How to Take Your Dog Abroad from the UK
With the holiday season fast approaching, you might be thinking about what to do with the dog while you are away. Leave with family members, ask your friends, or maybe use a boarding kennel? Depending on where you are heading to, there is one more option - take your dog with you.
It requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth trip. Whether you’re thinking of a French Riviera getaway or hiking in Spain, travelling with your furry friend from the UK involves specific rules and preparations. I’ve taken my dog, Barry, from the UK to France, Spain, and other EU destinations multiple times. In this guide, I’ll share my experiences and practical steps to help you take your dog abroad, whether you’re heading to the EU or beyond. Let’s get started!
National Park Gargano, Province of Foggia, Italy
Key Requirements for Travelling with a Dog
Before you book your tickets, you’ll need to meet several legal and health requirements to take your dog abroad from the UK. Requirements depend on the first country of entry, so please consult with your vets or PassPets to understand the latest requirements. Here’s a checklist to ensure compliance and keep your pup safe:
Microchip: Your dog must have a microchip implanted before any vaccinations. This is their unique ID for international travel.
Rabies Vaccination: A rabies vacc is mandatory, and you must wait 21 days before travelling. Once done, it is valid for 3 years. Book a rabies vaccine appointment with your vet stating that you are going abroad. They will be able to advise of any further requirements.
Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate (AHC): For EU travel, a pet passport is ideal (issued by your vet). For non-EU countries or if you don’t have a pet passport, you’ll need an AHC, which costs £100 and is valid for one trip. Since leaving the EU, the UK doesn't provide pet passports, hence you will have to make an AHC. Book an appointment well in advance (we use PassPets as the most professional service at a reasonable price).
When I first took Barry to France, getting his pet passport was straightforward but required a vet visit well in advance. Book early to avoid last-minute stress!
Monte Titano, San Marino (highest summit of San Marino, 739m above sea level)
Travelling to the EU: A Step-by-Step Guide
Since Brexit, travelling with a dog to the EU from the UK has become slightly more complex, but it’s manageable with the right preparation. Many Based on my trips with Barry to France and Spain, here’s how to make it happen:
Step 1: Documents
Make sure you have all documents ready for the trip. Important note: you should make the AHC certificate no more than 10 days before your trip. In other words, since you have your AHC certificate, you will have only 10 days to leave the UK.
Step 2: What to take with you?
Take with you a water bottle for the dog
Enough food for the whole trip (why is this important?)
Don’t forget the dog’s favourite blanket and beloved toys
We recommend having a travel crate for safety reasons
And grooming tools (why is this important?)
Step 3: Choosing the right transport
The most popular options for UK-to-EU travel are trains (e.g. London to Paris), ferries (e.g., Dover to Calais), the car and Eurotunnel, or flights (though pet-friendly airlines are limited). We strictly do NOT recommend using airplanes, as some reviews say they had terrible and fatal experiences. Barry and I love the Eurotunnel - it’s quick (35 minutes), and we don’t leave the comfort of our car. The car goes on a train, and the train takes you from Folkestone, UK, to Calais, France, in no time.
Step 4: Training
Get your dog used to their carrier or car setup. I practised short drives with Barry (starting as little as 10-15 mins), then longer weekend trips in the UK, before he was ready to go on a trip abroad.
Step 5: The settling in the car
I usually walk Barry in the morning and give him breakfast in his crate in the car. Food always helps to settle the dog down. Quiet music, relaxed driving and air-con (even in winter) help the dog to relax and fall asleep. Consult with your vets if they recommend giving your dog an anti-vomiting pill before the journey.
During the trip, you should plan to do regular stops every 2-3 hours to take the dog out and about for a short walk.
Step 6: How to cross the border
When entering the EU, you’ll need to show your dog’s pet passport or AHC at the border or port. On our France trip, the process was quick, and officials checked Barry’s microchip and AHC certificate. On the return to the UK, you should administer your dog a tapeworm treatment and get a certificate from vet in France 1-3 days before the return. Don’t skip this step!
Poppy field
Beyond the EU: What to Know
If you’re planning to take your dog to non-EU countries like the USA, Australia, or Canada, the process is more complex. Here are the key differences:
Additional Vaccinations or Tests: Some countries, like Australia, require a rabies titre test to confirm immunity, which can take months to process.
Quarantine: Australia enforces a 10-day quarantine, while the USA typically doesn’t (if paperwork is correct). Check with the destination country’s embassy.
Export Health Certificates: Non-EU travel often requires more detailed paperwork, which your vet can help prepare.
I haven’t taken Barry outside the EU yet, and I don’t think we will go that far - there is plenty to explore in the EU!
Village Verucchio, Province of Rimini, Italy
How to safely return to the UK?
When returning to the UK, you will have to visit vets abroad and administer tapeworm treatment to your dog 1-3 days before crossing the border. Vets will issue a certificate, which you’ll need to show to the officials when crossing back. We recommend finding vets abroad in advance, as a last-minute booking might not work and will create more stress on your journey back.
Historical centre, Ostuni, Province Puglia, Italy
Conclusion: Start Your Adventure
Taking your dog abroad from the UK is achievable with the right preparation. Barry and I have made unforgettable memories exploring Europe, from French Alps to Spanish beaches, and I hope you and your pup can do the same.
Ready to hit the road? Share your own pet travel tips in the comments below or check out more dog-friendly adventures on barrythebrave.com. Have a question about travelling with your dog? Drop it below, and I’ll do my best to help.
Happy travels!
Julia and Barry