Can My Pet Travel Abroad In The Car?

Are you dreaming of taking your four-legged friend on a journey to Europe?
With well over a third of UK households now owning a dog, it’s getting more and more likely that you (that’s you, person reading this!) are heading on a grand tour.
Whether you’re heading to France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland or even further, it’s vital to get your pooch's plans and paperwork ready for a brilliant barkingly good break.
And if you’re a seasoned traveller with your pooch, remember that rules for travel have changed post-Brexit.
So, pack their chew toy and paperwork for ease on the ‘ultimate-walkies’ whilst remembering that Roadchef is here at Clacket Lane Eastbound, Maidstone and Folkestone with pet-friendly facilities to make the journey to Europe smooth!
Can My Pet Travel Abroad by Car? The Rules & Requirements
The world of animal travel has changed since Brexit, and travelling with your dog to France and beyond has changed from the cute blue passports of the past.
As of the end of 2020, Pet Passports have ceased to exist and are no longer valid for travel to the EU, be that by plane, train or automobile. These have been replaced with Animal Health Certificates.
There’s no ‘health certificate centre’ or special location you need to visit - you can obtain an animal health certificate by going to your local vet.
Animal Health Certificates must be issued, at maximum, 10 days before travelling and are valid for four months. If you’re travelling with more than one ‘pup’, up to five pets can go on a single certificate.
Each health certificate requires each animal to have proof of microchipping and a rabies vaccination, administered at the same time. The latter must be given at least 21 days before travel.
There are - at least - four European nations that have additional requirements for entry. Finland, Malta, Norway and the Republic of Ireland require dogs to have a tapeworm treatment prior to travel.
Of course, you’ll need to enter the EU through a designated Traveller’s Point of Entry such as Calais via the EuroTunnel.
If you’re doing that, don’t forget to take a break at Folkestone Services to grab your pet essentials from WHSmith or a McDonald’s meal for yourself whilst you wait for your train to France.
Where to stop before heading to Europe?
We’re giving you the low-down on our best South East sites to take a break at before heading on your European tour.
Keep an eye out across all 31 Roadchef sites for dog-friendly visits and our water bowl areas to keep your pooch hydrated.
If you’re bringing your own reusable water bottle, our team can refill this for you, free of charge, to ensure you and your dog are hydrated.
All Roadchef motorway services are pet-friendly, plus all of our 17 hotels - be that a Days Inn by Wyndham hotel or one of our two Super 8 by Wyndham hotels - are pet-friendly too!
Most important, do not leave your dog unattended in a hot car.
Roadchef Clacket Lane Eastbound on the M25
Conveniently located before the Dartford Crossing on the M25, take a break at Roadchef Clacket Lane Eastbound.
With a great dog-walking area, you and your ‘four-legged friends’ can stretch those legs before continuing your onward journey.
All your dog travel essentials are available, treats and food from Co-Op, plus toys and more from WHSmith.
Roadchef Maidstone Services on the M20
Roadchef Maidstone is the perfect location on the M20 for a dog-friendly motorway services break.
The site has a fantastic dog-walking area for those barking bounds and paw stretching walks, whilst Maidstone’s 24/7 WHSmith means you can grab all those essentials, whatever the time of day
Plus, our on-site Days Inn by Wyndham Maidstone hotel is pet-friendly. Comfy beds are perfect for a restful night’s sleep before those early morning Channel Tunnel crossings. Look out for free dog treats on check-in!
Folkestone Services on the M20: The final stop before Europe!
If you’ve got a last minute need for dog essentials from WHSmith, a cappuccino from Costa Coffee (or should that be a puppacino?) or a McDonald’s treat, Folkestone is the last motorway services before the Channel Tunnel.
The ideal stop for those last-minute leg stretches or quick walkies, Folkestone Services is ideal for recharging, reenergising and the ideal stop before the drive to France.

Top tips and rules of the road for a European Road Trip with your dog
Travelling with a dog isn’t easy, but knowing each country's rules, regulations and requirements for travelling with pooches.
France has different road rules from driving in the United Kingdom.
Whilst you’re getting used to driving on the right, having your dog unrestrained and getting ‘zoomies’ in the back will not only distract you, it’ll land you with penalty points and a fine.
Like in the United Kingdom, it is illegal under the Highway Code to travel with an unrestrained dog is illegal. The minimum requirement is a specialist ‘dog seatbelt’ for your dog.
For first-class travel for your dog, consider looking for a crate with a built-in comfort bed.
It’ll reduce your dog's stress levels, especially if you ‘pre-introduce’ your pet to these crates on shorter journeys before travelling to Europe.
Like RAC’s recommendations for humans, dogs too should stop for food, drink and a walk break every two hours.
Dogs can get travel-sick too - listen out for excessive panting, heavy breathing or extra licking of lips. The signs that your travel-sick children give off are very similar to travel-sick dogs!
For those travelling by EuroTunnel, they have bespoke dog exercise areas on-board to ensure you can keep your dog active during travel and you never have to worry about splitting up, which is different to travelling via aircraft.
Crossing last little over 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, so you’ll be back on your way in no time!

Ready, Set, Travel!
Like all holidays, prior preparation prevents poor experiences. Take the time to plan in advance, and smooth journeys are on their way to you - taking your pet abroad can be smooth sailing (or untroubled train travel) by taking the right steps.
There are a few more ‘Ps’’ to the 'prep' list.
Firstly, paperwork is an absolute necessity!
Secondly, poo bags and your other usual important dog essentials are key to pack for a fuss-free and pooch-friendly journey across the Channel. Don’t worry if you get to the M25 or M20 and you’ve forgotten, our Co-Op and WHSmith stores have everything you need to fill those gaps!
We’re here 24/7, 365 with essentials to purchase from Co-Op and WHSmith or short hotel breaks at Days Inn by Wyndham Maidstone.
Wherever you're heading, though, Roadchef offers dog-friendly motorway services and hotels across the United Kingdom.