Pets going to France on a temporary basis from the UK
Since Brexit, the departure of the UK from Europe, taking pets to France has meant updated requirements and it’s best to check the regulatory websites to get updated information.
If you’re taking your pet on holiday and will be returning to the UK (temporary basis classification) you’ll need to take the following actions to confirm with UK regulations.
It is important that the requirements are carried out in the order specified as if you get the animal vaccinated before you have the ID resolved you will have to re-vaccinate. These requirements are also necessary for guide and hearing dogs.
Paperwork and requirements for pets to travel to Europe from UK
1. Identification of your animal: microchip under the skin only, as British authorities do not accept identification by tattoo.
2. A valid vaccination against rabies (first vaccination and boosters). Animals must be at least 3 months old before being vaccinated. Only rabies vaccinations given after the microchip are acceptable – treatments prior to the microchip don’t count.
Rabies boosters have to be kept up to date. You need to wait 21 days after the first vaccination date before re-entering the UK but subsequent entries to the UK have no waiting period provided rabies boosters are kept up to date. If the vaccination is in two parts the 21 day wait will be after the date of the second vaccination.
3. An EU pet passport issued by a Government-approved vet (check with your vet that he/she is covered to issue the required document). Note an EU pet passport issues in a member state is still valid to enter the UK.
4. Travel from countries not free from tapeworm. Before a dog can enter the UK it must have tapeworm treatment to be carried out not less than 25 hours and not more than 120 hours before the planned time of arrival in the UK. The details of the treatment must be recorded on an official certificate of treatment or in the pet passport by the vet who has carried out the treatment. If you’re on holiday and not sure how to find a vet in your locality you can ask at the local tourist office or town hall or check the Pages Jaunes online for a local vétérinaire. There is no mandatory requirement for tick treatment for cats and dogs.
Approved routes
The UK Government requires that pets travelling into the UK must be transported using only approved routes. The French authorities do not apply restrictions on routes of transport of pets between the UK and France. The use of private means of transport is allowed.
Routes approved for transport from France to the UK are listed on the UK Government DEFRA website. Eurotunnel, DFDS, P&O ferries and various other ferry companies all accommodate pet transport requirements.
See the UK Government websit for the latest updates and information for details of pet travel to and from the UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-and-from-great-britain
