Pet passports and going to Europe

[Nath911t]

We were thinking of driving abroad and taking our 8 year old Westie.





Has anyone had any recent experience of getting a pet passport and going by train or ferry? Looking for some good info and tips. The only thing that concerns us though is having to give him a rabies jab but maybe I'm worrying about nothing for this.

[MikeA3]

We went to france a fortnight ago.

The pet passport we had wasn’t valid anymore as we’re now out of the EU so we needed new paperwork from our vets in order to travel. We did need a rabies jab before we left the uk and you’ll need to arrange for a French vets to give your dog a worming tablet & countersign the paperwork 3 days before coming back to the uk which cost us about £50.

Ferries were great, we went with P&O and paid to go into the pet lounge (£16 I think) and it was like a first class cabin! They had a separate exercise area for the dogs, water bowls etc and free hot & cold drinks for the 2 legged passengers.

[Nath911t]

Thanks for your reply Mike. That's interesting to know about the pet area as I didn't even know it was a thing

Has anyone gone over from the UK and actually got an EU pet passport to avoid the hassle of taking tablets, visiting Vets each time and possibly gets to use both the UK & EU passport. Just thinking out loud.

[BOR]

You STILL need the worming tabs/rabies boosters etc even if you are an EU resident travelling to UK on an EU Pet Pass.

(Make sure to also get your vet to check that the micro chip is still functioning)

[Nath911t]

BOR said:

You STILL need the worming tabs/rabies boosters etc even if you are an EU resident travelling to UK on an EU Pet Pass.

(Make sure to also get your vet to check that the micro chip is still functioning)

Thanks for the info. That I wasn't aware of. Everyday can be a School day

[Baldchap]

Nath911t said:

Thanks for your reply Mike. That's interesting to know about the pet area as I didn't even know it was a thing

Has anyone gone over from the UK and actually got an EU pet passport to avoid the hassle of taking tablets, visiting Vets each time and possibly gets to use both the UK & EU passport. Just thinking out loud.

We have an EU passport for our dog, he is now el signor perro! We don't have to do the £100 paperwork rubbish every time we travel, which is the real win.

He still needs a valid rabies vaccination (and associated boosters etc) and has to take a worming tablet between FIVE (not four) and one day before coming back into the UK.

To get an EU pet passport you'll need to be able to register your pet to an address. Our neighbours have theirs registered to their friend's house in France, so it doesn't necessarily need to be one you own, just one you have access to.

On the boat front, the one we took from Portsmouth to Santander (Brittany) was absolutely atrocious and we'll never do it again. You aren't allowed to leave them in the cabin and they aren't allowed anywhere that isn't the pissy, stinky toilet bit. Muzzles are compulsory at all times moving around the boat. It was awful and even the cabin stank of piss. The P&O one sounds much better - any details on that please?

ETA: If you haven't had a rabies jab, get it ASAP as there is a delay between having it initially and travelling. I can't remember how long or why, think it's a blood test or something so long afterwards. IIRC it's 21 days but don't quote me on that.

Edited by Baldchap on Sunday 23 April 14:48

[Baldchap]

Also to add, the tunnel is very easy with dogs. There's a pretty slick check in area on the French side.

As someone said above, check the microchip works and you can find it.

[Claret m]

The correct period for visiting a EU vet is 5 days before your return passage.

Also one important point that is not mentioned, if travelling to France, make sure your dog has tick protection. We use a tablet called Bravecto, which is tick and flea protection and lasts for three months. This was recommended by our French vets at one of the best treatments. In some regions ticks carry a deadly disease that can kill a dog in 24hours if not treated.

All the best, you will really enjoy having your dog with you.

[Baldchap]

Claret m said:

The correct period for visiting a EU vet is 5 days before your return passage.

Also one important point that is not mentioned, if travelling to France, make sure your dog has tick protection. We use a tablet called Bravecto, which is tick and flea protection and lasts for three months. This was recommended by our French vets at one of the best treatments. In some regions ticks carry a deadly disease that can kill a dog in 24hours if not treated.

All the best, you will really enjoy having your dog with you.

You are correct, it's five days not four like I had in my head. Got to be mindful it's over 24 hours before travel too. See a lot caught out by this at the check in area on the French side.

"The treatment must have been given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you enter Great Britain."

Our vet recommended Scalibor collars for fleas and ticks. They're a bit ugly looking but seem to work well. They last up to six months too, IIRC.

[ClaphamGT3]

Baldchap said:

Also to add, the tunnel is very easy with dogs. There's a pretty slick check in area on the French side.

As someone said above, check the microchip works and you can find it.

Although the normal check-in area at La Coquelles is being re-built for the next 9-12 months and so there is a temporary facility in the overflow carpark that has no drive-through option.

Also, and as another poster said, if you're going to be taking your dog to EU regularly, it is much cheaper and quicker to get an EU pet passport

[Baldchap]

ClaphamGT3 said:

Baldchap said:

Also to add, the tunnel is very easy with dogs. There's a pretty slick check in area on the French side.

As someone said above, check the microchip works and you can find it.

Although the normal check-in area at La Coquelles is being re-built for the next 9-12 months and so there is a temporary facility in the overflow carpark that has no drive-through option.

Also, and as another poster said, if you're going to be taking your dog to EU regularly, it is much cheaper and quicker to get an EU pet passport

That was me.

[Pete54]

If you are travelling with the hound even occasionally then the only sensible course of action is a French (other nations work too!) passport is the way to do it. Otherwise you will be held to ransom by the live animal export arrangements and whatever round number a UK vet decides to charge.

If you are travelling southwards I would suggest getting the pet passport updated as far south as you can, the prices decrease notably the further you are away for the port/tunnel area! Equally you will typically get some good local advice!

[Nath911t]

Thank you all for your very helpful replies. I'll be getting the ball running soon and might pop back in the event of any queries