Dreaming of transporting your dog, cat, or ferret to the Dordogne? France's most beloved British expat region - affectionately known as 'Dordogneshire' - offers an idyllic blend of medieval villages, rolling countryside, excellent food, and an established English-speaking community. We provide professional door-to-door pet transport from anywhere in the UK to this enchanting corner of southwest France.
Why Transport Your Pet to the Dordogne?
The Dordogne has been attracting British expats since the 1970s, and for good reason. The region offers everything the France-lover dreams of: golden stone villages, meandering rivers perfect for canoeing, prehistoric caves, and some of the country's finest food. Property prices remain reasonable compared to Provence, and the well-established British community makes settling in remarkably easy.
For pet owners, the Dordogne is paradise. Quiet lanes through walnut groves, riverside paths, forests for exploring, and a culture that welcomes dogs everywhere from markets to restaurants. The gentle climate suits dogs perfectly - warm but not extreme.
Our Dordogne Pet Transport Service
What's Included
- Door-to-door collection and delivery - From your UK home to anywhere in the Dordogne
- Climate-controlled vehicle - Comfortable temperature throughout
- Experienced DEFRA-approved handlers - Trained in animal welfare
- Regular comfort breaks - Every 2-3 hours
- Real-time WhatsApp updates - Photos throughout the journey
- All documentation handled - Border procedures managed by us
The Route: UK to Dordogne
- Collection from your UK address
- Drive to Folkestone - The Eurotunnel terminal
- Eurotunnel crossing - 35 minutes to Calais
- Drive through France - Via Limoges into the Dordogne
- Arrival - Delivery to your address
The journey takes approximately 9-11 hours from London depending on your exact destination in the department.
Pet Entry Requirements
Essential Documentation
- Microchip - ISO compliant 15-digit chip
- Rabies vaccination - At least 21 days old
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) - Issued within 10 days of travel. Valid for up to 6 months for onward EU travel and return to GB
The Dordogne: A Dog's Dream
The Dordogne may be the most dog-friendly region in France. The outdoor lifestyle, welcoming attitude, and variety of walks make it perfect for pets.
River Walks
- Dordogne River - Paths along the valley from Beynac to Castelnaud
- Vézère Valley - Quieter walks through the prehistoric heartland
- Isle Valley - Riverside paths around Périgueux
- Dronne Valley - Northern Dordogne's gentler landscape
Forest and Countryside
- Forêt de la Double - Extensive forests in the west
- Forêt de Born - Woodlands near Sarlat
- Causse landscapes - Limestone plateaus with far-reaching views
- Walnut groves - Quiet lanes through the department's signature crop
Village Exploration
- Sarlat - The beautiful capital of Périgord Noir welcomes dogs everywhere
- Beynac - Cliff-top village with castle walks
- La Roque-Gageac - Riverside village tucked under cliffs
- Domme - Bastide town with panoramic views
- Brantôme - 'Venice of the Périgord' with abbey gardens
Pet Services
- Multiple veterinary clinics, many with English-speaking staff
- Pet supply shops in larger towns
- Dog grooming services
- Strong expat network for recommendations and pet-sitting
Living in the Dordogne with Pets
The Dordogne is exceptionally welcoming to dogs. The Saturday markets (Sarlat is the most famous) welcome dogs, most restaurants are happy to seat you with your pet, and the outdoor café culture suits pet owners perfectly. The extensive British community means English-speaking vets, pet services, and a ready-made social network.
The climate is warm but not extreme - expect hot summers (28-35°C) and mild winters. Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful for walking.
Returning Your Pet from the Dordogne to the UK
Lots of our clients use us for the outbound journey, then again when they return to the UK months or years later. The return leg from the Dordogne is well-rehearsed: via Limoges and the A20 to Paris, then to Calais.
- Tapeworm timing: Treatment must be given by a French vet 24–120 hours before arriving back in the UK. We pre-book this with a trusted vet local to the Dordogne.
- UK Border check: Handled at the Pet Reception in Calais Coquelles before Eurotunnel boarding - we manage every form.
- Door-to-door delivery: From the Dordogne to any UK postcode, including Scotland and Wales.
The Dordogne is one of the largest British-expat regions in France - our drivers know the rural lanes around Périgueux, Sarlat, and Bergerac well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pet transport to the Dordogne take?
9-11 hours from London depending on your exact destination. Bergerac and the south are furthest; Brantôme and the north are closer.
Is the Dordogne really dog-friendly?
Exceptionally so. Dogs are welcome almost everywhere - markets, restaurants, cafes, shops. It's one of the reasons British dog owners love it.
Where exactly do you deliver in the Dordogne region?
Anywhere in the department - Sarlat, Bergerac, Périgueux, Ribérac, Brantôme, and all villages throughout the Périgord Noir, Vert, Blanc, and Pourpre.
What about swimming for dogs?
The rivers are perfect! Many spots along the Dordogne and Vézère are ideal for dogs to swim. There are also lakes and designated dog swimming areas.
Book Your Dordogne Pet Transport
Ready to join the British community in 'Dordogneshire' with your pet? Contact us for a free quote.
Related Articles
The Dordogne: Britain's Favourite French Region
The Dordogne (administratively the Dordogne department, sitting within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region) is by some measures the single most British-populated area of rural France. Estimates suggest 20,000-30,000 British nationals live in the Dordogne full-time, with several times that many holiday-home connections. Total drive time from the Eurotunnel is approximately 11 hours.
Dordogne-Specific Pet Logistics
Many Dordogne deliveries are to rural villages with narrow medieval streets, GPS-misrouting risks, and limited turning circles. Our drivers build extra route-planning time into Dordogne journeys for these specific factors. We coordinate with property managers, gite owners, and key-holders for arrival timing.
Dordogne Veterinary Network
The strong British presence has produced a pet-services infrastructure unusual for rural France: several practices market explicitly to English-speaking clients, English-language pet-sitter networks, and dog-friendly hotel/gite chains. Our customers benefit from these networks both during and after the relocation.