This policy shall be read with Eurotunnel's Conditions of Carriage. Save as set out in this policy, no Animals are permitted on Eurotunnel's Shuttles.
1 Definitions
"Animal" means a dog, a cat or a ferret, or other live animal such as domestic equidae (horses, ponies, donkeys and mules), rodents, rabbits, birds, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles, bees and bumble bees, molluscs, crustaceans and ornamental aquatic animals, animals for display, education, conservation or breeding purposes, poultry (including chicks and eggs).
"Animal Regulations" means any regulation and legislation in force regarding the carriage of Animals issued by the European Union, France and/or the United Kingdom, or any procedures or policies issued by Eurotunnel or Competent Authorities including but not limited to: Regulation EC 1/2005 relating to the commercial transport of live Animals; Regulation EU 576/2013 relating to the non-commercial transport of pet Animals; Directive 92/65 relating to the import and trade of Animals in the European Union; the Pet Travel Scheme (Pilot Arrangement)(England) Order.
"Carriage" means the transport of Vehicles (including their Commercial Goods and/or Personal Belongings and Animals) and their Passengers on Shuttles via the Channel Tunnel.
"Competent Authority" means any person, national or international body or organisation with the power to make Regulations relating to the operation of the Channel Tunnel.
"Owner" means the Customer being the owner or handler and/or the person who has charge of an Animal whilst on Eurotunnel's terminals or during Carriage.
2. Scope and Application
2.1 The Carriage of Animals is regulated by Eurotunnel's Conditions of Carriage, this policy and any other applicable Animal Regulations.
2.2 The Carriage of Animals is permitted on Eurotunnel's passenger Shuttles. The Carriage of Animals is not permitted on freight Shuttles.
2.3 The Owner is solely responsible for obtaining all relevant information and approvals regarding the Carriage of Animals and ensuring compliance with any Animal Regulations.
2.5 Nothing in this policy alters or supersedes the provisions of Eurotunnel's Conditions of Carriage.
2.6 (i) The number of Animals that can be transported between the UK and France on Eurotunnel’s shuttles is limited to 5 per vehicle, unless the Owner is taking part in a competition, show or sporting event. Above that limit, Carriage will be refused unless the Owner provides proof of participation to such an event.
(ii) Customers travelling to the UK with between 6 and 20 animals (20 is the maximum number of cats, dogs or ferrets per vehicle), or who have previously travelled under TRACES (INTRA TRADE HEALTH CERTIFICATE) must provide an Approved Type 2 licence, Vehicle Approved Certificate, Transporter Authorisation and Certificates of Competence issued by the relevant delegated bodies in Great Britain or Northern Ireland and be registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) for IPAFFS in Great Britain.
Customers must contact Eurotunnel and register their travel in advance with our Customer Support team who will provide the Customer with all the necessary documentation to be completed.
Without exception, travel with more than 20 animals (cats, dogs or ferrets) per vehicle is not permitted.
2.7 Subject to clause 2.6 of these terms, customers transporting Animals for sale or transfer to a new owner or other commercial purposes (including but not limited to rehoming or for rescue purposes) must comply with the Balai Directive (Directive 92/65) and any other Animal Regulations.
2.8 The Carriage of Animals for medical research, laboratory testing or slaughter is prohibited.
3. Owner Obligations
3.1 The Owner must:
3.1.1 notify Eurotunnel at the time of booking that an Animal will be carried or declare the Animal at the "Pets Control Point" on the Eurotunnel departure terminal in the UK or France;
3.1.2 pay such charges as Eurotunnel may fix for the Carriage of Animals;
3.1.3 comply with all and any Animal Regulations.
3.2 The safety, security, welfare, comfort and behaviour of an Animal is, at all times, the sole responsibility of its Owner.
3.3 Animals must remain in the Owner's Vehicle unless authorised to leave the Vehicle by Eurotunnel or any Competent Authority, be safely secured, and must be kept under control by the Owner at all times.
The containment of an Animal must be of such a nature that it will prevent physical contact of any kind between the Animal and any person, other than the person in charge of the Animal. The section of the vehicle containing the Animal must also be kept locked at all times whilst the vehicle is on the Eurotunnel terminals, and access restricted only to the person in charge of the Animal, and only for reasons of health and safety of these Animals.
The Vehicle and its fittings must be designed, constructed and maintained to prevent the leakage of urine and faeces.
3.4 Cats and ferrets must be transported in a basket or suitable container capable of being securely closed.
3.5 Dogs must wear a collar and a suitable lead.
3.6 Owners must prevent Animals from fouling or damaging any part of Eurotunnel's terminals or Shuttles. Eurotunnel has designated areas on its terminals for Pet Animals. The Owner is responsible for cleaning up after his/her Animal.
Owners must ensure that there is sufficient water and food on board their vehicle for the animal(s) transported to cover any waiting time or potential delays that may occur whilst on the Eurotunnel terminals.
