How do I book a trip, step by step?
Get an instant quote on our booking page, then confirm your pet and travel details and pay in full, as a deposit, or via Klarna. We assign a driver ahead of your pickup date and you'll see their details in your booking before travel day. Your driver collects you and your pet, handles the Eurotunnel crossing, and takes you door-to-door to your destination.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as you can, especially in peak season - but we do take last-minute bookings when a driver's available. Get an instant quote any time to check availability for your date.
When do I find out who my driver is?
We assign a driver ahead of your pickup date, and you'll see their name and vehicle details in your booking before travel day.
Do you only travel between the UK and France?
We collect from any UK location and cross via the Eurotunnel or ferry, and cover all of Europe - it doesn't have to be an EU country. Common destinations include France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland, but we'll quote for any European address, plus Ireland via UK-Ireland ferry.
Do you travel to Ireland?
Yes - we also cover Ireland, via a UK-Ireland car ferry (Holyhead-Dublin or Pembroke/Fishguard-Rosslare, whichever gives the shortest route for your addresses), on the same pricing model as our Eurotunnel routes. You'll need to book your own ferry crossing ticket, just like the Channel crossing.
Do I need to create an account to book?
No - you can get a quote and book as a guest without creating an account. Creating one just makes it easier to manage your bookings, earn loyalty tokens, and book again in future.
Can I get a quote over WhatsApp instead of using the website?
Yes - if you'd rather chat than fill in the online calculator, message us using the WhatsApp button on our site with your pickup/drop-off addresses, dates, and pet details, and we'll get back to you with a price. The website's instant quote tool is usually faster since it uses live Google Maps routing, but WhatsApp works well if you have questions alongside your quote.
What should I have ready on pickup day?
Your pet's original travel documents (the Animal Health Certificate or the document that applies to your journey, plus the rabies vaccination certificate), a secure carrier or harness, your pet's food, water and any medication, and your booking reference. We wait up to 2 hours past the scheduled pickup time before treating it as a no-show. Our free Pet Travel Checklist (petvoyageuk.co.uk/travel-checklist) lists everything step by step, and you can print it or save it as a PDF.
Can I travel with more than one pet?
Yes - tell us how many pets are travelling when you book so we can recommend the right vehicle. Up to 5 pets can travel together for non-commercial travel; more than that falls under commercial rules. Each pet needs its own microchip, rabies vaccination and travel document.
Who provides the transport - PetVoyageUK or the driver?
PetVoyageUK is the booking and billing agent. The journey itself is carried out by independent, licensed drivers on our platform: the contract for the transport is between you and the assigned driver, who is responsible for carrying it out. We take your booking and payment, check your documents and stay your point of contact throughout. See our Terms of Service for the full details.
Do I have to book a return trip, or can I book one-way?
Either - you can book a one-way trip, or a round trip with its own return date and price, arranged in the same booking. Note that the LeShuttle/Eurotunnel ticket itself is always booked as a round trip, even for a one-way transport booking - the driver's vehicle has to come back to the UK regardless. For a round-trip booking, that means two separate round-trip LeShuttle tickets are needed (one for the outbound crossing, one for the return crossing), since they usually happen on different dates.
What if my pet gets anxious or unwell during the journey?
The independent drivers on our platform make regular comfort stops for water, stretching, and toilet breaks, and are trained in pet care. If anything comes up during the trip, just let your driver know - and if anything wasn't right, contact us afterwards and we'll sort it out.
What does your insurance cover?
We take reasonable care of your pet throughout the journey and are insured for pet transport services, with our liability limited to the booking value. We're not liable for any deterioration in your pet's health caused by a pre-existing condition. See our Terms of Service for full details, including the liability that can never be excluded by law - such as death or personal injury caused by negligence.
How do I pay for my booking?
You can pay in full, as a deposit (1/3 online now, with the rest due no later than pickup - by cash, card with the driver, an emailed payment link, or a QR code), or spread the cost interest-free with Klarna's Pay in 3 for eligible bookings.
