The paperwork for taking a dog from the UK to France this winter, including the 2026 rule change, plus getting there, lifts, winter walks and caring for your dog in the snow.
The short answer: yes, you can take your dog on a ski holiday in the French Alps, and Morzine and Les Gets are good places to do it. The key change for winter 2026/27 is that GB residents can no longer use an EU pet passport. Your dog needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination and an Animal Health Certificate for each trip, plus a vet-administered tapeworm treatment before you come home.
For many people, a holiday isn't a holiday without the dog. Here's how to do it, from paperwork to paws.
From 22 April 2026, people who live in England, Scotland or Wales can no longer use an EU pet passport to enter the EU, even if it was issued in an EU country. What matters is where you live, not your nationality, so it applies to second-home owners too. Northern Ireland residents are not affected.
To take your dog from Great Britain to France this winter, you need:
Once issued, the AHC covers onward travel within the EU and your return to Great Britain for a limited period, as long as the rabies vaccination stays valid. There are also limits on the number of pets per vehicle, and rules if someone other than the owner travels with the dog.
Book your vet early. Not every practice has an official vet, and appointments fill up before Christmas and February half-term. Check the latest rules on GOV.UK before you travel, as a new UKâEU agreement is expected to change them again, though not before this winter.
Before returning to Great Britain, your dog must be treated for tapeworm by a vet between 24 hours and 5 days before you arrive, and the treatment must be recorded. Over-the-counter tablets don't count.
Book a vet near the resort at the start of your week, especially in the peak weeks, and plan the appointment around your travel day. There's no vet in Les Gets itself, so you may need to drive to a neighbouring village. Many chalet hosts know which local vets are used to the paperwork.
Our guide to driving to the French Alps from the UK covers the route, tolls and where to stop. A dog-friendly hotel on the way breaks up the journey.
In Les Gets, dogs can ride the Mont Chéry and Chavannes gondolas, so they can come up for a walk and lunch at altitude. Chairlifts are not suitable for dogs, and policies on other lifts vary, so check with the lift company or tourist office before you go up.
Dogs aren't allowed on the ski slopes. Groomed winter walking trails are the place to go, with your dog on a lead.
The Morzine and Les Gets tourist offices have winter walking maps, and Les Gets provides dog bags at the tourist office.
Not every chalet takes dogs, and those that do have different rules. Ask the host:
Because you book directly with the host on Peak & Chalet, you can ask before you commit. In a catered chalet, check how the staff feel about dogs in the dining room.
Bringing the dog? Search all chalets and message hosts to check they're dog-friendly.
Not if you live in England, Scotland or Wales. Since April 2026, GB residents can no longer use an EU pet passport to enter the EU, even one issued in an EU country. You need an Animal Health Certificate for each trip.
A microchip, a rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel, and an Animal Health Certificate from an official vet, issued within 10 days of entering the EU.
Yes. A vet must treat your dog for tapeworm between 24 hours and 5 days before you arrive back in Great Britain, and record it. Book a local vet appointment early in your week.
No. Only guide and assistance dogs are allowed on Eurostar. Most people travel with dogs by car, on Le Shuttle or a ferry.
Dogs can ride some of the gondolas, such as Mont Chéry and Chavannes in Les Gets, but they aren't allowed on the ski slopes and chairlifts aren't suitable. Check the current rules with the lift company before you go up.
Some chalets are happy for dogs to stay inside while you're out, and others prefer a dog sitter or day care. Ask your host what's allowed and whether they can recommend someone local.