Author - Eimante Bujaite    Published - 28/07/2025

If you’re dreaming of sunsets in the South of France or hiking in Switzerland with your pup by your side, you might be wondering: What do I need to do to take my dog abroad?

When I first looked into it, the internet made it sound like a nightmare - endless forms, scary rules, and lots of vet visits. But once we actually did it, we realised it was so much more straightforward than it seemed. So, here’s a simple guide (and timeline) to help you plan a smooth European adventure with your best friend.

Step-by-Step: What You Need to Travel with Your Dog from the UK to Europe

✅ 1. Rabies Vaccination

This is the first (and most important) step. Your dog must have a valid rabies vaccine to travel into the EU. Most UK vets use a 3-year rabies vaccine, but the crucial part is timing.

• When: At least 21 days before your travel date.
• Pro Tip: Even if your dog is already vaccinated, double check the expiry date and make sure your vet has correctly recorded the microchip number in the vaccination record.

✅ 2. Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

Since Brexit, UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid. Instead, you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), issued by an official vet. This document is basically your dog's passport and includes their microchip info, vaccination record,
and proof they’re fit to travel.

• When: Must be issued within 10 days of travel
• Valid for: Entry into the EU + onward travel within the EU for 4 months, but it's single use only, meaning you’ll need a new one every time you travel.
• Travelling with multiple pets: A single AHC can cover up to 5 pets, provided they belong to the same owner and are travelling together.
• Pro tip: Not all vets can issue an AHC, and prices vary. We highly recommend shopping around, as prices vary from £80 to £250.

Already Got an EU Pet Passport?
If your dog was originally issued an EU pet passport (from an EU country, not the
UK), you’re in luck - it’s still valid. You’ll just need to ensure their rabies vaccination is
kept up to date and recorded inside the passport by vet in the EU. This makes things
easier: no AHC required, no expiry every trip, and you can come and go more freely.

If you would like tips on how to secure an EU pet passport in Belgium, reach out to us on Instagram - @ralphandkinder.

 

✅ 3. Tapeworm Treatment (For Re-Entry to the UK)

Coming back to the UK? Don’t skip this part.

• What: A vet-administered tapeworm tablet, recorded on the AHC or passport.
• When: Must be given 24–120 hours (1–5 days) before re-entering the UK.
• Must include: Date/time given, brand of tablet, microchip number, vet’s signature and stamp.
• Pro Tip: Book a vet visit in advance in the EU - it can get busy and finding one can be a bit of a mission.

What to Pack for Your Pup

To make your trip as smooth (and fun!) as possible, there are a few essentials that will make life on the road easier. Here’s a handy checklist to make sure you don’t forget a thing:

A Note on Dog Food Restrictions
One thing many people miss: due to import restrictions, you can’t bring meat-based
pet food from the UK into the EU (that includes most kibble). So, unless your dog
eats a specific type of plant-based or approved diet, you’ll need to buy food once
abroad.
Pro Tip: Research pet shops near your arrival point or final destination to check if they
carry your dog’s brand - or pack a list of EU equivalents just in case.

️Travel Timeline: What to Do and When

How to Book the Eurotunnel with Your Dog

We love travelling via the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle - it’s super dog-friendly and easy.
You stay in your vehicle the whole time, and it only takes 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais.
There’s even a designated Pet Reception where they scan your dog’s microchip and check documents.

Book your Eurotunnel tickets here:
https://www.eurotunnel.com

Don’t Forget Road Rules: Tolls, Vignettes & Emission Stickers

While your pup may be passport-ready, your vehicle needs to be too! Many European countries have toll roads, low-emission zones, and sticker or vignette requirements that you’ll need to sort in advance.

• France & Germany: Some cities (like Paris or Berlin) require a Crit’Air (France) or Umweltplakette (Germany) emissions sticker to enter environmental zones. These can take a couple of weeks to arrive by post, so apply ahead of time.
• Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia: You’ll need to purchase a vignette (a toll sticker) to drive on motorways. These are usually sold at fuel stations near the border or online.
• Italy & Spain: Operate traditional toll booths where you pay as you go. It’s a good idea to carry a credit card or some cash just in case.
• Pro Tip: Research the specific requirements for each country you’re driving through using official transport websites or tools like https://www.theaa.com/european-breakdown-cover/driving-in-europe - they have an up-to-date country-by-country guide.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, once the paperwork is sorted, travelling in Europe with your dog is a dream - dog friendly cafés, stunning beaches, idyllic hiking trails, and people everywhere who love dogs just as much as we do.
So don’t let the admin put you off. Get prepped, give yourself a little checklist, and enjoy making memories across the continent with your best pal by your side.

Bon voyage!

Credit: 
This blog was written and created by Eimante Bujaite, and all images used are owned by this person. 
For more help and tips with travelling to Europe with your dog, or if you would like to follow Eimante, Ralph & Kinder's journey on social media, you can find them here.