£22
or €26 on French bookings
Up to 5
Dogs, cats, ferrets
35 min
Pet stays in your car throughout
Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free with valid documentation. Dogs, cats and ferrets only on Le Shuttle. No other species (including rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, birds).
Pre-travel checklist
The four-step paperwork plan
Start at least four months before travel. The rabies vaccine has a 21-day waiting period after first administration before your dog can leave the UK.
- 1
Microchip your pet (if not already done)
Must comply with ISO 11784/11785 standard. Cost: £15 to £30 at most vets. Required even for pets staying in the EU. The chip number is recorded on every other piece of paperwork below, so do this first.
Anytime, ideally as a puppy or kitten - 2
Rabies vaccination
Dog must be at least 12 weeks old. The vaccine takes 21 days to be valid; you cannot travel within those 21 days. Boosters required every 1 to 3 years depending on vaccine. Cost: £40 to £70.
At least 21 days before first travel - 3
Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
Issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV). Lists microchip, rabies vaccine, owner details. Valid for 10 days from issue for entry to EU. Single AHC covers up to 5 pets, valid for 4 months of onward EU travel and the return to GB. Cost: £150 to £250.
Within 10 days of departure - 4
Tapeworm treatment (dogs returning to GB)
Praziquantel given by a vet, recorded with date, time, vet stamp. Must be 24 to 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before re-entry. Cats and ferrets do not need this. Cost: £20 to £40.
1 to 5 days before return crossing
On the day
How pet check-in works at Folkestone
Folkestone (outbound)
- 1. Arrive 1-2 hours before booked departure (longer than non-pet travellers)
- 2. Standard ANPR check-in at the gate
- 3. Follow signs to Pet Reception (24-hour, separate building)
- 4. Microchip scan and AHC check (5-10 mins per pet)
- 5. Walk pet at the designated grass area before boarding
- 6. Drive to allocated boarding lane and onto the train
Coquelles (return to GB)
- 1. Arrive 1-2 hours before booked return departure
- 2. Standard ANPR check-in
- 3. Pet Reception, the AHC and tapeworm record are checked here
- 4. Tapeworm window must be 24-120 hours before this scan
- 5. Walk pet at the dedicated area, water provided
- 6. Drive to UK-bound platform and onto the train
Why pet owners pick the tunnel
Channel Tunnel vs ferry, for the dog’s sake
Le Shuttle
Dog stays in the car for 35 minutes, with you, in the dark. Calmer than most car journeys. £22 per pet each way.
P&O Dover-Calais
Pet kennels on the car deck. Cages, hot in summer, no owner access during the 90 minutes. £20 to £25 per pet each way.
DFDS Dover-Calais
Newer ships have onboard pet lounges where dogs sit with owners. Better than P&O kennels but still busier than the tunnel. £22 to £30 per pet.
Common questions
Pet travel FAQ
Le Shuttle charges £22 per pet each way (£44 return). Up to five pets per vehicle. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free with valid documentation. The supplement is added at booking and applies to dogs, cats and ferrets only, no other species.
More from the guide
Compare
Channel Tunnel vs ferry
The full 14-criterion comparison, with pet experience as one of the main wins for the tunnel.
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First-timer
How the crossing works
ANPR check-in, boarding, the 35 minutes onboard, drive-off in Coquelles.
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Save money
Cheap pet-friendly crossings
Mid-week, off-peak Day Trip with a dog: £140 return for car plus pet.
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Pricing overview
All Le Shuttle fares
Including the £22 per pet supplement on every ticket type.
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Estimator
Cost calculator
Add pets in the calculator to see total fare with pet supplement included.
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Calendar
Cheapest months to cross
When base fares (and so the total cost with pet) are at their lowest.
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