How to Bring Your Pet from the UK to Europe: Stena Line Route

Planning to bring your pet from the UK to Europe? Whether you’re relocating or simply traveling with your furry companion, understanding the right transport options, regulations, and pet-friendly services is key. If you’re also considering travel to the UK, check out my essential guide for a smooth journey!. This guide walks you through the Stena Line ferry route, the only ferry, at the time, allowing foot passengers with pets, offering a step-by-step breakdown of the process. From essential documents to travel costs and onboard pet-friendly areas, discover everything you need to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for you and your pet.

Transportation Challenges to Bring Your Pet from the UK to Europe

Bringing your pet from the UK to Europe comes with logistical challenges, especially when traveling without a car. Many ferry routes only allow pets if they stay inside a vehicle, making the Stena Line ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland one of the few options for foot passengers with pets. Although the journey requires multiple steps, with careful planning and the right transport choices, you can ensure a stress-free and comfortable experience for your furry companion.

🚀 Starting the Journey: Bringing My Pet from the UK to Europe

Embarking on the journey from the UK to Portugal with a pet is both exciting and challenging. Every detail had to be carefully planned to ensure Cookie’s comfort, especially since we’d be taking multiple modes of transport. From catching trains to boarding the overnight Stena Line ferry and navigating through Europe, the journey was a test of patience, determination, and love.

As we set off, Cookie’s excitement mirrored my own—her tail wagging, nose twitching at every new scent, and eyes curiously scanning the changing scenery. Though I had meticulously mapped out each step, the reality of traveling across borders with a dog meant staying adaptable. The UK-to-Europe route demanded patience, but seeing Cookie embrace the adventure with joy made every challenge worthwhile.

🏡 Pet Travel to the UK: My Experience Moving Without Cookie

Moving to the UK was a life-changing experience, but leaving Cookie behind in Portugal was one of the hardest decisions I ever made. Unlike most European countries, where small pets can fly in the cabin, the UK’s strict pet travel rules meant Cookie couldn’t accompany me immediately. While I knew it was temporary, the separation was heart breaking.

Determined to reunite with her as soon as possible, I spent hours researching every possible route. Every missed detail could mean delays, so I became obsessed with understanding the pet travel process inside out. The UK’s regulations were stricter than I had imagined, but I refused to give up.

🔍 The Struggle of Leaving Cookie Behind & Researching Pet Travel to the UK

The day I left Portugal for the UK, I promised myself that Cookie and I would reunite soon. But the reality was harsh—bringing a pet from the UK to Europe or vice versa wasn’t as simple as hopping on a plane. Unlike other European countries, where pets can travel in the cabin, the UK’s strict pet travel regulations meant I had to leave her behind, at least for a little while.

Determined to bring Cookie over as quickly as possible, I spent hours researching transport options. From scanning government websites to reading pet travel forums, I searched for loopholes, easier routes, or anything that could speed up the process. Yet, every article confirmed the same: the journey required careful planning, compliance with regulations, and, most importantly, patience. I wasn’t just planning a trip—I was navigating a complex system of pet entry laws.

🚗 A Game-Changing Solution: Bringing Cookie to the UK by Car

Before I even considered traveling from the UK to Portugal with Cookie, I had already experienced the challenges of bringing her to the UK. Unlike most European countries, where pets can fly in the cabin, the UK’s strict regulations meant finding an alternative way to reunite with her. The best option? A 4-day road trip from Portugal to the UK by car, alongside my brother. Read the full story of this unforgettable journey in Overcoming Borders: A Journey from Portugal to the UK with Cookie!

The journey was long and exhausting. However, every mile was worth it. Throughout the trip, we crossed multiple borders, navigated ferry routes, and ensured Cookie remained comfortable the entire way.

Looking back, that experience prepared me for future pet-friendly travel. As a result, planning my first UK-to-Portugal trip with Cookie became much easier. Moreover, traveling by car gave me valuable insights into pet transport across Europe. Now, I use that knowledge whenever exploring new routes.