How does Klarna Pay in 3 work?
For eligible bookings you can split the cost interest-free into 3 payments with Klarna. Klarna decides at checkout whether to approve the plan, not us. The Klarna part covers up to £2,000 of the booking; for bookings above £2,000 the rest is taken separately by card. If a Klarna booking is refunded, the Klarna portion goes back through Klarna - they apply it against your remaining instalments, or refund it to you directly if you've already paid them off.
How long do you hold a booking before I pay?
An unpaid booking is held for 72 hours. We send a payment reminder after 24 hours, and if it still isn't paid when the 72 hours are up it is cancelled automatically. Any loyalty tokens or discount code you used on it go back to you, so you can book again straight away. For bookings we create for you with a payment link, the link's own expiry date in your email applies.
Will I get a receipt?
Yes. When your booking is paid in full we email you a confirmation with a PDF receipt attached: the journey, what you paid, any discount code or loyalty tokens applied, the payment method and date. If you pay a deposit, the PDF receipt follows once the balance is paid. If you ever need another copy, contact us and we'll send it again.
Who buys the Eurotunnel or ferry ticket?
Our price covers the transport; the Channel crossing ticket is separate. By default you buy your own Eurotunnel (or Ireland ferry) ticket and we handle everything on the day - see "How do I book my Eurotunnel Le Shuttle ticket?" for the steps. If you'd rather not, our team can book it for you at no extra cost: you pay only the price of the ticket. It is shown as its own line on your booking and receipt, and any change or refund follows the crossing operator's own terms - we liaise with the operator for you.
How do I book my Eurotunnel Le Shuttle ticket?
You can book it yourself on the official Eurotunnel Le Shuttle website (eurotunnel.com):
1) Choose Folkestone to Calais (Calais to Folkestone for a return leg).
2) Pick the crossing date and time - ask us which departure suits your pickup.
3) Choose the vehicle type and add the vehicle registration of your driver's vehicle, which we send you once your driver is assigned.
4) Add your pets - Eurotunnel charges a pet supplement per pet each way.
5) Book it as a return ticket: the driver's vehicle has to come back to the UK, so even a one-way transport booking needs a return ticket, and a round trip needs two.
6) Pay, then send us your booking confirmation so we can add the reference to your booking.
Prefer not to do it yourself? Our team can book the ticket for you at no extra cost - you pay only the price of the ticket. Just message us on WhatsApp on +44 7892 807912 (the number on our website) or email info@petvoyageuk.co.uk with your crossing date and time and we'll take care of it.
What's your cancellation policy?
It depends on how much notice you give before travel: more than 7 days, full refund minus a £50 admin fee; less than 7 days, full refund minus £150; less than 48 hours, two-thirds (2/3) refunded; no-show at pickup, no refund. See our Refund Policy for full details, including how Channel crossing tickets are handled.
What happens if the driver's vehicle breaks down mid-journey?
We'll do everything we can to get a replacement vehicle or driver to you so your trip still goes ahead. If we're able to, no refund applies since the service is still being delivered. If we can't arrange a replacement and your trip can't be completed as booked, it's treated as a cancellation by us and you receive a full refund.
How does the loyalty rewards program work?
You earn 1 loyalty token per mile travelled on every completed booking, credited automatically - there's no cap on how many you can earn. Each token is worth £0.05 and can be redeemed for up to 15% off a booking's price (and no more than 20% in total when you also use a discount code). If you have more tokens than that cap allows, the rest simply stay in your balance for next time, they're never lost. Tokens have no cash value and can't be transferred or exchanged for money. Full details and a worked example are on our Loyalty Rewards Program page.
Can I use a discount code and loyalty tokens together?
Yes. A discount code is a one-time, fixed-£ amount off one booking, capped at 15% of that booking's price even if the code is worth more. Tokens can discount up to 15% of the price. Together they can never take off more than 20% of the booking's original price - any tokens that don't fit stay in your balance. Enter your code on the Book a Ride page.