Transporting domestic equidae
3.7 Drivers of Vehicles transporting domestic equidae must either:
3.7.1 be in possession of a valid vehicle approval certificate issued in accordance with article 18(2) of Regulation EC 1/2005 for entry to the EU; or in the case of entry to the United Kingdom hold an Approved Type 2 licence, Vehicle Approved Certificate, Transporter Authorisation and Certificates of Competence issued by the relevant delegated bodies in Great Britain or Northern Ireland and be registered with the APHA in Great Britain;
3.7.2 in the case of Vehicles that are not required to have the above-mentioned article 18(2) Regulation EC 1/2005 certificate, be in possession of the Vehicle manufacturer’s documentation confirming that the Vehicle meets the ventilation requirements established under annex 1, chapter VI, paragraph 3.2 to the Regulation EC 1/2005; and
3.7.3 Be fully insured.
3.8 A booking shall only be accepted and validated upon receipt of a copy of the documents referred to in 3.7.1 and 3.7.2 and an appointment having been scheduled for arrival at the Equine Inspection Station in France for equidae entering the EU.
3.9 The Owner shall ensure full compliance with the requirements relating to the transportation of equidae issued by Eurotunnel, its nominated transporters, Competent Authorities and Animal Regulations. Details can be found on Eurotunnel's website
Transporting Animals to the United Kingdom
3.10 Pets: Owners must present any pet cat, dog or ferret and all required documents to Eurotunnel staff at the "Pets Control Point" on the Eurotunnel departure terminal in France or the UK. Owners failing to present Animals to the Pets Control Point will be refused Carriage.
3.11 Pet Animals for sale or transfer or other commercial purposes in the UK: Owners, (including any carrier or agent authorised under The Rabies (Importation of dogs, cats and other mammals) Order 1974 for the transport of animals into quarantine in the UK), must declare that such Animals are being transported at the "Pets Control Point" on the Eurotunnel terminal in France and be prepared to present the boarding document [ID 11] or import licence to Eurotunnel personnel and/or the Competent Authorities. Customers are referred to the requirements in clause 2.6 (ii)
3.12 Transporting Domestic Equidae to France: On arrival in France, Owners transporting domestic equidae may be instructed to attend the SIVEP facility. Owners must on demand produce all the relevant documentation required by and follow the instructions of the French Competent Authorities before continuing with their onward travel. The SIVEP facility is manned by the French authorities and veterinary personnel whose function is to check and inspect documentation relating to domestic equidae and their health and fitness.
The SIVEP facility is not operated by Eurotunnel. Eurotunnel has and accepts no liability whatsoever whether in contract or tort or otherwise for the activities of the SIVEP personnel or any damage or injury caused to any Owner, passenger, domestic equidae, equipment or vehicle whilst in the SIVEP facility. Further, Eurotunnel has no liability to an Owner for any consequences of the French Competent Authorities refusing permission for domestic equidae to enter France.
4. Refusal to Carry Animals
4.1 Eurotunnel may refuse Carriage if, in its sole discretion:
4.1.1 an Owner fails to comply with this policy or any Animal Regulations;
4.1.2 an Animal is unfit to travel or considered to represent a danger or nuisance to other Passengers, Eurotunnel staff or other Animals.
4.2 If Eurotunnel decides that an Animal does not comply with the requirements of this policy or any Animal Regulation, the Owner shall immediately remove the Animal from Eurotunnel's terminal. Eurotunnel is not liable for any costs suffered by an Owner arising from Eurotunnel's decision to refuse Carriage. The Owner shall be solely responsible for all costs related to the refusal of Carriage including costs of documentation, quarantine costs, treatment costs and all and any other costs and/or treatment.
5. Refunds
5.1 Tickets for Animals that have not travelled are refundable at Eurotunnel's sole discretion and in accordance with Eurotunnel's Ticket Terms. Tickets for domestic equidae refused entry to France are not refundable. In addition, Owners shall be required to pay the current applicable rate for the Carriage of domestic equidae back to the UK.
6. Liability and Exclusions of Liability
6.1 Eurotunnel shall have no liability for any delay or any other costs or expenses incurred by the Owner or any third party arising from non-compliance with this policy or any Animal Regulations while on Eurotunnel's terminals or during Carriage.
6.2 The Owner indemnifies Eurotunnel against the costs of delay to Shuttle operations and/or damage to Eurotunnel's or third party's property arising from any non-compliance with this policy or any Animal Regulations.
6.3 Eurotunnel shall have no liability to an Owner, carrier or agent or any person with an interest in the transport of Animals for any direct or indirect loss, costs or expenses arising from a failure to comply with this policy or any Animal Regulations.
6.4 Vehicles travelling with Eurotunnel are subject to random security checks and scanning. Eurotunnel is not responsible for and the Owner indemnifies Eurotunnel against, any adverse effects of the scanning process on Animals. Eurotunnel excludes all liability for any injury to or death of or depreciation in the value of Animals arising from security checks and scanning.
