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Where do dogs go on Eurostar?

Eurostar's policy forbids pets on their trains with the exception of guide dogs. Trains allow pets either side of the Channel and by car through Eurotunnel, but without a vehicle, there is little option.



As of 2026, the policy for dogs on Eurostar remains strictly bifurcated by route. On trains to and from London, pets (including dogs) are generally not allowed on board, with the sole exception of certified guide and assistance dogs. These assistance animals must have a valid "Pet Passport" or the 2026 equivalent (Great Britain Pet Health Certificate), a microchip, and up-to-date rabies vaccinations. They travel for free and typically sit on the floor at their owner's feet. However, on Eurostar "Red" trains (formerly Thalys) operating between Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, the policy is much more inclusive. Small dogs weighing less than 6kg can travel for free if they are in a carrier. Larger dogs are permitted on these continental routes provided they are leashed, muzzled, and have a specific "dog fare" ticket (usually a flat fee of around €30). They are not allowed in the restaurant cars and must stay on the floor or on the owner's lap.

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Pet owners cannot bring their dog or cat on the Eurostar. The Eurotunnel does allow pets. The Eurotunnel is a train service where cars and trucks cross the English Channel. If you don't have a car, that's where Le Pet Express can help!

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Taking Your Dog on Eurotunnel Travelling with your pet on Eurotunnel is easier than ever. We even have a pet playground where they can stretch their legs and go to the loo before the 35-minute journey to Calais. Your pet will need their passport to travel with us, just like you!

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Eurostar and Eurotunnel are completely different companies but they share use of the Channel Tunnel. Eurotunnel is operated by Getlink, the company that owns and operates the Channel Tunnel, connecting the UK with France, while Eurostar is a customer of Getlink and runs its passenger trains through the Chunnel.

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British Airways only allows assistance dogs trained and certified by an organization that is a full member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) to travel in-cabin. Emotional Support Dogs and other pets without certification are ineligible for in-cabin travel.

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Top 10 Pet-Friendly Trains in Europe & North America
  • #1 Cercanías (Spain) ...
  • #2 Trenitalia (Italy) ...
  • #3 SNCB (Belgium) ...
  • #4 Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Netherlands) ...
  • #5 ÖBB (Austria) ...
  • #6 SNCF (France) ...
  • #7 National Rail (Great Britain) ...
  • #8 Hrvatske željeznice (Croatia)


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Any dog or cat traveling within the European Union must be identified by means of an electronic microchip. Your pet must alos have a European passport. Provided and completed by an authorized veterinarian, this passport allows the identification of your animal and certifies that it has been duly vaccinated.

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French trains are dog-friendly (up to two dogs per passenger) as long as your dog is in a bag. If your dog is more than 13 lbs then no bag is necessary — you can walk them on a leash and muzzle.

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Looking for a ship for your pets? The only commercial ship that travels to Europe from the continental United States is the Queen Mary 2. As this type of travel is in much demand, reservations are normally made over a year in advance.

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