dogs to/from France

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jsl

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As I understand it, the recent regulation was that you could take a (properly-chipped) dog to France on your own boat, but that the poor beast had to be brought back on the ferry. Does anyone know if this daft ruling has been changed?
 
With or without a chip you have always been able to take your dog to France and to allow your dog to walk on the Pontoons and to return on your own boat.

You must not allow your dog onto the Hard of France if you want to return by your own boat.

Not sure how much use this is but may help for an odd week end.

We used to be based in Dover and could make France for a day trip, our concern was a break down and having to leave the boat in France, at least now if your dog is chipped you could return by Ferry /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

We were boarded by Dover C&E officers who quizzed and questioned us regarding our Black Lab, they confirmed the above as the situation.

In answer to your question, I dont know.
 
At first sight, I agree it seems daft. However, the UK is clear of rabies and allowing pets into the UK from countries not clear of the disease without quarantine can only be safe if the rules are followed regarding vaccination. This is achieved by allowing the ferry companies (and where appropriate the airlines) to carry out the necessary checks prior to boarding. There is also the requirement to treat for ticks and tapeworms before boarding to ensure other exotic diseases which the UK is currently free from are not imported.

The alternative is to trust pet owners to follow the rules themselves. Many will but there are a lot of unscrupulous people out there including animal dealers. Its worth pointing out that there was a case of rabies in a dog in Paris in February.

Some countries are free of rabies such as Ireland and Sweden and pets can be moved (relatively) freely between them and the UK. Rabies is not nearly as prevalent in France as it used to be and if France ever achieves rabies free status, then I assume the rules will be changed.
 
[ QUOTE ]
As I understand it, the recent regulation was that you could take a (properly-chipped) dog to France on your own boat, but that the poor beast had to be brought back on the ferry. Does anyone know if this daft ruling has been changed?

[/ QUOTE ]
No, the ruling has not been changed. Your dog can only re enter the UK using an approved transport company on an authorised route, it cannot come in on a private boat. See Here.

I would be cautious of following DAKA's advice even though technically correct. If there was any doubt as to whether it had been ashore or not (i.e. your ability to prove it hadn't) you could be looking at 6 month's quarantine for your dog.
 
Pets traveling to & from Europe need to have their own PETS passport ('chip, rabies vacc, passed blood test & issued passport); re-entry is permitted 6 months after date blood taken for successful test AND you may only travel on authorised carriers NOT a private boat.
 
If you get caught on return to Blighty you will be offered three options:
1. euthanasia
2. return to whence you came (and chance it that the French Authorities will be kind)
3. 6 month quarantine (Hellish expensive)
 
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