European transport

Europe Transport

We do regular trips to and from Folkestone to Calais and Calais to Folkestone.  Whether you're relocating to the UK, holidaying in Europe, bringing a new pet home or need your pet transporting to or from Europe for any reason at all - we'll help your pet get where they need to go in the utmost comfort and safety.

There are lots of reasons you may have for needing to transport your pet from the UK to Europe, or Europe to the UK.  The easiest way to do this is via the Channel Tunnel crossing.

We can collect you and/or your pets from anywhere in the UK in our pet friendly taxi.

Your pet's welfare is always our primary concern 

While they're in our care, please be assured that we will treat them as we would our own animals.

For pets travelling by themselves I will be in regular contact with updates throughout the journey.

I've provided below details of how our European transport service works as well as answers to many of the most frequently asked questions.

Click here for more general information on transporting dogs, cats or other animals.

If there is anything else at all that you'd like to know, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

You can also see some example quotes on our get a quote page.

 

Request a quote

Collection of your pet

Travelling from Europe to the UK

We can collect you and/or your pet from any designated point within Europe.  Most commonly we collect our passengers from major train stations or airports such as Calais Frethun, Charles De Gaulle (France) or Schiphol (Holland).  We also collect passengers and/or their pets from their home across Europe.

During the booking process we'll agree the best place to meet.  If your pet is travelling by themselves we will make arrangement with the airline or travel buddy to take over supervision of your pet once they have arrived at the collection point.

Travelling from the UK to Europe

We can collect you and/or your pet from any location in the UK and transport you/them down to Folkestone and then on to France via the Euro Tunnel Le Shuttle.  There is also the option to meet you with your pet at the station in Folkestone should you wish.

Our Vehicles

We have a variety of vehicles available depending on your needs and whether you are travelling with your pet/s.  In all instances we strive to ensure that your pet is comfortable at all times.  The vehicles are all fully airconditioned, extreamly well maintained and meet DEFRA standards.  If your pet is travelling on their own they will be transported in one of our purpose built crates.  All animals have access to water and comfortable bedding throughout the journey.

THE JOURNEY ACROSS THE CHANNEL

Making use of the Channel tunnel via Folkestone to Calais we are able to transport your pet with ease.  Please note, Eurostar will not take pets, so we use the shuttle and find that it is quicker and less stressful for pets than the ferry.  

When we arrive at the terminal at Folkestone we double check the pet/s are secure and happy.  We ensure caged animals still have sufficent water and if needed they will be fed.  Dogs will be able to stretch their legs and have a comfort break before getting onto the train. 

During the crossing (in fact for the entire journey) your pet will be supervised.  At no time will they be left on their own.

Documentation needed to bring a pet into the UK

 

To bring a dog into the UK they must have been microchipped and this must be done prior to neccessary innoloculations.

 

All dogs must have had a rabies injection at least 21 days prior to travel, they must also be wormed.  Once the animal has been given the worming medication (which must be done at a vets with a stamp on your pet passport that shows both the date AND time of medication given), you must then wait 24 hours before the animal can travel.  The animal can then only enter the UK within 120 hours of the medication being given.

 

Cats, dogs and ferrets all require a pet passport to enter the UK.  For pets travelling only within Europe then the only documentation you will need is your pet passport with evidence of the medications mentioned above.  If your pet is travelling into the UK from outside of Europe they will require additional documentation - see our Worldwide Transport page for more information.   As legislation changes all the time, it's worth checking with DEFRA for the latest updates for your specific travel needs.

Delivering your pet to their destination

 

In advance of the journey we will have agreed a location for delivery of you/your pet.  If your pet is travelling on their own, I will contact you 30 minutes before my arrival at the destination.

faq's

Q. Do you transport pets across ferry routes?

A. If it is a requirement that your pet is transported by ferry, we can offer this service – however please be aware that the pet has to stay in the vehicle on the car deck and so we would not be able to stay with them for the whole trip as we would prefer to do.  This is one of the main reasons we choose not to transport animals via the ferry routes.

Q. DO YOU  collect pets from airports in europe?

A. Absolutely, we regularly pick up pets and/or their owners from airports in Europe, especially Charles De Gaulle and Schiphol and bring them back into the UK via the channel tunnel.

Q. What documentation do I need to bring my dog / cat / other pet into the UK?

A. Dogs require a pet passport to be brought into the UK from Europe. Their passport will show evidence of the necessary medications having been given (see information above for more details).  Cats and other animals such as parrots, ferrets and rabbits don't require any documentation to enter the UK from Europe.  If your starting destination is outside of Europe there is additional documentation you will require.  See our Worldwide Transport page for more information.

Q. What documentation do I need to transport my dog / cat into Europe?

A. You do not currently require any documentation to take a pet from the UK to Europe.

Q. I'm relocating to the UK from the USA.  What's the easiest way of doing this?

A. Take a look at our Worldwide Transport page which gives all the information you need on how to transport a pet from countries outside of Europe.

Q. My dog is a very nervous traveller.  Do you work with anxious dogs?

A. Yes, certainly.  We have lots of experience of working with animals that are anxious.  Generally, dogs who are nervous when they are with their owner are generally a lot calmer when they are with someone else if that person is experienced with handling animals.

Q. Where do you collect the pet from?  Do I have to meet you at the Channel Tunnel?

A. The collection point will be discussed during the booking process.  We can collect you and/or your pet from anywhere across Europe.

Q. How many animals do you transport on each journey?

A. It varies.  We can transport up to 5 animals in our bigger vehicles if the animals are travelling without their owners.  If you wish to travel with your animals we can help with this too.  Numbers depend on the amount of animals/humans and luggage.

Q. What if the journey takes several days?

A. If your pet is travelling on their own, at no point will they be unsupervised.  Where an overnight stay is required, our driver will be booked into an animal friendly hotel.  If you are travelling with your pet, we can organise a hotel for you but it will be at an additional cost.

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