Over 5 million pets have travelled with LeShuttle

LeShuttle has reached a significant milestone, welcoming its 5 millionth pet on board since the introduction of the Pet Travel Scheme in 2000. The service now carries more than 360,000 pets annually across the Channel.

Annual pet travel volumes now exceed 360,000, slightly above pre-pandemic levels following a temporary dip in 2020 and 2021. Since 2000, when just 8,000 pets travelled, volumes have increased more than forty-fold, reflecting a sustained shift towards travelling abroad with pets.

LeShuttle Pet Stats:
- 1 in 8 journeys on LeShuttle have a pet on board
- Over 360,000 pets travelled in 2025 alone
- That equates to more than 90 pets per hour, or more than 2,200 pets per day!

LeShuttle allows pets to remain with their owners in the car during the 35-minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais, a key factor in reducing stress for animals.

Dedicated pet reception areas at both terminals offer 24-hour check-in, exercise spaces with artificial grass, and essential facilities before departure. Research among LeShuttle customers shows that the ability to stay with pets throughout the journey is the primary reason for choosing the service over ferry travel, alongside the significantly shorter crossing time. France remains the most popular destination for pet travel, followed by Spain, Italy and Germany.

LeShuttle's Top Tips for Travelling with your Pet:
- Ensure your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date before you book your holiday - don't leave it until the last minute.
- For travel from Great Britain to the EU, you'll need a new Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip, issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of travel. Check the latest advice here https://www.leshuttle.com/uk-en/travelling-with-us/travelling-with-pets/pet-travel-requirements
- Make a note of your pet's microchip number and make sure it's up to date.
- If you have a long journey ahead of you, give your pet a light meal before you go and remember to pack small snacks for them (and the family).
- Plan to make plenty of stops along the way.
- Pack additional items like spare collars, leads, beds, as well as toilet bags and of course plenty of water. It's thirsty work going on holiday.
- Be aware there are more biting insects abroad than we have in the UK. Ask your vet how you can take preventative steps for your pet.
- Print out instructions for the vet in the language of the country you are returning from.

Pets travel for £24 each way (dogs, cats and ferrets), with registered assistance dogs travelling free. Other animals, including rabbits and small pets, are permitted with the correct veterinary certification.

LeShuttle's Pet Checklist: https://www.leshuttle.com/uk-en/travelling-with-us/travelling-with-pets details all of the requirements specific to the species.