Taking a Dog from the UK to France After Brexit
What UK dog owners need to know before travelling to France with a dog, including microchips, rabies vaccines, AHCs and arrival checks.
Taking a dog from the UK to France is still possible after Brexit, but the paperwork has changed. If you live in Great Britain and are travelling to France with your dog, GOV.UK guidance says you should usually prepare for an animal health certificate rather than relying on a Great Britain-issued pet passport.
France is an EU country, so the EU pet travel rules apply to dogs travelling from England, Scotland or Wales.
Checklist for taking your dog to France
Before travel, check that your dog is:
- Microchipped.
- Vaccinated against rabies after the microchip was implanted.
- Covered by a valid animal health certificate or another valid pet travel document accepted for the journey.
- Travelling through an appropriate travellers’ point of entry when arriving in the EU.
Your vet will need evidence of the microchip date and rabies vaccination history before issuing the AHC.
Rabies vaccination timing
If your dog is receiving a first rabies vaccination, GOV.UK guidance says you must wait at least 21 full days after vaccination before travelling. If your dog has a valid booster, the waiting period may not apply, but you should confirm this with your vet before booking.
The rabies vaccination must be recorded correctly because French border checks may ask to see proof in the animal health certificate or valid pet passport.
Animal health certificate timing
An AHC is valid for entry into the EU for 10 days after it is issued. Once you have entered the EU, it is valid for onward travel within the EU for up to 6 months and for re-entry to Great Britain for up to 6 months.
For a France trip, many owners book the AHC appointment a few days before departure. This allows time for the certificate to be prepared while keeping the 10-day entry window open.
Do dogs need tapeworm treatment for France?
GOV.UK advises owners to check whether their destination requires tapeworm treatment. France does not usually require tapeworm treatment for dogs arriving from Great Britain, but rules can change and onward travel may introduce extra requirements.
If you are returning to Great Britain, your dog may need tapeworm treatment before arrival unless an exemption applies. GOV.UK says the treatment must be given no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days before you arrive in Great Britain.
Source
This guide is based on GOV.UK guidance: Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad, Getting an animal health certificate and Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain.