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Pet Travel - Can I Bring My Dog With Me to the UK?

The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (a move known as "Brexit") formally occurred on January 31, 2020. Following that departure is a transition period lasting until December 31, 2020, during which the U.K. and E.U. will negotiate the terms of their future relationship. This article has been updated as of the January 31st withdrawal, and you can find up-to-date information about details of the transition on the U.K.'s government website .

Yes you can bring your dog, cat or ferret into the UK without having to park them in quarantine. You just have to follow a few important rules. A lot of people still think that if they bring their pets with them into the UK they'll have to put them into a quarantine kennel for six months. Old ideas die hard. It's actually much easier, and kinder for pets and their owners, these days.

The Pet Travel Scheme, known as PETS, has been in effect in the UK for more than 15 years. It's a system that permits pet travel to the UK. Dogs, cats and even ferrets can enter or re-enter the UK from  qualified EU countries and non-EU "listed" countries . Listed countries include named non-EU countries in Europe and elsewhere. Pet travel from the USA, Canada, Mexico , Australia and New Zealand are included. 

In a change from the old quarantine regulations, pets that comply with the PETS rules for EU countries can enter the UK without quarantine from almost anywhere in the world. There are just a few exceptions and extra waiting periods.

What pet owners must do

Preparing your animal for pet travel under the PETS scheme is not complicated but you need to plan ahead and get the process in the works well ahead of time - at least four months if you are traveling from outside the EU. Here is what's required:

• Have your pet microchipped - Your vet can carry this out and it is not painful for the animal. It must be done first, before any inoculation. If your dog has been inoculated against rabies before being microchipped, it will have to be done again.
• Rabies vaccination - Have your pet vaccinated against rabies after being microchipped. There is no exemption from this requirement, even if the animal already had been vaccinated.
• Blood test   for pets entering from outside the EU  - After a 30-day waiting period, your vet should test your animal to make sure that the rabies vaccination has succeeded in giving sufficient protection. Dogs and cats entering from and vaccinated within EU or non-EU listed countries do not have to have a blood test.
• The 3-week/3-month rule  The first time your pet is prepared to travel under the PETS system, you must wait three weeks before you can travel and return to the UK if you are coming into the UK from an EU or listed country. The day of the vaccination counts as day 0 and you must wait a further 21 days. If you are traveling to the UK from an unlisted country outside the EU, your pet must have a blood test 30 days after the vaccination (with the vaccination day counting as day 0) and then wait a further three months after the valid blood test before the animal can enter the UK.
• PETS Documents Once your animal has passed all the required waiting periods and has had a valid blood test, if that is required, the vet will issue PETS documentation. In EU countries, this will be an EU PETS Passport. If you are traveling to the UK from a Non-EU country, your vet must complete a Model Third Country Official Veterinary Certificate which you can download from the PETS website.  No other certificate will be accepted. You must also sign a declaration stating that you do not intend to sell or transfer ownership of the animal.
• Tapeworm treatment Just before you enter the UK, your dog must be treated against tapeworm. This must be done not more than 120 hours (5 days) before entering the UK and not less than 24 hours. This treatment must be carried out by a licensed vet every time your pet enters the UK. If your dog does not have this treatment during the required period, it can be refused entry and placed into a 4 month quarantine. Dogs entering the UK from Finland, Ireland, Malta and Norway do not have to be treated for tapeworm.

Once you've fulfilled all the requirements, your animal will be free to travel to the UK as long as rabies vaccinations are kept up to date.

There are some exceptions. Pets coming to the UK from Jamaica must be prepared for travel under the PETS requirements in a different country, outside Jamaica. Special extra requirements apply to cats coming to the UK from Australia and for dogs and cats arriving from Peninsular Malaysia.

What else should I know?

Only certain carriers are authorized to transport pets under the PETS system. Before you make your travel arrangements, check the list of authorized carriers for air, rail and sea travel to the UK. The authorized routes and transport companies can change or may only operate certain times of year so check before you travel. If you don't arrive via an approved route, your pet may be refused entry and place in the 4-month quarantine.

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Everything You Need to Know About Moving Cats and Dogs to The UK

Comprehensive guide: moving cats and dogs to the uk.

The United Kingdom is a popular destination for pet travel, so it's important to understand the rules and requirements for importing pets to the UK. While there is no quarantine for cats and dogs in the UK if the  import steps are followed correctly, planning a safe and smooth move for your pet can be a delicate process. Follow these guidelines to ensure your pet's safe and happy journey to the UK.

Pet Import Requirements for the UK

The UK is a rabies-free country, so the import requirements must be strictly followed to prevent quarantine upon arrival. The order in which these requirements must be completed is:

• Microchip (implanted and scanned before rabies vaccine administration)
• Rabies Vaccination and Certificate (at least 21 days old before final vet visit)
• Rabies Antibody Titer Test (if coming from an "unlisted country")
• EU Health Certificate (Annex IV)
• Tapeworm Treatment (for dogs only)
• Endorsement of Paperwork

Other Considerations for Pets Entering the UK: 

• Pets should ideally arrive in the UK on a one-year rabies vaccine or a three-year vaccine in its first year of validity. If your pet is in the second or third year of their valid rabies vaccine, you must provide additional records to prove that your pet's rabies vaccine has never lapsed since their most recent one-year vaccine. Most pet owners find it easier to get a new vaccine before traveling. 
• The UK requires pets to be covered under a “Transfer of Residency” (ToR) declaration to avoid Customs VAT upon arrival. To be clear, a ToR number is not required to import your pet into the UK. However, you will need to pay the Customs VAT if you do not have a ToR number at the time of your pet’s arrival. You can read more about the new rabies requirements and the ToR updates here .

Health Certificates and USDA Endorsement 

For export from the United States to any foreign country, your pet must have a country-specific health certificate issued by a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian. This health certificate must be sent to your state’s USDA office for endorsement. It must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the  USDA . Ask your veterinarian if they have the proper USDA accreditation. Failure to do so could result in extra time and expenses associated with additional appointments and testing. If you are working with a PetRelocation coordinator, we will work closely with your veterinarian to meet all complicated requirements. 

Estimated costs for endorsement : Up to five pets can be be documented on one international health certificate. If you are traveling with more than five pets, you will incur costs for two endorsements. Currently UK health certificates are $38 USD per endorsement. 

Crate Training and Traveling as Manifest Cargo 

Pets traveling into the United Kingdom may only arrive as  manifest cargo . This is for your pet’s safety and accountability. This means it’s important to start acclimating your pet to their travel crate early and practice  crate training  often. If your pet is a very large dog , you may need a custom crate built to accommodate their size in manifest cargo. 

Estimated costs for manifest cargo airfreight: Fees range from $1,000 USD (Chihuahua) to $4,500 USD (Great Dane).

Scout, Sammy and Jo traveled to Scotland with PetRelocation 

Estimated costs for manifest cargo airfreight :  Manifest cargo flights for pets are based on dimensional weight (or how much space your pet takes up in the aircraft). For international flights, these fees can range from $1,000 USD for a Chihuahua and up to $4,500 USD for a Great Dane.

Commercial vs. Non-Commercial Pet Travel

Pet owners must travel to the UK within five days of their pet’s arrival to avoid the move being labeled as a “commercial” shipment. This is often called the "5-day rule" and applies to all countries in the European Union.  If you cannot travel within five days of your pet, you can still send them a commercial health certificate. However, the timeline will be tighter, and a tax will be imposed upon your pet's arrival. 

Commercial pet moves require a health certificate to be completed (and endorsed by a government entity) within 48 hours of the pet’s departure. If you don’t have a government office (like a USDA office in the United States, for example) nearby, you may need to consider having your pet depart from a different city to make the short timeframe work. 

Once your pet arrives in the UK as a commercial movement, you will be expected to pay at least 44 GBP or more, depending on the size of your pet, in additional DEFRA taxes. Also, considering the stricter requirements, the arrival process for a commercial move may take longer than for a non-commercial move.

Leaving the UK with Pets

To leave the UK with your pet, you must follow the pet import requirements for your destination country before departure. Also, depending on what country you are traveling to, you may need to obtain an export certificate from DEFRA.

Even if there is only a slight possibility that you will return to the UK, we recommend contacting a veterinarian to issue an EU Pet Passport before leaving the country. Furthermore, it may be a good idea to have the vet in the UK also administer a Rabies Antibody Titer Test if you plan on traveling to an unlisted country. That way, you can avoid the 3-month wait period upon your return to the United Kingdom.

Do you have questions about moving your pet to the UK that we did not cover above? Let us know how we can help!  We know planning a pet move to the UK can be an overwhelming experience -- contact us to have our UK team manage the details for you.

Top tips for traveling with your dog in Britain this summer

Jul 28, 2022 • 6 min read

A golden retriever on a walk through the English countryside © monkeybusinessimages / Getty

It’s true, the Brits love their dogs.

In fact, 27% of United Kingdom households include a dog (or two or three) as part of their family. The 2020 and 2021 pandemic lockdowns only added to their canine love affair with online searches on "how to adopt a puppy" surging by 120% in Britain, while waiting lists for popular breeds closed because demand outstripped supply.

Now all these pet-owning families are planning their holidays in Britain and turning to resources like Dog Friendly Destinations , Dog Friendly Britain: Cool Places to Stay with Your Dog and latest guide to hit the market Dog-Friendly Weekends for inspiration for their next travel adventure with their new best friend. 

Why you have to take your dog on holiday?

For many dog owners going away for a break without their doggo is such an emotional wrench it has the potential to ruin a holiday. Most wouldn’t dream of leaving their dog with anyone else, so pet-friendly accommodation is booming. And it’s not just country pubs and small hotels that are setting themselves up to cater for dogs. You’ll find remote cabins, luxury hotels, cosy gastropubs, boutique B&Bs, yurts and glamping spots across the country happy to go the extra mile to host your furry companion. As well as offering great places to stay, and to eat, many are in stunning locations to explore on long walks with your canine buddy. Can you think of a better way to vacation?

England’s most beautiful castles: fall under the spell of these 8 exquisite fortifications

What to look out for when booking a dog-friendly stay

We asked Lottie Gross, author of Dog-Friendly Weekends for her top tips on how to spot a great place to stay with your dog. “Plenty of hotels and accommodation providers say they're dog friendly, but are actually just dog tolerant,” Lottie told Lonely Planet. 

“To find a genuinely dog-friendly stay, look out for the little added extras, such as bowls and beds provided in the room, treats on arrival or even outdoor showers for post-muddy walk washes. These are signs that the accommodation has really thought about what dog owners need.

“Also, check the property's dog rules. There's nothing worse than having to spend the entire time telling your dog off if they're not allowed on the bed or sofa (or you could just bring a couple of throws to protect the furniture so you can snuggle up soundly together).

Author of Dog Friendly Britain: Cool Places to Stay with Your Dog Martin Dunford also shared: “What surprised me was the length some places go to cater for dogs and their owners, even in a city like London. One hotel in the city even holds dog film nights and dog tea parties. And the staff at all of these places have a super-friendly attitude.”  

3 perfect England itineraries for every type of traveler

How to be a good dog-owning holidaymaker 

Finding a place that welcomes you and your pooch with open arms and goes the extra mile will make your holiday with your dog a happier one. But it’s also worth noting that dog owners need to be considerate when they’re traveling too, especially in nature.

“The most important thing when traveling with your dog is to be responsible and sustainable”, explains Lottie. “That means keeping your dog on a leash when in new environments where you don't know what wildlife might be disturbed by their presence (ground-nesting birds, for example), and picking up and properly disposing of that poo. Regardless of whether it's off the path or in the middle of a farmer's field, dog poo is toxic and you should always pick it up to ensure it doesn't damage the ecology of the area.”

Top 9 road trips in England

Things to consider when catching the train with your dog

While it’s easy to hop in a car and head off on a mini-break with your dogs, not everyone in the UK has access to a car. The good news is that holidaying with a dog is very achievable by train in Britain. 

Brighton barber, Buck Rumstache , adopted his rescue pup McKenzie from Wood Green, The Animals Charity in 2019, and goes on regular getaways together. “It doesn’t cost any extra to take your dog on a train in the UK,” Buck explained, “And I have found staff are always super excited to see him, and are generally really accommodating.”

You do need to consider how far you want to travel by train with your dog before booking those train tickets. “I usually try not to travel for more than two hours on a train with McKenzie,” says Buck.  “If I was going to go further afield, like say one of my favorite British destinations, Whitby , I plan a decent break somewhere along the way to take my dog for a walk and a toilet break.”

The best museums in England: get up close and personal with dinosaurs, trains and warships

Places to stay with you dog in 2022

Luxury stay at Cliveden House, Thames Valley

Set in 376 acres of National Trust gardens and woodlands, this five-star luxury hotel has played host to movie stars and royalty over its 300-year history. It also gives four-legged guests the royal treatment with their own towel, food bowls, and a doggie bed, not to mention dog-friendly dining options at the onsite Astor Grill, and miles of woodland paths to explore. Doggie guests must be well-behaved and over a year old. And during the school holidays, they get to stay for free. 

The 8 best hikes through England's beautiful countryside

Self-catering cottages by East Ruston Cottages in Norfolk

Recommended by Lottie Gross, the cottages available through East Ruston Cottages in Norfolk (winners of the self-catering accommodation category in the Dog-Friendly Magazine awards in 2019, 2020 and 2021) are designed for dogs "with humans in mind". They offer everything a dog owner needs (including cooling coats and mats for hot weather), plus they all have enclosed gardens and let you know if the place will be suitable for different dog types. All of them are a short traveling distance to dog-friendly beaches.

15 top things to do in England, from the obvious to the adventurous and unusual

Camping with your doggo across the United Kingdom

The online campers website Pitchup has listings for over 5000 campsites, glamping spots and holiday parks that can be filtered for dog-friendly options. You’ll find places to stay with your dog from farmers' fields to shepherd’s huts which welcome dogs and their owners. Listings are dotted all over England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and can be filtered by recommended or user ratings. So pack that tent, a sleeping bag and your camping-friendly canine companions and sleep out in the great outdoors this summer. 

Local tips to know before traveling to England

Unwind with yoga, a spa or a gong bath at Retreat East, Suffolk Coast

Set on the Suffolk Coast, this former dairy farm now hosts guests and their dogs in a country house or surrounding luxury barns . There’s also an onsite spa, yoga classes and sound meditation so why not book some pet-sitting and pamper yourself while you’re here. And for families with more than one pooch, there’s good news: two dogs can stay per barn. Pets are expected to be kept on lead in communal areas of course.

The best times to visit England for fun, festivals and the great outdoors

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Travelling with pets

We know your pets are part of your family, which is why we treat every animal who flies with us like a VIP.

British Airways flights

Emotional support dogs

British Airways is unable to accept emotional support dogs for travel in the cabin on any British Airways operated flights. Your emotional support dog can travel as a pet and details on how to arrange this can be found below.

Assistance Dogs

If you’re travelling with an assistance dog, it can travel with you free of charge in the cabin of your British Airways flight. This service cannot be booked online and we might need to limit the number of dogs we can carry in the cabin.

From the UK

We’ve partnered with PetAir UK, which is run and owned by fully-qualified veterinary surgeons and has been flying pets all over the world since 2004, to offer British Airways customers a safe, comfortable and convenient way to export their pets from the UK.

If you are looking to transport your pet to the UK, our sister company IAG Cargo can help. They have decades of experience transporting animals from every corner of the globe and will look after your pet as if it were their own.

Pet Travel Scheme

If you're entering the UK, your dog must meet the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme offered by the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). It allows cats and dogs to travel between some countries and UK airports avoiding quarantine.

If you're travelling to a different country, please check with the relevant embassy or consulate for any regulations or restrictions.

SUN-AIR flights

SUN-AIR is our franchise partner operating flights within Europe under the British Airways brand. As on British Airways operated flights, recognised assistance dogs are allowed in the cabin, as well as other pets up to 6kg.

• Other pets must be transported in a waterproof bag or cage, with maximum dimensions of 20 x 30 x 20cm (7.5 x 11.5 x 7.5in).
• It is the owners’ responsibility to ensure that all documentation and animal passports are in order before departure.
• SUN-AIR permits one pet on board each aircraft at one time.

Please contact the SUN-AIR ticket office on +45 75 33 16 11 no later than 72 hours before departure if you wish to bring your pet on a SUN-AIR operated flight. Please note that pets are not permitted on SUN-AIR flights to the United Kingdom.

How to Travel with a Dog Between the UK and Europe

One of the best things about travelling in Europe with a dog is that it’s usually so easy! Generally you don’t require any paperwork for travelling from country to country and most transport options allow dogs. However, this isn’t the case if you’re departing the UK to travel to Europe with a dog, or on the other hand you’re trying to  travel to the UK with a dog .

For starters, dogs aren’t allowed on the otherwise-so-convenient Eurostar from London , almost the only train service in Europe that doesn’t allow any size pet dogs. Additionally, pet dogs are also not allowed to fly into the UK in plane cabins, only as cargo, and there are limited flight options when leaving the UK. So, how do you take your dog from the UK to continental Europe , or vice versa?

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you make a purchase using the links.

