This is by no means a definitive guide but its a good guideline of how to do it and what to expect. I hope you find it useful.
Preparation - The Passport.
See your vet about getting the passport sorted.
- Plan ahead, it takes a while to get, up to a few months (recent legislation has made it much simpler).
NB - A pet passport is valid for life but you will need to take it with you to the vets when boosters are due so it remains up to date.
Your dog/s will need;
- up to date vaccinations,
- a Rabies vaccination (this is not a one off, its another one requiring a booster)
- micro chip.
Its also advisable to have (I'm not sure if any are compulsory)
- a worming program
- a tick treatment (ticks in Southern Europe can be a nasty experience for your dog).
- an ID tag
- Pet Insurance - inform them you are going.
NB. we had ID Tags made with the colour/type/reg of our van along with the dogs name, mobile number etc.
The Crossing:
We have only ever used the tunnel when taking our dogs.
The reasons are simple, its fast and it allows us to sit with our dogs in the van.
I have no experience of the ferries with dogs so cannot comment but I understand the dog stays in the van.
You wont be suprised to find out that dogs dont travel for free, there is a small cost (15 euro return I think/dog)
As with the humans on board, you will need to confirm the number of furry passengers on board at check in.
NB - You will not need to show the border control their passports LOL:
Thats it, your through, wait for your lane letter to be called and take the opportunity to take the dog/s for a walk.
The Tunnel terminal does have a doggy excersice area which is fenced T:
Once your called and lined up, bording, the crossing and the disem'bark'ing takes about 45minutes - so very quick A:
The Trip;
French for dog is Chien.
The French are pretty dog friendly when it comes to camping but some campsites dont allow dogs.
We only found a few campsites that didnt take dogs so dont panic
(perhaps more likely to be refused at higher rated sites were swimming pools and children play areas are key attractions)
You will be expected to keep your dog on a lead at all times
Do not allow Rover to mess on the site - if he does, bag it and bin it.
We found the French simillar to the British regarding dogs;
some dont like them, some are scared of them and some love them.
It is still the norm to leave dog mess on the pavements!! We didnt, we bagged and binned it - and watched our step.
Some shops allow dogs most dont - its like here. Dogs are not allowed in Supermarkets.
We did see dogs in Tabacs, its common courtesy to ask before you take your dog in a building.
Dog food is readilly available in supermarkets so dont feel you need to haul everything with you - your call.
There are plenty of wonderful beaches in France, Dogs are not allowed on all of them but I would say the majority of beaches we went to do did allow dogs.
The return:
Your dog will need to be seen by a vet between no less than 24 hr before and no more than 5 days before your return.
Make your appointment earlier the better, you do not want the stress of trying to find a vet to do it at the last minute.
The vet visit -
they will scan your dogs chip
They will ask you a question or two about the health of your dog and if there has been any probs during the visit.
A visual and non invasive inspection of the dog
They will weigh the dog to determine the dosage of worming tablet - and give the dog a worming tablet.
You can take your own worming tablets if you wish - you can provide a treat to wrap the tab in - our vets did this all for us.
The Passport will be filled in with the relavant details - this must be done correctly and dated correctly so check it before you leave.
You pay - budget around 30-35 euros per dog. In our case it worked out less because it was two dogs on one appointment.
We internet searched vets a few years ago for this service, vets in Calais were coming up with silly amounts, as high as 60 euros.
There are many vets in France and with such a big return window now it makes it much easier.
We have used a vet in St Omer for our last 2 visits and are very pleased with them. They speak a good level of English.
Once you have checked in at the self check in booths, proceed to Passport Control. As you are nearing the check point, keep a look out for the big Yellow sign with a dogs paw print on it. - Its on the RHS
Turn into the little carpark.
Take your dog and its passport into the building (I cant remember if you need your passport aswell ) so it may be worth taking it with you anyway.
Your dog will be scanned and the information checked.
You will need to give them the Registration of your van.
Thats it,
back to the van, stick the little tag on the window by your rear view mirror and re-join the flow of traffic going through Passport Control and security.
Thats all.
Additional Info; (courtesy of MyloXyloto and TonkaToo respectively)
"You've also got to be breed aware. Rottweilers, mastiffs and English Bull Terriers are a no no in some countries.
Staffies are ok most places. Even if your dog passes a vet test you are obliged to register them with the local authority EVERY time you stop. A lot of campsites will refuse all those breeds."
"in addition to having them muzzled in public places (I can understand that one) apparently I had to get permission from the Mayor of where I was in France!"