What happens to my loyalty tokens or discount code if I cancel?
Loyalty tokens used on a booking go back to your balance if the booking is cancelled, whether you cancel it, we cancel it, or an unpaid booking expires. A discount code is released for you to use again if you cancel before paying or the booking expires unpaid; once a booking has been paid, its code counts as used. Cancellation fees on a paid booking still follow our cancellation policy.
Can I earn tokens by referring a friend?
Yes. Every account has a referral code under Loyalty Rewards in your dashboard. When someone applies your code and then completes and pays for their first booking (in part or in full), you each receive 800 tokens (worth £40) - codes issued by partner organisations can differ. The tokens arrive once that first booking is paid, not when the code is applied.
Can I change my vehicle after booking?
Yes - just contact us and, subject to availability, we can move you between our Standard Estate Car, Executive Car, or Van/Minibus. Any price difference is charged or refunded at the time of the change.
Can I change the date, time or addresses of my booking?
Yes. Before you've paid you can edit the addresses, date, time and vehicle - the price is recalculated for the new route, and any discount code or loyalty tokens on the booking are re-applied to the new price. Once a booking is paid you can still change the pickup date and time online (for a round trip, each leg's); for anything else, such as a different address, contact us. Once your trip has started it can no longer be changed online.
How are your drivers vetted?
Every driver must hold a full driving licence, a valid private hire/taxi licence for the area they operate in, a DEFRA Type 2 Transporter Authorisation for transporting animals, and insurance covering hire-and-reward passenger and pet transport with at least £5,000,000 public liability cover, plus Goods in Transit insurance for your pet.
What if I'm not ready when the driver arrives?
We'll wait up to 2 hours past the scheduled pickup time before treating it as a no-show. If you're running late, call or WhatsApp us as soon as possible and we'll do our best to accommodate you within that window.
What if I'm being picked up from the airport and my flight is delayed?
Let us know your flight details when you book so we can plan around it. If your flight lands late, the same grace period applies as any pickup: we'll wait up to 2 hours past the scheduled pickup time, and if you contact us by call or WhatsApp as soon as you know you'll be delayed, we'll do our best to accommodate you within that window. If the delay looks longer than that, get in touch as early as you can so we can work out the best option for your trip.
How many passengers, pets or bags can I bring?
Tell us your passengers, luggage and pets when you book, and we'll recommend the right vehicle - our Standard Estate Car, Executive Car, or a Van/Minibus for larger groups. If your luggage doesn't fit when the driver arrives, you can leave the excess behind and continue as booked, or cancel and book a different, larger vehicle subject to availability - though that's treated as a cancellation at pickup, so any amount already paid is non-refundable.
What information am I responsible for keeping accurate?
You're responsible for giving us accurate booking information - passenger count, luggage, and the number of pets travelling - and letting us know promptly if anything changes before travel day. You're also responsible for accurate pet health and travel documentation, making sure your pet is fit to travel, providing a suitable carrier or crate where one's needed, telling us about any behavioural issues, and being available at pickup and delivery times. If more passengers, luggage, or pets turn up at pickup than you declared and we can't accommodate the difference, this is treated the same as any other cancellation at pickup - see our cancellation policy.
Can I track my booking?
Yes - your driver updates your booking's status as your trip progresses (on the way, picked up, in transit, delivered), and you can check it any time from your account or booking confirmation.
What if I have a complaint?
Contact us directly first - we'll acknowledge your complaint within 2 business days and aim to give you a full response within 10 business days. If you're not satisfied with that response, you're free to refer the matter to a certified Alternative Dispute Resolution provider, or take it to the courts of England and Wales.
Why was I charged extra after my booking was confirmed?
Occasionally we need to add a charge after booking - for example, if a delay you're responsible for causes a missed Channel crossing (the cost of new tickets, plus a £100 waiting fee), or an approved change like a vehicle upgrade. We'll always email you exactly what was charged and why, along with the option to pay it online instead of at pickup.
