Are you dreaming of a European adventure with your furry friend? Planning pet travel can feel overwhelming, but TRAVELS.EDU.VN is here to guide you. While Eurostar has limitations, we will explore alternative pet-friendly travel options, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for you and your beloved companion. Let TRAVELS.EDU.VN provide you with the expertise and support you need for unforgettable travel experiences. Pet passport and pet travel scheme are keywords for your next trip.
1. Understanding Eurostar’s Pet Policy
Unfortunately, Eurostar does not allow dogs or other pets (except for registered assistance dogs) on their trains between London and mainland Europe. This policy can be frustrating for pet owners eager to explore Europe together. However, don’t let this deter you. There are several viable and enjoyable alternatives to consider.
2. Exploring Alternatives to Eurostar for Pet Travel
Despite Eurostar’s restrictions, numerous pet-friendly options exist for traveling between the UK and Europe. These alternatives involve a combination of ferries, trains, and even pet taxi services, allowing you to create a customized travel plan that suits your needs.
3. Ferry Options: A Pet-Friendly Voyage
Several ferry operators provide pet-friendly services, making them an excellent choice for crossing the English Channel with your companion.
3.1. Stena Line: Harwich to Hoek van Holland
Stena Line offers a convenient Rail & Sail service connecting London to the Netherlands.
This route is highly recommended for travel to the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Poland, Czechia, and Scandinavia. It’s also a surprisingly good option for reaching France, Spain, Switzerland, and Italy.
Here’s why Stena Line is a great choice:
- Pet-Friendly Cabins: You can book a pet-friendly cabin where your furry friend can stay with you throughout the journey. All cabins have a shower, toilet, WiFi, and satellite TV.
- Kennels: If you prefer, you can book a kennel for your pet. The kennels are equipped with blankets and a washbasin.
- “Poop Deck”: Stena Line provides a designated outdoor deck area where your pet can relieve themselves.
- Convenient Connections: The ferry terminal is conveniently located next to the train station in Harwich and Hoek van Holland, making transfers seamless.
Stena Line Rail & Sail: A Step-by-Step Guide
- London to Harwich: Take the train from London Liverpool Street Station to Harwich International. Dogs travel free on British trains.
- Harwich to Hoek van Holland: Walk from the train directly into the ferry terminal. Board the Stena Line ferry to Hoek van Holland.
- Onboard: If you’ve booked a pet-friendly cabin, head to deck 10. For kennels, go to the Guest Services desk on deck 9 to get your kennel number and access code, then proceed to deck 8.
- Hoek van Holland to Your Destination: Upon arrival in Hoek van Holland, take the metro to Schiedam or Rotterdam. Dogs travel free on the metro. From Schiedam Centrum, take a train to Amsterdam or other destinations in the Netherlands.
Stena Line: Cost and Booking
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| London to Harwich Train | Dogs travel free. |
| Ferry (Kennel) | Approximately 23. |
| Ferry (Pet-Friendly Cabin) | Varies depending on the cabin type and time of year. |
| RET Metro (Hoek to Schiedam) | Dogs travel free. Use a contactless bank card. |
| Dutch Domestic Trains | Small dogs/cats in containers: Free. Larger dogs: Dog day-ticket (Dagkaart Hond) for 3.50. |
| International Trains | Small dogs/cats in containers: Free. Larger dogs: Fee applies. |
| Nightjet Sleeper Trains | 29 (paid on board) if you and your party occupy a whole compartment. |
| Booking | Book your Rail & Sail ticket at www.stenaline.co.uk. Choose a pet-friendly cabin or add a Pet in kennel at the extras stage. |
Please note: Stena Line’s website can only book tickets originating in the UK. For tickets starting in the Netherlands, book at Stena Line’s Dutch website.
3.2. DFDS: Newhaven to Dieppe
DFDS Seaways offers a direct ferry route from Newhaven to Dieppe, providing a convenient option for reaching Paris and other destinations in France.
DFDS Seaways: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Train to Newhaven Town: Take a train to Newhaven Town. Up to two dogs travel free on British trains.
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Ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe: Board the DFDS ferry to Dieppe.
