TRAVELLING WITH A PET

Now that the UK has left the EU pet travel has changed. You will no longer be able to travel with a GB-issued EU pet passport, so you will need an EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Or if travelling from the EU an EU Pet Passport issued by another EU country or Northern Ireland. 

The below rule check list can be used to help you plan ahead. We also recommend that you speak to your vet and keep up to date with DEFRA guidelines on the gov.uk website. 

In order to travel your pet must have:

• an animal health certificate (AHC), or a valid EU pet passport that’s accepted in the country you’re travelling to. You will need a new Animal Health Certificate every time you travel to an EU country. 

You must get an animal health certificate in the 10 days before you enter the EU as long as your pet either:
- has an up-to-date rabies vaccination already.
- only needs booster doses to keep the vaccination up to date.

If your pet needs a rabies vaccination, you must wait 21 days after the vaccination date before you get an animal health certificate. Day 1 is the day after vaccination.

We advise you tell your vet you need an AHC when you take your pet to get vaccinated. This gives your vet time to prepare it. 

Your pet’s animal health certificate is only valid for one single trip and will be valid after the date of issue for:
- 10 days for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland
- 4 months for onward travel within the EU
- 4 months for re-entry to Great Britain

Find out more on how to apply for an AHC and what information should be recorded by your vet by visiting the gov.uk website.

• a microchip - 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.

• a valid rabies vaccination - You must get your dog, cat or ferret vaccinated against rabies before it can travel to the EU or Northern Ireland. Your vet needs proof that your pet is at least 12 weeks old before vaccinating them. You must wait 21 days to travel after your pet is vaccinated. Day 1 is the day after the rabies vaccination.

• tapeworm treatment for dogs - A vet must treat your dog for tapeworm and record it in either an animal health certificate or a valid EU pet passport for entry into Great Britain.
  The treatment must have been given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before your arrival into England; please check when your ship is scheduled to arrive, we recommend you visit the vet at least one day before you travel. To check what treatment information your vet must record on your ACH or EU pet passport please visit the government website.

Dogs, cats or ferrets are allowed on our ships, as long as they meet all the EU entry requirements and have a valid AHC or EU Pet Passport. For more details visit the gov.uk site. 

As all pets must stay inside the vehicle during the trip, unless you have upgraded to the Pet Lounge, we’ve put together a few tips on how to make the journey as comfortable and hassle-free as possible for both you and your pet. 

Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.

Before you sail

Things to bring for the journey to help your pet have a comfortable sailing.

• Water container, please ensure the container is spill-proof and contains enough fresh water for the journey.

• Absorbent pads or bedding for your car, the kennel or your pet-friendly cabin.

• Pet waste sacks.

• Favourite toys to help them settle.

Please make sure to feed your pet at least a few hours before boarding the ship – if you do it later then they may get travel sick.

Give your pet plenty of exercise before they travel – that way, they’re likely to be less restless on the car journey.

Always allow time for your pet to go to the toilet before boarding.

Tips for during the sailing

You should also leave some water in the car in a non-spill bowl for them, so that they can stay hydrated.

Make sure your car is as cool as possible when you leave them, particularly in the summer months, and always leave a window or two open for them.

We know how much your furry friends matter to you, which is why we're pleased to let you know that both our Dover and Calais Ferry Terminals now have two dedicated pet areas for your much-loved pets to stretch their paws and enjoy some playtime in the open-air!

Not only that, for the Crufts wannabes among your beloved companions, we also have a few obstacle tasks within the exercise areas to get them energised and exercised, as well as a seating area for you to relax.

Our staff will be happy to direct you to these dedicated pet areas once you've checked in, just ask them for directions.

If your pet is poorly on the way to the ferry, you’ll find the nearest vet information for Dover and Calais ports below.

As your pet stays in your vehicle during the voyage, it’s important to make sure they’re fully fit and well before boarding the ship.

White Cliffs Vets
Unit 11, Whitfield Court, White Cliffs Business Park, Whitfield, CT16 3PX
Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 6pm 
Thursday open until 7pm
Saturday 8.30am to 12noon
Tel: 01304 41 41 41
Web: www.whitecliffsvets.co.uk

Clinique Vétérinaire
Dr Wuillot, Dr Lavielle & Dr Mottoul, 139 Boulevard Curie, 62100 Calais
Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 1pm and 2pm - 8pm
Saturday: 8.30am - 12noon and 2pm - 8pm
Tel: +33 (0)321 821 511 
Web: www.centre-veterinaire-curie.fr

Can I take my dog on a ferry between Dover and Calais?

Yes, with the new P&O Pet Lounge, you can travel with your dog in style. Experience our luxurious lounges, complete with comfy sofas and TVs for the humans, and big spaces and an outdoor deck for your furry friends to stretch their legs and relax. See more on our dog-friendly ferries on our travelling with a pet page.

How much does it cost to take a pet on a ferry?

It costs £15 each way to bring your pet on a ferry. If you’re travelling with a dog, you can make use of our new Pet Lounge, which you can upgrade to for £12 each way.

Ferry pet travel to Europe after Brexit?

If you want to travel with pets, you’ll need to abide by the EU regulations. We recommend reading our travelling with pets page and checking the government guidelines to see what steps you might need to take for pet travel to France or Europe. 

Pet travel requirements for ferries?

If you want to travel with a pet, it will need to stay in the car for the duration of the trip. Dogs can travel in our new P&O Pet Lounges for an additional fee. Please make sure they have a valid AHC or EU pet passport, and all other documentation is complete and compliant with EU regulations before you bring your pets on a ferry. Read our travelling with a pet page, and the government guidelines on travelling with a pet to see more. 

Which pets are allowed to travel on ferries?

Dogs, cats, and ferrets are allowed to travel on our ships, provided they meet all EU regulations and have a valid AHC or EU pet passport. All pets must stay in your vehicle unless you have upgraded to the P&O Pet Lounge (dogs only).