Travelling to Europe: What UK Pet Owners Need to Know
Travelling to Europe with your pet has become more complex since Brexit. This article helps pet parents navigate the new rules with ease whilst keeping your pets safe from diseases they might encounter abroad.
Below, we've outlined the pet travel requirements for dogs and cats when visiting the EU from the UK, along with vital health precautions like protection against Leishmaniasis or tick borne disease.
Travelling to Europe with Your Dog
To take your dog from Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) to an EU country, you’ll need the following:
Essential Requirements
Microchip
Your dog must be microchipped. Ensure the microchip is ISO-compliant and scanned before travel.Rabies Vaccination
A valid rabies vaccination is essential. Your dog must be at least 12 weeks old, and the vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel.Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
Issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV), the AHC is valid for 10 days for entry into the EU, and valid for 4 months for return back to the UK. It must be issued within 10 days of travel. Once you arrive in Europe you have freedom of movement and can travel to multiple European countries without any further documentation.
Tapeworm Treatment
If you’re returning from Europe back into the UK, your dog must have tapeworm treatment 1–5 days before re-entering the UK. However, only certain countries like Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway require tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before entry from the UK. You do not need a tapeworm treatment for travel into France, only when returning to the UK. The tapeworm treatment must be certified in the Animal Health Certificate by a veterinarian, with both the date and time, signed and stamped between 24 hours and 120 hours before boarding.
Travelling to Europe with Your Cat
Essential Requirements
Cats follow most of the same steps as dogs, with a couple of exceptions:
Microchip
As with dogs, your cat must be microchipped.Rabies Vaccination
The same 21-day rule applies. Kittens must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
Cats also require an AHC issued within 10 days of travel. This document includes microchip and rabies details.Tapeworm Treatment
Not required for cats.
Leishmaniasis: A Risk for Dogs Abroad
One important risk UK pet owners often overlook is Leishmaniasis, a potentially life-threatening disease endemic in southern and parts of Eastern Europe — particularly:
Spain
Portugal
France (especially the south)
Italy
Greece
Leishmaniasis is spread by sandflies, which are active from dusk until dawn and thrive in warm, dry climates.
Protect Your Dog with a Scalibor Collar
The Scalibor® collar is highly recommended for dogs travelling to at-risk areas. It:
Repels sandflies, ticks, and mosquitoes
Offers up to 6 months’ protection
Is water-resistant
We advise putting the Scalibor collar on at least one week before travel to allow full protection to build up.
Note: Cats should never wear Scalibor collars — they are only for dogs. Solensia collars can be used safely in cats and also provide protection against Leishmaniasis in cats.
Travel Restrictions to Be Aware Of
Before planning your pet's journey, be aware of the following restrictions:
Pets cannot fly into the UK in the cabin: Unlike travel into many EU countries, pets are not permitted to enter the UK in the cabin of a passenger plane, even if accompanied by their owner. They must travel as cargo or via approved pet travel schemes.
Eurostar restrictions: Pets are not permitted on Eurostar trains to or from London, Only registered assistance dogs are allowed to board the Eurostar. Owners must contact Eurostar at least 24 hours before departure to arrange travel for their assistance animal
Eurotunnel travel. Pets can travel in vehicles only. Only registered assistance dogs are allowed with foot passengers. A number of pet friendly travel companies can assist with this journey if you do not have your own vehicle.
Pet-Friendly Eurotunnel Travel Companies
A number of pet travel services offer pet-friendly transport through the Eurotunnel. Here are a couple of popular options:
Le Pet Express – Pet parents can accompany their pets in a shuttle to both the UK and to France crossing via the Eurotunnel.
PetAir UK – Offers tailored travel solutions for pets, including chauffeur services to and from Europe.
Folkestone Pet Travel – Specialises in road transport for pets through the Eurotunnel with climate-controlled vans and experienced handlers.
These services can be particularly useful if you want to avoid flying your pet in the hold.
Book a Travel Consultation
Planning a trip with your pet? Book a pre-travel appointment at The Hoxton Vet at least a month in advance. We’ll ensure:
Vaccinations are up to date
Microchip details are correct
Your AHC is completed and ready
Appropriate parasite prevention is in place
Contact us today to book your travel consultation or ask about Leishmania prevention options.
Because nothing should stop your pet from joining the adventure — safely.
