Evening all. It may be a few days before Christmas and, maybe, I should be wrapping the kids pressies, but all I can think about is next year's holidays! We recently adopted a rescue dog and would love to take her on holiday with us to wherever we end up in Europe next year. I'm looking at the gov.uk website and am feeling quite confused. Is going to my vets to ask their advice the best place to start with the passport? Any advice, information or tips would be very much appreciated! Thanks in advance.
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We have travelled to France with our rescue Border Collie five times now using both ferries and the tunnel. We have found the process easy by both methods.
I assume your recent rescue has had all the vaccinations up to date so you just need to get the passport sorted at your vets.
If you are going to the south part of France or Italy /Spain you should also consider Leishmaniasis injections.
We have found France to be very dog friendly and have often been allowed in restaurants with her.
Her vaccinations are all up to date. We're not sure where we are heading yet so thank you for advice on other vaccinations. I'll head to the vets in the new year and start the ball rolling.
As I understand it, at the moment and during the “transition period”, until the end of 2020, your dog will need a rabies injection at least 21 days (I think) before travel and a European pet passport from your vet (I’m assuming your dog has been microchipped - if not, that will need doing too).
When you leave the U.K., depending on which ferry port you use, you may have to show your dog’s passport and scan her microchip.
Coming back, you will need to take the dog to a European vet, no more than 5 days and no less than 24 hours before your return crossing, for administration of a worming tablet, a general health check and completion of the passport. Double check the passport before you leave the vets that it has been correctly dated, time entered and signed, as any issues could result in you not being able to travel. The map of European vets on here is very helpful in finding a vet recommended by members.
At check-in at the European port, the microchip will be scanned and the passport checked.
After the end of the “transition period” the dog may need a blood test to prove the rabies injection has been effective and a Health Certificate rather than the pet passport, depending on what deal has been reached with the EU, but at the moment nobody knows.
Congratulations on adopting a rescue dog - we have recently done the same and are getting things sorted for taking him abroad with us in April, as we did with our previous dog. It all seems quite daunting, but is quite straightforward once you’ve done it a time or two.
If you have any other questions about taking your dog abroad please ask - I did and found the answers very helpful and reassuring.
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The information by 'bofs' is correct and easy to follow.
Do check the costs at other local Vets, not just assume your Vet is the best price, as you may find charges vary considerably for the exact same passports and treatments required for wherever you go in Europe.
We have a rehoused dog, seven years old when we had him, and although he is very happy being driven in our car he is less than happy, but gradually getting better, in our Motorhome.
Could I add that we use Eurotunnel as we think it is less stressful for the dog, quicker and the dog stays with you for the 35 minute crossing.
Thank you Bofs and KeithChesterfield for taking the time to reply. You have given us useful information. Having tried Eurotunnel and various ferry crossings we now take the Eurotunnel every time!
When we get to the Eurotunnel here in the UK, do we need to go into the pet building to get documents checked or is that just when we get to the other side? We generally get a late crossing and stay in an aire in France or sleep in the carpark at Folkstone so we're there for an early train the next day. Maybe these options won't work as well now that we have our doggy to consider.
Latty, if you have a dog on board you need to go into the pet building at both ends. Just remember you cannot travel until at least 24 hours after the time the vet puts in the passport or a full 5 days after that time
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When taking our dog to France for the last decade by Eurotunnel we have not had to stop or even declare the dog was on board at the Folkestone Terminal on our way out.
It's only on the way back that you need to call at the Pet Passport Office and have the dogs Passport checked.
If everything is okay you are given a 'sticker' to display on the windscreen to confirm you have called at the P.P Office.
The Vet visit times, more that 24 hours and less than 120 hours before crossing, are as 'bofs' said.
Here is a recent visit we made to the Pet Passport Office -
We have found that it is often cheaper to visit a vet a day or two earlier, on our way back to the coast. Coastal vets can be expensive and busy. Campsite staff are usually happy to arrange this for you if you wish.
We have been taking 2 dogs for a number of years and always travel via Eurotunnel. One of ours gets so nervous, even so, that we now go and sit in the caravan with her on a lap during the crossing.
On the way back, the Pet Passport Office is well signed with "paw print" signs. It is off to the right before you reach the check in booths.
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
My apologies, it’s the long ferry that checks the dog on the way out, primarily to issue the cabin or kennel but they do ask you to scan the microchip. Seasonal greetings 🐶🐶🎅🏻🎅🏻
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A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Tips for taking dog to Europe
via mobile 22/12/2019 at 9:02pm