Looking for information on travelling to or from a specific country? Check out my guides on:

• How to take your dog to France
• How to take your dog from the UK to Spain
• How to take your dog to Northern Ireland
• How to take your dog to the Republic of Ireland
• How to take your dog from the UK to the USA
• How to travel to the UK from outside of Europe

Can You Take a Dog on the Eurostar?

It would be wonderful if you could quickly and easily head from England to France, Belgium or the Netherlands with your pet dog on the Eurostar! Unfortunately though,  no pet dogs are allowed on the Eurostar . The only dogs that are allowed on the Eurostar are assistance dogs, and even then they need to be booked in advance.

It would be terrific if this changed to allow pets on the Eurostar, but there are currently no plans for this to change. It’s especially perplexing given that dogs are allowed on trains in both the UK (for free!) and in France.

Taking a Dog on the Ferry as a Foot Passenger

Generally, most of the ferries that travel between the UK and continental Europe only allow passengers with a vehicle to bring along dogs. This is because most of the time pets must stay in the vehicle, or they do not have facilities for the boarding of foot passengers with pets.

There are only a handful of exceptions, with the following four ferries allowing foot passengers to take a dog. Best of all, most of these ferries now have pet-friendly cabins available.

Ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe (DFDS Seaways)

This is the only ferry between England and France that allows foot passengers to bring their dog. A charge applies, which was recently £22. The journey is about 4 hours (longer than the shorter Dover to Dunkirk or Calais routes) and dogs are kept in kennels on the car deck for the entire journey. Pets must be carried on board in a pet carrier.

Ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland (Stena Line w/ Pet-Friendly Cabins)

This longer crossing takes up to 9 1/2 hours (with shorter crossings during the day), but is quite popular with dog owners as it is more pet-friendly.

Recently, pet-friendly cabins were introduced on the ferries. Choose between two-berth inside or outside cabins, or larger five-berth cabins with a window. Up to three small pets under 15kg are permitted in each cabin, or two medium-sized dogs under 30kg, or one large dog over 30kg.

Additionally, there is also the option of booking a kennel, with two kennel rooms that remain accessible during the voyage, plus a TV channel showing CCTV footage from the kennels. Outside on the deck is a pet exercise area, although be warned it is just bare deck.

There is no additional fee for pets staying in a pet-friendly cabin, although the cabins themselves are more expensive. The charge for pets to stay in a kennel is £21. (Car passengers also have the option of leaving dogs in their car, with a fee of £18 applying.)

Read my review of travelling between London and Amsterdam with my dog on this ferry, on the overnight sailing. It is possible to book online ; simply select a pet-friendly cabin if desired at the cabin step, then add your pet to your booking at the next step.

Recently, a limit of three pets per foot passenger has been imposed (or five pets per vehicle).

Ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam (DFDS Seaways w/ Pet-Friendly Cabins)

This ferry service to Amsterdam also offers dog-friendly cabins as well as kennels, with both available to foot passengers as well as car passengers. The pet-friendly cabins are four-berth sea-view cabins that can accomodate up to two medium-sized dogs.

This crossing is a more convenient option for dog owners travelling to or from northern England or Scotland. Note though that the journey time is much longer – nearly 16 hours.

There is a charge of £30 per pet in either a cabin or kennel. Foot passengers travelling with a pet need to book by  calling the contact centre . 

Read this review  by someone else taking the ferry or find out more about the DFDS pet-friendly cabins and travelling with a pet on DFDS ferries in general .

Ferry from Hull to Rotterdam (P&O w/ Pet-Friendly Cabins)

This ferry service also connects northern England with the Netherlands, but this time the ports of Hull and Rotterdam. The journey time is about 11 hours, with the service generally operating overnight.

Recently, three pet-friendly cabins have been added on each ferry. Each cabin is a two-berth ensuite cabin with a window, although with a restricted view. Each cabin can accommodate two small or one medium/large dog. Naturally, they should be booked well in advance, plus they cost more than standard cabins.

The pet-friendly cabins are located on deck 7 close to the kennels and exercise area. It’s also possible to book one of the air-conditioned kennels, with three sizes available. While the kennels cannot be visited during the crossing, they are regularly checked by staff members overnight.

There is a set fee of £22 per pet, charged regardless of whether your pet travels in a kennel or cabin. It’s easy to add a pet to an online booking, for those travelling with or without a car, plus select a pet-friendly cabin if available.

Another way that P&O has made their crossings more pet-friendly is by setting up a pet exercise area at both the Hull and Rotterdam Ferry Terminals, for some last minute exercise before boarding the ferry.

Find out more about taking your pets on P&O .

Taking a Ferry with a Car and a Dog

It’s a lot easier to travel in between England and continental Europe with a pet if you also have a car! The majority of ferries travelling between England and continental Europe allow passengers travelling with a car to also transport pets. Click here for the full list of approved ferries.

Check out my full guide to pet-friendly cabins on ferries to Europe

Another recently development in 2023 has been the introduction of pet lounges on the P&O ferries between Dover and Calais. Instead of leaving your dog in your car, you can travel together in the lounge, with access to an outside exercise deck. A fee applies for access, with only dogs allowed. Additionally, only those with a vehicle can travel with pets, not foot passengers.

If your dog is staying in your car, it’s best to choose one of the quicker ferry options, such as between Dover and Calais, particularly if travelling in the warmer months.

Most ferries charge a fee per pet, usually around £22 except on the longer voyages to and from Spain, although the exact fee varies between the different companies. Check out the websites of the individual ferry companies for more information.

I’ve also put together detailed guides on taking the ferry to France with a dog and taking the ferry to Spain with a dog , with a list of all options and their pet facilities.

Taking the Eurotunnel with a Dog

The second option available if you have a car, and probably the more convenient one, is to take the Eurotunnel car shuttle train. Your dog stays in your car along with you, and the actual crossing only takes 35 minutes. There is an additional charge of £22 per pet, in each direction.

At both Calais (France) and Folkestone (UK) you will need to report to the Pet Reception Centre, prior to checking in. Make sure you allow additional time for this step. Here your dog’s paperwork will be checked.

See further details on the Eurotunnel website  about transporting dogs via the Eurotunnel.

Note that the Eurotunnel doesn’t take foot passengers, with or without a dog.

Flying to the UK with a Dog

If you’re wanting to fly to the UK with a dog, the only option available is for your pet to fly as cargo. No dogs are allowed to travel to the UK in the plane cabin, except for assistance dogs, or as checked luggage. 

Click here for the list of approved airlines , including the approved destination airports, or alternatively check the pet policy of the airline you intend to use, as many airlines that fly pets elsewhere in Europe don’t offer the option of flying pets as cargo to the UK.

Depending on the airline, you may be required to use an animal transport company, meaning it can be quite expensive. Additionally, there is a large fee payable when you collect your pet from the quarantine office. On top of that, the process is reportedly quite time consuming and you need to make an advance booking – Heathrow in particular is often booked out in advance.

Is it any wonder that most people avoid flying to the UK with their pet?

Flying out of the UK with a Dog

While pets flying into the UK must travel as cargo, the rules are more relaxed for flying with pets out of the UK. Dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin or as checked luggage. However, there are only a limited number of airlines that offer this.

Check out my guide to the latest airlines that fly dogs out of the UK , whether in the cabin or as excess baggage. Two of the European airlines that clearly specify they allow this are Air Malta and TAP Air Portugal. Additionally, I’ve heard reports from fellow travellers of Air France, KLM and Lufthansa allowing this.

I recommend phoning up the airline you are considering using to find out if this is an option, plus noting down the details of who you spoke to and when if you do get the okay. Note that none of the UK airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin at all.

Taxi Services Across the English Channel

The other alternative if you’re travelling between the UK and continental Europe without a car, and are struggling with the limited transport options available, is to utilise a taxi service. There are multiple providers that will basically take you on a taxi ride, along with your dog in the vehicle, but a slightly different taxi ride as you’ll be taking the Eurotunnel with the taxi.

Generally you just take the taxi between Folkestone Central station and either Calais Ville or Calais Fréthun station, utilising trains on either end. Expect to be charged at least £100-200 in addition to the Eurotunnel cost.

There may also be the option to travel a further distance on each end, such as all the way from London, for a higher cost. A typical fee from Paris to central London is £700, including the Eurotunnel cost.

For further details on taking a dog taxi from the UK to France, contact:

• Folkestone Taxis (also known as Pet Travel Abroad)

Prefer to not pay the expense of a private taxi? Another more recent option is Le Pet Express , which has regular scheduled mini-bus crossings, between Ashford and Calais Frethun rail stations. The shared mini buses can transport up to five pets and six people, with you travelling beside your pet. At the moment there are crossings on Saturdays and Sundays.

Additionally, there are some companies that are specifically set up to transport dogs longer distances between European countries and the UK, not just across the channel. These companies can collect your pet from an airport or city in Europe, then transport your pet to your door in the UK.

One such company is Happy Saluki Pet Transport , which is DEFRA certified. Another alternative is Pet Courier , a Spanish company that specifically transports pets between the UK and Spain, and vice versa.

What Paperwork is Required for my Dog?

To travel with a pet from the UK to the EU , your dog or cat needs to be microchipped, vaccinated for rabies at least 21 days before your day of travel and either have an EU animal health certificate or a pet passport issued in the EU or Northern Ireland.

Additionally, if you are travelling to the Finland, Ireland or Malta (plus Norway), your dog now needs to receive a worming treatment from your vet. For full details, see the UK government website .

Note that following Brexit, Great Britain issued pet passports are no longer valid, and you will need to visit a vet before each trip for an animal health certificate. However, if you have an EU or Northern Ireland-issued pet passport ( Northern Ireland is technically part of the EU for pet travel purposes), these are still valid.

If you require an animal health certificate, I’ve heard recommendations for Abbeywell Vets located in Folkestone, close to the Eurotunnel terminal and the Dover ferry port. You can request an EU animal health certificate online for collection when you arrive in Folkestone for a reasonable price.

Prior to Brexit, when heading from the UK across to continental Europe, generally no paperwork for pets was checked. However, this is no longer the case, so allow additional time.

For more tips on everything to organise and other parasite treatments to consider when travelling to Europe with your dog, check out the pet travel guide put together by The Daycare Vet .

When returning to the UK , similar requirements apply. The animal health certificate used to leave Great Britain can be used to return to Great Britain, with a validity period of four months. Alternatively, a pet passport, including a pet passport issued in Great Britain prior to 2021, can be presented. Otherwise visit the vet to get a Great Britain pet health certificate.

Note that all dogs (except for those entering directly from Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway) will need to be administered a worming treatment by a vet between 24 hours and 5 days of entry into the UK, with this recorded in your dog’s health certificate or pet passport.

Be prepared for your pet’s paperwork to be carefully checked when returning to the UK . The UK is is very strict about dogs entering the country, so make sure everything is in order. The timing of the worming treatment is checked down to the hour, plus the rabies vaccine is carefully checked.

For more details on the paperwork required, see the UK government website .

About the Author

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

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81 thoughts on “How to Travel with a Dog Between the UK and Europe”

Thank you for this! What an amazing resource. My partner and I are looking into working holiday visas and the UK was our first choice since we have a common language. But we got discouraged when we thought we wouldn’t be able to bring our dog. So thank you so much for all of this info! Super helpful!

https://teaspoonofadventure.com/

Glad it’s helped you! Hope you have an amazing time on your trip, whether that’s in the UK or somewhere else. 🙂

dont forget that worming pil alot of people get caught out by that ,,i cant remember the name for the worm

How about taxis, most of the taxi drivers in London they refuse the journey when they see the pet, how about your experience. thanks for sharing

I’ve had both experiences with catching taxis in London – being refused or accepted (although I guess it helped that my dog is small and was in a carrier bag). It’s helpful if you can advise in advance that you have a dog.

With crossing the channel in a taxi, it’s a specific service offered by these companies that you book in advance, advising that you have a dog. I’m sure they wouldn’t refuse if it’s all been properly booked!

This is a great series but I’m really surprised that you haven’t once mentioned the banned dog breeds in Europe! As owners of the soppiest, softest, daftest, most laid back (breed indicative!) Bullmastiff, we were shocked to discover that we are unable to drive through France with her. We are however looking at options to take the ferry straight to Spain instead! The Caravan and Motorhome Club has some info, but we’ve found that this is not a widely publicised subject which could catch out unsuspecting owners. https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/overseas-holidays/useful-information/travelling-with-pets/

Thanks for sharing the informative post! I’ve recently written about this on my post about France ( http://www.travelnuity.com/dog-friendly-france/ ), but will add further details to other posts as I read up further.

This is a concern of mine as well! I plan to tour Europe with my dog on an extremely extended trek, but she is a pit-hound mix. I think I am going to mostly rely on the fact she looks more like a hound dog and hope that saves us! If I could get her to howl on command, that would convince everyone. You can’t mistake the distinct hound baying xD

My final hope is that the muzzle that is required in many areas doesn’t ruin the illusion. Covering her very hound-y snout might draw more attention to her very pit-y ears. : {

As for crossing from France to England, I have half a mind to hitch hike, LOL!

Hitch hiking is an option! Not sure if Bla Bla Car operates in the UK, but I’ve heard of some people having success with it and a dog.

I’ve recently written more on the topic of dangerous dog rules here: http://www.travelnuity.com/travel-with-dangerous-dog-breed/

Fantastic resource! Struggling to get our toy poodle from Croatia/Italy back to the UK. Any advice???

It sure is tricky returning pets to the UK, unless you’re happy to have them travel as cargo (and pay the cost)! Probably my favourite recommendation (and that of many people I’ve spoken to) is flying to Amsterdam and then taking the Stenaline ferry to Harwich or the DFDS ferry to Newcastle. Alternatively, if you would prefer to travel by train, I recommend checking out Man in Seat 61 for the options.

I need to get my Brussels Griffon from Croatia to UK – have you any solutions?

I recommend flying to either Paris or Amsterdam, then taking the ferry or a pet taxi on the Eurotunnel. Alternatively, there’s companies that can provide end to end land transport from many countries to the UK

Such a great help. Thank you! We are getting the Eurotunnel to France with our dog and then driving up to Belgium. I’ve struggled to find anything about traveling between countries in Europe and can only assume that we don’t have to do anything between France and Belgium? Just the vet stop in France on the way back? If you can offer any advice I’d be ever so grateful. Thank you!

Georgia – Great to hear about your plans! For travelling with your dog between EU countries (and other countries like Switzerland), you’re required to have their pet passport and a rabies vaccine at least 21 days old, but this is rarely checked (except for UK and Malta, possibly Finland and Norway, that all requires the worming treatment). Expect to show nothing when travelling from France to Belgium, the same as regular passports are not checked. And yes, stop at the vet between returning to the UK for the worming treatment, at least 24 hours before returning to the UK.

Thanks for the clear and up-to-date information. This is an invaluable help as it can be hard to get clear information about pet-travel in one place, which can be very confusing. I really appreciate it !

Glad to help Neil!

Excellent information, thank you. I moved to Cyprus 2yrs ago with my dog in cargo and he was severely traumatised to the point that I thought he may die as he stopped eating. Then he got hit by a car and is now paralysed. I am desperately trying to get back to the UK but am struggling to find a way off the island without putting him in hold again. He weighs too much to go as hand luggage and i have to toilet him every 4hrs so cargo is not an option. Any suggestions? Thank you

Unfortunately I haven’t yet been to Cyprus, so I’m not fully across the transport situation. One option might be taking a ferry, then trains across Europe (see https://www.seat61.com/Cyprus.htm ). I know the ferries in Greece allowed dogs on the outside decks. But Greece has restrictions on larger dogs on trains, and Turkey may have the same. Not to mention this is a long journey.

I’d recommend looking into an animal transport company, who may operate vans where they transport dogs. I’ve heard of this before, but haven’t used it in Europe. Additionally, speak to your vet whether they can recommend something to help your dog, if you do end up resorting to cargo again. Sedatives aren’t usually recommended, but are an option if you work out a plan and trial it with your vet.

Can you tell me if you have to pay someone to go through customs at both the CDG airport if flying into France with your dogs, and then at either border, France or UK, when taking the on-foot ferry option or the overnight ferry option from Amsterdam?

Kelly – Sorry for taking a while to reply, I haven’t had decent internet access lately. The great news is that no customs fee is payable arriving in CDG or crossing the channel. The only customs fee in Europe I’m aware of is flying into the UK. Hopefully this doesn’t change with Brexit.

Hi! I am thinking of taking a small-sized dog, but I live in the UK. I travel to Sicily quite a lot (my home is there) and was thinking if you could suggest the best option to travel there. How expensive could that be?

It’ll be easier to travel to Sicily with your dog, as some airlines accept dogs flying out of the UK (perhaps Alitalia, I haven’t heard reports), but flying back into the UK dogs can only travel in cargo. Most people avoid this (and the high cost) by flying to a nearby city and then driving back across (on a ferry or the tunnel) or taking the ferry. I’ve covered these options in this post. I recommend contacting an airline directly for a cargo quote. The cost of driving or taking the ferry is trickier to estimate as it varies depending on your choice and has multiple components.

You are very helpful. I’ve spent about 20 minutes on your site and you’ve done a very good job responding to comments and being a presence in your community niche. Good job!

