taking dogs to france with caravan

[elizabeth_5067125]

Thinking of buying a dog and considering taking the dog with us on caravan holidays to France. Anyone any experience?

 

[petercoachman]

hi elizabeth we were going to take our dog with us this comming year but can't get a passport for her as she dose'nt make the antibodies against rabbies we had not herd pf this befor but apparantly it's not that uncommon cost us over

 

[madeleine_5062233]

Regarding taking a dog to France,weve been taking our Westie since the introduction of the pet passport Its not too difficult but alas its expensive to get it all in place at the begining, once all the inoculations and paper work are in place weve found from other dog owners that its a lot cheaper than using kennels. just a few things to take into account though--

Always take EVERY bit of paperwork relating to your dog, all vets paper work etc from ALL treatment here and abroad, we were asked for our dogs first pet passport this year although shes now on her third set of paper work and after tripping to France 2/3 times a year havent been asked before. Also its a bit of a bind having to spend 2 nights on site to enable us to have the tick and tapeworm treatment in France to comply with the 24/48hr re entry period. any way its very enjoyable and the french take there dogs almost everywhere with them, cafe, bar, shop!!! In fact our Molly dog has been made more welcome than us in most places!! Happy holidays with or without muppsy.

regards madeleine

 

[OldBean]

Regarding Vets, there is a good vet in Eperleques (within walking distance of the Chateau de Ganspette campsite) and this can make it easier to have the checks done, and time your stay for the appropriate ferry.

 

[TheSleuth]

Elizabeth

We've taken our two labs in the van to france and spain several times and it's genuinely no probs at all.

Just make sure their pet passport is in apple pie order and any other paperwork - and altho' you shouldn't need anything else these days it might help in resolving unforeseen issues if you have insurance certs, proof of ownership or whatever, altho these have NEVER been asked for in our travels to date.

Obviously the dog must have a documented (and working!) microchip, plus a valid rabies test which takes 6 months to become valid from initial date of vaccination verification before you can travel. Take care to get the booster administered within the prescribed date 'cos they are really pernickety about validity - if you don't keep it up, you will have to start the process all over again and not be able to travel with your pet (or at least not bring it back to the UK) for the full 6 months.

The main thing on returning is to ensure that you go to an approved french vet more than 24hrs from French departure time back to the UK, and less than 48hrs, but this is easy.

If you log in to the DEFRA site it has a link to the french equivalent of yellow pages - just type in the nearest town you expect to be at within the above times and up comes a list of suitably qualified vets with addresses and a downloadable location map. Site owners we have been at from the Loire northwards have always been helpful in assisting making appointments if you have any difficulty with the lingo, and we've always been seen by the vet at short notice OK.

In theory you can buy the tick and tapeworm drugs yourself more cheaply over there, for the vet to administer, but it isn't really worth the hassle. French vet fees are anyway generally a good deal less than here, particularly in rural areas.

Immediately prior to initial return check in gates for Chunnel or ferry you will see signs to the pet control facility. Plenty of room to drive and park up your van, and normally only 5mins or so to check out the animal and that's it!

Small effort for max pleasure sharing your continental hols with canine family members! The French are dog crazy and you will find they are accepted in many places you can't take 'em in the UK, reataurants included. Have a good one and bon voyage!!!!!!!!!!!!.

 

[elizabeth_5067125]

Thanks forthe advice. Was hoping to take pooch May/June next year but can see this may not be possible due to Rabies vacine so its either kennels or scotland!