The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Moving your Dog from United Kingdom to France

2026 Channel Crossing Logistics

• Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (Folkestone to Calais): This remains the preferred route. The dog stays in your vehicle, significantly reducing stress. You must visit the Pet Reception Centre at Folkestone before boarding.
• Ferry Operators (P&O, Brittany, DFDS): Options include pet-friendly cabins (bookable 6 months in advance) or car-deck transit. In 2026, many ferries have introduced 'Pet Lounges' for foot passengers.
• The 5-Day Rule: To be classified as a 'non-commercial' move, your dog must travel within 5 days of your own movement. If outside this window, the process becomes significantly more complex and expensive.
• Air Travel: Highly restrictive. UK airlines do not allow dogs in the cabin for arrivals. While you can fly out of the UK with some carriers (e.g., Air France/KLM) with a small dog in the cabin, it is rarely the most efficient relocation method.

What Happens at the French Border?

France does not impose a mandatory quarantine for dogs arriving from the UK with compliant paperwork.

• The SIF Inspection: At ports like Calais, the Service d'Inspection Vétérinaire et Phytosanitaire (SIVEP) or customs officers will scan the microchip.
• Document Audit: They will verify that the AHC was issued within the 10-day window and that the rabies vaccination is current.
• Non-Compliance: If the microchip is unreadable or the AHC is expired, the dog may be returned to the UK or placed in a temporary holding facility at the owner's expense.
• Post-Entry Registration: For stays longer than 3 months, you must register your dog on the I-CAD database with a French veterinarian.

The 10-Day AHC Window

• Clinical Exam: Your vet must perform a physical check within the 10-day window to certify the dog is fit for travel.
• Dual Language Requirements: Ensure the AHC is printed in French and English. If you transit through another country first (e.g., Belgium), the certificate must reflect that language as well.
• Return to UK Note: If you are visiting France temporarily, remember that a tapeworm treatment is required for the dog's return to the UK (administered by a French vet 24-120 hours before arrival).