- Important: You cannot book online if you are taking a pet. Call DFDS on 033 058 787 87 (UK) or +44 33 058 787 87 (outside the UK).
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Train from Dieppe to Paris: Take a French train from Dieppe to Paris St Lazare. Book this at www.sncf-connect.com.
Pet Policies on DFDS Seaways
- DFDS allows cats and dogs as foot passengers on this route.
- Only small and medium-sized dogs are permitted. It’s advisable to confirm with DFDS if your dog’s breed and size are acceptable.
- Small pets in carriers are handed to staff at check-in and returned after the crossing.
- Larger dogs are booked into one of the ship’s kennels, which can be visited during the crossing by appointment.
DFDS Seaways: Cost
Contact DFDS directly for the most up-to-date pricing information, as costs can vary.
3.3. P&O Ferries: Hull to Rotterdam
P&O Ferries operates a route from Hull to Rotterdam, offering pet-friendly cabins and kennels.
P&O Ferries: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Travel to Hull: Make your way to Hull, either by train or car.
- Ferry from Hull to Rotterdam: Board the P&O Ferries service to Rotterdam.
Pet Policies on P&O Ferries
- P&O Ferries allows dogs as foot passengers on this route.
- Pet-friendly cabins and kennels are available.
P&O Ferries: Cost and Booking
Book online and add a pet plus a pet-friendly cabin or kennel at www.poferries.com.
3.4. DFDS: Newcastle to Amsterdam
DFDS also operates an overnight ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam, with pet-friendly cabins.
DFDS: Newcastle to Amsterdam – A Step-by-Step Guide
- Travel to Newcastle: Travel to Newcastle, either by train or car.
- Ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam: Board the DFDS ferry to Amsterdam.
Pet Policies on DFDS (Newcastle to Amsterdam)
- Dogs are allowed as foot passengers with pet-friendly cabins.
- You cannot book online as a foot passenger with a pet; you must book by phone.
DFDS: Newcastle to Amsterdam – Cost and Booking
Check sailing times at www.dfds.com then call DFDS on 0871 522 9955 to book.
4. Pet Taxi Service: A Door-to-Door Solution
If ferries don’t align with your route, consider a pet taxi service like Pet Travel Abroad. They offer a convenient solution for traveling between Folkestone and Calais.
Pet Travel Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide
- London to Folkestone: Take a train from London to Folkestone Central. Dogs travel free on British trains.
- Folkestone to Calais: Book a taxi from Folkestone to Calais via the Eurotunnel shuttle with Pet Travel Abroad.
Pet Policies with Pet Travel Abroad
- You and your dog remain together in the taxi throughout the journey via the Channel Tunnel car shuttle train.
Pet Travel Abroad: Cost and Booking
Contact Pet Travel Abroad (part of Folkestone Taxis) on 01303 246 925 (+00 44 1303 246925 from outside the UK) or visit their pet transport page at pettravelabroad.co.uk. The cost is around 190 plus the Eurotunnel ticket (typically 164, but this can vary).
5. Navigating Train Travel in Mainland Europe with Pets
Once you’ve crossed the Channel, traveling by train in mainland Europe is generally pet-friendly. However, rules vary by country.
General Guidelines for Train Travel with Pets in Europe
- Small Pets: Small dogs and cats in carriers often travel free.
- Larger Dogs: Larger dogs usually require a ticket.
- Leashes and Muzzles: Dogs may need to be on a leash and muzzled, depending on the country.
- Health Certificates: Always carry your pet’s passport or health certificate.
Specific Country Regulations:
| Country | Regulations |
|---|---|
| France | Small dogs in containers: 7 per journey. Larger dogs muzzled and on a lead: 7. Book at www.sncf-connect.com. |
| Netherlands | Small dogs/cats in containers: Free. Larger dogs: Dagkaart Hond (dog day-ticket) for just over 3. Check www.ns.nl. |
| Switzerland | Dogs travel for half the 2nd class fare. Small dogs in carriers: Free. Information at www.sbb.ch. |
| Italy | Free in a carrier (max size 70cm x 30cm x 50cm) or half the 2nd class fare if on a lead and muzzled. Details at www.trenitalia.com. |
| Spain | Dogs under 10 Kg in pet carriers (max size 60cm x 35cm x 35cm) allowed on most Renfe trains. Larger dogs generally not allowed. |
| Germany | Small dogs/cats in containers: Free. Larger dogs: Fee applies. Book at int.bahn.de. |
| Austria | Small dogs/cats in containers: Free. Larger dogs: Child ticket required. Book at www.oebb.at. |
| Poland | Via Amsterdam & Berlin, book with int.bahn.de. |
6. Essential Preparations for Pet Travel to Europe
Before embarking on your European adventure, ensure your pet is ready for international travel.
