Eurostar Pet Policy: Can Dogs & Cats Travel on the Train?

The dream of boarding a high-speed train at London St Pancras with your dog curled at your feet is a common one for European travelers. However, the reality of the Eurostar pet policy remains one of the most frustrating hurdles for animal lovers. Unlike many national rail services across France, Belgium, and the Netherlands—where pets are welcomed with open arms—Eurostar maintains a notoriously restrictive stance on four-legged passengers.

Eurostar Pet Policy: Can Dogs and Cats Actually Travel by Train?

In my fifteen years of navigating cross-channel logistics, I’ve had to explain the “Eurostar disappointment” to countless travelers. On a personal trip to Brussels last year, I watched a family being turned away at the gate because they assumed their small terrier in a carrier would be treated like a piece of hand luggage. This guide clarifies exactly what is allowed, why the rules are so strict, and the practical alternatives that actually work for pet owners.

The Current Verdict: Can Pets Board the Eurostar?

To put it bluntly: No, pets are not permitted on Eurostar trains. This includes dogs, cats, ferrets, and any other domestic animals. Whether you are traveling in Standard, Standard Premier, or Business Premier, the policy is absolute.

The Only Exception: Assistance Dogs

The only animals allowed on Eurostar are professionally trained assistance dogs. These dogs must be registered with recognized organizations such as Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). Even then, you cannot simply show up; you must pre-book a space for your assistance dog at least 48 hours in advance, as there is a limit on the number of working dogs allowed per train.

Why is the Policy So Strict?

Eurostar cites two primary reasons for this ban: safety and space. Because the trains travel through the Channel Tunnel, strict evacuation protocols are in place. Additionally, unlike local French SNCF trains, Eurostar is an international service that crosses borders with varying health regulations. While many of us find this outdated, the policy shows no signs of changing in the immediate future.

Feature	Eurostar Policy	European National Rail (SNCF/NS)
Small Pets (in carriers)	Prohibited	Generally Allowed (Fee applies)
Large Dogs (on leash)	Prohibited	Generally Allowed (Muzzled)
Assistance Dogs	Allowed (Pre-booked)	Allowed (Free)
Microchip/Passport Check	N/A	Spot checks by conductors

Reliable Alternatives: Getting Your Pet Across the Channel

Since the “train through the tunnel” (Eurostar) is off-limits, pet owners must look at the “vehicle through the tunnel” (Eurotunnel) or the “ship over the sea” (Ferry). Both are significantly more pet-friendly.

The Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (The Fastest Alternative)

If you want the speed of the rail but have a pet, the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is your best friend. You stay in your car, and the transit time from Folkestone to Calais is a mere 35 minutes. On my last crossing, my cat didn’t even realize we had left English soil. It is the gold standard for stressed or anxious animals.

Cross-Channel Ferries (Dover to Calais/Dunkirk)

Companies like P&O, DFDS, and Irish Ferries offer pet-friendly options. While most still require dogs to stay in the car, many have introduced “Pet Lounges” where you can sit with your dog in a dedicated, climate-controlled area. This is a great middle-ground for those who don’t want to leave their pet alone on a dark car deck.

Route Option	Pet Accessibility	Travel Time	Best For
Eurotunnel	Stay in car with you	35 Mins	Anxious pets / Speed.
Ferry (Pet Lounge)	Dedicated indoor area	90 Mins	Comfort and fresh air.
Ferry (Car Deck)	Must stay in vehicle	90 Mins	Budget travelers.

Pro-Tip: If you don’t own a car but need to use the Eurotunnel, look into “Pet Taxi” services. There are specialized drivers who will pick you and your pet up in London and drive you through the tunnel to Calais, where you can then catch a pet-friendly French SNCF train to Paris or beyond.

Technical Requirements for Cross-Channel Travel

Even though you aren’t using the Eurostar, any cross-channel trip with a pet requires specific legal documentation. Since Brexit, the paperwork has become significantly more complex.

