How can I transport my pet from Paris to London?

There are basically two main options. You can put your pet in the cargo hold on a plane trip, which is kinda risky but lots of people do it. Or you can take the Eurotunnel shuttle car transport where pets can ride in the vehicle with you. That second choice seems way better to me!

Is the Eurotunnel transportation safe for pets?

From what I’ve read, the Eurotunnel shuttle is actually amazingly safe for transporting animals. As long as you follow their rules like keeping pets in carriers, there’s very little risk of problems. Pets get to stay right with you in the car the whole time instead of being stuffed in the plane cargo. That’s gotta be less stressful on them, right? Maybe I’m wrong, but it seems like the best option to me.n

How far in advance do I need to book pet transport?

It’s always a good idea to plan ahead when traveling with pets. Eurotunnel recommends reserving a vehicle and pet space at least a week before your preferred departure date. During busy times like summer, it’s best to book a month or more in advance if possible. Of course, last minute bookings are sometimes available, but rooms and spots for pets can sell out quickly. Planning ahead gives you more choice and less stress!n

Is there an age limit on pets that can travel?

As far as I know, Eurotunnel and most airlines don’t have an upper age limit for pets. However, really old or very young animals may have special needs that require more preparation or paperwork. It seems it’s up to the owner to determine if a pet is healthy enough for the journey. But if Fido is like 18 years old, he’s probably earned the right to a nice quiet car ride over being stuffed in cargo!n

What documents are required?

You basically need to have your pet microchipped or tattooed for identification. A passport or health certificate from your vet within 10 days of travel is also usually mandatory. It’s important to check requirements for the specific method of transport you choose, because regulations can differ a little. Do your homework to avoid any nasty surprises or delays at the border.

Is it okay to transport a pet yourself or should I use a service?

It’s definitely possible to transport a pet yourself using Eurotunnel or driving directly, but a pet transport service can take off a lot of stress. They know the rules inside and out and handle everything for you. However, a service is going to cost more dough. If you’re up for a bit of planning and your pet is well-behaved, it’s probably fine to DIY it. But I can see the appeal of a service doing all the heavy lifting!n

What other tips should I keep in mind?

Some additional things to consider – make sure your pet is safely secured in its carrier, bring favorite foods/toys and paperwork, take plenty of breaks if driving, and be prepared for any “accidents” during travel. Talking to other pet parents about their experiences can provide helpful advice too. With lots of TLC and preparation, your pet’s trip should hopefully go smoothly!n

Best Way to Transport Your Pet from Paris to London | Pet Moving Guide

A Complete Guide to Transporting Your Pet from Paris to London

If you’re planning a move from Paris to London or just need to travel there with your furry friend, transporting pets across international borders can seem daunting. However, with proper preparation and by following the correct procedures, you can make the journey as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet. In this guide, I’ll cover all the essential steps and requirements for traveling with cats and dogs by car, air, or commercial transport service from Paris to London.

Planning Ahead is Key

From my experience helping many pet owners with international relocations, advance planning is crucial. The first thing to do is check passport and vaccination requirements, which can vary depending on the transport method and your pet’s needs. For travel by car or commercial carrier between France and the UK, which are both EU countries, your pet will need:

A pet passport or third country veterinary certificate
A microchip for identification
Proof of current rabies vaccination
Tapeworm treatment if traveling with a dog

It usually takes around 4 weeks for vaccinations to become fully effective, so book any necessary appointments or boosters well ahead of your planned travel date. You’ll also need to find accredited veterinarians authorized to issue pet passports in your area.

Choosing a Transport Method

When traveling from Paris to London, you have a few options for transporting pets: driving yourself, flying as air cargo, or using a commercial pet transportation service. Each method has pros and cons.

Driving: If taking your own vehicle, you maintain full control and can stop for breaks, but it involves long drives over 10+ hours each way. Leaving pets unattended in hot cars is never recommended. You’ll also need pet-friendly accommodations overnight.

Best Way to Transport Your Pet from Paris to London | Pet Moving Guide image 3

Air cargo: Flying is the fastest route at around 1 hour each way but can be stressful for pets. Only certain dog and cat breeds under a specified weight are eligible as air cargo, and advance booking restrictions apply. Live animal regulations are strict.

Commercial transport: A professional service transports your pet for you in a safe, temperature-controlled vehicle with trained staff. However, it is the most expensive option starting at £200-300 each way for a single pet. Door-to-door delivery times are around 24-36 hours.

Questions to Consider

No matter which option you choose, there are a few things you should consider:

How will your pet handle long periods confined to a crate or carrier?
Are they stressed by car rides or unfamiliar noises/smells?
Do they have any medical conditions requiring extra supervision?
What backup plans are in place if delays or emergencies occur?

Speaking from experience, it’s best to do trial runs with shorter practice journeys if your pet is prone to anxiety. You should also pack your own food, water, medications, and favorite toys to keep them calm.

