Is your pet microchipped and vaccinated correctly for Eurotunnel travel?
To take your pet through the Eurotunnel, you must follow a few important steps. Your pet needs a working microchip that meets ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 standards. This must be inserted before they receive the rabies vaccination. Pets must also be at least 12 weeks old before the vaccine is given. Travel is only permitted 21 days after the jab.
If anything is done in the wrong order or skipped, your pet could be refused entry. Staff will check the chip and rabies record at the terminal, so details must match up correctly for pet ID validation. Any noncompliant microchip may lead to denied boarding.
Timeline tip – Travelling on 1 June? Get the rabies jab by 10 May.
Checklist
- ISO compliant chip inserted before vaccination
- Rabies jab given at least 21 days before travel
- Pet is over 12 weeks old
- Vaccine and chip records align
Here's What We Have Covered In This Article
Do you have a valid Animal Health Certificate (AHC)?
Since the UK left the EU Pet Travel Scheme, the Animal Health Certificate has replaced the pet passport. This document is issued by an Official Veterinarian and includes your pet’s microchip details, proof of rabies vaccination, and the vet’s signature.
What makes an AHC valid
The certificate must
- Be issued within 10 days of travel
- Be used once to enter the EU
- Remain valid for four months of onward travel
- Be used for returning to the UK within its validity
Even small errors like a missing signature can lead to denied entry. Always double check each section is complete. Certificates must follow DEFRA and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) guidelines. Each AHC is single use only, meaning you’ll need a new one for every EU trip.
Checklist
- Issued within the correct time frame
- Microchip and vaccine details match
- Signed and stamped by an OV
- Travel booked through an approved Travellers Point of Entry
Pro Tip:Ask your vet to scan your pet’s microchip at least two weeks before travel.
Eurotunnel Pet Travel Planning Made Simple
We help you prepare step by step, including timelines, tapeworm treatments, and document checks.
Does your dog need tapeworm treatment before returning to the UK
If you are coming back from the EU with your dog, they will need tapeworm treatment unless returning from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway.
Tapeworm rule breakdown
The treatment
- Must contain praziquantel
- Should be given 24 to 120 hours before your UK return
- Must be signed and recorded by an EU vet on the AHC
Many pet owners miss this step. If the timing is wrong or the vet forgets to complete the paperwork, you may face delays.
Checklist
- Treatment includes praziquantel
- Given between 1 and 5 days before travel
- Signed and time stamped on the AHC
Pro Tip:Always carry printed copies of your documents even if you have digital backups.
What should you expect at the Eurotunnel Pet Reception
Arrive one to two hours before your train and follow signs to the Pet Reception. Staff will scan your pet’s chip and check the paperwork. Any errors or missing details could lead to refused boarding.
What staff check at Pet Reception
- Working microchip that matches the documents
- AHC is completed and valid
- Tapeworm treatment is done and logged if needed
Bring printed copies of all pet travel documentation. Keep your pet safe and calm in a crate or secured in the car. Look for paw print signs to find the checkin area.
Checklist
- Arrive early for peace of mind
- All documents ready and printed
- Pet secure and settled
How can you help your pet feel settled on travel day
Travel can be unsettling for pets, but a few simple actions can help keep them calm. Stick to normal routines and bring familiar items with you.
What to pack for travel comfort
- Blanket or toy with familiar scent
- No spill water bowl
- Natural calming aids like pheromone spray
- Crate or seatbelt harness
- Cooling aid for warm weather such as fan or shade
Only use sedatives if your vet says it is safe. A good walk before departure also helps. For extra reassurance, consider using a GPS collar like Tractive.
How much will it cost and when should you start planning
What is the cost of pet travel through the Eurotunnel
Typical costs for UK pet owners
- AHC £180 to £250
- Rabies jab £40 to £60
- Tapeworm treatment abroad €30 to €60
- Eurotunnel pet fee £22 each way
When to start
Allow 6 to 8 weeks before your planned trip. This gives you time to handle the microchip, vaccine, and AHC without rushing.
Countdown plan
- Week 8 Microchip check and rabies jab
- Week 2 Book travel and vet appointment
- Week 1 Get the AHC issued
- Final 3 days Arrange tapeworm treatment
Need Help with Your AHC?
Let us handle the paperwork and coordinate with your vet so you can travel stress free.
What can go wrong with pet travel
Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them
Check your documents, ask your vet to test the chip, and carry paper backups of everything.
Returning to the UK What to Know
When you return to the UK, border staff may carry out random entry checks. You will need
- The same AHC if still within 4 months
- Proof of tapeworm treatment done within 120 hours
If something is missing or unclear, your pet may be held until things are resolved. Always travel before the AHC expires and ensure every entry is completed properly.
Can I reuse the same AHC for multiple trips
No. Each Animal Health Certificate is valid for one single entry into the EU. If you plan another trip, you will need a new AHC even if it falls within the four month window of the first certificate. This is a requirement of both DEFRA and APHA pet entry rules.
What about cats or other pets
Cats and ferrets can also travel via the Eurotunnel, but there are a few differences.
- Tapeworm treatment is not required
- A valid AHC and ISO compliant chip are still mandatory
- They must travel in a secure crate
Calming sprays like Feliway and familiar bedding can make the journey easier for cats. Do not feed your cat just before travelling to avoid nausea.
Quick Tips for Cat or Ferret Owners
- Check microchip before departure
- Use absorbent lining in the crate
- Carry water and allow breaks if needed
How do I know if my pet’s chip is compliant
You can ask your vet to scan the chip and confirm whether it meets ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 requirements. These standards are recognised across EU borders and ensure your pet can be identified at checkin. Chips that cannot be scanned by standard microchip readers may be considered noncompliant.
Final checklist before you go
- Microchip working and matches documentation
- Rabies jab done 21 plus days ago
- AHC issued in correct timeframe
- Tapeworm treatment complete and logged if required
- Documents printed and prepared
- Pet is comfortable and calm
Useful contacts for pet travel support
- DEFRA Pet Travel Helpline 03459 33 55 77 Monday to Friday
- Eurotunnel Pet Reception +44 01303 282061
- Pet Travel Rules on GOV UK www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad
- EU Rabies Approved Lab List ec.europa.eu
Keep these contacts handy for any last minute questions or emergencies.
Need help with the paperwork
Tailored Pet Travel supports pet owners every step of the way. We help with AHCs, tapeworm timelines, vet coordination, and last minute changes. Whether it is your first trip or your fifth, we make sure nothing is missed.
Book a free consultation with Tailored Pet Travel and travel with peace of mind.
