Animal Welfare · Pet travel

Taking your dog or cat abroad: a guide for Gatwick and the South East

What the law requires, the easiest ways to travel from our corner of Surrey and Sussex, and local services that can help. Rules checked against GOV.UK in October 2026.

New for 2026: since 22 April 2026, people who live in Great Britain can no longer use an EU pet passport to take a pet into the EU. You now need an animal health certificate from your vet for every trip from Great Britain to the EU.

What the law requires: Great Britain to the EU

These rules cover pet dogs, cats and ferrets travelling with you on holiday or for a personal trip.

1. Microchip

Your pet must be microchipped, and the chip fitted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination. Ask your vet to scan it before you travel to check it still reads.

2. Rabies vaccination

Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies, usually from 12 weeks old. After a first vaccination you must wait at least 21 full days before travelling. Keep boosters up to date so you don’t have to start again.

3. Animal health certificate

Issued by an official veterinarian (many local vets have one). You must enter the EU within 10 days of it being issued. It then covers onward travel within the EU and your return to Great Britain for up to 6 months. One certificate can cover up to 5 pets, and you need a new one for each trip.

4. Tapeworm treatment for dogs

Dogs travelling directly to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway need a vet-given tapeworm treatment 1 to 5 days (24 to 120 hours) before arrival. Cats don’t need this.

Coming home to Great Britain

  • Dogs must have tapeworm treatment from a vet 1 to 5 days before arriving back, recorded on their paperwork. You don’t need this if you’re coming straight from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway.
  • Bring the animal health certificate (valid for re-entry for up to 6 months) or other valid documents. GOV.UK lists which pet passports are still accepted for coming back.
  • You must use an approved route and carrier, such as LeShuttle or approved ferry and airline routes. You can’t bring a pet in on a private boat or plane.

Northern Ireland and countries outside the EU

  • Northern Ireland: you need a Northern Ireland pet travel document to take a dog, cat or ferret from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Check GOV.UK for how to apply.
  • Outside the EU: every country sets its own rules, and some need blood tests or permits months in advance. Check with your vet and the destination country’s embassy, and allow plenty of time.

Your timeline

  1. Three months or more beforeCheck your pet’s microchip and rabies vaccination. If they need a first vaccination, do it now, because of the 21-day wait.
  2. Six to eight weeks beforeBook your crossing, tell your vet you need an animal health certificate, and book the appointment with an official veterinarian.
  3. Within 10 days of entering the EUCollect the animal health certificate. For dogs going to Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway, add the tapeworm treatment.
  4. While you’re awayDogs need tapeworm treatment from a local vet 1 to 5 days before you return to Great Britain.
  5. Coming homeAllow extra time for pet checks at the terminal or port.

The best ways to travel from here

LeShuttle (Channel Tunnel)

The most popular choice for pet owners, about 1 hour 30 minutes’ drive from Horley to Folkestone. Your pet stays in the car with you for the 35-minute crossing. Pet reception is open 24 hours at both ends; arrive about 1 hour 30 minutes before departure. A fee applies per pet, each way, and up to 5 pets can travel per vehicle.

Ferries

Newhaven to Dieppe is the closest port to us, and Dover to Calais or Dunkirk is the busiest route. On most crossings pets stay in your vehicle; some longer routes offer pet-friendly cabins or kennels. Rules vary by operator, so check before booking.

Flying from Gatwick

Pets can’t travel in the cabin or as excess baggage on flights from Gatwick; they must fly as cargo, usually booked through a pet shipping agent, in an approved travel crate. Pets flying into the UK must also arrive as cargo on approved routes (assistance dogs are the exception). Flat-faced breeds may be refused or restricted.

Pet couriers

If you’re moving abroad or can’t travel together, a pet transport company can handle the paperwork, crate and journey for you. Look for members of IPATA, the international pet transport association.

Local help near Gatwick

  • Your vet: most local practices have an official veterinarian who can issue animal health certificates. Book early, as appointments get busy before school holidays. See our directory of vets near Horley.
  • PBS Pet Travel: a pet relocation company with an office at Gatwick and an IPATA member, offering door-to-door pet moves and travel crates. pbspettravel.co.uk
  • Gatwick Animal Reception Centre: run by Animal Aircare, it checks and clears pets flying in or out of Gatwick as cargo. Your airline or pet agent will arrange this for you.
  • Other pet transport companies: search the IPATA directory of pet shippers.
  • Leaving your pet at home instead? See our kennels and catteries near Gatwick.

Keeping your pet comfortable on the journey

  • Get your pet used to their travel crate or car harness well before the trip.
  • Never leave a pet in a parked car on a warm day, including in terminal queues. Our heatstroke guide explains why.
  • Plan rest and water stops every couple of hours on long drives.
  • Don’t sedate pets for flying unless your vet specifically advises it; airlines generally advise against it.
  • Pack enough of their usual food. If they’re raw fed, ask about cool boxes or switching gradually to a suitable alternative for the trip.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Pet travel rules change, so always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK: taking your pet abroad and GOV.UK: bringing your pet to Great Britain, and the rules for your destination country, before you travel. Local businesses mentioned are listed for information and aren’t endorsed by Dogs Life Raw Food.