Planning a trip to France with your dog, cat, or ferret? Since Brexit — and especially after the rule changes that took effect on 22 April 2026 — taking a pet across the Channel requires more paperwork than it once did. But with the right preparation, the process is straightforward. This guide walks you through every step, from microchipping to border checks, so you and your pet can enjoy a stress-free journey.
Key Takeaways
- EU pet passports held by GB residents are no longer valid for entering France as of 22 April 2026. You now need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every trip.
- Your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination.
- Allow at least six weeks of preparation time — rabies vaccination, 21-day wait, plus the AHC appointment window.
- The AHC must be issued within 10 days of your departure date.
- Dogs need a tapeworm treatment before returning to the UK (not required for entering France).
- A maximum of five pets per vehicle is now enforced.
Step 1: Get Your Pet Microchipped
Every dog, cat, or ferret travelling from the UK to France must carry an ISO-compliant microchip (meeting ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 standards). This is a legal requirement, and the microchip must be implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination. If the vaccine is given first, it will not count as valid for travel purposes.
Ask your vet to confirm the 15-digit microchip number and ensure it matches across all paperwork. Mismatched microchip numbers are one of the most common reasons for delays at the border.
Step 2: Rabies Vaccination
Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies by a registered veterinary surgeon. The key timing rules are:
- Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.
- You must wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before you can travel. This waiting period does not apply to boosters given before the previous vaccine expired.
- The vaccination must remain in-date for the entire duration of your trip.
The cost of a rabies vaccination typically ranges from £40–£100 depending on your vet practice. Keep the vaccination certificate safe — you will need it for your AHC appointment.
Step 3: Obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
The Animal Health Certificate is the single most important document for pet travel to France. Since 22 April 2026, GB residents must use an AHC regardless of whether they previously held an EU pet passport.
What is an AHC?
An AHC is a certified document issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) — a vet who has completed additional government-authorised training through the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Not every vet can issue one, so check in advance whether your practice has an OV on staff.
Timing
The AHC must be issued no more than 10 days before your travel date and at least 21 days after the rabies vaccination was given (for first-time vaccinations). Book your appointment as soon as you know your travel dates — waiting lists of a month or longer are common in busy periods.
Cost
Vets set their own prices. The average cost is around £100 for the first pet, though some practices charge up to £280. Specialist AHC clinics often offer lower prices, sometimes starting from £99. Adding extra pets to the same certificate typically costs around £50 per additional animal.
What to bring to the appointment
- Your pet (the vet must scan the microchip in person)
- Proof of a valid, in-date rabies vaccination
- Your pet's clinical history from your regular vet
- Your travel date and route details
Language requirement
The AHC is a bilingual document. If France is the first EU country you enter, it must be completed in English and French. If you are transiting through France to reach, say, Italy, it still needs to be in French — because France is the point of EU entry.
Step 4: Choose Your Travel Route
Most pet owners travel to France by car, either via the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle from Folkestone to Calais or by ferry. Common ferry routes include Dover to Calais and Portsmouth to St Malo. Travelling by air with a pet is considerably more complex and less common for France.
Whichever route you choose, your pet must enter France through a designated Travellers' Point of Entry (TPE). All major crossing points — Eurotunnel, Port of Dover, and international airports — qualify as TPEs.
At the port or terminal
Transport providers will typically direct you to a pet reception area where staff will:
- Scan your pet's microchip
- Check the AHC for completeness and validity
- Verify rabies vaccination records
If any documentation is incomplete or incorrect, your pet may be refused travel. Some ferry companies also require dogs to wear a muzzle when outside the car on board the vessel — check the specific carrier's rules before you go.
Step 5: Arriving in France
French customs officials may carry out border inspections upon arrival. They will verify your pet's microchip, vaccination records, and AHC. Ensure all documents are easily accessible.
Once you have entered France, your AHC remains valid for onward travel within the EU for up to four months from the date of issue (or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever is sooner). This means if you plan to continue from France to Spain or another EU country, you do not need a separate certificate.
Step 6: Returning to the UK with Your Pet
The return journey has its own requirements. The most important is tapeworm treatment for dogs:
- Treatment must be administered by a vet in France (or whichever EU country you are in).
