Do you offer pet only transport?
We are a pet taxi service that can take both unaccompanied pets or you and your pet family through Le Shuttle (formerly Eurotunnel) to your chosen destination, in the UK or Europe including airports and train stations.
Where do you transport pets?
We can transport your pet all over the UK and Europe. Please contact us if you have a specific destination and we will be happy to give you a bespoke quote for your pet travel.
What documents do I need to bring my Pet to the UK?
Just like humans our pets need visas or passports when travelling internationally.
From the EU, to bring dog and cats into the UK they must have been microchipped and this must be done prior to necessary inoculations/vaccinations.
All dogs and cats must have had a rabies injection at least 21 days prior to travel and dogs must also be wormed. The wormer does not apply to cats.
Once a dog has been given the worming medication (which must be done by a vet with a stamp on your pet passport/documents that shows both the date AND time of medication given), you must then wait 24 hours before the animal can cross the border. The animal can then only enter the UK within 120 hours of the medication being given.
If an animal is entering the UK from outside the EU then they’ll have additional requirements. These details can be found here on the UK government website:
https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain
We would always recommend checking with the above government website for all up-to-date pet travel regulations before you travel.
What documents do I need to take my pet from the UK to Europe?
To travel to an EU country or Northern Ireland, your pet must have been microchipped and this must be done prior to necessary inoculations/vaccinations.
All dogs and cats must have had a rabies injection at least 21 days prior to travel an animal health certificate, or a valid pet passport that’s accepted in the country you’re travelling to.
Dogs will also require tapeworm treatment if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta.
These details can be found here on the UK government website:
https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad
We would always recommend checking with the above government website for all up-to-date pet travel regulations before you travel.
For general enquires, you can also contact the Pet Travel Scheme helpline on 0370 241 1710 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm) or by email pettravel@apha.gov.uk
Which vehicles do you use for your pet taxi service?
We have a range of different styles and sizes of vehicles to meet your needs and ensure comfort for you and your pet/s throughout your journey with us. Our vehicles range from saloon cars and estates to larger MPVs. All vehicles are maintained to the highest standards and have full insurance to carry people and pets in both the UK and across Europe.
Where can you meet us or collect from?
We offer a tailored service and can meet you anywhere to start your journey. It’s a door-to-door service, whether that be your home, a hotel, an airport, a train station or somewhere else.
Can you transport more than one pet?
Yes, our vehicles can accommodate more than one pet, please contact us to discuss your individual requirements. Please note that our service is not a shared service. Your pet will not be sharing the vehicle with other animals it is not already familiar with. This ensures a calm and peaceful travel environment for your pets.
How long does will my journey take?
We can give you estimates at time of enquiry for your specific journey.
The actual Le Shuttle crossing takes around 35 minutes, however there will be some additional time involved for Pet Reception and border controls. Please always allow at least 90 minutes but these times vary depending on weight of traffic and train schedules.
What if my journey takes several days?
If your pet is travelling unaccompanied, at no point will they be unsupervised with the only exception for driver comfort breaks. Where an overnight stay is required, our driver/s will be booked into a pet friendly hotel with your pet/s.
For longer journeys, we can offer a two person drive team. This enables your pet/s to get to their destination in a safe but quicker time frame.
If you are travelling with your pet/s, we will share an itinerary ahead of the journey where you will be able to select and book a pet friendly hotel on the route.
Do you work with anxious pets?
Yes, our team are all animal lovers and appreciate that pets all have different personalities too. We have a lot of experience, and we will work with you to understand your pets’ needs ahead of the journey with us and ensure this is communicated well to the drive team.
Why do you use Le Shuttle and not the ferry?
Le Shuttle is the fastest most convenient way to cross the Channel.
Not all ferries are equipped with pet lounges. This means that on some crossings your pets would have to stay in the vehicle unaccompanied which could be up to 2 hours. The unfamiliar noises and smells might be unsettling for your pet. With Le Shuttle, you or your driver will be there with your pet/s for the whole journey.
If you would prefer to use the ferry, please contact us to discuss options.
How do I arrange flying with a pet?
1. Contact the Airline to confirm that your breed of dog or cat is not on a restricted list.
2. Book your flight in advance so you can secure your preferred flight as there is a fixed number of spaces for pets in the cabin and excess luggage.
3. Contact your vet or a state registered veterinarian to arrange having the correct travel documentation in place.
It’s not unusual for airlines to require a health certificate issued within 10 days of your flight.
4. Acclimatising your pet to its travelling crate or soft carrier in advance is important. Your goal is for your pet to think of this space as its den and a safe comfortable space to hang out in. Use a favourite blanket and toys to help with the process.
5. It is recommended not to sedate your pet unless you are advised to do so by a veterinarian. Herbal remedies are a much safer option and are effective.
6. Seek out a pet relief area before you check your dog in, and we recommend you restrict food on the day of travel to avoid an accident.
If your pet is in a crate, tape some food to the crate and have a water source for them to drink from like a dog crate water bottle.
7. Like humans, pressure can build up in your pets’ ears so a chew toy or a hard chewy treat can help relieve pressure. We would also recommend that if your pet is in a hard crate that you remove its collar as this can be a choke hazard.
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