Animal Health Certificate (AHC): This is the replacement for the old UK Pet Passport. It must be issued by an “Official Veterinarian” (OV) within 10 days of your travel date.
Microchip: Your pet must be microchipped. The chip must be scanned and verified by the vet before the rabies vaccination is given.
Rabies Vaccination: Must be administered at least 21 days before your departure.
Tapeworm Treatment (Dogs Only): Required for the return journey to the UK. A vet in France/EU must administer this 24–120 hours before you check in at the border.

Expert Recommendations for Pet Travel Planning

Navigating the English Channel with a dog or cat requires a “contingency first” mindset. Here is how I manage my pet-friendly trips:

Avoid the “London to Paris” Myth: Many people assume they can take a pet on a ferry as a foot passenger. While some ferries allow this, getting from the port to the city center via public transport with a pet can be a nightmare. Always prefer a car-based crossing if possible.
Pet Relief Awareness: If you are using the Eurotunnel, the Folkestone terminal has an excellent fenced-in pet exercise area. I always spend at least 20 minutes there to let my dog burn off energy before the “dark tunnel” transit.
Temperature Safety: If your dog must stay in the car on a ferry, avoid traveling during mid-day in July or August. Car decks can become dangerously hot. The Eurotunnel or a ferry with a Pet Lounge is a much safer bet during summer.
Affiliate Recommendation: Use Booking.com to find hotels near the Folkestone or Dover terminals. Filter for “Pets Allowed” and look for hotels with green spaces nearby, like the Holiday Inn Express Folkestone, which is a frequent stop for pet travelers.

Pro-Tip: Always carry a printed copy of your pet’s rabies vaccination history. While the AHC is the primary document, sometimes the “scan” of the microchip at the border leads the agent to ask for secondary proof of vaccination dates.

How to Book an Assistance Dog on Eurostar

If your dog is a certified assistance animal, follow these steps to ensure you aren’t denied at the station:

Check Certification: Ensure your dog is trained by an ADI or IGDF accredited organization. Emotional Support Animals do not qualify.
Contact Eurostar Directly: You cannot book an assistance dog online. You must call their contact center or use their “Contact Us” form at least 48 hours before travel.
Prepare the Harness: Your dog must wear its official harness or jacket at all times while in the station and on the train.
Carry the ID Book: Have the dog’s official training ID book ready for inspection at the check-in desk.
Arrive Early: Arrive at St Pancras at least 90 minutes before your train. The security and passport check for assistance dogs takes longer than the standard human check.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I bring a cat in a carrier on Eurostar?

No. Despite being small and contained, cats are strictly prohibited on all Eurostar services.

Does Eurostar allow dogs in a bag or carrier?

No. Unlike many European trains where small dogs in carriers travel for free or for a small fee, Eurostar bans all dogs except registered assistance animals.

Why does Eurostar allow assistance dogs but not pets?

Assistance dogs are legally protected under disability legislation. They are trained to remain calm in high-pressure environments, such as the Channel Tunnel, which is the primary reason the airline-style ban doesn’t apply to them.

What is the best way to get a dog from London to Paris?

The most effective way is to drive via the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle. If you don’t have a car, you can hire a pet taxi to take you from London through the tunnel to a French rail station like Calais-Fréthun.

Can I take my pet on the ferry as a foot passenger?

Some ferry lines (like DFDS from Newhaven to Dieppe) allow foot passengers with pets in carriers, but the major Dover-Calais routes generally require you to be in a vehicle.

Is the Eurotunnel the same as the Eurostar?

No. Eurostar is the passenger train for people. Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle) is the rail service that carries cars, vans, and trucks—and it is very pet-friendly.

Do I need a muzzle for my dog at the port?

While not strictly required for the crossing, it is a legal requirement in France for “Category 1 and 2” breeds. It’s always a good idea to have one in your kit.

How much does the Eurotunnel pet fee cost?

The pet fee is typically around £23 per pet, per crossing. This is much cheaper than the “pet shipping” fees charged by airlines.

What happens if my pet’s paperwork is wrong at the border?

If your AHC is missing a signature or a date, you will be denied boarding. You will have to find a local vet to issue a new certificate, which can take 24–48 hours.