UK to France with Your Dog: Prep Checklist

If there’s one thing you’ll notice quickly in France, it’s just how welcome dogs are—almost everywhere. From outdoor cafés to scenic hiking trails, this country tends to be far more pet-friendly than you might expect. So if you’re planning a family holiday and don’t want to leave your furry friend behind, France makes it pretty easy to bring them along. You do however need to make sure you have completed a number of steps before departure!

Changes in Pet Passports 

As you probably know, leaving the EU meant that there were changes in how you now travel with your pet. You can no longer use a pet passport issued in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) for travel to France and from the 22nd April 2026, you can no longer use a pet passport issued in an EU country.

Check this link on the UK Government website Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad: Travelling to an EU country – GOV.UK where it states that you must now have an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued from your UK vet if you are going to an EU country.

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

• 10 days for entry into the EU

• 6 months for onward travel within the EU after you enter the EU

• 6 months for re-entry to Great Britain

N.B You can use an EU pet passport if you live in Northern Ireland Travelling with Pets | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Please always check using the UK Government website – Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad: Travelling to an EU country – GOV.UK but here is current checklist. 

UK to France and back to UK with Your Dog: Prep Checklist

If there’s one thing you’ll notice quickly in France, it’s just how welcome dogs are—almost everywhere. From outdoor cafés to scenic hiking trails, this country tends to be far more pet-friendly than you might expect. So if you’re planning a family holiday and don’t want to leave your furry friend behind, France makes it pretty easy to bring them along. You do however need to make sure you have completed a number of steps before departure!

Changes in Pet Passports (from 22nd April 2026)

As you probably know, leaving the EU meant that there were changes in how you now travel with your pet. You can no longer use a pet passport issued in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) for travel to France ( and from the 22nd April 2026, you can no longer use a pet passport issued in an EU country).

Check this link on the UK Government website Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad: Travelling to an EU country – GOV.UK where it states that you must now have an Animal Health Certificate issued from your vet if you are going to an EU country.

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

• 10 days for entry into the EU

• 6 months for onward travel within the EU after you enter the EU

• 6 months for re-entry to Great Britain

N.B You can use a pet passport if you live in Northern Ireland Travelling with Pets | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

– It’s a good idea to check the rules of any country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel. You can find out more at the UK Government Website. 

To take a dog into France and then return to the UK. Please always check using the UK Government website.

Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad: Travelling to an EU country – GOV.UK

The current requirements are as follows; 

1. Microchip your pet

You must get your pet microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination. If you do not, they’ll need to be vaccinated again.

2. Get your pet vaccinated against rabies

Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies before it can travel. Your vet needs proof that your pet is at least 12 weeks old before vaccinating them.

If your pet needs a rabies vaccination, you must wait 21 days after the vaccination before your pet can travel. If your pet has already been vaccinated, check if they need a booster vaccination.

You do not need to wait to travel after a booster vaccination if there has been no break in the vaccine cover.

3. Get a pet travel document

Get an animal health certificate from your vet if you’re going to an EU country or Northern Ireland.

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

• 6 months for onward travel within the EU after you enter the EU

• 6 months for re-entry to Great Britain

4. Arrive in France

You’ll need to go through a travellers’ point of entry when you arrive in an EU country or Northern Ireland.

You may need to show your pet’s animal health certificate or a valid pet passport, containing proof of their:

• microchip

• rabies vaccination

5. Check your return journey

The rules for returning with your pet into Great Britain from France are that you will need a vet to give them a tapeworm treatment. Your dog must be treated no less than 24 hours before (and no more than 5 days before) you arrive in Great Britain.

You will also need to fill in a declaration if you’re not going to sell or transfer the ownership of your pet.

6. If you’re travelling with more than 5 pets

You cannot take more than 5 pets in a private vehicle to an EU country unless you’re: 

• attending or training for an event

• exporting for commercial purposes

You can take up to 5 pets as a foot passenger.

Attending or training for an event

You’ll need written evidence of registration when you travel for an event, including:

• competitions

• shows

• sporting events

All of your pets must meet all the other requirements for pet travel to that country.

Need more information before you travel – Check out our other Dog Friendly France Guides

🐾 Planning your trip?
Use our guide to Dog Friendly Travel between the UK and France to make your journey smooth and stress-free.

🏡 Need a place to stay?
Book one of our Dog Friendly Rentals throughout France and enjoy a comfortable stay with your pup.

🏖️ Looking for places to play?
Check out Dog Friendly Beaches in France and make the most of your time by the sea.

🧳 Want to be fully prepared?
Learn some top Dog Friendly Tips in France so you and your four-legged companion have the best trip possible.