Guide and Assistance dogs

Travelling with Assistance Dogs

LeShuttle is committed to providing equal access for all passengers in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 and applicable UK/EU regulations. If you are travelling with an assistance dog, please make sure to book your dog as an assistance dog when you reserve your journey and follow the guidance below.

In line with our policy and to prevent misuse, on arrival we will request credible evidence that your dog is trained to assist with you or your passenger’s disability (as applicable) to ensure that the pet travel fee is not applied. Please be ready to provide the documentation outlined below when asked. Your cooperation allows us to deliver the best possible service and support for your needs.

What is an assistance dog?

Assistance dogs are dogs that are individually trained to perform functions or behaviours which assist a disabled person, and whose presence with that person constitutes an auxiliary aid or reasonable adjustment for the purposes of the Act. These dogs are entitled to access public places and services regardless of any ‘no pets’ policies.

Does LeShuttle charge the Pet Travel Fee for assistance dogs?

Genuine assistance dogs that meet the health travel requirements travel free of charge, provided reasonable evidence (as outlined below) is presented confirming the dog is trained to assist with a disability. Any dog (including an assistance dog) that does not meet the pet travel health travel requirements or is a breed of dog that is deemed to be banned or dangerous in ether the UK or France will not be accepted for travel.  

For more information please visit Pet Travel Requirements - Eurotunnel LeShuttle™ and Carriage of Animals: Legal Information - Eurotunnel LeShuttle™.

Documents required on arrival

Please be ready to present one or more of the following on arrival at the Pet Reception Centre:

• Certification or evidence of the dog having been trained to assist with the disability, from an accredited organisation (e.g., ADI or IGDF).
• If not trained by an accredited organisation: 
  • A letter from a medical professional confirming the need for an assistance dog to accompany its handler to assist with a disability (please note that we do not require you to provide any sensitive medical details); or
  • Other documentation showing the dog is trained to do work or perform functions to assist its handler with their disability.

Note: ID cards, vests, or similar items purchased online are not accepted as evidence on their own.

Why is this information required?

• To verify assistance dog status and prevent fraudulent claims.

Important notes

• Animals that provide emotional support alone do not qualify as assistance animals under the Equality Act 2010 and must pay the relevant fee. A dog may qualify where it is also individually trained to perform behaviours that assist with a disability.
• To be accepted for travel, assistance dogs must also meet all pet travel health and documentary requirements and must not be a breed of dog that is deemed to be banned or dangerous in either the UK or France.