Preparing for the Big Day

On travel day, be sure to follow these tips:

Best Way to Transport Your Pet from Paris to London | Pet Moving Guide image 2

Give your pet light meals 3-6 hours before traveling to avoid carsickness.
Use a secure, well-ventilated carrier that’s bigger than required for room to stretch.
Attach ID tags listing your contact details in case of separation.
Pack any documents like passports and vaccination records in carry-on luggage.
Bring grass patches, newspapers, bags, and clean-up supplies if traveling by car.

For flying, observe airline restrictions on carrier size/weight and check luggage policies. Commercial services handle all travel logistics for you. Either way, arriving 30 minutes early for check-in gives an advantage if stress causes delays.

Crossing the Border with Ease

When driving between France and the UK, be prepared to stop at ferry ports or Eurotunnel terminals for checks. Officials may inquire about documents and do visual inspections. Try to keep your pet calm, avoid too much interaction, and have paperwork ready. With the required pet passports and certificates, border crossing is usually straightforward.

As long as you follow the proper steps for documentation, vaccination records, transportation, and care, your furry friend should adapt well to the Paris-London journey, whether flying, driving yourself, or choosing commercial transport. The key is avoiding last-minute panics by planning in advance. I hope this guide has provided you with helpful insights into making the trip smoothly on behalf of your beloved pet.

Please let me know if you need any other travel tips! Safe travels to you and your four-legged family member.

Pet Transport Options from Paris to London

Transport Type	Cost	Travel Time	Notes
Car ferry	€80-150 per car	8-10 hours	Long travel time but pets can stay in your car. Book well in advance.
Eurotunnel	€80-150 per car	35 minutes	Fast option through the Channel Tunnel. Pets must travel in carriers for safety.
Plane	€50-100	1 hour	Fastest option but pets must travel as cargo or checked baggage.
Private pet taxi	€300-500	8-10 hours	Door-to-door transport service in a vehicle just for pets.
Pet relocation service	€500-1000	Varies	Professional company transports multiple pets between cities.

FAQ

How can I transport my pet from Paris to London?

There are basically two main options. You can put your pet in the cargo hold on a plane trip, which is kinda risky but lots of people do it. Or you can take the Eurotunnel shuttle car transport where pets can ride in the vehicle with you. That second choice seems way better to me!
Do airlines allow pets in the cabin?

Most airlines don’t let pets ride in the main cabin unfortunately. However, some do allow small animals like cats or little dogs to travel in a carrier under the seat in front of you. But they probably charge extra fees for that which can be real pricey. Seems like shuttle transport is a better bet unless your pet is tiny.
Is the Eurotunnel transportation safe for pets?

From what I’ve read, the Eurotunnel shuttle is actually amazingly safe for transporting animals. As long as you follow their rules like keeping pets in carriers, there’s very little risk of problems. Pets get to stay right with you in the car the whole time instead of being stuffed in the plane cargo. That’s gotta be less stressful on them, right? Maybe I’m wrong, but it seems like the best option to me.
How far in advance do I need to book pet transport?

It’s always a good idea to plan ahead when traveling with pets. Eurotunnel recommends reserving a vehicle and pet space at least a week before your preferred departure date. During busy times like summer, it’s best to book a month or more in advance if possible. Of course, last minute bookings are sometimes available, but rooms and spots for pets can sell out quickly. Planning ahead gives you more choice and less stress!
Is there an age limit on pets that can travel?

As far as I know, Eurotunnel and most airlines don’t have an upper age limit for pets. However, really old or very young animals may have special needs that require more preparation or paperwork. It seems it’s up to the owner to determine if a pet is healthy enough for the journey. But if Fido is like 18 years old, he’s probably earned the right to a nice quiet car ride over being stuffed in cargo!
What documents are required?

You basically need to have your pet microchipped or tattooed for identification. A passport or health certificate from your vet within 10 days of travel is also usually mandatory. It’s important to check requirements for the specific method of transport you choose, because regulations can differ a little. Do your homework to avoid any nasty surprises or delays at the border.
Is it okay to transport a pet yourself or should I use a service?

It’s definitely possible to transport a pet yourself using Eurotunnel or driving directly, but a pet transport service can take off a lot of stress. They know the rules inside and out and handle everything for you. However, a service is going to cost more dough. If you’re up for a bit of planning and your pet is well-behaved, it’s probably fine to DIY it. But I can see the appeal of a service doing all the heavy lifting!
What other tips should I keep in mind?

Some additional things to consider – make sure your pet is safely secured in its carrier, bring favorite foods/toys and paperwork, take plenty of breaks if driving, and be prepared for any “accidents” during travel. Talking to other pet parents about their experiences can provide helpful advice too. With lots of TLC and preparation, your pet’s trip should hopefully go smoothly!

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