How long does a refund take?
Approved refunds are returned to your original payment method - we email you when a refund has been issued, and it should reach you within 5-10 business days. Processing times beyond that point are determined by your card issuer or bank, not by us. Refunds for bookings paid with Klarna Pay in 3 work differently: see "How does Klarna Pay in 3 work?".
What happens if there's bad weather, a strike, or the border closes?
Cancellations caused by events outside our reasonable control - severe weather, border closures, strikes, or similar disruption - are handled on a case-by-case basis rather than our standard cancellation tiers, per the Force Majeure clause in our Terms of Service, so get in touch and we'll work out the best option for your trip.
Is it safe to pay by card?
Yes - all card payments are processed securely through Square and Stripe (Stripe handles Klarna instalment payments and any separately-charged remaining balance for bookings above £2,000), both PCI-compliant payment providers. We never store your full card details ourselves.
Do pets travel in the car with the driver?
Yes! Your pet travels in a climate-controlled vehicle with an experienced independent driver throughout the entire journey. Unlike cargo transport or ferries where pets are separated, your pet stays comfortable in the vehicle during the 35-minute Eurotunnel crossing. The independent drivers on our platform are trained in pet care and make regular comfort stops for water, stretching, and toilet breaks.
How much is a pet passport UK?
A pet passport for UK travel typically costs £150-£200 from your vet, which includes the passport document, microchip verification, and rabies vaccination certificate. Since Brexit, UK pets travelling to Europe need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) instead, costing around £100-£180 per trip. We guide you through all pet passport requirements and documentation.
What are the new rules for taking a dog to France?
Since Brexit, the rules for taking a dog to France require: 1) ISO microchip, 2) Rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel (after the microchip, at 12 weeks old or more), 3) Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an Official Veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel. For dogs returning to UK, you also need tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before arrival - cats and ferrets are exempt from this requirement. Our pet taxi service handles all Eurotunnel pet travel requirements.
My pet isn't from a UK/EU-listed country for rabies - what extra steps do I need?
If your pet's country of origin isn't on the official UK/EU low-risk rabies list, extra steps apply on top of the usual documents: a rabies antibody blood test at an approved laboratory, taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and showing a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, then a mandatory 3-month wait from that blood sample date before entering the UK or EU - budget 4+ months of lead time rather than the usual 4 weeks. Entry also has to go through a recognised Traveller's Point of Entry; our Dover-Calais and Eurotunnel crossings qualify. Tell us your pet's origin country when you book and we'll confirm exactly what's needed. Our free Pet Travel Checklist (petvoyageuk.co.uk/travel-checklist) has a tickable step-by-step route for pets coming from a high-risk country, for the UK or the EU. This is general guidance, not legal advice - always confirm current requirements with an Official Veterinarian and the official GOV.UK / European Commission pet travel pages.
I'm taking my pet to a high-risk (non-listed) country - what do I need to do before I leave, to be able to come back?
Get the rabies antibody blood test done before you depart, while your pet is still in the UK/EU - at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, at an approved laboratory, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml - and make sure that successful result is recorded in your pet's EU pet passport or GB health certificate before you travel. Keep the rabies vaccination continuous with no gaps while you're away, since any lapse invalidates the exemption. If you skip this step, you'll need to repeat the full process on return: find an approved lab, test at least 30 days after vaccination, then wait 3 months from that blood draw before you can come back.
Can I take my dog to France through the Eurotunnel?
Yes! Taking your dog to France via Eurotunnel is the easiest and safest option. Dogs stay in the vehicle throughout the 35-minute Channel Tunnel crossing - no cages, no cargo holds, no sea sickness. We provide professional door-to-door dog transport to France with all documentation handled.
How do I get a dog passport UK?
To get a dog passport UK: 1) Ensure your dog has an ISO 15-digit microchip, 2) Get rabies vaccination from your vet, 3) Wait 21 days after vaccination, 4) Obtain an Animal Health Certificate from an Official Veterinarian. Post-Brexit, UK dogs need an AHC for each trip to Europe. Our pet passport UK guide explains everything step by step.