📌 Essential Requirements to Bring Your Pet from the UK to Europe

Before traveling, it’s crucial to ensure your pet meets all the UK to Europe pet travel requirements. At first, the process might seem overwhelming. However, with the right preparation, it becomes entirely manageable. To successfully bring your pet from the UK to Europe, you’ll need to follow these key steps:

🛂 Microchip: First and foremost, it must be implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination.
💉 Rabies Vaccination: In addition, it must be administered at least 21 days before travel and recorded in an official document.
🦴 Tapeworm Treatment: Meanwhile, this is required for dogs 24 to 120 hours before entering certain countries.
📑 European Pet Passport OR Health Certificate: If traveling within the EU, your pet needs a valid EU Pet Passport. However, if your departure country is outside the EU, a Health Certificate is mandatory.

Most importantly, staying informed and ensuring your pet’s documents are in order will prevent travel disruptions. As a result, your journey will be far less stressful and much more enjoyable!

🛤 Traveling Back to Portugal with My Pet: A New Challenge

Once Cookie was finally with me in the UK, I had more time to figure out how to make future trips back to Portugal with my pet. Unlike our initial journey, this time, I didn’t have the option of traveling by car. Therefore, I needed to find alternative pet-friendly transport. The challenge was clear: while leaving the UK with Cookie was one thing, returning with her required careful planning.

Since direct pet flights from the UK were not available, I had to explore ferry routes and train connections through Europe. As a result, researching the best way to travel from the UK to Europe with a dog took a considerable amount of time. However, after countless hours, I found a feasible route that ensured Cookie’s comfort and safety.

Ultimately, the adventure of traveling together was about to take a new turn.

💙 Making Pet Travel from the UK to Portugal a Reality

I often say that

when you truly want something, you find a way to make it happen

Right from the start, I was determined to make this journey happen. Even though travel restrictions made things difficult, I refused to let them stop me from spending my holidays with Cookie. After all, if others had done it, so could we.

Of course, pet travel from the UK to Portugal isn’t easy. However, it is possible. Naturally, it may not be the fastest, cheapest, or most convenient option. Even so, for me, it was never about convenience—it was about sharing every adventure with Cookie. Whether it meant navigating ferries, enduring long train rides, or waiting in airport terminals, I was ready to face every challenge.

More importantly, our bond made every effort worthwhile. In the end, the joy of finally arriving together in Portugal proved that all the planning had been worth it.

🕵️‍♂️ Endless Research: Finding the Best Way to Bring My Pet from the UK to Europe

Bringing your pet from the UK to Europe requires persistence, patience, and a never-ending search for solutions. Determined to travel with Cookie, I spent countless hours researching, reading regulations, and comparing transport options. To gather as much information as possible, I scoured forums, government websites, and even reached out to other pet parents who had taken similar journeys.

With each new discovery, I felt one step closer to my goal. At the same time, I became increasingly overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of pet travel. Eventually, the reality sank in: there was no easy, cheap, or quick way to travel with a dog from the UK without a car. Nevertheless, giving up was never an option.

Instead, every challenge only strengthened my resolve to find a way that would guarantee Cookie’s safety and comfort. After all, the journey wasn’t just about logistics—it was about keeping my furry best friend by my side.

🚢 Pet-Friendly Ferry Travel: Overcoming Challenges

When bringing your pet from the UK to Europe, ferry travel presents unique challenges. Most ferry routes require pets to stay inside a vehicle, leaving foot passengers with limited options. However, the Stena Line ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland is an exception, offering onboard kennels for pets.

Finding a pet-friendly ferry wasn’t easy. Many companies allow pets only if they remain in a car, which wasn’t an option for us. After thorough research, I discovered Stena Line provided a solution. The onboard kennel ensured Cookie’s comfort while I travelled as a foot passenger. This option, though rare, allowed us to continue our journey stress-free.

🚢 Finding the Best Ferry to Bring Your Pet from the UK to Europe

While researching pet-friendly ferries, I discovered that Stena Line’s Harwich to Hook of Holland route was the only option for foot passengers traveling with pets. At that time, most ferries required pets to stay in a vehicle; however, Stena Line provided onboard kennels, making car-free travel possible.

Now, things have changed. Stena Line has introduced pet-friendly cabins, offering an even more comfortable option for travellers with pets. As a result, ferry travel has become more convenient, especially for those who prefer to keep their pets close throughout the journey.