6.1. Microchip, Vaccinations, and Health Certificate
- Microchip: Ensure your pet has a microchip.
- Rabies Vaccination: Verify that your pet’s rabies vaccination is up-to-date.
- Health Certificate: Visit your vet no more than 10 days before travel to obtain an EU health certificate. This certificate, costing around 180, is valid for four months of travel within the EU and re-entry to the UK.
6.2. Tapeworm Treatment
For certain countries (Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, Finland, and Malta), a tapeworm treatment is required. Consult your vet for details.
6.3. Returning to the UK
A day or two before returning to the UK, visit a vet to administer a tapeworm tablet. This must be done no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before entering Great Britain. Expect to pay around 40 for this treatment.
6.4. Pet Food Considerations
As you cannot take meat or dairy products into the EU, pack enough regular pet food for the Channel crossing. Purchase kibble for the onward journey or stock up on wet food once in mainland Europe.
7. Real Traveler Experiences
Juan Alfredo Picasso, traveling from London to Paris via Newhaven-Dieppe, shared his experience:
“The train to Newhaven Town was very straightforward, and it’s a short walk to the DFDS check-in. Dog documentation was quickly checked and microchip scanned. The kennels are basic but manageable with my dog’s bed. The ferry crossing was comfortable, and the DFDS restaurant food was good. In Dieppe, immigration was straightforward, and a bus took us to the train station. The train to Paris was comfortable, with a change in Rouen. My dog had to wear a muzzle at all times.”
Wendy Shillam, a seasoned pet traveler, recommends Eurotunnel if traveling by car:
“The most comfortable and quickest way for dogs to cross the Channel (though not always the cheapest) is by car with Eurotunnel. They just stay in the car with you, and there is no bother. The most comfortable and quickest way for dogs to cross the channel is by car with Eurotunnel. They just stay in the car with you, and there is no bother.”
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10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I take my pet on the Eurostar?
A: No, Eurostar does not allow pets, except for registered assistance dogs.
Q2: What are the alternatives to Eurostar for pet travel?
A: Alternatives include ferries (Stena Line, DFDS, P&O Ferries) and pet taxi services like Pet Travel Abroad.
Q3: What documents do I need to travel with my pet to Europe?
A: You need a microchip, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and an EU health certificate obtained within 10 days of travel.
Q4: Are there any specific requirements for returning to the UK with my pet?
A: Yes, you need to visit a vet to administer a tapeworm tablet no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before entering the UK.
Q5: How much does it cost to get a health certificate for my pet?
A: Expect to pay around 180 for an EU health certificate.
Q6: Can I book pet travel online?
A: It depends on the operator. Stena Line and P&O Ferries allow online booking, while DFDS requires you to call to book pet travel.
Q7: Are pets allowed on trains in Europe?
A: Yes, but regulations vary by country. Small pets in carriers are often free, while larger dogs may require a ticket and leash/muzzle.
Q8: What is the “poop deck” on the Stena Line ferry?
A: The “poop deck” is a designated outdoor deck area where pets can relieve themselves.
Q9: Are there pet-friendly cabins available on ferries?
A: Yes, Stena Line, P&O Ferries, and DFDS (Newcastle-Amsterdam) offer pet-friendly cabins.
Q10: What should I do if I need help planning my pet’s travel itinerary?
A: Contact TRAVELS.EDU.VN for personalized assistance in planning your pet’s travel itinerary.
Traveling with your pet requires careful planning, but with the right information and resources, it can be a rewarding experience. While Eurostar may not be an option, the alternatives discussed above ensure that you and your furry friend can enjoy a memorable European adventure together.
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