What do you need to take your dog to France from the UK?
For many British homeowners in France, choosing a location that is accessible for long weekends and easy to drive to with their dog is a key driver behind their choice.
Around 40% of UK homeowners own a dog, and when the family dog (or dogs!) is part of the family, travelling to a home in France can be both easy and fun for owner and pet if you understand the practicalities before you set off.
Don’t think of travelling to your French home with your dog as simply another car journey. There is paperwork, preparation, timing and your dog’s welfare to consider.
Get those things organised early, choose the travel method that suits your dog, and the journey becomes much less stressful for everyone.
Here, the experts at PetAir UK share the key things to think about.
What documents does your dog need to travel to France?
Before travelling to France, your dog needs to be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination. If it’s their first rabies vaccination, there is normally a minimum 21-day wait before they can travel.
Since Brexit, most dogs travelling from Great Britain to France also need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip into the EU.
It’s worth getting your paperwork organised well before your departure date rather than leaving it until the last minute.
When do you need to get an Animal Health Certificate for France?
An AHC must normally be issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of entering the EU (the rules for taking dogs to the EU changed in April 2026 when Pet Passports ended).
The AHC can make travelling back and forth to a second home slightly more complicated. You can’t simply get one certificate at the beginning of the year and use it for every journey.
For regular travellers, we recommend putting your travel dates in your calendar early and working backwards from each trip.
If you want someone to take care of the process, that is also possible.
Animal Health Certificates, powered by PetAir UK offers a nationwide network of Official Veterinarian practices and support with the paperwork and timings.
How can you prepare your dog for regular trips to France?
For dogs travelling regularly to a second home, preparation can make a huge difference.
Keep their routine as familiar as possible, take their usual food and bring familiar bedding or toys. If they travel in a crate, introduce it well in advance so it becomes a comfortable, familiar space rather than something associated only with travel.
For dogs flying with PetAir, there is online access to UK-registered vets 24/7, alongside behaviour and nutrition support.
Care tags on collars can provide additional reassurance while travelling. Linked to an app on your phone, they can provide updates throughout the flight, but also act as a great aid if your dog ever gets lost in their new destination. Regular moves can disorientate dogs.
Is it better to drive your dog to France?
Driving to France can be a great option, particularly if you have a large dog or lots of luggage. Your dog can stay with you throughout the journey, and you have control over the stops. However, long journeys can be tiring for dogs.
Plan regular breaks. Let your dog stretch their legs, have some water and go to the toilet. I’d recommend stopping roughly every two to three hours.
And please be especially careful in warmer weather. Never leave your dog alone in a parked car, even if the windows are open or you think you’ll only be a few minutes.
Can you fly with your dog to France?
There isn’t one answer that suits every dog.
For some dogs, a long road journey is perfectly manageable. For others, several hours in a car, ferry crossings and unfamiliar stops can be more stressful than travelling by air.
Air travel can also be a practical alternative, particularly if you are travelling a long distance or your dog is comfortable travelling in a suitable, well-prepared travel cabin.
Experts will look at the individual pet, their health, size, breed and journey before recommending the most appropriate option.
Find more guidance on taking your dog to France with PetAir UK here.
Provided by Jo, Business Development Manager at PetAir UK.
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