Which is better ferry or Eurotunnel for pets?
The Eurotunnel is better for pets than the ferry. On ferries, pets must stay in the car in enclosed decks or in kennels. On Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, your pet stays with you in your vehicle throughout the 35-minute crossing. It's faster, less stressful, and pets remain comfortable in climate-controlled conditions. That's why we use the Eurotunnel for Channel crossings (our Ireland routes use a UK-Ireland car ferry).
How much does pet transport UK to France cost?
Pet transport UK to France prices start from £195 for Folkestone to Calais. London to Paris costs from £730, Manchester to Paris from £1,080. Prices include all motorway tolls. Eurotunnel crossing fee is paid separately by customer (return ticket). Get an instant quote on our booking page with transparent, no-hidden-fee pricing.
What is the Eurotunnel pet supplement cost 2025/2026?
The Eurotunnel pet supplement varies by travel date and time. Current prices range from £22-45 per pet each way. You purchase your own Eurotunnel ticket directly - we handle all the Pet Reception procedures at Folkestone.
What happens at Pet Reception in Folkestone?
Before boarding the Eurotunnel, we stop at Pet Reception in Folkestone so your pet's documents - Animal Health Certificate, microchip, rabies vaccination - can be checked and the microchip scanned by Eurotunnel staff. It only takes a few minutes if your paperwork is in order. We handle this as a normal part of every UK-to-Europe crossing - you don't need to arrange anything beyond having the documents ready in the car.
Do you offer dog transport to Europe from anywhere in UK?
Yes! We provide door-to-door dog transport to Europe from any UK location including London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Leeds, and all cities. You can travel with your dog to France — we collect you both, handle Eurotunnel crossing, and deliver to France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands and beyond.
Can I travel with my pet to Europe?
Absolutely! That's exactly what we offer. Unlike commercial pet shipping where your pet travels alone as cargo, our pet taxi service lets you travel with your pet to Europe. You and your dog or cat ride together in comfort, staying together throughout the journey from UK to France and beyond. It's a personal chauffeur service, not freight.
Can cats travel through the Eurotunnel to France?
Yes, cats can travel through the Eurotunnel to France and Europe — and you can travel with your cat! Cats need: microchip, rabies vaccination (given at least 21 days before travel), and Animal Health Certificate. Our climate-controlled vehicles are perfect for nervous cats, and having you beside them keeps them calm throughout the journey.
Can ferrets travel through the Channel Tunnel?
Yes! Ferret travel through the Channel Tunnel to France and Europe is allowed. You can travel with your ferret using our pet taxi service. Ferrets need the same documentation as dogs and cats: microchip, rabies vaccination, and Animal Health Certificate.
Is it better to travel with my pet or ship them separately?
Traveling with your pet is much less stressful for them. When you use our pet taxi service, your dog or cat stays with you the entire journey — no scary cargo holds, no strangers handling them, no separation anxiety. Your pet rides in a comfortable vehicle with you by their side, which is far better than commercial pet shipping.
What documents does my pet need to travel abroad?
For pet travel abroad from UK to Europe, you need: 1) ISO microchip, 2) Rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel, 3) Animal Health Certificate from an Official Vet (within 10 days of travel), 4) For dogs returning to UK: tapeworm treatment. These are the essential pet travel documents UK requirements. We verify all documentation before your journey.
In what order do I do the microchip, rabies vaccine and certificate?
1) Microchip first (or at the same visit as the rabies vaccine) - a vaccine given before the chip doesn't count.
2) Rabies vaccination, when your pet is at least 12 weeks old.
3) Wait 21 full days after the first vaccination.
4) Get the Animal Health Certificate from an Official Veterinarian, no more than 10 days before you enter the EU.
5) Dogs coming back to the UK: tapeworm treatment 24 hours to 5 days before arrival.