Hi, I am travelling from U.K. to Brazil with my pet in the cabin. However my flight has a connection of 1:30 hour in Amsterdam, where I will change the aircraft but won’t leave the lobby of arrivals and departures. I already have all the documents required by Brazilian authorities. Do you know if I have to apply for any additional document to present in Amsterdam or the health certificate issued by British authorities is enough?

If you’re not leaving the airport in Amsterdam, you don’t require anything. However, if you wish to leave the airport this depends on whether this is this year or next year after the end of the Brexit transition. At the moment, your dog would just need a EU pet passport, showing the valid rabies vaccine. However, this is often not checked.

Thank you so much for this post!! I have struggled so much in finding good information to take my pet from the Uk to Switzerland.

I am moving and I have also lots of luggage, do you recommend anything on this situation?

I was planning on renting a car but because I’m not 25 yet this is not an option for me unfortunately.

Once again thank you for taking the time on writing this post.

Thanks so much Mariana! There are some services that will deliver luggage for you, but I’m not sure of the costs involved. Alternatively, I’d recommend using a taxi to cross the channel (and loading it up with your luggage), plus investigating using BlaBlaCar (car pooling), specifying you have extra luggage.

Does BlaBlaCar work well? I saw this even searching for ways to cross but did not look into it heavily… I’ve been wanting to drive and hook up a dash camera to record to country side of France and England.

I haven’t used it, but have had it recommended by others online, although this was pre-Covid

You can send your luggage before you leave to where you’re going out have someone do it for you after. I’m going to see my mum and I’m going to Oxford flying into France from the USA. I spent £256 to send two bags at 72lbs and 60lbs from Oregon USA to Oxford England.

Hello, thanks for this very useful guide! I want to go from Paris to London with a cat, and I have one question: is there a way of renting a car to go from Paris to London (and drop the car in London) with my cat? I am from the USA, so I am not sure if there are any special restrictions I need to take into account, or if rental companies even let you have a cat in the car. Thanks!

Sebastian – I looked into this when I was travelling the same route, and found most car companies either didn’t permit a one-way hire or charged a fortune for it. Most car hire companies don’t have rules against pets in the car in France, although I would ideally keep your cat in a carrier (for their own safety, too) and remove any pet hair before returning it.

Did you end up paying a lot for a car rental?

Sorry, I’m not sure what car rental you’re referring to. We had multiple both in France and UK, but didn’t get a one-way rental

Hi, Shandos! I’ve been trying to look everywhere for the answer but I’m traveling from the USA to France where I’ll spend a few days. I’m traveling (likely flying) to the UK soon after and was wondering if I need two separate health certificates (one from France) even if I’d be traveling with a USA-endorsed certificate within the 10 days it’s valid.

If I need only one, do I need to have the health certificate for France or for the UK? Is either accepted by either country? Thank you so much for your help!

Unfortunately, you’ll need a 2nd health certificate – the GB pet health certificate. France only accepts the EU one, while England/Scotland/Wales only accept the GB one. It will be best if you have both completed in the USA, or else have the GB pet health certificate completed in France. For the UK, pets also need to be wormed within 5 days of arrival, but at least 24 hours in advance, which sounds like it’ll be easier done in France if you spend a few days there.

Have you gone yet? I’m doing the taking my cat to France CDG this month trying to book my tickets for the ferry or taxi across to England

Just wanted to let you know the link under Folkestone Taxi did not work. Thank you, hope all is well

Thanks, I’ll check it out.

In case you are not aware the rules post Brexit have changed at Eurotunnel. Generally for any pet there is a new requirement for travel from the UK to France to have a health declaration which is obtained at a vet and costs around £160 per pet. This is because France now does not recognise the UK Pet Passport. And at Eurotunnel there is a new Pet reception centre you have to visit to board the train with your dog.

Thanks for the information on the new pet reception centre! As I’ve mentioned elsewhere on my blog, yes a health certificate is now required to travel from the UK to France. This article is due to be updated soon.

Great website! Has anyone had experience travelling from Amsterdam to Newcastle by ferry as a foot passenger? The website gives conflicting info 🙁 Are you allowed to take a small dog with you on this route?

Many thanks!!

You should be able to take a small dog in the pet-friendly cabins, I know people who have done this. However, this may be impacted by Covid, so I recommend calling to confirm.

Air France, KLM and Delta allow flying out of the UK with a pet in cabin also.

Thanks for sharing!

Hi, I was looking at taking my dog on the plane from Uk to Kosovo which is possible but the return cost for the dog is very high. More than I paid for my family tickets. I would like to know if I can travel with my car from Uk to Kosovo with the dog. I have done this journey many times before without the dog but not sure what is required re: travel with dog in the car. Thanks

It’s quite easy to drive through Europe with a dog in your car. To travel from the UK to France, you’ll need to visit your vet to get an EU pet health certificate, within 10 days of your arrival in France. The price for this varies quite a bit. This can also be used to re-enter the UK, if your trip is under 4 months, plus you need to get a worming treatment recorded between 24 hours and 5 days before returning to the UK.

Once you are in France, keep the EU pet health certificate. You need this to cross borders within the EU (and Switzerland), but it is unlikely anyone will ask to view it. However, I’m not sure what is required to enter the non-EU countries, like Bosnia and Kosovo. I recommend checking the government websites in advance.

Actually, I just realised one other thing. If you travel to the EU after travelling to a few countries in Europe outside of the EU, including Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo, you pet will need a rabies titre test also. The list of exempt countries and territories is here: https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/movement-pets/eu-legislation/listing-territories-and-third-countries_en . More information is here: https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/movement-pets/eu-legislation/non-commercial-movement-non-eu-countries_en .

If you have this done before leaving the EU, there is no waiting period (normally there is a 3 month waiting period), but I am not sure what happens if you have this done in the UK, see such the UK is no longer part of the EU. I recommend speaking to your vet for advice.

Hi, my mum is moving to the UK with her dog from Malta. Planning to fly to France/Belgium then drive or ferry to UK. If paperwork and worming treatment is done in Malta (up to 5 days prior) is that enough or will she need to see a vet in France?

That should be fine, assuming she also has a valid EU pet passport to travel to France/Belgium.

Hi Shandos! Thanks for the blog post, very helpful. I just wanted to share for people that will need to travel between EU and UK regularly: every time you travel from the UK you will need a health certificate, as those expire, but if you actually register your pet with a Vet in an EU country (I did it in Barcelona, Spain) you can then get a Pet Passport recognised by the EU. This will allow you to travel back without needing to spend every time in a health certificate, which can cost £150+. The requirements to get the passport in Spain were pretty simple: they didn’t asked for min period of time (but this could be different depending on the practice apparently), show the vaccine records and the cost for my dog was around €50. I don’t know how this can be done in other countries or even regions of Spain, but worth checking. Hope it helps someone else!

Thanks for sharing Julio, including how easy it was in Spain. Unfortunately France has been making it more difficult to get an Eu pet passport there unless you live in France, but with the high cost of pet certificates it’s worth trying.

Hi Shandos, Thank you very much for your great website! 🙏 Can you please help me, as far as I’ve read (e.g. https://heathfieldvets.co.uk/travelling-to-the-eu-post-brexit/ ), UK vets can no longer stamp raibies vaccines into EU pet passports. Which means, that if you are going to get an EU pet passport, you will have to take your dog back to EU *every year* for the vaccination. Did I get that right? Because if yes, it doesn’t seem cost effective to have a EU pet passport 🤔

Yes, that’s now the case, since the UK left the EU. Some rabies vaccinations are valid for 3 years, but it only makes sense to go down this route if you are planning on regularly visiting the EU with your dog, such as spending a few months each year there.

Thank you again! 😊

United allowed flying out of Edinburgh in cabin. Also note Stena Line Hook to Harwich now has pet cabins you can book for the night trip, and their day crossing at 14:15-19:45 looks to be shorter (our doggie is very old and I don’t think we could leave her in one overnight). We have done the DFDS to Newcastle several times. They looked at her EU passport when departing AMS but not when arriving in Newcastle both times. After finding it just as difficult to get to their bus in Amsterdam last time however we took a train to the closest point and then called and Uber. We also took an Uber on the Newcastle end the last time.

Thanks for the updates George, I’ll look into this!

Hi Shandos! Do you have any experience/suggestions for travelling to the UK from Portugal with a 20kg friend? It looked for a moment like British Airways might be a possiblility through the cargo handlers IAG but it seems they don’t list Portugal as an option…

Portugal to UK is a tricky one at the moment! Lufthansa might be able to do it on a flight via Frankfurt, but I heard a few weeks back that they temporarily were stopping transit flights for pets due to low staffing levels from Covid.

Alternatively, there’s multiple pet transport companies that will transport pets in vans from throughout Europe across to the UK. Perhaps ask in a Portuguese expat group on Facebook for recommendations, or else a Google search turns up multiple options.

Hi, thank you for sharing all this information. I actually took your advice at Christmas and went from London to Malaga with my cat: Newhaven -> Dieppe -> by ferry then caught the trains (nightmare so long) then flew Paris -> Malaga.

However, we are going again in a few weeks and we were accepted in March to fly in the cabin with Iberia Express from Heathrow to Madrid then doing the fast train to Malaga. However, I just noticed that you have said Iberia no longer accept animals in the cabin? I have phoned them up a few times and they have confirmed that my cat is on the ticket. I am a little nervous now that we may be refused at the airport?

The latest I had heard is that they weren’t accepting pets, but maybe they have changed this again? If you have the ticket and you have confirmed this with them, all should be fine.

Thank you for the information, apologies if I have missed this but what is the protocol for arriving to CDG with dog in cabin? Do I need approval from the airport before I fly, if so who do I contact?

There’s no airport approval required at CDG, just a booking with an airline.

Hi ans thanks so much. for all this info. I am dual nationality, British/Irish and my dog is a rescue from Romania and has a European Passport. My plan is to take Le Pet Shuttle, (Eurotunnel) to Calais and then a train to CDG and stay in a Pet Friendly Hotel at airport. Then next day fly her in cabin with me from Paris to Faro, Portugal. I’m gonna have a stroller for her and an airline approved cabin carrier. My question is, what pitfalls should I look out for? Im a bit nervous about the paperwork.

I was gonna try Transavia Airlines.

The main requirement is that your dog still has a valid rabies vaccine in the passport. (Future vaccines will need to be done in the EU to be entered in the passport.) The paperwork will be checked before leaving the Uk, then perhaps at flight check in, but it’s fairly straight forward. Enjoy your trip!

Great & informative blog! The comments have helped me work out that Eurotunnel is best option in returning to the UK.

I would just like to double check I’m up to date with info tho.

I would like to fly from london to Faro, Portugal with my 5 months old chihuahua for a couple weeks holiday. (I used to live there before getting my puppy & still have friends over there, I am a British (born here) citizen.) I have found that I can fly out of london fine but it’s returning I’m unsure on. Preferably flying with TAP.

My question is: Will I be able to fly back with my pup if I have flown out with him or shall I try the Portugal to Calais flight then get the Eurotunnel over to the uk?

I won’t have my car tho for the Eurotunnel part, what would be the best way to get on there OR if you know a better alternative in returning to the uk from Faro, Portugal I’m happy to hear all ideas.

(Apologies for the story ha, I just want to make sure all details are in)

Yes, it’s possible to fly out of the UK with a dog in the cabin, with a few airlines, but it’s not possible to fly back in, even if you flew out, except if the pet flies in cargo. As you won’t have a car, there’s a few taxi companies I have listed that will transport you and your dog.

Lufthansa no longer allow pets in cargo to the uk. They say you need to book space on a cargo plane in order to transport your pet to the uk. British airways and Austrian airlines have said the same thing. It’s become even harder now to bring my cat to the uk.

Thanks for the heads up!

Hi! Super useful information as it’s so tricky to travel to/from the UK! I just wanted to add that dogs can travel in the cabin UK to Spain with Iberia Express (not normal Iberia). As far as I know, you have to phone several times until you get someone who knows their own rules… but it’s possible!

I thought Iberia Express had recently stopped allowing pets in the cabin leaving the UK, but maybe it is still sometimes possible? Thanks for the info!

Thanks so much for this article! The information was very helpful but I have a couple more questions that are specific to buying a puppy from a certified breeder in the UK and bringing them back home into EU.

We have put down a deposit for a puppy from a UK breeder but we live in Slovakia. We have a car so there is an option of basically taking a road trip from Bratislava to the UK (15+ hours) and back for the pup but in the end we want to choose a way to bring them home that’s least stressful for them. Do you have any suggestions on what the process is like with a 8 week old puppy and what the best options are for transport?

Thanks a lot, Anna

Anna – I’m not fully across the rules for transporting puppies. Make sure you double check the rules for puppies for EU pet health certificates – there is a slightly different process as they are too young for a rabies vaccine. Additionally, many airlines have minimum age restrictions. An alternative option is to find a land transport option. I’ve heard many recommendations for Happy Saluki ( https://www.happy-saluki.com ). I recommend reaching out to them.

Hi. I want to travel with 4kg dog to Malaga and return. I can’t be separated from a “Velcro” dog as this would cause a great deal of trauma and suffering,

I have a doctor’s letter stating that she is a therapy dog – but don’t know if this carries any weight with the authorities.

Can you suggest the simplest way to travel – whilst noting that Uk authorities have stringent rules. Also, am partly disabled myself and would need some buggy or wheelchair assistance at both Uk and Malaga airports, A two week (or less) stay in July or September. Many thanks for your help. Fully realise this is a difficult request.

The only option to do this by air with your dog in the cabin is if your dog qualifies as a service dog. Here’s the details provided by British Airways, including their contact phone number: https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/disability-assistance/travelling-with-your-assistance-dog I’m not sure if your dog qualifies.

The next simplest way to return to the UK would be to fly from Malaga to Paris, then take one of the pet taxis from Paris to London.

Thank you very much for this very helpful information source! I could not find any other more informative and clear source than this!

I will be travelling with my dog (Pincher) from Italy to UK by train and then via Eurotunnel by Le Pet Express minibus as I do not have a car.

Do you know whether my dog must stay in a pet carrier whilst on train in France or he can sit on my lap or on the floor next to me. If a pet carrier is needed, are there particular size requirements?

Do I need to book a ticket for my dog as well for a train from Paris to Calais Frethun?

Calais Frethun train station for trains arriving from Paris and Eurotunnel shuttle terminal are located in one and the same place?

Thank you in advance for your advise!

The rules for whether a pet should be in the carrier on the train and the relevant ticket depends on the size. I summarise the rules for the SNCF trains in my France guide: https://www.travelnuity.com/dog-friendly-france/ . Advance booking for pet tickets is not always possible – it’s fine to buy at the station. I haven’t been to Calais myself, but I’ve heard from other travellers that Calais Frethun is the station you want to alight at. Double check with Let Pet Express for their pick-up point. All the best with your trip!

I have just done the crossing above and here are my two cents: I have had the pet passport done in Germany already so I did not have to get the health certificate. But if you do need it, schedule enough time for this as some vets need to pre gather information and put together everything which can take a while. Secondly the cages are now fixed on the ferry, there were four cages in total. Besides my JRT there was another person with a dog on the ferry. They did not make us put him into the carrier at all we and a crew member just walked our dogs on leashes to the cages. The cages are large but quite disgusting I have to say. They smell like dog urine and the pads underneath are soaked with dog urine and water. I did not like leaving my dog there but had no choice. I would suggest to bring some pee pads and portable water bowls and cover the floor so your dog does not have to sit on top of the soaked pads. I visited him once as he got motion sick during the trip (sees are rough in the winter time so if your dog is motion sick take that into account) he was fine though and in general the dogs are located in a small enclave near the cars so it’s fairly sheltered. Once it was time to disembark they told us to deboard first before all foot passengers. We went down to get our dogs and went to the lowest levels where some crew were already waiting to leave the ship. A bus was waiting to drive us to the terminal where you go through passport control (just your passport). There are no taxis or busses to Dieppe train station so you might need to walk (25min). I took trains to Paris with my dog which were quite smooth. I think the journey is ok so you can do it but personally I will get a car and travel through thr eurotunnel next time.

Thanks for sharing your experience Lisa!

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We’ve always maintained a high standard of hygiene. Our cars are sanitised between every Pet Move using pet friendly products.

A family business

Pet Moves is a small but impressive business with family members Edward & Barry taking care of you. Living on a small holding with most domestic animals including our pet cats, Missie and Oscar together with Goldie the Labrador, means we understand just how important your pets are to you. After all, Pets are family.

Can I bring my pet?

Of course! Don’t leave your four-legged friend behind, they’re part of the family! Bring them along so that they can share the adventures and enjoy the fun. On Stena Line, pets are welcome and you can book your companion into a kennel (we advise that you pre-book to secure a kennel), take them on onboard (there are some rules around this) or keep them inside the car (this is not available on selected routes, please check the details for your specific route).  Some of our ferries have pet friendly cabins that can be pre-booked too.

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What if I’m travelling with a guide, hearing or autism assistance dog?

Guide, hearing and autism assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of our ports and ships and are entitled to free travel.  They have full access to the passenger decks on all Stena Line routes and vessels. All guide, hearing or autism assistance dogs must have the necessary paperwork when checking in at the port and must wear the correct harnesses and jackets at all times while travelling. Please refer the specific rules pertaining to Assistance dogs on Irish Sea routes below. Where other passengers have a severe allergy to dogs, we will alert the assistance dog owner and the passenger with the allergy. We may ask each party to avoid specific areas at specific times to reduce the possibility of an allergy attack e.g. when one party is eating in the restaurant, as we may not be able to provide the necessary medical attention in all cases.

