Parkgate Pets

11/09/2026

No, I don't post regularly on our FB page and I need to *make* the time to do that. I would like to share with you a beautiful canine client from earlier this year, who came over from the US to compete in Crufts. Not only did she compete, but she came third in a highly competitive category. Please meet Grand Ch Valhalla Starfire at Amira, also known as Aura, and her lovely owner Cynthia. We were delighted to have played part of their journey from Paris to the UK.

Based on her placement at the competition, Aura has a lifelong invitation to attend. So we may be seeing her again next March! (And look forward to it).

04/07/2026

Just wanted to post a pic of a recent client who travelled with us from Paris-CDG to northern London metro. The ginger kitty, Pickle, is an FIP survivor. As we lost one of ours many years ago to FIP, we are always honored to have a survivor as a client. Welcome to London everybody!

24/06/2026

It's been a challenging and tiring week - for drivers and clients (human, feline, and canine). The heat in Paris and northern France has wreaked havoc on the Eurotunnel/LeShuttle.

Train engines were overheating. Shuttle cars had to be removed from trains because of non-functional air conditioning, meaning that some trains were only operating at 1/3 or 1/2 of their scheduled capacity - or not at all. Information boards were either completely inaccurate or non-functional, resulting in LeShuttle personnel having to shout about boarding.

Our delays with clients ranged from 4 to 7 hours. Unfortunately, there's not much to do other than stay in the air-conditioned vehicle or go into the over-priced duty-free shops and restaurants. But the majority of the restaurants had run out of ice cold drinks.

Sometimes you can learn about delays on the Eurotunnel website, but we find it's not terribly accurate. And once you check-in for your journey, you're stuck; you can't leave and go to a nice cafe in town (or the beach). You're just there, waiting.

The shuttle cars are nearly 40 years old and the most experienced mechanics are retiring. To our knowledge, there is no plan to have new shuttle cars made (£££££ as they would be a custom order).

If we get another heat spell this summer, please keep the potential delays on the Eurotunnel/LeShuttle in mind. And maybe consider the P&O ferry from Calais to Dover, which accepts pets.

09/05/2026

There's been a lot of confusion around the question of whether or not British residents holding EU pet passports will still be able to use the document to enter the EU, and whether or not places like the Eurotunnel/LeShuttle or the various ferry companies will honour them.

Here is what we received today via email from Brittany Ferries:

"Further to the recent APHA update regarding pet travel, currently, EU pet passports held by British residents will remain valid, therefore at check-in we will not deny boarding to UK residents who present an EU pet passport. However, since the duration of this exemption is uncertain, should you remain concerned regarding future travel, consider obtaining an animal health certificate. Please note this is an APHA policy so we have no further information regarding a permanent implementation date and our contact centre staff are unable to provide any more detail at this time."

29/01/2026

It may seem like an easy way to get information, but that information may not be correct. It's been twice this week where I've come across people panicking because ChatGPT gave them incorrect information about what documentation was required to Country XYZ.

ChatGPT may be your friend in many circumstances, but when it comes to something as critical as knowing what process to follow and documents to obtain for flying your furbaby from Country A to Country B, please:
**Do your own research, with competent source information
**Talk to others who have done the same route RECENTLY (not five years ago)
**Join FB groups that offer recent travellers of the same route
**Consult with providers and experts who work in the industry

We want happy cats and dogs arriving in their home countries!

11/12/2025

🎄 Parkgate Pets – Availability This December! ✈️🐾
We’re delighted to share that we still have spaces available for our bespoke pet transport services throughout December! Whether it’s airport transfers, relocation travel, or special journeys for your furry family members, we’re here to help — safely and with personalised care. ❤️

📍 Tailored pet transport across the UK & Europe
🐕 For dogs, cats & other beloved companions
📅 December dates still open — book now!
📩 Send us a message to secure your spot!

02/08/2025

Who wants to tell him he's going the wrong way? We're driving north to Oxfordshire....

12/07/2025

Dear potential clients,

We are happy to help you out of last-minute situations when our schedule permits. But only if we can do it safely. We don't live in France (yet). We don't live right at the French/English border. We live in leafy Wiltshire, which gets us to Heathrow in about 90 minutes (for when we do tours) but takes us 3 hours plus to get to the Channel.

Thus, we always come the night before, staying in cheap-and-cheerful accommodation before picking you up either at the airport or in Paris/Amsterdam. In this manner, we are fresh and ready to go. This also mitigates any issue with delays on either LeShuttle/the Eurotunnel (90 minute delays and beyond the last two days, based on our personal experience) or the ferry.

We prioritize safety - for the well-being of your pets, you, and us. If we've been corresponding about a last-minute quote (under three days notice) and confirm availability, please don't wait until the late afternoon/evening before requested pick-up to confirm you'd like to use our services.

If we're near the border, in Folkestone, for example, we could potentially be able to turn around and come right back to Paris, still ensuring the appropriate rest time. But if we're already back at our home, it's unfortunately not going to work out.

For safety's sake, we would no longer be in a position to confirm your booking. We do apologise and are very sorry we can't help, but this is one area where we won't compromise.

02/07/2025

One of the joys of coming through France - farm-fresh potatoes! Available 24/7 from a vending machine near the farms. Three varieties to choose from today in 5 or 10 kilo bags. Amazing value.

12/04/2025

Effective April 12th, there's now a temporary ban on meat and dairy products coming into the UK. This includes any French baguette sandwiches we may purchase en route from France, so be sure to eat up! The bread is allowed, just not the meat or cheese inside of it. 😊

The Government is introducing new measures to protect farmers from the spread of foot and mouth disease.

From Saturday 12th April, travellers will no longer be able to bring cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU and EEA countries into Great Britain for personal use.

There are currently no cases of foot and mouth in the UK and these measures will continue to protect the health of British livestock, the security of farmers, and the UK’s food security.

Read the full guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-extends-ban-on-personal-meat-imports-to-protect-farmers-from-foot-and-mouth