When it came to boarding, the process was straightforward. After checking in, I took Cookie to her designated kennel space. The area was clean, well-ventilated, and secured for safety. Because of this setup, knowing she had a comfortable place to rest made the overnight trip less stressful.

In addition to the kennels, the ferry had pet-friendly areas where I could visit her, ensuring she remained calm throughout the journey. This made a huge difference, as it allowed me to check on her and reassure her during the trip.

Looking ahead, I plan to experience the new pet-friendly cabins this summer and will share a detailed update soon. Not only will this provide a first-hand comparison, but it will also highlight how much Stena Line has improved its pet travel experience. 🚢🐶✨

📸 Ferry Cabin Gallery

✈️ Transavia: A Pet-Friendly Airline for UK to Europe Travel

While searching for the best way to bring my pet from the UK to Europe, I came across Transavia, a Dutch low-cost airline with a pet-friendly policy. Initially, they allowed pets in the cabin up to 10 kg, but recent updates have lowered the limit to 8 kg, including the carrier bag. This option remains one of the few affordable ways for small pets to travel comfortably by air.

🚀 The Journey from the UK to Portugal: Step-by-Step

Step	Transport	Route	Duration	🐶 Pet-Friendly Tip
1. First Leg	🚌 Bus	Home → Stratford Station	~ 30 min	Ensure your pet is comfortable in their carrier before travel. Short walks before the trip help!
2. Train Ride	🚆 Train	Stratford → Harwich	1h 15min	Keep treats and water handy—some trains don’t have pet-friendly services.
3. Ferry Crossing	⛴️ Stena Line Ferry	Harwich → Hook of Holland	6h 45min	Stena Line offers pet cabins and kennels—book early as they fill up quickly!
4. Coach Transfer	🚌 Coach	Hook of Holland → Schiedam Centrum	~ 30 min	Some European buses allow pets, but always check policies in advance.
5. Train Ride	🚆 Train	Schiedam Centrum → Amsterdam Schiphol Airport	1h 30min	Netherlands trains are pet-friendly! Small pets travel free in a carrier.
6. Airport Wait	⏳ Layover	Amsterdam Schiphol Airport	7 hours	Find a quiet spot for your pet to rest—airports can be overwhelming.
7. Flight	✈️ Flight (Transavia)	Amsterdam → Lisbon	3 hours	Transavia allows pets in the cabin up to 8kg, including the carrier.
8. Arrival	🎉 Destination!	Finally in Portugal!	✅	A quick potty break & fresh water will help your pet feel settled after the flight.

✏️ My Thoughts Along the Way

💭 The First Steps – Nerves & Excitement

As I packed my bags, reality hit—this was really happening! At that moment, I realized that traveling alone with Cookie through multiple countries would be both thrilling and terrifying. Nevertheless, I took a deep breath, grabbed my bags, and without hesitation, we were off!

💭 Ferry Feels – Our Mini ‘Cruise’

Spending the night on a ferry sounded romantic in theory. However, in reality, I was restless, while Cookie snoozed like a pro traveller. At least, one of us was getting some beauty sleep.

💭 Amsterdam Layover – The Longest Wait

Schiphol Airport became our unexpected waiting room for seven hours. Cookie seemed fascinated by people-watching, while I counted down the minutes to our flight.

💭 Finally Home – The Last Stretch

Touchdown in Lisbon! Finally, we made it. Cookie wagged her tail with excitement, while I was already daydreaming about a well-deserved night’s sleep. Without a doubt, the journey was long, yet in the end, it was completely worth it.

💰 The True Cost to Bring Your Pet from the UK to Europe

For most travellers, a flight from the UK to Lisbon takes just 2.5 hours—quick, easy, and budget-friendly. However, bringing a pet from the UK to Europe adds layers of complexity. In my case, my journey with Cookie stretches to nearly a day and a half, involving trains, ferries, and extra logistics to ensure she’s safe and comfortable.

Beyond the time commitment, the cost difference is staggering. For example, while standard flights can be as cheap as £25 one-way or £50 round-trip, my total expenses were around £500 back then. Now? It’s closer to £1000.

Understandably, many people ask why I don’t leave Cookie in a pet hotel and travel alone. Yet, for me, that’s never been an option. After all, Cookie and I share an unbreakable bond—one that goes beyond companionship.

