Taking your pet across the Channel? The two main options are the Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle) and various ferry services. Both will get you to France, but the experience for you and your pet can be very different. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.

Quick Comparison: Eurotunnel vs Ferry

Why Most Pet Owners Choose the Eurotunnel

The Eurotunnel is the preferred choice for pet travel for several key reasons:

1. Your Pet Stays With You

On the Eurotunnel, your pet remains in your vehicle throughout the 35-minute crossing. You can sit with them, offer water, and provide reassurance. On ferries, pets typically must stay in the vehicle on the car deck, which you cannot access during the crossing.

2. Shorter Crossing Time

At just 35 minutes, the Eurotunnel crossing is over before most pets even realise they've been travelling. Ferry crossings take 90 minutes to 2 hours minimum - that's a long time for an anxious pet alone in a car.

3. No Seasickness

The tunnel runs under the seabed on tracks. There's no motion from waves, no rolling or pitching. This matters for pets prone to travel sickness, and frankly, for their owners too.

4. Weather Reliability

Ferries can be delayed or cancelled in rough weather. The Eurotunnel operates in almost all conditions. If you're on a tight schedule or have onward bookings, this reliability is invaluable.

5. Dedicated Pet Reception

The Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone has a purpose-built Pet Reception facility with exercise areas, where officials check your documentation before boarding. It's efficient and pet-friendly. See our full Eurotunnel process guide

The Folkestone to Calais Route

The Folkestone to Calais route via the Eurotunnel is the most popular choice for pet owners. The terminal at Folkestone is purpose-built for the crossing and includes dedicated pet facilities.

Coming the other way? Our Calais to Folkestone pet taxi guide covers everything you need to know about the return journey.

When a Ferry Might Make Sense

There are situations where the ferry could be the better choice:

  • Longer routes - If you're heading to Spain, the Brittany Ferries Plymouth-Santander or Portsmouth-Bilbao routes save hundreds of miles of driving
  • Pet cabins - Some overnight ferry services offer pet-friendly cabins where your pet can stay with you (Brittany Ferries, Stena Line)
  • Cost - For very budget-conscious travellers, some ferry routes can be cheaper
  • Seasoned sailor pets - If your pet has done ferries before and copes well, stick with what works

Ferry Options for Pets: UK to France

DFDS (Dover-Calais/Dunkirk)

  • Crossing time: 90 minutes (Calais) / 2 hours (Dunkirk)
  • Pets stay in vehicle on car deck
  • Exercise areas at terminals

P&O Ferries (Dover-Calais)

  • Crossing time: 90 minutes
  • Pets stay in vehicle
  • Regular departures

Brittany Ferries

  • Multiple routes including Portsmouth-Caen, Plymouth-Roscoff
  • Pet-friendly cabins available on some routes
  • Longer crossings (6-8 hours) but less driving in France
  • Premium service for pet owners

Requirements by Pet Type

Dogs

Dogs need microchip, rabies vaccination, Animal Health Certificate, and tapeworm treatment when returning to the UK. See our complete dog travel documents guide.

Cats

Cats have similar requirements but are exempt from tapeworm treatment. For feline travellers, the Eurotunnel's shorter crossing time is particularly beneficial. Read our complete guide to taking cats on the Eurotunnel. We also cover the key differences between cat and dog requirements.

Ferrets

Yes, ferrets can travel via the Eurotunnel too! They have specific requirements that differ from dogs and cats. See our ferret travel requirements guide and complete ferret travel guide for UK to Europe.

Documentation: Same for Both Crossings

Whichever crossing you choose, the documentation requirements are identical:

  • Valid microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
  • Rabies vaccination (21+ days before travel)
  • Animal Health Certificate (issued within 10 days)
  • Tapeworm treatment for dogs returning to UK (1-5 days before arrival)

Full documentation guide for 2026

Don't Want to Drive? Pet Taxi Options

If you'd rather not drive yourself, professional pet taxi services can handle the entire journey. Here's why many pet owners choose a pet taxi over flying.

We offer pet taxi services from Kent and throughout the UK. Learn about how dogs travel in pet taxis.

Where to Stay in Calais

If you're breaking your journey, Calais has several pet-friendly options. See our guides:

Our Recommendation

For most pet owners crossing to France, the Eurotunnel is the clear winner. The combination of shorter crossing time, pet staying with you, weather reliability, and dedicated pet facilities makes it the stress-free choice.

We only use the Eurotunnel for our professional pet transport service. After thousands of crossings, we know it provides the best experience for the animals in our care.

Let Us Handle the Crossing

PetVoyageUK provides door-to-door pet transport via the Eurotunnel. We handle all documentation checks, Pet Reception procedures, and keep your pet comfortable throughout.

Get a Free Quote or call us on 07892 807912

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