Taking your pet abroad

For many, a family holiday means bringing the whole family which, of course, includes our pets! Luckily, LeShuttle is award winning when it comes to pet travel and has been voted for by pet customers for being pawsome! So you know you and your furry, feathered or scaled friend are in good hands/paws.

Pet welfare in Europe

For anyone travelling to France, Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany, your pet will need an Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport. The rules around pet welfare have changed over the last few years, so please check our dedicated pet travel requirements page for the latest information. 

General rules for pet travel in France

Dogs must be secured in the back seat of cars in France, either with a harness or a canine seatbelt. If motorists are caught by the police with an unrestrained dog in their car, they can be fined. 

Pets are able to travel with their owners on public transport in France. Large dogs will need a ticket to travel on the metro in Paris and other cities, trams, trains and buses. Small dogs that can be accommodated in a carrier do not require their own ticket, and assistance/service dogs travel for free. It is very much up to individual taxi drivers in Paris as to whether they accept dogs when they pick up fares, but if booking a taxi in advance it is always best to mention it. 

You will find more places to stay in France with a pet than in the UK – generally, accommodation providers are more pet-friendly. It is always best to check before you book.

General rules for pet travel in the Netherlands

There are no specific rules around securing your dog or other pets in cars while driving in the Netherlands. Motorists are expected to apply common sense and make sure necessary safety measures are in place. 

Pets are allowed on all forms of public transport in the Netherlands, but they must be on a lead or carried in a basket, bag or carrier. Small dogs often allowed to travel for free if they do not take up a seat. You will have to pay a ticket on trains for larger dogs. 

Dogs by law must be secured in cars while travelling in France and Germany

General rules for pet travel in Germany

When travelling by car in Germany, dogs must be secured during the journey, typically with a seatbelt harness, a pet carrier, or behind a dog guard. 

Dogs can travel on public transport in Germany. Smaller dogs that can fit in a carrier may travel for free, while larger dogs might require a child’s ticket. On trains, a leash and muzzle may be required. 

Many hotels in Germany accept dogs, though some may charge an additional fee. This can range from a modest daily rate to a one-time charge for the entire stay. Hotels typically require or recommend advance notice of any dogs being brought along. Before booking, it is important to check for any restrictions regarding the size or number of dogs allowed in a room.

General rules for pet travel in Belgium 

As in the Netherlands, there are no specific restrictions on how pets should be secured in cars while travelling in Belgium. However, pets should not be able to move freely around the vehicle and distract the driver. 

Pets are allowed on buses, trains and trams in Belgium at no extra charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead and travel on the owner’s lap or sit on the floor. The driver can refuse admittance to people with pets if they think the animal may cause inconvenience to other passengers or if the train, bus or tram is too crowded. 

Getting your pet travel ready 

Holiday packing is always improved by the help of a checklist, so make sure you refer to this when getting your pet ready for travel:

Dogs (puppies must be over 12 weeks old), cats and ferrets travel with LeShuttle from £22 each way (Registered Guide and Assistance Dogs travel free*) and should:

• Have the correct documentation, please click here for more information’ (no teeth or smiling in the photo!)
• Have an up-to-date microchip
• Have had their rabies vaccination

Make sure you’ve checked everything you have to do before taking your pet on holiday!

Reminder: If you're a dog owner, remember to give your pooch their tapeworm treatment. This must be given no less than one day and no more than five days before returning to the UK.

Please remember that all pets require a rabies vaccination (not reptiles, amphibians or fish). Only five pets per vehicle can travel (both ways)**.

When you start your journey, you’ll want your pet to be as comfortable as possible. After all, everybody wants to travel in comfort, including your pets!

With LeShuttle, your pet stays in the car with you. You don’t have to worry about leaving your pet alone and you are there to comfort him / her throughout the whole journey. It’s the perfect way to travel!

In your car, make sure that your pet has the following

• Favourite treats
• Plenty of water
• Blanket and bed
• Spare collars, leads, beds and toilet bags
• Maybe even a toy, or two!

Make sure you plan driving breaks ahead of your journey, so that your pet can run around and use up their energy. Nobody needs an over-excited pet in the car when they’re driving on the ‘wrong side of the road’!

At LeShuttle, we have dedicated pet exercise areas, complimentary dog waste bags, and your pet stays with you for the short 35 minute journey!

Tip: There is also a pet exercise area behind the fuel garage once you’ve disembarked your shuttle on arrival in the UK. This is a great place to quickly stop off at, so your pet is ready for the next journey ahead.

Pet Reception

When travelling to France or the UK, you must bring your pet to the pet reception at either the Calais or Folkestone terminal before boarding your train. You may also be able to use the drive thru at the Calais terminal, if signage indicates it is open.

• Check your pet in at least 1 hour (and no more than 2 hours) before you’re booked to leave. Remember to bring your booking reference number to the pet reception.
• When travelling to France, you will be issued a pet referral hanger at check-in. You must then head towards the pet reception in the passenger terminal building where all relevant pet checks will be carried out. You can then proceed to your shuttle.
• When travelling to the UK, after you’ve checked your pet in, display your sticker clearly and head to the check-in.

Hopefully, all your questions about travelling with your pets have been answered. It’s so easy with LeShuttle.

For the latest pet travel information, please visit the DEFRA website.

The more the merrier with LeShuttle! It only takes 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais. Your pet can see a new side to the world in no time! 

_{*When accompanying their owner. An official registration certificate will have to be presented at the pet reception on both our UK and French terminals prior to travel, together with the dog's travel documentation.
**If you wish to travel with between 6 to 20 animals (maximum) from Calais to Folkestone, please check our Pet Travel page.}