animals through the tunnel. If travelling without a car, the ferry or air option applies.
APHA-authorised OVs can be difficult to find at short notice. Book your appointment 2-3 weeks ahead, even though the examination itself must happen within 10 days of travel.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
BRITISH
British Airways / Air France
No pets in cabin on transatlantic-configured aircraft. Cargo service available for the air route. Air France allows small dogs and cats in-cabin on European flights from Paris.
Cargo Only
EUROTUNNEL LE
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle
Pets travel in the car throughout the 35-minute crossing. Most popular option for UK to France moves. Foot passengers cannot bring pets.
Cargo Only
DFDS / P&O
DFDS / P&O Ferries
Dover to Calais or Dunkirk. Pets stay in the car during crossing or in designated pet kennels for longer sailings. Foot passengers check ferry-specific pet policies.
Cargo Only
What France requires
The path into France is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Avoiding the common mistakes
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
FAQ
Common questions about United Kingdom to France pet transport
Yes. The AHC is valid for EU entry and 4 months of onward EU travel, but it is not valid for return entry into the UK. A return journey from France to Great Britain requires a new AHC (or in some circumstances, the French equivalent), issued by an Official Veterinarian in France within 10 days of returning to the UK. For dogs returning to the UK, tapeworm treatment within 24-120 hours of GB arrival is also required.
No. The 21-day waiting period after the primary vaccination course (or the first vaccination if your dog has never been vaccinated before) is mandatory before EU entry. If your dog was vaccinated 15 days ago, you must wait 6 more days before travelling. The Official Veterinarian cannot issue the AHC until the 21-day period is complete.
Not all vets are authorised to issue AHCs. You need an OV specifically accredited by APHA. The GOV.UK website has guidance on finding OVs, and many veterinary practices can refer you to an OV they work with for international certificates. Specialist pet transport agents in the UK also have established relationships with OVs. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance, though the examination appointment itself must be within 10 days of travel.
Yes, but each trip from the UK into France still requires a new AHC. The AHC is not reusable. For a short holiday, the cost of the OV appointment (£150 to £400) applies every time. Some owners find this expensive for brief trips. There is currently no simplified process for frequent short trips with pets post-Brexit, though this has been discussed by the UK and EU authorities.
Yes. Cats, dogs and ferrets all require the Animal Health Certificate for UK to France travel. The core requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, 21-day wait) apply equally to all three species. There is no tapeworm treatment requirement for cats and ferrets on the outbound UK to France journey (though dogs returning to the UK from France do need tapeworm treatment).
Airline guides
British Airways / Air France
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle
DFDS / P&O Ferries
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.