Can my Emotional Support Dog travel as an assistance dog?

We fully appreciate that Emotional Support Dogs (ESDs) provide comfort and support for passengers, however, when we are at sea, maritime laws ensure we put the safety of passengers and crew first.

If you do not have ADUK or IGDF certification for your ESD that you carry with you, they are to travel under the Stena Line guidance on ‘travelling with a pet’. Of course, your pet is more than welcome on board, but they should be booked into the Pet Lounge*, a pet-friendly cabin*, a kennel, or the car.

If you have an ESD query, please contact our bookings team. We recommend doing this at least 48 hours before your departure, so we can help you as best we can.

*Selected routes only 

What vaccinations does my pet need?

If you’re travelling to Britain and Europe, pets need to have documentation showing that the essential vaccinations have been carried out. Please note that it is your responsibility to provide all necessary documents and to make all arrangements, including, where necessary, quarantine, to satisfy all legal requirements.

Dogs must undergo a tapeworm treatment not less than 24 - 120 hours prior to check-in for travel to the UK from Continental Europe. The EU pet passport must be giving the time and date of treatment.  For residents of Northern Ireland please visit  https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/travelling-pets for information. Although at present there are no routine physical or documentary checks on the non-commercial movement of UK resident pet dogs, cats and ferrets travelling with their owners or authorised person between GB and NI, however, the current requirements continue to apply, and officials reserve the right to undertake checks should there be a suspicion of illegal activity or welfare concerns.

Pets must be vaccinated against rabies.  Firstly ensure your pet is microchipped or the vaccination will not count.  The dog must be at least 12 weeks old before vaccination and the vaccination must be in date at the time of travel.  You must wait 21 days from the date of the rabies vaccination before travelling.

Travelling to Sweden with dogs or cats

When you travel to Sweden from abroad, remember that you  must  notify Swedish Customs.

If you currently reside in another EU-country, there is an option to use an e-service to notify Swedish Customs before your trip.  Information about how you notify Swedish Customs is available at their website:   Travelling with dogs or cats .

Does my pet need a pet passport?

Pet travel with dogs, cats and ferrets is bound by the conditions of the EU pet passport. The EU pet passport or an animal health certificate replaces all passports or other documents previously used for pet travel in Europe including the PETS document. The EU pet passport can be acquired at any authorized veterinarian after a microchip has been fitted and a successful blood test has been given.

From 1 January 2021, UK style EU Pet Passports issued in GB or NI up to 31 December 2020 are no longer valid. As an interim measure, NI pet owners can contact their private vet, who will update their pet passport appropriately to allow travel. A new style UK (NI) branded EU Pet Passport will be distributed to veterinary practices in due course.

Brexit Advice:  As of the 1 January 2021, the rules for travelling with your dog, cat or ferret from Britain to the EU have changed. More details are available at  GOV.UK .

Please note that it is your responsibility to provide all necessary documents and to make all arrangements, including, where necessary, quarantine, to satisfy all legal requirements.

What papers will my pet need?

Under the EU pet movement system, all pet dogs, cats and ferrets moving between EU Member States must meet the same animal health rules. All pets travelling between the Republic of Ireland and the UK, the UK and Continental Europe and across Europe must be micro chipped and accompanied by a pet passport. You can find more information about the changes made to pet travel implemented on 29th December 2014 by clicking the following link -  EU Pet Travel Scheme .

Does my pet need to be micro-chipped?

All pets travelling between the Republic of Ireland and the UK or Continental Europe and between the UK and Continental Europe must be micro chipped and accompanied by a pet passport. Your pet must be fitted with an approved electronic transponder (microchip) for identification by an authorised veterinarian. Several organisations handle the registration of electronic pet identification numbers. This registration may also be useful when retrieving a runaway pet. 

What are the rules for travelling with pets after Brexit?

From 1 January 2021, the rules for travelling with your dog, cat or ferret from Britain to the EU (including pets returning to the Republic of Ireland from Britain) have changed. For more details please visit the links below.

Travelling with Pets from Britain to the EU >>

Travelling with Pets between Britain and Northern Ireland >>

Travelling with Pets from Republic of Ireland to Britain >>

If my pet remains in my vehicle can I check on it during the crossing?

This may be permitted but will vary by vessel and cannot be guaranteed.  Speak to our team at time of booking for further information.

What if I am travelling with more than 5 pets?

From 29th December 2014 changes to the EU pet travel scheme require additional rules for vehicles carrying more than five pets. For more information please click on the following link,  EU Pet Travel Scheme .

If you are travelling with 6 or more pets with the intention of attending a competition or show, you must complete an exemption from commercial movement declaration form. You should book via our Contact Centre with evidence of the competition or show then provide the exemption declaration on check-in. 

If you are travelling with 6 or more pets and are  not  travelling for a competition or show, you  must  book via our Freight department and provide all necessary paperwork for the commercial movement of animals.

Useful links (UK)

Exemption declaration forms

Travelling with pets from Northern Ireland

Commercial movement of pets from Northern Ireland 

UK Government advice on exporting live animals

I am travelling with horses, can I book online?

Horseboxes up to 12m in length can be booked online on our Belfast - Cairnryan and Belfast - Liverpool routes, on routes between Sweden and Denmark and on routes between Sweden and Germany. On these routes, vehicles over 12m in length must be booked via our freight department. Horseboxes under 14m in length can be booked for travel between Sweden and Poland. For all other routes please book via  Stena Line Freight .

Travelling with your pet on the Irish Sea

Pre-booking your pet is mandatory:

Regardless of the option you choose when travelling with your pet, all pets, whether you are travelling by car or by foot, must be pre-booked in advance of travel.

Pet paperwork:

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all of the required paperwork for your pet.

Please ensure you are familiar with the  EU and PETS rules  before travelling. 

Assistance Dogs:

Only assistance dogs permitted in all public areas of our ports and ships and will also be entitled to free travel as long as they are kept on a harness/lead and meet the criteria below.  Please visit our Guest Services desk when you board in order to show the relevant documentation for your dog to allow access to all areas onboard.

Assistance dogs must be:

• Either specifically trained to assist a disabled person and certified by an organisation that is a full member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), the accrediting bodies for assistance dog organisations worldwide; or
• where they are not recognised as an assistance dog by ADI or the IGDF, written evidence must be provided by a qualified dog trainer to prove that they have passed an assistance dog public access certification test in accordance with the requirements set by ADI. which you can access here .

If your dog does not meet the above criteria, or is an emotional support dog that is not recognised as an assistance dog by ADI or IGDF, then your dog will not be allowed to travel in the public areas. In these cases , please book your dog to travel as a pet under our usual rules.

Your assistance dog must wear an identifiable harness, bandana, lead slip or dog jacket so your dog can be instantly recognisable by the ship’s crew and other passengers.

This policy only applies to assistance dogs; any other assistance animals must travel as a pet under our usual rules.

Emotional Support Dogs: 

Emotional Support Dogs that are not recognised as an assistance dog by ADI or the IGDF must travel as a pet under our usual rules.

All dogs must be under the control of an adult at all times.  Dogs must be wearing a collar and be on a non-retractable lead (no longer than 4 ft) when being transferred to a kennel, to the pet lounge or to a pet cabin. If your dog is aggressive or has been aggressive to people or other animals it must wear a muzzle at all times except when inside a pet carrier case in the pet lounge or whilst in a pet cabin or in a pet kennel.

Your options when travelling to and from Ireland and to France:

When travelling with your pet on the Irish Sea you have a number of options to choose from depending on the route and ferry you are travelling on. Please note that these options could change should a temporary replacement vessel be in service on the route.

Pets in car (to/from Ireland and France)

Pets can remain in your vehicle on all routes with the exception of Stena Vision on our Rosslare – Cherbourg route.  On our longer crossings (Liverpool – Belfast and Rosslare – Cherbourg (Stena Horizon only) whilst pets can remain in your vehicle, due to the length of the crossings and that certain breeds of dogs are more sensitive to heat/poor air circulation in vehicles, we recommend that you either book a pet-friendly cabin or a pet kennel.

Pets travel for free when remaining in your vehicle.

Pets in kennels (to/from Ireland and France)

Kennels can be pre-booked on the "Stena Plus & Onboard Extras" step of the booking process or via our Contact Centre.

Pet kennels are free when travelling between Cairnryan – Belfast, Holyhead – Dublin and Fishguard – Rosslare.  On our Liverpool – Belfast and Rosslare – Cherbourg (Stena Horizon only) routes a fee is payable per kennel, each way. Please note, Stena Vision on the Rosslare – Cherbourg route does not have pet kennels.

Pet kennels on our Liverpool – Belfast and Holyhead – Dublin routes can be accessed throughout your journey.  Not only can you visit your dog on these two routes but you can also exercise them under controlled conditions too.  For visiting times for pets staying in vehicles on Stena Horizon on our Rosslare – Cherbourg route, please visit Guest Services when you board and our crew will advise you of the times.  Weather permitting, two supervised visits per crossing, for a maximum of 10 minutes are allowed.

Our onboard kennels are suitable for domestic pets such as cats and dogs. If you are carrying livestock, exotic, dangerous or larger animals you must contact Customer Services in advance of booking to determine the suitability of the facilities onboard for the safe carriage of the animal/pet.

The Pet Lounge (to/from Belfast and Cairnryan only)

Onboard our Stena Superfast vessels between Belfast and Cairnryan we have a dedicated Pet Lounge.  For safety reasons your pet must remain in its secure pet carrier case for the duration of the crossing whilst in the Pet Lounge.  The pet carrier case can be no bigger than: length 91cm x height 62cm x width 56cm.  The Pet Lounge is not exclusively for dogs, so with different types of pets and breeds of animal permitted in the lounge, all pets must remain secured in their pet carrier case.  The lounge is an enclosed area and is an unfamiliar environment for all pets, so for the comfort and safety of pets and owners, it is mandatory for all pet owners to adhere to this rule.

A maximum of 2 pets is permitted per booking.  For safety and security reasons, owners must not leave their pets unattended in the pet lounge at any time. All passengers who wish to travel with their pet in the pet lounge must pre-book the pet lounge in advance of travel.

Click here to learn more about our Pet Lounge when travelling between Belfast and Cairnryan.

Please note:  Bags are not permitted as carrier cases and you will be unable to bring your pet onboard if you don't have an appropriate pet carrier case with you where access to the case is via a secure door/zip/lock mechanism and your pet is totally enclosed. All pets must be pre-booked as a limited number of carrier cases are allowed onboard each sailing.

Pet Cabins (to/from Ireland and France)

We also have a number of pre-bookable  pet friendly cabins  available, where you can bring up to 2 pets into your cabin. These pet-friendly cabins can be pre-booked on the “Cabins” step of the booking process or via our Contact Centre. Pets are not permitted in Superfast Suites on our route between Belfast and Cairnryan due to the limited number of suites per vessel.  Our Superfast vessels will have a dedicated pet lounge from 21 May, as well as the option to leave pets in kennels or in vehicles.

Stena Vision:  Pet-friendly cabins only. Pets are not permitted to remain in vehicles

Due to the configuration of the vessel and the availability of  pet cabins , pets are not permitted to remain in vehicles during the crossing on Stena Vision. All pets must be pre-booked into a pet-friendly cabin onboard. There are no dog lodges/kennel facilities onboard Stena Vision. 

Our pet-friendly cabins on Stena Vision allow you to bring up to 2 pets into your cabin and these can be pre-booked on the “Cabins” step of the booking process or via our Contact Centre. On Stena Vision only 2 pets per booking are permitted as pets cannot remain in vehicles.

Traveling with your pet from Harwich to Hoek van Holland

Traveling by car (max. 5 pets)

At check-in you will receive a coloured tag to indicate that you are transporting a pet. It should be placed on the rear-view mirror of your windscreen and should remain there until you clear customs at the port of arrival.

Travel on foot (max. 3 pets)

If you are travelling as a foot passenger, you must book an onboard kennel for your pet or a pet-friendly cabin; otherwise your pet may not be allowed to travel.

When you board the ferry, we ask you to carefully follow the instructions of our employees. After boarding, report to the information desk on deck 9, where you will receive more information about taking your pet on board Stena Line ferries.

Travelling with a guide dog or an assistance dog for people with hearing problems or autism

Guide dogs and assistance dogs for people with hearing problems or autism are welcome on our Hook of Holland - Harwich route and are entitled to free travel. During the booking process you book a pet-friendly cabin and register the dog during the step "Stena Plus & Extras on Board". If a pet-friendly cabin is not available, please contact our Customer Service. They provide a suitable solution when other cabins are available on the sailing.

The dogs have full access to the passenger decks on the ferries. All guide, hearing or autism assistance dogs must have the necessary paperwork at port check-in and must wear appropriate dog harnesses and harnesses at all times while traveling. In the case of passengers who have a severe allergy to dogs, we will inform the owner of the assistance dog and the passenger with the allergy. We may ask both persons to avoid specific areas at specific times to prevent an allergy attack, e.g. if one of them eats in the restaurant, as we may not be able to provide the necessary medical assistance in all cases.

Kennels and pet-friendly cabins on board

There are a limited number of places available in our heated kennels. You book this in advance at the step "Stena Plus & Extras on Board" of the booking process. We also have a number of pet-friendly cabins available so that your pet can travel with you. Pets are not allowed in the restaurants, bars and shops. There is an area available on board our ferries where you can walk your dog.

Our onboard kennels are available in three sizes:

• Large kennels: 97 cm x 94 cm x 100 cm (h x w x d)
• Medium kennels: 64 cm x 108 cm x 100 cm (h x w x d)
• Small kennels: 65 cm x 50 cm x 100 cm (h x w x d)

We also have a number of pet-friendly cabins available so that your pet can travel with you. Maximum number of pets per cabin:

• 3 small pets up to 15 kilos, or
• 2 medium pets up to 30 kilos, or
• 1 large pet from 30 kilos

Pets are not allowed in the restaurants, bars and shops. There is an area available on board our ferries where you can walk your dog.

Please note: Large pets must climb stairs, go over a high door stop and may be lifted into small and medium kennels that are not at floor level.

Only the following pets are allowed: dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, ferret, mouse, chinchilla & gerbil (the maximum numbers also apply to small rodents).

Travel documents

There are a number of requirements that the travel documents for your pet must meet:

• The animal is at least 15 weeks old
• Chip for identification (must be placed before the rabies vaccination, this may also be on the same day)
• Valid rabies vaccination (transport possible at least 21 days after the first vaccination). If the animal has been vaccinated before and this vaccination is still valid, this waiting period is not necessary
• Valid European pet passport issued in a member state of the EU, or; a health certificate issued by the official authority in the United Kingdom or another non-EU country
• Tapeworm treatment. This only applies to dogs. The vet must carry out this treatment at least 1 day (24 hours) and at most 5 days (120 hours) before the time of entry into the United Kingdom and it must be stated in the passport. (Only applicable when traveling from Hoek van Holland to Harwich)

After the crossing

When you disembark at Harwich International Port, your pet may be subject to a DEFRA (Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) inspection. We recommend that you keep all relevant paperwork related to your pet at hand. This is standard procedure on arrival in UK ports.

For more information on the rules for traveling with a pet from the EU to the UK and vice versa, please visit the DEFRA website or the UK government website GOV.UK .

If you have any questions, feel free to  call a member of our Customer Service for more information.

Travelling with your pet on Gothenburg – Frederikshavn

We have a limited number of pet places available and all pets must be pre-booked prior to travel.  At the port you must advise our check-in team that you are travelling with a pet. Cats must travel in a cage/carrier case.  On all vessels the car deck is closed for the duration of the crossing and access to passengers is not permitted.

Stena Jutlandica

Pets are allowed to stay on the open car deck in the car or in the dog friendly lounge. Stena Danica

Pets are allowed to stay in your vehicle (except in the months of May, June, July and August) or in the dog friendly lounge. Stena Vinga Pets are allowed to stay in your vehicle (except in the months of May, June, July and August) or in the dog friendly lounge. There is also a small run-out area for your pet.

Please note: In Denmark it is mandatory that you take out liability insurance for your dog. Liability insurance does not cover the costs of a veterinarian.  Check if the insurance also apply in the country you are going to - and how long they apply for. Please ask your insurer how best to insure your animal when travelling.

Travelling with your pet on Grenaa – Halmstad

Pets are allowed to stay in your vehicle (except in the months of May, June, July and August) or in the dog friendly lounge. Cats must be transported in a travel case/carrier.

Please note:  In Denmark it is mandatory that you take out liability insurance for your dog. Liability insurance does not cover the costs of a veterinarian.  Check if the insurances also apply in the country you are going to - and how long they apply for. Please ask your insurer how best to insure your animal when travelling.

Travelling with your pet on Rostock – Trelleborg

You must pre-book your pet and also advise our check-in team when you arrive at the port.