6.5 Eurotunnel shall have no liability to an Owner, carrier or agent or any person with an interest in the transport of Animals for the injury, death, loss or damage, whatsoever and howsoever arising, caused to Animals which;
6.5.1 arises from any act or omission of the Owner; or
6.5.2 is caused by events or circumstances unrelated to Carriage; or
6.5.3 occurs at any time before a Shuttle departs from or after a Shuttle arrives at Eurotunnel's terminals; or
6.5.4 is caused by security and/or safety checks carried out by Eurotunnel or Competent Authorities;
In addition, Eurotunnel is not liable:
6.5.5 for any negligent acts or omissions of any third party including but not limited to Competent Authorities; or
6.5.6 for any fines or penalties imposed on the Owner by Competent Authorities;
6.6 Eurotunnel is not liable, whether in contract, tort (including negligence or breach of statutory duty), misrepresentation or otherwise in connection with this Carriage of Animals policy or the Conditions of Carriage for any special or consequential loss or damage, whether direct or indirect, including loss of profit, loss of revenue, depreciation, loss of value, loss of use or loss of contracts, howsoever arising.
6.7 Eurotunnel's liability for loss or damage to Animals shall be limited as in the Conditions of Carriage.
7. Summary
The table below summarises the Animals accepted on passenger and freight Shuttles and the travel requirements after 1st January 2021. The summary is taken from publications by national governments. Any enquiries about the import and export of Animals should be directed to the relevant government authority. Eurotunnel is not able to advise on the requirements of the French and UK governments for the transport of Animals.
Those transporting Animals to or from the UK are strongly recommended to read the UK government Border Operating Model (BOM) BordersOpModel.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk).
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Category of Animals
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Travel requirements*
(*for information only. It is the Owner's responsibility to comply with all relevant Animal Regulations and Eurotunnel's policy)
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Accepted on passenger shuttles
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Accepted on freight shuttles
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Pet: dogs, cats and ferrets
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Travelling to the UK from France
Pet Travel Scheme (microchip, vaccinations, passport) Regulation EU 576/2013
Travelling to France from the UK
Owners should read the UK guidance in the .gov Border Operating Model (BOM)
Current EU pet passports issued in GB will not be valid for travel to the EU or NI from 1 January 2021.
Pets must have an animal health certificate (AHC) instead of a pet passport. Owners should read the UK guidance in the .gov 'Border Operating Model (BOM)'
You must have your dog, cat or ferret microchipped.
Vaccinate your dog, cat or ferret against rabies - your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before it can be vaccinated.
Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel.
Visit your vet to get an AHC for your pet, no more than 10 days before travel to the EU.
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YES
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NO
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Dogs, cats and ferrets whether for sale or transfer or for other commercial purposes (including but not limited to rehoming or for rescue purposes)
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Travelling to the UK from France
Owners should read the UK guidance in the .gov Border Operating Model (BOM)
The driver of the Vehicle must produce a Certificate of Competence, a valid Vehicle Approval Certificate from Defra, and Transporter Authorisation from APHA. The importer will need to register for IPAFFS.
Travelling to France from the UK
- Directive 92/65 [Balai Directive]
- Regulation EC 1/2005
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YES
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NO
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Other Pets: rodents, rabbits, birds (except poultry), invertebrates (except bees, bumble bees, molluscs and crustaceans), amphibians and reptiles
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Travelling to or from the UK
- Owners should read the UK guidance in the .gov Border Operating Model (BOM)
-Your vet must have completed a Veterinary Certificate. Carry this with you.
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YES
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NO
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Domestic equidae - e.g. horses, ponies, donkeys and mules
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Bookings must be made through Eurotunnel's nominated transporters
Travelling to France from the UK
- Regulation EC 1/2005
IPAFF (Import of Products Animals Food and Feed)
Domestic Equidae may be inspected at the SIVEP facility.
Travelling to the UK from France
Owners should read the UK guidance in the .gov Border Operating Model (BOM)
From January 2021, new import requirements will apply to equines travelling to the UK from the EU. This includes the requirement for
- goods to be accompanied by an EHC
- import pre-notifications submitted by the importer in advance of arrival
From January 2021, equines travelling from the EU to the UK will be subject to import controls in line with those for live animals, such as the requirement for health certification and import pre-notifications. These requirements will not change until July 2021.
The requirement for equines to enter GB via an established point of entry with an appropriate Border Control Post will not come into force until July 2021. Eurotunnel is an established point of entry.
The driver of the equine transportation must produce a Certificate of Competence, a valid Vehicle Approval Certificate from Defra, and Transporter Authorisation from APHA. A journey log would also need to be submitted to APHA and accompany the equine in certain cases. The importer will need to register for IPAFFS.
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YES
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NO
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Animals for display, education, conservation or breeding purposes, Poultry (including chicks and eggs), Bees, Fish and shellfish
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Travelling to France from the UK
- Regulation EC 1/2005
Travelling to the UK from France
Owners should read the UK guidance in the .gov Border Operating Model (BOM)
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YES
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YES
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8. Contact
8.1 Any enquiries relating to IPAFF requirements must be addressed to APHA CITCarlisle@apha.gov.uk. Eurotunnel cannot advise on these requirements. Enquiries about this policy and booking transit for th Carriage of Animals should be directed to Eurotunnel’s sales support here.