Start at least 4 weeks ahead - our free Pet Travel Checklist (petvoyageuk.co.uk/travel-checklist) walks you through it.
How long is an Animal Health Certificate valid?
An Animal Health Certificate is valid for 10 days for entry into the EU, then for 6 months for onward travel within the EU and for re-entering Great Britain. You need a new certificate for each separate trip, so for a round trip check the return date falls inside the 6 months. Rules can change - confirm the current validity with your Official Veterinarian or on GOV.UK.
Who can issue an Animal Health Certificate?
Only an Official Veterinarian (OV) - not every vet practice has one, so ask when you book the appointment. Take your pet's vaccination record, the microchip number and your travel dates. The price varies by practice, and it is a private veterinary service rather than a government fee.
How old does my pet need to be to travel?
Your vet needs proof that your pet is at least 12 weeks old before giving the rabies vaccination, and you then wait 21 full days, so the earliest a young pet can travel is about 15 weeks old.
Do I need to wait 21 days again after a rabies booster?
No - you don't need to wait again after a booster as long as there has been no break in the vaccine cover. If the cover has lapsed, the booster counts as a new vaccination and the 21-day wait starts again, so check your pet's booster date well before you book.
Does my dog need tapeworm treatment?
Dogs only - cats and ferrets are exempt. A vet must treat your dog 24 hours to 5 days before it arrives in Great Britain (so for the return journey), and also before entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway. It isn't needed for France. The vet records the product, date, time and their stamp and signature in the travel document. You don't need it when coming back from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta or Norway.
Do I need an Animal Health Certificate for Ireland or Northern Ireland?
Yes - travelling from Great Britain to Ireland or Northern Ireland follows the same rules as travelling to an EU country: an Animal Health Certificate for each trip, plus tapeworm treatment for dogs 24 hours to 5 days before arrival. Our Ireland routes use a UK-Ireland car ferry.
Can I still use my UK pet passport?
A Great Britain pet passport can no longer be used to enter the EU - you need an Animal Health Certificate for each trip. For bringing a pet into Great Britain, which document applies (an EU pet passport, an Animal Health Certificate or a Great Britain pet health certificate) depends on where your pet is travelling from, so ask your vet or check GOV.UK.
What happens if my pet's paperwork isn't right at the border?
If a document is missing, out of date or doesn't match your pet's microchip, the operator or border officials can refuse boarding or entry. That is why we ask you to send us a clear scan of the documents as soon as you have them, so we can check them against your route and destination while there is still time to put anything right. If paperwork causes a missed crossing, see "Why was I charged extra after my booking was confirmed?".
Where can I find a step-by-step checklist for my pet?
Use our free Pet Travel Checklist at petvoyageuk.co.uk/travel-checklist. Choose UK to Europe, Europe to UK or a round trip, and dog, cat or ferret; every step has a short explanation, your ticks are saved on your device, and you can print it or save it as a PDF. It also has a dedicated route for pets coming from a high-risk country.
How long does a pet passport last?
A pet passport itself doesn't expire, but the rabies vaccination recorded in it does. Rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets typically last 1-3 years depending on the vaccine used. Your pet's documentation must show a valid, in-date rabies vaccination for travel. Since Brexit, UK pets need a new Animal Health Certificate for each trip to Europe.
Can I bring my pet back to UK from France?
Yes! We offer pet transport France to UK as well as UK to France. When returning to the UK, dogs need tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before arrival - cats and ferrets are exempt. Your pet needs valid documentation (passport or AHC with current rabies vaccination). We handle all UK pet import requirements.
What's the difference between pet taxi and pet shipping?
Pet taxi (like PetVoyageUK) provides personal, door-to-door transport where your pet travels in a comfortable vehicle with an experienced independent driver - a pet chauffeur service. Pet shipping typically means cargo transport. A pet taxi Eurotunnel service booked through PetVoyageUK offers a safer, less stressful experience for transporting pets internationally.