Preparation - The Passport.
See your vet about getting the passport sorted.
- Plan ahead, it takes a while to get, up to a few months (recent legislation has made it much simpler).
NB - A pet passport is valid for life but you will need to take it with you to the vets when boosters are due so it remains up to date.
Your dog/s will need;
- up to date vaccinations,
- a Rabies vaccination (this is not a one off, its another one requiring a booster)
- micro chip.
Its also advisable to have (I'm not sure if any are compulsory)
- a worming program
- a tick treatment (ticks in Southern Europe can be a nasty experience for your dog).
- an ID tag
- Pet Insurance - inform them you are going.
NB. we had ID Tags made with the colour/type/reg of our van along with the dogs name, mobile number etc.
The Crossing:
We have only ever used the tunnel when taking our dogs.
The reasons are simple, its fast and it allows us to sit with our dogs in the van.
I have no experience of the ferries with dogs so cannot comment but I understand the dog stays in the van.
You wont be suprised to find out that dogs dont travel for free, there is a small cost (15 euro return I think/dog)
As with the humans on board, you will need to confirm the number of furry passengers on board at check in.
NB - You will not need to show the border control their passports LOL:
Thats it, your through, wait for your lane letter to be called and take the opportunity to take the dog/s for a walk.
The Tunnel terminal does have a doggy excersice area which is fenced T:
Once your called and lined up, bording, the crossing and the disem'bark'ing takes about 45minutes - so very quick A:
The Trip;
French for dog is Chien.
The French are pretty dog friendly when it comes to camping but some campsites dont allow dogs.
We only found a few campsites that didnt take dogs so dont panic
(perhaps more likely to be refused at higher rated sites were swimming pools and children play areas are key attractions)
You will be expected to keep your dog on a lead at all times
Do not allow Rover to mess on the site - if he does, bag it and bin it.
We found the French simillar to the British regarding dogs;
some dont like them, some are scared of them and some love them.
It is still the norm to leave dog mess on the pavements!! We didnt, we bagged and binned it - and watched our step.
Some shops allow dogs most dont - its like here. Dogs are not allowed in Supermarkets.
We did see dogs in Tabacs, its common courtesy to ask before you take your dog in a building.
Dog food is readilly available in supermarkets so dont feel you need to haul everything with you - your call.
There are plenty of wonderful beaches in France, Dogs are not allowed on all of them but I would say the majority of beaches we went to do did allow dogs.
The return:
Your dog will need to be seen by a vet between no less than 24 hr before and no more than 5 days before your return.
Make your appointment earlier the better, you do not want the stress of trying to find a vet to do it at the last minute.
The vet visit -
they will scan your dogs chip
They will ask you a question or two about the health of your dog and if there has been any probs during the visit.
A visual and non invasive inspection of the dog
They will weigh the dog to determine the dosage of worming tablet - and give the dog a worming tablet.
You can take your own worming tablets if you wish - you can provide a treat to wrap the tab in - our vets did this all for us.
The Passport will be filled in with the relavant details - this must be done correctly and dated correctly so check it before you leave.
You pay - budget around 30-35 euros per dog. In our case it worked out less because it was two dogs on one appointment.
We internet searched vets a few years ago for this service, vets in Calais were coming up with silly amounts, as high as 60 euros.
There are many vets in France and with such a big return window now it makes it much easier.
We have used a vet in St Omer for our last 2 visits and are very pleased with them. They speak a good level of English.
At the Tunnel;
Once you have checked in at the self check in booths, proceed to Passport Control. As you are nearing the check point, keep a look out for the big Yellow sign with a dogs paw print on it. - Its on the RHS
Turn into the little carpark.
Take your dog and its passport into the building (I cant remember if you need your passport aswell ) so it may be worth taking it with you anyway.
Your dog will be scanned and the information checked.
You will need to give them the Registration of your van.
Thats it,
back to the van, stick the little tag on the window by your rear view mirror and re-join the flow of traffic going through Passport Control and security.
Thats all.
Additional Info; (courtesy of MyloXyloto and TonkaToo respectively)
"You've also got to be breed aware. Rottweilers, mastiffs and English Bull Terriers are a no no in some countries.
Staffies are ok most places. Even if your dog passes a vet test you are obliged to register them with the local authority EVERY time you stop. A lot of campsites will refuse all those breeds."
"in addition to having them muzzled in public places (I can understand that one) apparently I had to get permission from the Mayor of where I was in France!"