A limited number of pre-bookable pet cabins are available on board the Mecklenburg-Verpommen and Skåne.  If you are booking without a pet cabin, you must book your pet when completing your booking under the heading “Extras”. If there are no pet places presented under “Extras”, it will not be possible to take your pet with you on the departure you had selected. If this occurs, please choose an alternative departure. Pets are not allowed in the restaurants, bars and shops. It is possible to stay on deck in the designated areas.

Travelling with your pet on Kiel - Gothenburg

You can travel with your pet on Kiel - Gothenburg however you must pre-book a pet cabin in order to do so. A limited number of pet cabins are available on each sailing. No more than two pets are allowed per cabin.  Please note you cannot travel with your pet if there are no pet cabins available.   Your pet is not allowed to stay in your vehicle during the crossing. Your pet must be registered at check-in and you will then be taken to the special pet cabin by the shortest route. Apart from the cabin and the exercise area, your pet is not allowed access to the general passenger areas.

Travelling with your pet on Gdynia - Karlskrona

Pets can only travel on Stena Spirit, Stena Ebba and Stena Estelle in special pet-friendly cabins. There are a limited number available on each ferry and you can bring up to three pets with you when you stay in this type of cabin. If you haven't got a pet-friendly cabin booked, unfortunately your pet won't be able to travel with you.

The pet must be registered at check-in, after which a member of staff will show the shortest route to a special pet cabin. Apart from the exercise area on the outside deck, pets are not allowed in the public areas. Dogs must wear a muzzle outside the cabin and must be kept on a leash. Cats must travel in a cage/carrier case.

Travelling with your pet on Travemünde - Liepāja

On our Travemünde - Liepāja route you can travel with your pet on the Stena Flavia and Stena Livia. However you must pre-book a special pet cabin.  There are two pet cabins available. Pets cannot travel if these pet cabins are fully booked. The animals are not allowed to stay in the vehicle during the crossing. Pets are not permitted access to the general passenger areas. Dogs must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle.

Travelling with your pet on Nynäshamn - Ventspils

The Stena Baltica and Stena Scandica have cabins where pets are allowed. When choosing a cabin for the transportation of pets, there is no charge for the pet, but the reservation should indicate how many pets will travel (max. 5 pets per cabin). During the summer season (from May 1 to September 30) pets are allowed to stay in the car. You can visit your pets at certain times accompanied by a crew member. There is an additional charge per pet staying in the car. 

What responsibilities do I have for my pet whilst travelling by ferry?

• You are responsible for ensuring the animal's welfare.
• If pets travel inside a vehicle or in the onboard kennel they must remain there for the duration of the crossing.
• We recommend that dogs should travel in the provided onboard kennel and Stena Line cannot be held responsible for any damage that may arise from not using our kennel facilities
• It is your obligation to ensure that all conditions for EU pet travel and the UK Pet Travel scheme (PETS) are met.
• Stena Line cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information given.
• Should your pet not meet the conditions of the EU pet travel and the UK Pet Travel scheme (PETS) the animal is liable to be held in UK quarantine for a period of up to 6 months or be re-exported.
• Stena Line is obliged as an accredited PETS carrier to verify your documentation and will refuse the carriage of your pet if the documentation is in breach of the PETS rules.
• If you are planning to quarantine your pet you will be fully responsible for all arrangements and cost associated with this procedure. You will need to produce the relevant documentation to Stena Line prior to carriage.
• Stena Line cannot be held liable for any cost in connection with non-compliance with EU pet travel and PETS rules.
• We do not accept any responsibility for any liability or damage caused by your pet while on board. You accept that if an injury or incident occurs which was caused by your pet, you may be reported to the relevant authorities, and in some cases, it could give rise to criminal or other legal liability.

Illicit Puppy Trading

Stena Line condemns the illicit puppy trade and tries to stop this practice. In cooperation with  DAERA  and  DEFRA  , Stena Line is actively taking action against the transport of dogs and puppies from puppy farms between Ireland and Great Britain. Investigators are authorized to stop and search vehicles belonging to people suspected of illegally dealing in dogs and puppies. All passengers who are guilty of illegally transporting dogs will be prevented from continuing their journey. The result is criminal prosecution and the confiscation of the puppies.

Pets Liability Disclaimer

Stena Line cannot accept responsibility for any of the links from this web site, nor the content thereof. The links are provided purely for your benefit and Stena Line is not responsible for inaccuracies in the information provided.

Related Questions

What identification documents do I need to travel?

Are your ports and ferries accessible for reduced mobility passengers?

Where can I find directions to the terminal?

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How to travel into Europe

Taking your dog by train.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, how to take your dog by train.

This gets asked surprisingly often, as it's difficult and expensive to send dogs, cats or other pets by air, and pets find it very stressful alone in the hold of a plane.  So why not take your dog by train or ferry, the civilised and comfortable option?  Unfortunately Eurostar doesn't allow dogs on trains to/from London, except guide dogs.  But there are alternatives - this page explains the options for civilised & enjoyable train & ferry travel between the UK and European destinations with your dog, cat or other pet.

Microchip, vaccinations, health certificate

Before you start, you'll need to make sure your dog or pet is fitted with a microchip and has an up-to-date rabies vaccination.  Call your vet, they can advise you.

To take a pet from the UK to the EU , see your vet no more than 10 days before you travel for a simple health check and to get a health certificate.  Expect this to cost £180 (yet another a Brexit cost as the UK is no longer a member of the Pet Passport scheme).  The certificate is a 10-page document with more stamps than a 1970s Soviet transit visa which allows you to take your pet into the EU for up to 4 months and to re-enter the UK within 4 months.  You can have more than one pet on the same health certificate.  For certain countries you'll also need a tapeworm treatment, including Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, Finland & Malta.

A day or two before you return to the UK , make a vet's appointment.  The vet gives your dog a tapeworm tablet and fills in/stamps the relevant section on the form.  This must be done no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you enter Great Britain.  Expect this to cost around €40.  This allows you to return to the UK.

For full details on how to take a pet abroad, see www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit .

For full details on how to bring a pet into the UK, see www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel .

Tip:   As you can't take meat or dairy products into the EU, only take enough regular pet food for the Channel crossing.  Take kibble for the onward journey, or stock up with wet food once on the Continent.

Step 1, taking a pet on British trains

This bit is easy.  You can take dogs, cats and other small animals free of charge on all British trains, up to a maximum of two per passenger, as long as they don't endanger or inconvenience passengers or staff.  Dogs must be kept on a lead unless inside a carrier.  Dogs without leads, cats, birds and small animals must be carried in an enclosed cage or pet carrier which must be rigid and not open (to prevent escape) and the animal able to stand and lie down in comfort.  Animals and containers must not occupy seats or a charge may be made.  If you want to use a Caledonian Sleeper to or from Scotland, you'll need to pay a fee, see here .  For full details of dog & pet regulations on British trains see www.nationalrail.co.uk/on-the-train/train-travel-with-pets .  So far, so good.

Step 2, getting across the Channel

Option 1 , london to holland with stena line.

I highly recommend this option for both comfort and simplicity for travel with your dog between the UK and the Continent. It's an ideal route for the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Poland, Czechia, Scandinavia and so on.  It's a round-about route to France, Spain, Switzerland & Italy, but because it's so dog-friendly & inexpensive with really easy integrated train-to-ferry and ferry-to-train connections on either side of the Channel, it's a surprisingly good option even for that.  It may also avoid the need for an overnight stay in Paris because after an overnight sailing to Hoek in a cosy pet-friendly cabin you can catch a morning high-speed train to Paris in time for an afternoon TGV to Barcelona, Switzerland or Milan.

What is Stena Line Rail & Sail?

Stena Line Rail & Sail is an integrated train & ferry service between London & the Netherlands run jointly by Greater Anglia & Stena Line.  One ticket bought at www.stenaline.co.uk covers the whole journey from London or any East Anglia rail station to Hoek van Holland.  It works in both directions, of course, but I'll describe the outward journey from the UK here.

You take the 19:36 train from London Liverpool Street station to Harwich and your dog travels with you on the train.  At Harwich, the train arrives alongside the ferry terminal around 20:59.  It's totally painless:  You walk straight off the train into the ferry terminal, through passport control (where your dog or cat's pet passport will be checked too) and onto the luxurious Stena Line superferry to Hoek van Holland.

You enter the ship via the passenger gangway onto Deck 7.

If you've booked a pet-friendly cabin , take your dog or cat by lift or stairs up to deck 10, where all the pet-friendly cabins are.  All cabins have a shower, toilet, free WiFi and satellite TV.  Your pet stays with you in the cabin, they are not allowed on the rest of the ship.  If your pet needs a pee or poo, go down the Red Stairs to Deck 7 and press the white button to open a door to a small outside deck area where they can get some air, have a little exercise and do their business.  Inevitably, we refer to this as the poop deck.

If you've booked a kennel , you take your dog up two decks by lift or stairs to the Guest Services desk on Deck 9, which is the main passenger deck with all the bars, lounges & restaurants.  The Guest Services staff will give you a kennel number in either Kennel A or Kennel B, and give you the 4-digit code to access the kennels.  You then go down one deck on Red Stairs to the kennels on Deck 8.  The kennels have a sink with running water, and they provide blankets for dogs to sleep on, but you should take your own pet's water bowl, food bowl and perhaps their favourite toy.  If your pet needs a pee or poo, go down one deck on the same Red Stairs to Deck 7 and press the white button to open a door to a small outside deck area where they can get some air, have a little exercise and do their business.

After settling your pet into their kennel you can settle in to your own private en suite cabin on Deck 10 or 11 and perhaps have a late dinner in the ship's restaurant or a nightcap in the bar on Deck 9.  All cabins have a shower, toilet, free WiFi and satellite TV.  Channel 6 on the TV shows CCTV pictures of the kennels, with close-ups of individual cages.  You can visit your dog at any time during the crossing, although pets are not allowed in the public areas, other than to reach the Customer Services desk on embarkation, or to reach a pet-friendly cabin.

The ferry sails at 23:00 every day and arrives at Hoek van Holland at 08:00 next morning, Dutch time.

You now collect your dog from the kennels, if they need a pee you can take them to that small outside deck area on Deck 7.  You then walk off the ferry into the terminal and out onto the adjacent railway station for the frequent metro train to Schiedam & Rotterdam.  Dogs travel for free on the RET metro trains.  You can use any contactless bank card to travel, just touch in and out at the start and end of the metro journey.

Get off the metro in Schiedam Centrum for a frequent NS (Dutch Railways) InterCity train to Amsterdam, arriving Amsterdam Centraal around 10:25.  In the reverse direction, you'd leave Amsterdam Centraal around 18:46, the ferry sails from Hoek around 22:00 arriving Harwich at 06:30, you reach central London around 08:50.

Or continue to Eendrachtsplein station in Rotterdam city centre, from where it's then an 800m 10-minute walk to Rotterdam Centraal .  Or continue to Rotterdam Alexander for NS trains to Utrecht, Groningen and so on.

You'll find full details, photos & a video guide on the Stena Line Rail & Sail page .

Onward trains to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Eastern Europe etc...

Direct daytime trains link Amsterdam with Germany and Switzerland - in many cases these go via Utrecht, and changing at Utrecht saves going all the way into Amsterdam.  Regular daytime trains link Rotterdam with Brussels and Paris.  All of these trains take dogs, sometimes free, sometimes for a fee, sometimes with a child rate ticket.

Or take the Nightjet sleeper from Amsterdam to Basel, Zurich (change for Italy), Munich, Innsbruck or Vienna (change for Bratislava, Budapest, Zagreb).  Dogs are carried on Nightjets for €29 paid on board the train, as long as you and your party occupy a whole compartment.

You'll find specific timetables for journeys between London and each of the following countries here:  Belgium , Italy , Switzerland , Germany , Austria , Denmark , Hungary , Czech Republic & Poland .

Onward trains to Paris (for France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy)

Take the metro from Hoek van Holland to Eendrachtsplein station in Rotterdam city centre, dogs go free of charge on the metro.  It's then an 800m 10-minute walk to Rotterdam Centraal .

Then take a Eurostar (formerly Thalys) high-speed train from Rotterdam Centraal to Paris Gare du Nord , you'll usually find a 10:58 arriving 13:38.  Dogs can travel in any class on Eurostar (formerly Thalys) trains for €30, you pay the dog fee on board to the conductor.  Book your own ticket from Rotterdam to Paris from €35 online in advance at www.sncf-connect.com (don't bother trying to add a dog to the booking, this doesn't work with Eurostar (formerly Thalys) .

How much does it cost?

You'll find specific fare & booking information for journeys between London and each of the following countries by clicking the relevant link:  Netherlands , Belgium , Italy , Switzerland , Germany , Austria , Denmark , Hungary , Czech Republic & Poland .

...and to take a dog or cat?  

On the train from London to Harwich your dog travels free.  On the ferry, you must reserve a kennel (£23) or pet-friendly cabin during the online booking process.  On the Dutch domestic trains between Hoek van Holland, Rotterdam & Amsterdam or Utrecht, small dogs or cats in containers on your lap travel free of charge, but if you have a larger dog you'll need to buy a dog day-ticket (Dagkaart Hond) for €3.30, you may be able to buy this at the Guest Services desk on deck 9 on board the Stena Line ferry, otherwise buy it at Schiedam station.  On the international daytime trains from Amsterdam or Utrecht to Germany and Switzerland, cats and small dogs (up to cat sized) in containers go free, larger dogs on leads require a child rate ticket which you can buy online exactly as you would for a child, although unlike kids they don't qualify for the free kid with an adult deal.

How to buy tickets for you & your dog, step 1 :

Book your Rail & Sail ticket from London to Amsterdam online at www.stenaline.co.uk .  You simply need to choose a pet-friendly (animal) cabin at the cabin stage plus the 'pet in cabin' option at the extras stage, or just add a pet in kennel at the extras stage.

How to buy tickets, step 2 :

You now need to book the onward trains to your European destination.  Booking usually opens 90 days ahead, you cannot book before reservations open.  Trains from Amsterdam to Cologne, Frankfurt and Switzerland pass through Utrecht so it's quicker to pick them up there rather than going all the way into Amsterdam, unless you really want to.  For daytime travel from Amsterdam or Utrecht to Germany or Switzerland, book your own ticket at int.bahn.de .  Small (cat-size) dogs & cats in containers go free, if you have a larger larger dog it travels at the child rate (either full-fare Flexpreis or discounted Sparpreis , it doesn't matter) so simply use int.bahn.de again to buy a child ticket, I recommend buying this as a separate booking to avoid the system automatically offering the 'Child under 15 accompanied by an adult goes free' offer which doesn't apply to dogs!  There are Nightjet sleeper train from Cologne to Innsbruck (for Italy) & Vienna (for all points east) and you can easily book these online at int.bahn.de .  Onward connections from Innsbruck to Italy or Vienna to Budapest can be booked at www.oebb.at .

Inward one-way tickets :  Note that www.stenaline.co.uk can only book one-way or return tickets starting in the UK.  One-way or return tickets starting in the Netherlands must be booked at the Dutch version of the Stena Line website, see the advice here .

Option 2, London to Paris via the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry

See the London/Brighton-Newhaven-Dieppe-Paris timetable on the London-Paris by train & ferry page .  This is the cheapest option if you're heading for France or Spain.

Step 1, take a train to Newhaven Town , see www.nationalrail.co.uk for train times.

Up to 2 dogs of any size go free of charge on British trains, just buy a ticket for yourself.

Step 2, take a DFDS ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe , check ferry times at www.dfds.com .

DFDS allows you to take a cat or dog with you as a foot passenger on these routes.

Only small and medium size dogs are carried, according to DFDS customer services.  That means I'd expect them to have no problem with springer spaniels, but they won't carry great Danes or St Bernards.  You'll have to call them to check whether your labrador will fit their kennels.

If the animal is small and in a carrier, the pet & carrier are handed to staff at check-in and returned to you after the crossing.  Larger dogs have to be booked in one of the ship's 3 kennels, although you can visit the pet in the middle of the crossing by taking an appointment at the reception desk.

To book as a foot passenger with a pet you must call DFDS on 033 058 787 87 if you're in the UK or 0809 541 890 if you're in France or +44 33 058 787 87 from outside either country.  You cannot book online if you're taking a pet!

Step 3, take a French train from Dieppe to Paris St Lazare , book this at www.thetrainline.com . 

Dogs can be taken on all French trains.  Small dogs (under 6Kg) placed in containers not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm pay no more than €5.10 per journey.  Larger dogs muzzled and on leads pay half the 2nd class full fare (even travelling in 1st class).

You can buy a ticket in English at the official French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (for English scroll to the bottom and change France to Europe (other countries).   You add a dog to the booking by clicking the Add button (English version) or Ajouter (French version) before running the enquiry.

Once in Paris, you can take onward trains to Spain, Portugal or the South of France, as shown in step 3 below.

Option 3, London to Paris by train + taxi with Pet Travel Abroad .

For France, Spain or Portugal you really need to go via Paris.  As Eurostar won't take pets and most Channel Ferries won't let foot passengers take pets either, here is a solution which works well, although it's not cheap:

Step 1, travel from London to Folkestone by train.

You can use any normal British domestic train, dogs go free.  There are hourly or half hourly trains from London Charing Cross, Waterloo East or St Pancras to Folkestone Central, check train times & fares at www.nationalrail.co.uk .

