I always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower with my best friend. Not a human friend. My dog. Many people ask the same thing. Can I take my dog from London to Paris? The answer is a big yes. However, the path is not always a straight line. It is a journey of paperwork and planning. It is a story of ferries and tunnels.
I remember the first time I looked into this. I thought I could just buy two tickets for the train. I was wrong. Truly wrong. Travel with a pet requires you to be a detective and a secretary at the same time. You must find the right rules. You must fill out the right forms.
This guide will tell you everything. It comes from my own time on the road. It uses the latest facts. It will help you avoid the stress I felt.
The Big Question: Can I Take My Dog on Eurostar?
First of all, we must talk about the fastest way to travel. The Eurostar. It is the high-speed train. It connects London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Can i take my dog on Eurostar from London to Paris? The answer is no. It is sad but true.
Eurostar does not allow pets on trains to or from London. It does not matter if the dog is small. It does not matter if the dog is in a bag. Only guide and assistance dogs can go. These special dogs must have a ticket. They must also have a valid Animal Health Certificate or an EU pet passport.
Can I bring my dog on the Eurostar if I go from Paris to Brussels? Yes. Pets are welcome on other routes in Europe. But the London route is different. There are no signs that this rule will change soon. Can I take my dog from London to Paris? Not the Eurostar. You must look at other options.
How to Take My Dog From London to Paris: The Plan
Since the train is out, you need a new plan. How to take my dog from London to Paris? You have three main choices. You can go by car through the tunnel. You can take a ferry. You can hire a pet taxi.
The Eurotunnel: LeShuttle
This is the easiest way. I used it with my dog, Chloe. The Eurotunnel is a railway system. It connects Folkestone to Calais. It goes under the English Channel. You drive your car onto a train carriage. You stay in your car with your dog for the whole 35-minute trip.
It is very stress-free. Chloe just slept in the back seat. Plus, the price is fair. A pet ticket usually costs about £22 or £23.
The Ferry: A Sea Adventure
The second option is the ferry. Many ships go from Dover to Calais. P&O Ferries is a popular choice. Usually, pets must stay in the car on the ferry. However, P&O now has a Pet Lounge.
This lounge is for dogs and their owners. It costs an extra £12 each way. It has sofas and exercise areas on the deck. It is much better than leaving your dog alone in a dark car.
The Pet Taxi: Luxury Travel
What if you do not have a car? You can use a pet taxi. These companies specialize in London to France by road. They pick you up at your house. They drive you through the tunnel.
I have heard great things about UK and Europe Pet Taxi. People say the drivers are very kind. One traveler, Sarah Ruplin, said her driver knew the system perfectly. Another person, Cortni Jones, used them to get to Paris with four suitcases and a small dog. It is expensive but very helpful.
The Paperwork: Your Pet’s Passport
You cannot just show up at the border. You need documents. Since Brexit, the old UK pet passports do not work. You now need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
Here is the checklist you must follow:
- Microchip: Your pet must have a chip. It must happen before the rabies shot.
- Rabies Vaccination: Your dog needs a rabies jab. It must be at least 12 weeks old for this.
- The Wait: You must wait 21 days after the first shot before you travel.
- The Certificate: A vet must issue the AHC within 10 days of your trip.
The cost of an AHC varies. Some vets charge £260. I found a place called Easy Pet Travel in Ashford. They only charged £99. There are also options in London for £95.
Traveling From Paris to London: The Return
Eventually, the holiday must end. How can i get my dog from paris to london? The rules are almost the same. However, there is one extra step.
Tapeworm Treatment: This is vital. A vet in France must give your dog a tapeworm pill. It must happen between 24 hours and 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive in the UK.
The vet must record this in your AHC. If you forget this, the border staff will refuse you. They are very strict. Do not use products like Frontline or Nexgard for this. They do not count. The pill must contain Praziquantel.
Paris: A Dog’s Paradise
Is Paris dog friendly? Yes, it is amazing. Dogs are welcome in many parks and cafes. But there are rules. On public transport, your dog might need a muzzle. Small dogs in bags are usually fine.
At that time, I did not have a muzzle. I had to walk everywhere. It was a long day. Can i take my dog to uk from france without a muzzle? Only in your car. If you use a train or bus in France, pack a muzzle just in case.
Beware: Dangerous Dog Breeds
France has very tough laws on certain breeds. They have two categories.
- Category 1 (Attack Dogs): These are breeds like Pitbulls, Mastiffs (Boerbulls), and Tosas without pedigree papers. Importing these is banned. Do not try to bring them.
- Category 2 (Guard Dogs): These are pedigreed Rottweilers and Tosas. You need a special permit to have them in France.
If you have a dog from Bangladesh or another country outside the EU, the rules might be even tighter. Always check with the French embassy.
FAQ
Can I fly my dog from London to Paris?
Yes. You can fly with a small dog in the cabin on some airlines like Air France. However, dogs cannot fly back to the UK in the cabin. They must travel as cargo for the return trip. No exceptions.
Can I take a dog from the UK to France?
Yes. You just need to follow a few simple steps. You need an Animal Health Certificate. You also need a microchip and a rabies vaccine.
Does Eurostar allow pets from London to Paris?
No. Eurostar does not allow pets on trains to or from London. Only guide or assistance animals can go on these routes. It is a firm rule.
Do any UK airlines allow dogs?
Some pet-friendly airlines allow small dogs in the cabin when you leave the UK. Air France is one example that many people use.
How do I bring a dog to Paris?
First, get an Animal Health Certificate. Then, book a trip on the Eurotunnel, a ferry, or a pet taxi. Finally, make sure to visit a vet for tapeworm treatment before you come back to the UK.
Do ferries allow dogs?
Yes. Many ferries like P&O and DFDS allow dogs. Some even have a special Pet Lounge where you and your dog can stay together.
What is the cost of a pet passport UK?
UK pet passports do not work anymore. You must get an Animal Health Certificate instead. The price is usually between £110 and £260.
Does Paris allow dogs?
Yes. Paris is very dog-friendly. Many hotels and restaurants will welcome your pet with open paws. Truly a paradise.
What is the cheapest way to get from London to Paris?
The ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe is the cheapest choice for people on foot. You can take a train on both sides of the sea trip.
Can my dog fly with me to France?
Yes. A small dog can travel in the cabin with you on certain flights.
Concluding Words
Your dog can travel from London to Paris if you plan well. You must skip the Eurostar and choose the Eurotunnel, a ferry, or a pet taxi instead. Always make sure your dog has a microchip, a rabies vaccine, and a valid Animal Health Certificate. Do not forget the tapeworm treatment for the return journey.
Paperwork is the key. Paris is a great place for pets, so the extra effort is worth the joy. Safe travels for you and your best friend.