- It must be given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before your scheduled arrival time in the UK.
- The treatment and exact time must be recorded by the vet in your pet's travel documentation.
- Certain products — including Stronghold, Advocate, Frontline, Nexgard, and Nexgard Spectra — are not accepted and will result in your pet being refused entry.
Cats and ferrets do not require tapeworm treatment.
Short trip tip: If you are going on a trip of fewer than five days, the tapeworm treatment can be administered by your UK vet before departure. You must then wait 24 hours before re-entering the UK and return within 120 hours.
There are no additional re-entry restrictions for returning pets to the UK from France — the UK's entry requirements have not changed post-Brexit.
New Rules from 22 April 2026: What Changed?
A significant regulatory update took effect on 22 April 2026 under EU Regulation 2016/429 (the Animal Health Law). Here is what changed for GB-resident pet owners:
| Before 22 April 2026 | From 22 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Some GB residents used EU pet passports issued in France or other member states | EU pet passports are only valid for owners whose primary residence is within the EU |
| Five-pet limit interpreted as per person | Five-pet limit is now per vehicle |
| Grey area around passports issued pre-Brexit | Border officials check residency status; using an invalid passport may result in refusal, quarantine, or return at owner's expense |
The UK and EU are currently negotiating a veterinary agreement that could allow the UK to issue recognised pet passports again, potentially by mid-2027. Until then, the AHC is the only valid document for GB residents.
Complete Timeline Planner
Here is a recommended timeline to ensure everything is ready before your trip:
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| 6+ weeks before travel | Confirm microchip is ISO-compliant and readable; book rabies vaccination if not already done |
| 5 weeks before travel | Get rabies vaccination (if first-time); 21-day waiting period begins |
| 2–3 weeks before travel | Book AHC appointment with an Official Veterinarian; gather clinical history and vaccination proof |
| 1–10 days before travel | Attend AHC appointment; certificate issued |
| 1–5 days before UK return | Get tapeworm treatment for dogs at a vet in France |
Practical Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Pet insurance: Many UK pet insurance policies cover short trips abroad. Verify your cover before departing.
- Car safety: Keep your pet secured in the vehicle with a harness, crate, or guard. Carry plenty of water and a non-spill bowl.
- Feeding: Avoid feeding your pet within two hours of travel to reduce motion sickness.
- Bringing pet food back: There are no restrictions on bringing dog food from France back to the UK.
- Someone else travelling with your pet: If a friend or family member is transporting your pet, you (the owner) must travel within five days of the pet's departure date. The other person must carry your written permission. If the gap exceeds five days, an Export Health Certificate is required instead of an AHC.
How VetHomeCerts Can Help
At VetHomeCerts, we simplify the pet travel process by connecting you with experienced Official Veterinarians who can issue your Animal Health Certificate efficiently and affordably. Whether you need guidance on rabies vaccination timing, help understanding the new 2026 rules, or want to arrange your AHC appointment with minimal hassle, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I still need a pet passport for France?
- No. As of 22 April 2026, EU pet passports are no longer valid for GB residents. You must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip to France.
- How much does an Animal Health Certificate cost?
- Prices vary by practice. Expect to pay around £100 for the first pet, with some vets charging up to £280. Specialist clinics may offer lower rates.
- Does my dog need tapeworm treatment to enter France?
- No. Tapeworm treatment is not required for entering France. However, it is mandatory for dogs returning to the UK and must be administered 24–120 hours before arrival.
- How long is an AHC valid?
- An AHC is valid for entry into the EU within 10 days of issue. Once in the EU, it covers onward travel between EU countries for up to four months.
- Can I take more than one pet to France?
- Yes. Up to five pets can travel on the same AHC and in the same vehicle, provided the travel is non-commercial. The limit is five per vehicle, not per person.
- What happens if my paperwork is wrong at the border?
- If documentation is incomplete or incorrect, your pet may be denied entry, quarantined, or returned to the UK at your expense. Always double-check all details before travelling.
- Is there a waiting period after rabies vaccination?
- Yes. For first-time vaccinations, you must wait 21 days before travel. Booster vaccinations given before the previous vaccine expired do not require a waiting period.