Step 2, book a taxi from Folkestone to Calais via the Eurotunnel shuttle with Pet Travel Abroad .

Book your trip by calling Pet Travel Abroad (part of Folkestone Taxis) on 01303 246 925 (+00 44 1303 246925 from outside the UK), see their pet transport page at pettravelabroad.co.uk .

They can take you and your dog and up to 3 other passengers from Folkestone Central station to Calais Ville or Calais Fréthun stations for around £190 plus the cost of the Eurotunnel ticket, typically £164, but this can vary.

You and your dog remain together in the taxi throughout the journey via the Channel Tunnel car shuttle train.  Pet Travel Abroad (part of Folkestone Taxis) has been highly recommended by several travellers, further feedback is always appreciated.

Of course, a cheaper solution is to get a friend to drive you to Calais and drop you at the station, using a cheap day return ferry ticket - try www.dfds.com or www.poferries.com .  The dog remains inside the car on the ferry car deck.

Step 3, take a French domestic train from Calais Ville or Calais Fréthun to Paris .

To check train times use www.raileurope.com (in £ or €) or www.thetrainline.com (in €).  On French trains, small dogs under 6 Kg placed in containers not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm pay no more than €5.10 per journey.  Larger dogs muzzled and on leads pay half the 2nd class full fare, even travelling in 1st class.  For onward train travel with your dog to Spain, Italy, Portugal and so on, see the following section.

How to plan your trip.

The French trains from Calais to Paris are irregular and less frequent than the British ones, so start by picking a suitable afternoon train from Calais to Paris and work backwards.  Ask Folkestone Taxis what time you need to leave Folkestone Central in their taxi to make this train.  Then work out a train from London (or your local station) to Folkestone Central with plenty of time in hand.

This blog may inspire you: Argo, the dog who took the train to Italy .

Option 4, Hull-Rotterdam or Newcastle-Amsterdam by ferry

You can take a dog as a foot passenger on P&O Ferries Hull-Rotterdam route, with pet-friendly cabins & kennels.  Book online and add a pet plus pet-friendly cabin or kennel at www.poferries.com .  More about the Hull-Rotterdam ferry route .

You can also take a dog as a foot passenger with pet-friendly cabins on DFDS overnight Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry.  However, you can't book online as a foot passenger with a pet, you need to book by phone, so check sailing times at www.dfds.com then call DFDS on 0871 522 9955.  More about the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry route .

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Step 3, taking pets on trains in mainland Europe

Once safely across the Channel, you can take a dog or cat with you on most trains across Europe, sometimes free, sometimes for a small charge, sometimes with a normal child-rate ticket.  In sleeping-cars and couchettes on overnight trains, you can generally only take a dog if your party occupies all the berths in a compartment.

From the UK to France

Eurostar doesn't take dogs and nor do most ferry companies unless you are a motorist.  P&O used to allow foot passengers to take dogs, but have stopped doing in 2012.  However, DFDS will take caged pets if you're a foot passenger on their Newhaven-Dieppe route.

So either travel from London to Newhaven by train, take a DFDS ferry to Dieppe as a foot passenger with your pet in a cage as explained above in option 2 , take a taxi to Dieppe station and a train to Paris, or travel from London to Folkestone by train, pay Folkestone Taxis to shuttle you through the Tunnel from Folkestone Central station to Calais Ville station, then take a train to Paris as explained above in option 3 .

Or you can travel from the UK to Paris via Hoek van Holland using option 1 , it's a round-about route, but so easy, dog-friendly, inexpensive and avoids the need for an overnight stop in Paris as you can sail overnight from Harwich to Hoek van Holland in a cosy pet-friendly cabin, catch the metro to Rotterdam and a morning high-speed train to Paris, then take an afternoon train to almost anywhere in France, even Nice & the south coast.

Pets on trains within France

Dogs can be taken on all French trains.  Small dogs (under 6 Kg) placed in containers not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm pay €7 per journey.  Larger dogs muzzled and on a lead pay €7.

You can buy a ticket in English at the official French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com , you add a dog to your booking by clicking the Add travellers, pets & bicycles button before running the enquiry.

To the Netherlands

From the UK to the Netherlands

I recommend travelling via the Harwich-Hoek van Holland superferry as shown in option 1 above .  Once at Hoek van Holland your Dutch Flyer ticket is valid to any Dutch station, not just Amsterdam.  You can book from London to Amsterdam or any Dutch station online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a kennel during the booking process.

Alternatively, you can also take a dog as a foot passenger with pet-friendly cabins on DFDS overnight Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry, but you must book by phone, check sailing times at www.dfds.com then call 0871 522 9955.  P&O take dogs with foot passengers on their overnight Hull-Rotterdam ferry, see www.poferries.com .

Pets on trains within the Netherlands

On Dutch trains, small dogs or cats in containers placed on your lap travel free of charge, if you have a larger dog on a lead you will need to buy a Dagkaart Hond   (dog day-ticket) for just over €3.  You can check details for this at the Dutch Railways site www.ns.nl .

To Switzerland

From the UK to Switzerland

You should use the train & ferry service from London to Amsterdam via the Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry, as explained in option 1 above .  For details of the London to Switzerland journey via this route see the Switzerland page , which has timetables & fares.  You can book the London-Amsterdam part of the journey online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a reserved kennel during the booking process.  You'll then find daytime trains from Utrecht to Basel & Zurich, which you can book online at int.bahn.de . 

Pets on trains within Switzerland

Dogs of any size can travel for half the 2nd class fare on any Swiss train (for longer journeys there's a Dog Day card), small dogs up to 30cm high at the shoulder can travel free if they are in a carrier, you'll find information on the Swiss railways website www.sbb.ch and you can easily buy Swiss tickets at the station when you get there.

From the UK to Italy, via Hoek van Holland

Travel overnight from London to Hoek van Holland using the Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry as explained in option 1 above .

I'd then suggest travelling from Amsterdam to Munich by daytime trains, then overnight again from Munich to Venice on the excellent Nightjet sleeper train.  You'll find full details of these trains and how to book them in the via Harwich section of the London to Italy page .

Dogs travel on the German-run trains between Amsterdam, Cologne & Munich under the same arrangements as for trains within Germany explained in the To Germany section below .

Dogs are carried on the Nightjet sleeper from Cologne to Innsbruck or Vienna for €29, as long as you and your party occupy a whole compartment.  You don't need to book the dog, you just pay the extra €29 to the staff on board the train.

First book the London-Amsterdam part of the journey online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a reserved kennel during the booking process.

Then book Amsterdam-Munich followed by Munich-Venice using www.thetrainline.com .  Then buy a separate 2nd class child ticket for your dog from Amsterdam to Munich as explained in the To Germany section below .

Then travel onwards from Venice to other Italian cities.  See the Pets on trains within Italy section below.

Alternatively, you can take daytime trains from Utrecht to Basel or Zurich, book these online at int.bahn.de .  Stay overnight in Basel or Zurich.  Then take a Zurich to Milan EuroCity train, which you can book online at www.sbb.ch .  Dogs under 30cm high at the shoulder in a carrier travel free on this EuroCity train and on onward trains within Italy.  Dogs over 30cm high and not in a carrier must have a ticket, usually charged at half the 2nd class fare, which you can buy at the station in Zurich for about £35.

From the UK to Italy, via Paris

Step 1, Eurostar doesn't take dogs, so travel from London to Paris via Folkestone/Newhaven & Paris using option 2 or option 3 above, both involving ferry or EuroTunnel to France then domestic French train to Paris.  You may need to stay in Paris overnight.  Or use option 1 via Hoek van Holland, it's a round-about route, but so easy, dog-friendly, inexpensive and avoids the need for an overnight stop in Paris.

Step 2, you can then take one of the three daily Paris-Turin-Milan TGV trains in 1st or 2nd class with any size of dog muzzled and on a lead for €20, or a small dog/cat in a pet carrier not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm for €7.  You can book yourself and your dog from Paris to Milan at www.sncf-connect.com , look for the Add Travellers, animals, bicycles button and add a dog on a lead or in a carrier before running the enquiry.

Step 3, take an onward train from Milan or Turin to anywhere in Italy, see the Pets on trains within Italy section below.

Dogs are also carried on Trenitalia's competing Paris-Milan Frecciarossa , dogs under 5 Kg go free, dogs 5-50 Kg €30, all dogs must travel in Standard or Business class Allegro cars.  See the London to Italy page for details of times, prices and how to buy tickets.  The £10 fee for taking a dog on the Paris-Milan TGV must be paid by phone, it cannot be booked online.

Pets on trains within Italy

Dogs and pets are carried on most Trenitalia trains, free in a carrier (maximum size 70cm x 30cm x 50cm) or at half the 2nd class fare if on a lead and muzzled, for full details to www.trenitalia.com and look under Services for Transport of pets . 

You'll need to carry the dog's pet passport or health certificate, and yes, you will need to use a muzzle if your dog isn't inside a carrier.  You aren't allowed to take dogs on regional trains between 07:00 & 09:00 weekdays.  You aren't allowed to take a dog in Premium or Executive classes on Frecciarossa high-speed trains .  You can only take a dog in sleepers or couchettes if your party occupies the whole compartment.

From the UK to Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Valencia, Alicante...

Step 2, you can then take one of the twice-daily Paris-Barcelona TGV trains with any size of dog muzzled and on a lead on for €20, or a small dog/cat in a pet carrier not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm for €7.  More about the Paris-Barcelona TGV journey .

You can buy a ticket for yourself and your dog from Paris to Barcelona at www.sncf-connect.com , look for the Add Travellers, animals, bicycles button and add a dog on a lead or in a carrier before running the enquiry.

Step 3 if your dog is under 10 Kg, you can then travel from Barcelona direct to Madrid, Malaga, Valencia or Alicante, see the Pets on trains within Spain section below.

Step 3 if your dog is 10-40 Kg, you can travel from Barcelona to Madrid on certain AVE trains, then from Madrid to Malaga, Valencia or Alicante also on certain trains only, see the Pets on trains within Spain section below.

From the UK to San Sebastian

Step 1, Eurostar doesn't take dogs, so travel from London to Paris via Folkestone/Newhaven & Paris using option 2 or option 3 above, both involving ferry or EuroTunnel to France then domestic French train to Paris.  Or use option 1 via Hoek van Holland, it's a round-about route, but so easy, dog-friendly, inexpensive and avoids the need for an overnight stop in Paris.

Step 2, you can then take one of the regular TGVs from Paris Montparnasse to Hendaye on the Spanish border, a stone's throw from San Sebastian.  These also take dogs of any size muzzled and on a lead for €20, or a small dog/cat in a pet carrier for €7. 

You can buy a ticket for yourself and your dog from Paris to Hendaye at www.sncf-connect.com , look for the Add Travellers, animals, bicycles button and add a dog on a lead or in a carrier before running the enquiry.

Step 3, the half-hourly trains from Hendaye to San Sebastian run by Euskotren take dogs of any size, muzzled and on a lead, or in a pet carrier, buy that ticket when you get to Hendaye.  More about the Paris-San Sebastian journey .

Pets on trains within Spain

Dogs under 10 Kg in pet carriers (maximum size 60cm x 35cm x 35cm) can be taken on most Renfe long distance trains either free or for a small fee, see www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/informacion-util/mascotas (please let me know if that link stops working).

In general, larger dogs are not allowed at all on Spanish medium & long-distance trains .  I gather this is a cultural thing, as large dogs are generally regarded as working animals (for example, guard dogs) not pets in Spain.  Disappointingly, that not only goes for national operator Renfe, but for open-access competitors Ouigo and Iryo , too.

However, as from June 2023, dogs up to 40 Kg are allowed on certain Barcelona-Madrid, Madrid-Malaga, Madrid-Alicante & Madrid-Valencia AVE trains, for a fee, muzzled, with a 40-minute check-in and some forms to complete.  See www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/informacion-util/mascotas (please let me know if that link stops working).  Dogs up to 40 Kg are only allowed 2 or 3 designated trains per day on each of those routes, there's a list of trains linked from that page.  Feedback would be appreciated!

More about train travel in Spain .  Buy Spanish train tickets with dog added at www.renfe.com .

To Portugal

From the UK to Portugal

Eurostar doesn't carry dogs, so first travel from London to Paris using either option 2 or option 3 above.  You'll then need to stay overnight in Paris. Then travel from Paris to Lisbon as shown on the London to Portugal page .

They key issue is that dogs over 10 Kg aren't carried on trains beyond Madrid.

From the UK to Germany

Step 1, first travel from London to Amsterdam via the overnight Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry, see option 1 above .

Step 2, check train times & buy tickets from Amsterdam Centraal to anywhere in Germany at int.bahn.de .  On the German-run international IC & ICE trains between Amsterdam and Cologne, Frankfurt, Hannover & Berlin, the same arrangements apply as for German domestic travel explained below.

Alternatively, the overnight European Sleeper between Rotterdam/Amsterdam & Berlin takes dogs for free if you and your party occupy a whole couchette or sleeper compartment, see the European Sleeper page for more information .

Pets on trains within Germany & on international trains between Amsterdam & Germany

Small dogs & cats in containers go free.  Larger dogs pay the child price.

You can buy tickets for you and your dog at int.bahn.de .  Click the From field to open the details panel, click on Passengers, bicycles , click on Add , click on More passenger types and add a dog to the booking.

Dogs not in carriers must be on a lead and (in theory at least) muzzled.  In practice you'll seldom see dogs muzzled).  Dogs classed as 'dangerous breeds' aren't carried on trains in Germany.

To Austria , central & eastern Europe

From the UK to Austria & central Europe

I recommend travelling from London to Amsterdam via the overnight Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry, see option 1 above .  For details of a journey from London to various countries via this route, click the relevant destination link:  Austria , Hungary , Czech Republic , Poland .

For Austria

Step 1, book the London-Amsterdam part of the journey online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a reserved kennel during the booking process.

Step 2, book a late afternoon train from Amsterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf at int.bahn.de .  On trains between Amsterdam and Cologne, small dogs and cats in containers go free, larger dogs pay the child rate, you can buy child tickets for your dog online at int.bahn.de , but do this as a separate booking from your own ticket to avoid the 'child under 15 accompanied by an adult goes free' offer which doesn't apply to dogs!  Note that dogs classed as 'dangerous' breeds aren't carried on trains in Germany. 

Step 3, then use www.oebb.at to book the Nightjet sleeper from Cologne Hbf to Munich Hbf , Innsbruck or Vienna Hbf .  Change in Munich for Salzburg.  Dogs are carried on the Nightjet sleeper from Cologne to Innsbruck or Vienna for €29 paid on board the train, as long as you and your party occupy a whole compartment.

Pets on trains within Austria

Small dogs (meaning cat-size) or cats in containers go free, larger dogs require a child ticket, which can be booked online at www.oebb.at .

For Hungary

Travel to Vienna as above.  On onward trains from Vienna to Budapest, small dogs (meaning cat-size) or cats in containers go free, larger dogs require a child ticket, which can be booked online at www.oebb.at .

Dogs aren't allowed in MAV (Hungarian Railways) sleeping-cars or couchette cars at all, which rules out the Munich-Budapest and Zurich-Budapest sleeper trains.

To Denmark , Sweden, Norway

From the UK to Scandinavia

I recommend travelling from London to Amsterdam via the overnight Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry, see option 1 above .  For details of a journey from London to various countries via this route, click the relevant destination link:  Denmark , Sweden , Norway , Finland .

Step 1, you can book the London-Amsterdam part of the journey online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a reserved kennel during the booking process.

Step 2, check train times & buy tickets from Amsterdam Centraal to Copenhagen at int.bahn.de .  An overnight stop in Hamburg may be necessary.

On the German-run international trains between Amsterdam, Hamburg & Copenhagen, small dogs and cats in containers go free, larger dogs pay the child rate.  You can buy child tickets for a larger dog online at int.bahn.de , although do this as a separate booking from your own ticket to avoid the child under 15 accompanied by an adult goes free offer which doesn't apply to dogs.  Note that dogs classed as 'dangerous' breeds aren't carried on trains in Germany.

Step 3, dogs can go on the Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 trains , but you can't take a pet in 1st class and you need to use the special pets allowed section of the train in 2nd class.  You can reserve seats in this section when booking at www.sj.se or call their telesales line.

From the UK to Greece

Step 1, travel from London to Venice via Harwich-Hoek and Munich exactly as shown in the To Italy section above .

For more information

For information on the transport of dogs and other pets in particular countries, search the website of the relevant national train operator.  There is a list of links to each operator's website on the useful links page .

Feedback requested!

Feedback from anyone who takes their dog or cat into Europe by train would be very welcome.