If you’ve ever felt this deep connection with your pet, you’ll love my article on 🔗 the spiritual bonds between humans and animals.🐶💙🔗

🐶 Why I Always Travel with Cookie

While some dogs adapt well to pet hotels or sitters, Cookie doesn’t. When I first moved to the UK, she stayed with my parents for two months. As a result, she has struggled with separation anxiety ever since.

Because of this, the thought of her being sad in an unfamiliar place would ruin my trip. After all, traveling isn’t just about the destination—it’s about who you share it with. For us, that means staying together.

💖 A Journey of Love and Dedication

To bring your pet from the UK to Europe isn’t just about travel; instead, it’s about love, trust, and an unbreakable bond. While some may see it as an inconvenience, to me, it’s a privilege. Cookie isn’t just my travel companion—she’s my heart, my family, and my greatest adventure.

Moreover, the moments we share—watching the sea from a ferry, curling up together on long journeys, stepping onto new lands—are worth every extra mile and every extra pound spent.

Ultimately, travel isn’t just about places; rather, it’s about who walks beside you. And for me, that will always be Cookie. 🐶💙

❓ FAQs: Bringing Your Pet from the UK to Europe

1. Can I bring my pet from the UK to Europe without quarantine?

Yes, as long as your pet meets the necessary requirements, including a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and an EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Some countries have additional regulations, so always check before traveling.

2. What is the cheapest way to bring my pet from the UK to Europe?

Driving via the Eurotunnel is usually the most budget-friendly option. Some ferries also allow pets, but costs vary. Flying can be more expensive, especially if your pet needs to travel in cargo.

3. Can pets travel in the cabin on flights from the UK to Europe?

Most UK airlines do not allow pets in the cabin, except for assistance dogs. However, airlines like Transavia permit small pets in the cabin on flights from Europe to the UK.

4. Do I need a new Animal Health Certificate (AHC) every time I travel?

Yes. Since Brexit, UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid in the EU, meaning you need to obtain a new AHC from an accredited vet every time you travel to Europe.

5. How much does it cost to bring a pet from the UK to Europe?

Costs vary depending on transportation:

• Eurotunnel: Around £22 per pet (one way).
• Ferries: Prices range from £15 to £250 depending on the route.
• Flights: Cabin transport (if allowed) can cost £50–£100, while cargo fees can be £300+.
• AHC from a vet: £100–£300 per trip.

6. What are the requirements to bring my pet from the UK to Europe?

To enter Europe from the UK, your pet must have:

• A microchip implanted before vaccination
• A valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel)
• An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a UK-accredited vet (valid for 10 days for entry)
• Tapeworm treatment, but only if traveling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, or Norway

💡 Important: UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid in the EU. You must get a new AHC for each trip.

7. What happens if my pet doesn’t meet the travel requirements?

If your pet doesn’t meet the entry rules, they may be denied travel, quarantined, or sent back at your expense. Always double-check the latest requirements before traveling.

8. Can I travel with multiple pets?

Yes, but there is a limit—usually up to five pets per traveller, unless you’re attending a competition and have proper documentation.

9. Is pet insurance necessary for travel?

It’s not required but highly recommended. Unexpected vet visits or travel disruptions can be costly, so pet insurance provides peace of mind.

10. What’s the best way to reduce stress for my pet during travel?

10. What’s the best way to reduce stress for my pet during travel?

Keeping your pet calm and comfortable while traveling is key. Here are some tips:

👉 Use a well-ventilated carrier that allows movement
🎾 Bring familiar items like blankets or toys for comfort
⏳ Minimize travel time to reduce anxiety
💧 Provide water and snacks to keep your pet hydrated and happy
🌿 Consider calming solutions like pheromone sprays or natural treats

✈️🐾 Thinking of traveling with your pet? Whether you’re bringing a pet from the UK to Europe or planning a new adventure, preparation makes all the difference!

💙 Have questions or need advice? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
📩 Want more travel tips? Subscribe for updates on my next journey with Cookie!
🔗 Explore more pet-friendly travel experiences here: Isle of Wight: a Solo Retreat with My Dog]

Because every journey is better when shared with a furry friend! 🚗🐶✨