Traveller's reports

Dog owner Wendy Shillam reports :  "We've been taking our dog abroad since the rules changed 9 years ago.  Firstly I agree that its mad that Eurostar doesn't allow dogs, especially as it would be a good earner for them and they need the money!  I wrote to the COE but got no reply.  The most comfortable and quickest way for dogs to cross the channel (though not always the cheapest) is by car with Eurotunnel .  They just stay in the car with you and there is no bother.  Once, we then left our car at the Calais 'parkway' station, but on returning we saw that quite a few cars - not ours thank goodness - had been broken into.  It is a very desolate spot and no security as far as I can see.  But it is free parking.  Once across the channel be careful which train you get from Calais - some especially on Sundays are really slow.  We also have taken the motorail train from Düsseldorf, it's not too far and then you can get a car-carrying overnight train from Düsseldorf to Italy, the south of France or Austria .  Dogs are accepted on these German motorail trains in the sleeper cabins and we have never had a problem. Our dog Astrid, a nine year old Mini Schnauzer, has lasted 17 hours on a train with no ill effects - overnight she just settles down to sleep, generally taking up most of my bunk!  The steward will tell you if there are longer stops which allows you to give your dog a 'comfort' walk.  The irony is that if we could travel on Eurostar we would never dream of taking our car with us at all!  On Spanish trains dogs should be muzzled - the guard did let us get away with it, but if Astrid had been a bigger dog there might have been trouble.  Also beware if you plan to travel with your dog by bus in Spain.  They insist that the dog goes in a casket (which you have to bring) in the hold underneath the seats, which I suspect on a hot day is tantamount to animal cruelty!  Astrid has been most comfortable and spoilt in France, Italy, Belgium and Sweden.  Also remember that if you are going to the South dogs need to be protected against a nasty bug called lishmania which can cause a chronic disease with no cure - but drugs can control it.  So always check with a  vet who knows about foreign travel well before you go."

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• Tips & advice

UK laws on dogs in cars: guidelines for driving with dogs

Here’s how to keep your dog happy, comfortable and legal while driving in the uk.

• UK laws and expert advice
• In-car dog safety products

Around a third of UK households have a dog, and while not all owners travel regularly with their pets in cars there’s no doubt that driving with dogs is commonplace all around the country. The law on dogs in cars says there’s no issue with carrying a dog in your car as long as you follow a few simple rules which we’ll look at in detail below.

To find out more about travelling with dogs in the car we headed to Dogs Trust Manchester with three new cars of varying dog-friendliness as well as Pip, Ruby and Ivy (our canine road testers). Before we get to that, though, let’s quickly look at the UK laws for driving with dogs and other pets.

What the law says about carrying dogs in cars

There’s not much you need to know about driving with your dog. Rule 57 of the Highway Code says you must “make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained” in a vehicle. It’s an open-ended rule and allows for using any kind of restraint, so your dog’s needs can be catered for as long as you’re considering safety along the way.

The restraint is there not only to prevent the dog from jumping around the cabin and distracting you as the driver, but also to protect the dog in the event of an accident. Options for restraining your dog include using a harness, a cage or a crate. Make sure whatever you use is suitable to stay legal; a tiny harness for a large dog might still be illegal as it could be deemed unsuitable if challenged by the authorities.

Driving with dogs

We’re here with Dogs Trust Manchester Assistant Manager Rebecca Smith, Head Coach at Dog School Manchester, Emma Armitage and Dogs Trust Behaviour Officer Dom Burke.

There are plenty of dyed-in-the-wool dog owners on the Auto Express team prepared to pitch in with advice on travelling with their pets, but would we call ourselves experts on the subject of canine behaviour? Judging by the way my own house-pest pounces on anything the postie dares to poke through the letterbox, certainly not all of us...

That’s why we’ve come to Dogs Trust to find out what the best advice is when it comes to dogs in cars, whether that be the qualities to look for in a car itself, how to travel with a dog safely and legally or how to make sure a dog is a willing and well behaved passenger.

So which are the best cars for dogs? Experienced or pragmatic dog owners will say ‘the one you’ve got’, and it’s true that with correct use of the right equipment – be that a harness, dog guard or crate – you can travel responsibly with your dog in pretty much any car that has suitable space behind the driver. So the only honest answer is ‘it depends’.

“If it’s got a boot and a back seat, you could put a dog in it,” says Rebecca. “My dog’s small so she can pretty much fit in anything, but space is a big consideration if people have larger dogs or more than one.” Surprisingly, though, for anyone thinking a large-booted SUV is the ultimate in canine luxury, too much space can also be a problem.

“When people sit in a car, they’re comfortable if they can stretch their legs and move their arms about. Similarly, a dog should be fine as long as it has something to lie on and space to turn around and get comfortable,” she says. According to Rebecca, a dog travelling cage needs only to be large enough for your dog to lie down, stand up and turn around  comfortably, and if you’re using a seatbelt harness on the back seat, you need only to allow the dog enough room for similar manoeuvres.

What to do and what not to do when driving with a dog

Giving a dog the run of a back seat on a too-long harness can be potentially over-stimulating for your pet, and dangerously distracting for the driver – especially if the dog can make its way into the front of the car. This is considered a major no-no from a safety point of view, and is potentially a breach of the Highway Code .

Allowing a dog to roam freely around a large boot can have the same over-stimulating and distracting effects, which is why many dog owners choose to use travelling crates. Dog crates – which should be tethered to lashing points if your car has them – also allow you to safely use your remaining boot space for luggage, which is a big bonus for anyone taking their pet on a family holiday. 

Not everyone likes the idea of caging their dog, admittedly, and some pets may not take kindly to the idea either. “To make sure they’re comfortable getting into the crate, practise at home to get them used to it. Only then put the crate into the vehicle so they know that it’s that safe space,” Rebecca advises. “And when driving I would say two to three hours is the limit, depending on your dog. If you see that your dog’s getting uncomfortable, and moving around more, it’s time to stop and let them stretch their legs.”

If a dog crate is not for you, or you can’t fit one in the boot, a dog guard is the obvious alternative. “If your dog is not in a crate in the boot, it should be secured with a harness, and use a dog guard so they can’t just pop over and say hi while you’re driving on the motorway,” Rebecca says.

These are general points, and while a cage arguably offers dogs and their owners the prospect of more relaxing journeys, if you want to use one it’s stating the obvious to say you need a car that fits. 

Best cars for driving with dogs

We’ve brought along two long-term test cars , a Toyota Corolla and Skoda Karoq , as well as a MINI Countryman to Dogs Trust Manchester. Why a MINI ? Well the manufacturer is a long-standing partner of the Dogs Trust charity. Its dealers are dog-friendly to the extent of sticking ‘one-way’ paw-prints on showroom floors, as well as drinking bowls, in case multiple punters’ pooches may not get along. MINI also supports various Dogs Trust activities financially, which surely makes it a ‘best brand for dogs’ contender.

All of our Dogs Trust experts are pleasantly surprised by the amount of room available in the Countryman’s boot, although the cage we’d chosen for photographic purposes had a front door which didn’t quite have room to swing open, due to the raised boot sill – highlighting the need for care when choosing cars and accessories alike. 

The Corolla’s sloping tailgate would immediately rule out any dog crate, and also means that only small dogs would be able to travel in the boot, while the Karoq ’s flush load sill looked ideal for either crate or boot access – sill heights aren’t just an issue for loading the shopping, after all.

“If you’ve got a large dog, they’ll be able to jump into the boot or have a ramp up if they’re not quite so steady on the legs,” says Rebecca. “If it’s a smaller dog, you may need to lift them in so that they don’t have to jump over a huge sill, or you may have an older dog that’s not so agile. 

A high sill then might make a ramp too steep, and then the back seat might be more comfortable and easier for a dog to get to – they can jump into the footwell before climbing up,” she suggests.

Once you’ve worked out these fundamental requirements, you can start to look at the other factors that make cars dog friendly, too. “My car’s carpet is black, and all of my dogs are black too, so the hair doesn’t show up,” says Emma. “I have a big rubber mat on the floor, and if you like to go out in the woods and your dogs get absolutely filthy like mine, you definitely want to look for boot surfaces that are easy to clean.” 

Other than that, she says, it’s a case of looking for useful practical touches. Is there plenty of storage for doggy essentials like water bowls (and water!), snacks, toys and towels? Air-conditioning outlets in the rear of the car are a bonus too, and good ventilation in general is essential.

How to make car travel comfortable for dogs

“Car travel isn’t something a dog would naturally experience,” says Dogs Trust behaviourist Dom Burke. “There are lots of crazy sounds, vibrations, new smells, and there might be frustration when they can’t access their family members. There might be past associations, too, so if they only ever go in the car to the park they get overwhelmed with excitement. Or they may only go in the car when they’re off to the vets.

“The best way of introducing a dog to a car is taking things really slowly, and at your dog’s pace. They’re all different, but if you’ve got a dog that’s worried about car travel, and maybe doesn’t even like going near a car, start by introducing them to the outside of the car, rewarding them just for being near it, and making it a really positive experience. 

Don’t just put them in the car when they’re going to be petrified. Then slowly introduce them to the doors being open and bringing them nearer to the car. Once they’re comfortable with that, it may help getting them into the car with a treat or a toy – whatever motivates your dog.

“Keep getting them out and in, making sure it’s a really positive experience, then work towards closing the door with the dog in there and you just sitting in the front, not driving. Then try starting the car, and repeat that, before moving on to really short journeys and taking it from there.”

And what if you have a dog that just won’t settle in the car, or barks incessantly during journeys?

“You might need a qualified behaviourist, as it could be beyond the expertise of a dog owner to address. You can manage behaviour in the meantime with window covers, or some enrichment in the car like a licking mat with food on it that keeps them occupied. Licking also helps dogs feel relaxed, and it tends to calm them down.”

Case Study - Steve Fowler

Knowing what’s likely to go into the boot of a new car is a huge part of assessing its suitability. And for me, being able to fit our Goldendoodle Sky into the back is key – she’s not going to be left behind!

As a serial dog owner, I know what’s important when you’re buying a car if you have a pooch. That’s one of the reasons we opted for a  Skoda Yeti on the Fowler Family Fleet. The former  Auto Express Car of the Year has many great attributes, but the big, square boot and low loading lip means Sky can easily jump in and settle down, or sit up and enjoy the view through the big windows.

Much as I love  SUVs , they’re not always the easiest for many dogs to jump into;  estate cars are often the best bet for dog owners. The  Toyota Corolla Touring Sports is one of our current favourite estates but another  Skoda – the  Octavia Estate – is a great new or  used buy for dog lovers. And Skoda has cottoned on to the value of dog owners, too – it sponsors Crufts! 

Older  Volvo or  Mercedes estates are worth a look, too, but don’t rule out all SUVs – especially  Land Rovers .

The British firm builds cars for country pursuits, which often include dogs. So it’s no surprise there’s a long list of pet-friendly accessories they’ll sell you – as you can see from the picture with me and Sky with our  long-term Range Rover . As well as a quilted boot protector, we’ve got a ramp to save Sky the effort of jumping in (or more likely to save my back), there’s a no-spill water bowl and a really clever pump shower to clean Sky off after a walk and before getting into the car.

Dog owners make up a large proportion of the population, and car makers who’ve spotted that potential can easily reap the benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you leave a dog in the car.

There’s no legal restriction on leaving your dog in the car unattended, but that doesn’t mean you should do it. Advice from animal experts is that you should never do it, as there are simply too many risks. “Dogs die in hot cars” is a well-known phrase and leaving the windows open sometimes isn’t enough to prevent harm. 

Even if it’s not a hot day, there are many other risks that dog lovers surely would never want to take: the dog could hurt itself by catching its collar or simply become over-stressed or over-stimulated without you there to help. There’s even a risk that the dog could be stolen. Our advice is not to do it at all, but if you need to leave the dog for a few minutes then make sure the car is cool inside and the dog is secured with a harness or cage - and rush back.

How to secure a dog in the boot of a car?

Many cars have luggage hooks in the boot, which are intended as loops for tying down cargo but you can clip a dog harness to them and it will stay secure. Get a well-fitting harness for your dog instead of a collar and a clip that can secure it to a luggage hook or some other point in the car. You can also use the headrests of the rear seats if the strap is long enough, or you can get a cage to keep the dog restricted without a harness if they are small enough.

Can I drive with my dog in the front seat?

There’s no law against it, but you still need to follow the law that says the dog must be suitably restrained, so you may need to get a better harness, clip or strap to stop them from moving about while you’re driving.

Driving with your dog...

• The best cars for dog owners
• Carrying dogs in cars: UK laws and expert advice
• Best dog smell removers
• Best in-car dog guards and harnesses

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• 1 UK laws and expert advice - currently reading Here’s how to keep your dog happy, comfortable and legal while driving in the UK
• 2 In-car dog safety products We name the best products for safely carrying your dog in the car
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New rules for pet travel from 1 January 2021

Pet owners will need to follow new requirements before taking their pet to the European Union or Northern Ireland at the end of the transition period.

Pet owners are being encouraged to check the latest government advice about travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland or the European Union with their pets at the end of the transition period.

The government has worked alongside the European Commission to ensure pet travel can continue between Great Britain and the EU and Northern Ireland at the end of the transition period.

From 1 January 2021 onwards, the UK will have Part 2 listed status under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, meaning that people travelling from GB with their pets and assistance dogs will need to follow new requirements in order to travel to the EU and Northern Ireland.

Before taking their dog, cat or ferret to the EU for the first time after 1 January 2021, pet owners must complete the following steps. The only new requirement for travel to the EU is the use of a certificate, rather than a pet passport:

• Ensure their dog, cat or ferret is microchipped.
• Ensure that their dog, cat or ferret is vaccinated against rabies – pets must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated.
• Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel
• Dogs must be treated against tapeworm 24-120 hours before landing, if they are travelling to a tapeworm free country.
• Visit their vet to get an animal health certificate (AHC) for their pet, no more than 10 days before travel to the EU.

Pets and assistance dogs will also need to enter the EU through a travellers’ point of entry (TPE) , which includes all the major French ports such as Calais, Caen and Dunkirk.

All of these requirements will also apply for movements of pets and assistance dogs from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. However recognising that these changes will take time to adjust to, the UK Government is working with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland on an enforcement approach that takes this challenge into account. This approach will be implemented in a way which supports pet owners and assistance dog users while the Government pursues a permanent solution.

There will be no change to the current health preparations or documents for pets entering Great Britain from the EU or Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021.

Christine Middlemiss, UK Chief Veterinary Officer, said:

We have been granted ‘Part 2’ listed third country status by the EU which will ensure that travelling with your pet continues from 1 January onwards. Your vet will be able to advise what you need to do in order to obtain the correct documentation to travel and you can find the latest pet travel advice on gov.uk or by searching ‘pet travel’.

Updated guidance on pet travel has been available since November 2018, ensuring that owners will be ready for any future scenario, so many pet owners will already be familiar with that they need to do.

The UK government is continuing to press the European Commission to secure Part 1 listed status. The UK has one of the most rigorous pet checking regimes in Europe and currently meets all the requirements for Part 1 listed status under the EU Pet Travel Scheme.

The latest advice for pet owners seeking to travel to the EU after 1 January 2021 can be found here .

Further information

• Passengers should always check the rules of the country they are travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before they travel.
• For information on commercial imports and exports of dogs, cats and ferrets to the EU – please refer to the Border Operating Model
• There will be no changes or new requirements on movements from Northern Ireland to Great Britain.
• There will be no changes to the current health preparations or documents for pets entering Great Britain from the EU in the immediate term, as the disease risks remains unchanged.
• There are no restrictions on bringing pet rodents, rabbits, birds, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles to the UK from EU countries.
• Contact the Centre for International Trade (Carlisle) for more information on the rules for travelling with other species of pet.

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A Guide to Traveling with Your Dog

Updated : August 17, 2024

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Time to hit the road? Far from setting off into the sunset and enjoying a relaxing journey, traveling with your dog can be a fur-raising experience.

Fear peeing, puking, and pooing; shaking, barking, whining, and whimpering. Yeah, safe to say that hitting route 66 quickly turns into the road trip from hell when accompanied by your nervy canine.

So, what can you do about it? Let’s work through our top waggly-tail tips.

Also Read: Can Pets Improve Your Health?

Plan well ahead when traveling with your dog

We don’t know why, but not everyone is a huge fan of dogs (between you and me – they don’t know what they’re missing). Anyway, dogs are pretty much a no-go for many motels and hotels, so if you are traveling with a dog you will need to do a little legwork before you set off.

This page lists  pet-friendly hotels in the USA , and allows you to search by date as well as book online. Easy peasy.

Also Read: Tips To Keep Your House Clean As A Pet Owner

Make a list (check it twice, thrice, four times) and pack in good time

Packing for a smooth trip starts with getting organized and packing your bag at least the day before. Here’s a list of things to pop into your case when you are traveling with a dog:

• Food/water bowls
• Dog harness/seat belt buckle
• Up-to-date vaccine records (this will be required when entering Canada, as well as for staying at some accommodation)
• Lint roller (for attempting to tackle that in-car dog hair)

Go for walks before traveling with your dog

A long walk will pay off big time before your journey (at least double the usual daily walk should do nicely). Give him a small treat or two once he’s home, but avoid feeding him his usual meal (a full belly is a sure-fire way to bring about car sickness).

Dogs can easily (and happily) go for a day without food, just so long as they have plenty of water to hand.

Also Read: 25 Best Dog Breeds For Kids And Your Family

Safety first when traveling with a dog

When it’s time to set off, be sure to  safely secure your dog  with a seat buckle or place him in a good quality crate (don’t be tempted to let him hang his head out of the window – as this can lead to some pretty nasty eye injuries).

You should also make sure that he’s easily identifiable (at least through a collar tag and microchip). Ideally, however, you should go one step further, and fit him with a dog tracker (there are some great – and inexpensive – options out there that work with your smartphones – such as the Pawscout Tracker or the PETFOM Tracker .

Finally, think about the weather. If it’s the middle of summer and your car is air-conditioning free you should plan to avoid traveling during the hottest times of the day.

Top up your gas at quiet stations

If possible, try to stop off for gas and toilet breaks at stations outside of built-up urban areas, as it’ll be more likely that you’ll discover a grassy space (which can encourage a reluctant pooch to open his bladder!).

Take a pitstop for a mid-way walk

Try to split your journey up every couple of hours or so with a 15-minute walk when traveling with a dog. This may take some planning, but it shouldn’t be too challenging to discover a nice walk just a short way from most main highways.

Also Read: 7 Amazing Dog Friendly Backyard Ideas On A Budget

Pop in a CBD bone or two into your pouch’s packing

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that’s derived from all-natural, 3rd party tested hemp (e.g. it won’t make your canine stoned – it’ll simply calm their nerves and get them travel-ready).

CBD bones are made for everything from the terrors of fireworks to taking a road trip or plane ride.

FOMO bones  team CBD with a formidable team of valerian root, chamomile, and passionflower for one all-natural canine calmer.

More On: Travel

Money blog: Iconic Trio chocolate bar could return, hints McVitie's

The Money blog is your place for consumer and personal finance news and tips. Today's posts include NatWest launching the cheapest mortgage on the market, an old Liam Gallagher tweet about ticket pricing and our latest Bring It Back feature - as McVitie's tells us Trio could return.

Tuesday 3 September 2024 21:39, UK

• How your pension could be taxed more as chancellor refuses to rule out hikes
• High-street bank trumps rivals with cheapest five-year mortgage
• Iconic chocolate bar could return, hints McVitie's
• 'Blow' for female founders as agency backtracks on competition awards  

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Labour is facing a drop-off in confidence among business leaders amid plans for tax rises and improvements to workers' rights, according to a survey.

The Institute of Directors noted a leap in optimism in July among its membership as the new government came to power.

But its latest economic confidence index showed a slump from a three-year-high, falling into negative territory in August.

Read more below...

The number of hospitality establishments across the UK has grown for the first time in two years - a sign of recovery for the industry.

Between March and June there were 462 new openings of pubs, restaurants, bars and hotels in the UK - an average of five per day - according to the Nationwide Caterers Association.

The organisation said casual dining establishments in particular have experienced growth in numbers for the first time since COVID.

"While there is still a way to go for the sector to return to pre-COVID heights, tangible growth in hospitality premises is clearly a positive development and hopefully a sign of more growth to come," the association said.

Aldi is in talks with the government over planning reform in a bid to speed up the opening of new stores.

The discount supermarket is offering investment to tackle "under-resourcing" across local authorities, which is currently leading the planning application process to take more than a year, Aldi UK's national real estate director George Brown wrote in LinkedIn.

Mr Brown said to "unlock" significant investment in the UK economy, the retail sector should be given more weight in the decision-making process to reflect the number of jobs it delivers.

Aldi said in February that it plans to open 500 more stores in 2024, which would also lead to the creation of 5,500 new jobs.

An "urgent review" into dynamic pricing has been launched as the backlash from the price of Oasis concert tickets continues. 

The Competition and Markets Authority said it was looking into the ticketing market to make sure consumers were being treated fairly. 

Oasis fans were disappointed at the weekend when tickets for their reunion tour more than doubled while on sale due to dynamic pricing systems. 

Tickets shot up from £148 to £355 on Ticketmaster within hours of their release - and while fans were stuck in long online queues.

Dynamic pricing is common within industries beyond music - it's used frequently in the travel industry, with hotel rooms and airline tickets.

"The CMA is urgently reviewing recent developments in the ticketing market, including the way dynamic pricing is being used in the primary market," a CMA spokesperson said. 

They noted that consumer protection law requires businesses to be fair and transparent in their dealings with consumers. 

They are also required to give clear and accurate information about the price people have to pay. 

"The CMA wants fans to get a fair deal when they buy tickets," they added. 

"We have already acted against major resale websites on the secondary market to ensure consumer law is being followed. 

"But we think more protections are needed for consumers here, and made recommendations to the previous government in 2021 about the changes that are needed." 

The government has promised to look into dynamic ticket pricing, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy saying it would be reviewed in an upcoming consultation. 

Female founders have been dealt a "blow" after Innovate UK delivered just half the number of grants pledged in a funding competition for women business owners.

The Women in Innovation programme was aimed at encouraging women leading small to medium-sized businesses to apply for grants of up to £75,000 each.

The government-backed agency said it would be offering the grants to 50 female founders when it launched the competition earlier this year - but subsequently changed the wording to say "up to 50". 

Only 25 ended up being chosen to receive funding, out of 1,452 applicants.

Dearbump and Femtech founder Emma Jarvis said in a LinkedIn post that the situation will have left many female entrepreneurs "pretty disheartened"

The post  has been shared more than 100 times and has garnered nearly 830 reactions.

"Innovate UK's decision is a blow not just to existing female founders but future ones," Ms Jarvis said. "It's really disappointing to hear that the number of awards was cut in half and that the wording was changed after the results were announced."

She said the "only way forward" was for Innovate UK to honour its original commitment of 50 awards.

Meanwhile, Patricia McGirr, Repossession Rescue founder , said female founders "deserve more than lip service". 

She said Innovate UK's decision "isn't just trimming fat, it's cutting opportunity and ambition".

"This broken promise to the women fuelling our future is a step backward for innovation and a slap in the face to countless women who dare to lead."

And Debbie Porter, managing director at Destination Digital Marketing , said the move was "hard to believe".

"Innovate UK ought to go back over those 1,427 other applications as a matter of priority to fix this situation," she said. 

In a statement to the Money blog, Innovate UK apologised and said its decision was a "mistake". It also said it would honour its original commitment to award 50 applicants with funding.

The added: "We recognise the impact this has had on the many applicants and on the community as a whole, and we apologise wholeheartedly.

"We confirm we will be funding a total of 50 awards."

Our Money blog reporter Jess Sharp spoke to women who are  leading figures in their respective fields for our eight-part Women in Business series earlier this year. You can read some of their stories here...

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has refused to rule out heavier taxation on pensions in the October budget. 

"I'm not going to speculate on what will be in the budget, but I'm absolutely determined to ensure that working people are better off," she told MPs in the House of Commons. 

"This budget will be a budget to fix the foundations of the economy after the mess left by the previous government."

How could your pension be taxed further? Let's have a look at some of the possibilities...

Leading left-wing thinktank The Fabian Society said the government could raise at least £10bn a year by reducing pension tax relief for high earners. 

At the moment, pension tax relief depends on an individual's tax band. 

But Ms Reeves could create a single flat rate of tax relief for all tax bands, the society said.

"First, the rate of income tax relief should be equalised for people on all tax bands - for example at 30% of gross earnings, midway between the 20p and 40p rates of tax," the thinktank said in a report. 

Ms Reeves could also reduce the maximum tax-free lump sum  you can get on retirement from £268,275 to £100,000 or 25% of pension wealth. 

"The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates that this might eventually save over £2bn per year, which would be targeted entirely at people with high lifetime earnings or assets," the report added. 

Another suggestion was to charge national insurance on private pension incomes . 

The organisation said it would lead to today's affluent pensioners making a higher tax contribution.

Other possibilities could be to levy income tax on all inherited pensions. 

It said pension pots could also be liable to inheritance tax in the same way as other assets. 

What else did the chancellor say today?

Away from refusing to rule out pension tax changes, Ms Reeves also confirmed a cap on corporation tax.

Speaking during Treasury questions, she said the tax would be capped at its current level of 25% to "give business the confidence to grow". 

Corporation tax applies to the annual profits of UK resident companies and branches of overseas companies.

The 25% main rate is payable by companies with taxable profits above £250,000.

A small profits rate applies for companies with profits of £50,000 or below, meaning they will pay 19%.

Up until April 2023, the previous corporation tax main rate was 19%.

After the revival of popular Cadbury's chocolate bar Top Deck earlier this year, we asked you which discontinued treat you would like to see brought back - and we got so many responses that we've decided to make a weekly feature of it called  Bring It Back . 

Every Tuesday, we'll pick one from our comments box and look at why it was so beloved and, crucially, find out whether the companies in question might consider reintroducing them.

This week we're looking at a chocolate bar that became a staple of lunch boxes in the 1980s and '90s - and spawned a TV advert that is among the most fondly remembered of the era: McVitie's Trio.

Sold in multipacks of six, each bar included three segments made up of a caramel layer over biscuit, all covered with milk chocolate.

The product became synonymous with a memorable commercial that featured an animation by artist Bob Godfrey and a play on the traditional Jamaican folk song "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)".

Its lyrics, which will be familiar to almost anyone who grew up in the 1980s, included the bar's tagline: "I want a Trio and I want one now."

Having discontinued the product in 2003, it briefly returned to shop shelves in 2016 following a Facebook campaign, before vanishing from sale again shortly after.

Hordes of Sky News readers have called for the chocolate bar's revival.

Kellie said: "I'd love to have Trios back! They were yummy. McVitie's really need to start selling them again."

Derek told us: "What a chocolate bar the Trio was! I could eat an entire multipack in one sitting now if given the chance. And that old advert... instantly transported back to childhood just thinking about it."

Samantha said: "I can hear the jingle in my head now! Trios were just delicious chocolate bars... and we want one now!"

When asked by Sky News, a McVitie's spokesperson conspicuously declined to rule out a return for the iconic chocolate treat, saying the company was "constantly listening to what audiences want".

"This helps us to keep innovating and adapting to changing tastes, meaning more biscuits and snacks you love for generations to come," they said.

"For those who miss the caramel taste of Trio, one of our newest and most exciting innovations, McVitie's Gold Billions Wafer, will be your new favourite for on-the-go chocolate moments."

And, tantalisingly for fans of the bar, they added: "Watch this space for more to come..."

Along with the legions of Trio diehards, the Money blog will certainly be doing that - and hope to bring you news of further developments in the crusade in the near future.

Got a craving for any of the products below? Click the links to find out if they've got any chance at making a comeback... 

NatWest has launched the cheapest five-year fixed mortgage deal on the market. 

The 3.71% rate comes with a £1,495 product fee and is available to customers who have a 40% deposit. 

Other lenders have also announced cuts this week, including Barclays and Halifax. 

Yesterday, Barclays reduced its five-year fixed 60% LTV remortgage deal from 4.06% to 3.93%. 

It also announced cuts across its purchase product range, with a five-year fixed 75% LTV deal coming with a 3.95% rate and a £899 product fee. 

Halifax also launched a 3.81% five-year deal to new borrowers yesterday. 

Brokers have welcomed the cuts as "hugely positive" news, and suggested more lenders could follow suit. 

"NatWest's latest rate cut is another clear signal that mortgage lenders are pulling out all the stops to reignite the housing market," Ranald Mitchell, director of Charwin Mortgages, told Newspage.

"This flurry of rate reductions is a positive step towards finding that sweet spot where consumer confidence rebounds, and the property market gets back on track. 

"It's an exciting time for potential buyers, affordability is improving, and the window of opportunity is wide open." 

Justin Moy, the managing director at EHF Mortgages, said: "Lenders are looking to grab some market share by the end of the year.

"Other lenders will likely want to make a similar move over the coming days to remain competitive." 

By James Sillars , business reporter

It's a fairly muted start to the day's trading, again, on financial markets.

The FTSE 100 has opened 10 points higher at 8,373.

Rolls-Royce, the civil aerospace-to-defence firm (not to be confused with the luxury motor car manufacturer), is leading the gainers.

Its shares rallied by 4% early this morning after a 6.5% decline the previous day.

That tumbled was in reaction to the apparent mid-air failure of one of its engines on a Cathay Pacific flight .

Analysts said that the share price recovery was down to an update from  the airline that the fleet affected should be back to full operation by the weekend.

A tweet Liam Gallagher wrote seven years ago criticising the eye-watering price of gig tickets has come back to haunt him.

His message, written in September 2017 about his older brother Noel, who was touring America with his band High Flying Birds at the time, read: "350 dollars to go and see rkid in USA what a c*** when will it all stop as you were LG x"

The tweet has resurfaced after dynamic pricing for Oasis's much-hyped reunion next year left fans - many of whom had spent hours queueing online - stunned after some standard tickets more than doubled in price from £148 to £355 on Ticketmaster due to demand.

X users pointed out the irony upon seeing the 2017 tweet, posting comments including, "Well this is evergreen", "What's your excuse for charging over 368 quid then?" and "Not ageing well, Liam".

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Using a phrase Liam adopts in his own social media comments, another fan wrote simply "BIBLICAL".

Hundreds of people have complained to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) over "misleading claims about availability and pricing".

In response, Sir Keir Starmer has said the government will get a "grip" on the issue of surge pricing, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy promising a consultation over the transparency and use of dynamic pricing, and the technology around queuing systems, to ensure fans don't get ripped off.

Yesterday we revealed that official reseller Twickets had lowered its fees after criticism from Oasis fans.

Scroll through today's Money blog for: Cheapest dates to go on holiday this year (6.42 post); how do you get free school meals (7.58 post); pay-per-mile tax proposed (7.38 post)

Basically, free school meals are aimed at making sure the country's more vulnerable youngsters don't go hungry while they're learning in their earlier years.

Children of certain ages automatically qualify without having to apply, but the rules differ across the four nations.

Children whose parents claim certain benefits or asylum support may also be eligible - though an application may be needed.

Free school meals without having to apply

In England, outside of London , all state school children in reception to year two automatically qualify for infant free school meals, while in the capital , all state primary school children up to age 11 qualify for the benefit in the 2024-25 academic year.

In Scotland , all state school children up to primary five (around four to nine years old) get the meals automatically. There are plans for this to be extended to pupils in receipt of the Scottish child payment in primary six and seven from February.

In Wales  all primary school children in state schools can get free meals from September.

Families who claim benefits

If your child falls outside the eligibility criteria for automatic free school meals, they'll still be able to benefit in certain circumstances.

Wherever you are in the UK, your child may be able to get free school meals if you get one or more of the following:

• Income support
• Universal credit
• Income-based jobseeker's allowance
• Income-related employment and support allowance
• Support under part six of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of pension credit
• Child tax credit
• Working tax credit (Scotland and Northern Ireland)
• Working tax credit run-on England and Wales) – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for working tax credit

There's some specific criteria for families by devolved nation, which we'll break down below...

England and Wales

If you're claiming universal credit, your net household income must be less than £7,400 after tax, and not including any benefits.

Those receiving child tax credit must not also be entitled to working tax credit and must have an annual income of less than £16,190.

If you're classed as having no recourse to public funds - a type of condition placed on temporary visas in the UK - and the parents are able to work, they must have a household income of no more than:

• £22,700 for families outside of London with one child
• £26,300 for families outside of London with two or more children
• £31,200 for families within London with one child
• £34,800 for families within London with two or more children

People claiming universal credit in Scotland must have a household monthly income of no more than £796 (£9,552 per year) to qualify for free school meals. 

Families on child tax credit, but not working tax credit, can get the meals if they earn less than £19,995. For those on both benefits, their income must be no more than £9,552.

Northern Ireland

You may be able to claim free school meals in Northern Ireland if you receive universal credit and your post-tax earnings are £15,000 or less per year.

If you get child tax credit or working tax credit, you can still get free school meals on an annual income of up to £16,190.

How can I claim the meals?

In England, Wales and Scotland, you apply to your local council.

The UK government website has a local authority postcode checker here , which directs you to the council running services in your area. There are similar tools on the Scottish and Welsh government websites.

In Northern Ireland, you can use this form to apply directly to the government.

How many children are eligible - and how much does it cost? 

According to the latest data from the Department for Education, 2.1 million pupils were eligible for free school meals in the 2023-24 academic year - 24.6% of pupils. This was a rise from 23.8% the year before.

According to the London mayor's office, it's estimated that school meals cost £13.25 per week - or £2.65 meal - on average.

It says its free school meals offer for all state-educated primary school children in the capital saves parents around £500 per year.

According to a 2023 report from the IFS, the current system of free school meals in England – both means-tested and universal provision – costs the government around £1.4bn a year.

But separate research from the Food Foundation found that expanding free school meal eligibility to all primary school students could generate around £41bn in direct benefits to students and a further £58bn to the wider economy over 20 years.

Read other entries in our Basically series.. .

Tax receipts from petrol and diesel duty bring in £25bn for the Treasury each year - and questions have been raised about what happens as more drivers go electric.

Today, the public transport charity Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) is proposing that drivers of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), such as electric cars, should be charged based on how far they travel.

They are asking Chancellor Rachel Reeves to impose the pay-per-mile scheme, saying it's the solution to a "black hole" that will be created by the loss of fuel duty.

The scheme would not apply to drivers of traditionally fuelled cars.

Under the plan, drivers with a ZEV before the implementation date would be exempt, incentivising the switch to electric vehicles.

Previous governments have found the prospect of introducing per-mile charges - known as road pricing - to be too politically toxic.

But CBT claims it would have public support.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments box - and read more on this story here ...

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