Archie & Marco’s Trip to Belgium
In Feb 2020 we decided we were taking Archie & Marco to Belgium as this country is close to our hearts, as prior to having the boys we visited many times. So, we got their pet passports, rabies jabs done and then Covid hit and then Brexit hit, so it seemed like we were never going to get there and the odds were against us.
Anyway, we decided enough was enough and booked to go to Belgium October 2024. The boys had to have their rabies jabs which we got done in July 2024 to make sure there was plenty of time before travel and will now last for three years. We then had to go to the vets for their Animal Health Certificate which allows up to 5 dogs on one certificate. So, they had their microchips checked and rabies jabs recorded and received all the official paperwork which is in French & English with lots of official stamps! This was all booked and completed 10 days before travel.
As we were going on a short trip as a test run, we decided we would return within 120 hours of leaving the UK as Archie & Marco could have the tapeworm tablet administered by their own vet before they left the UK, which was given 24 hours before we travelled. So, we arrived at the Pet reception at Eurotunnel microchips & paperwork checked, everything was in order so we could continue. There was a doggie play area which the boys used and even a separate space for bitches in season!
We then made our way to the train and travelled through Eurotunnel with Archie & Marco on board, I think they slept through the 35-minute crossing. Once over there they had a lovely time riding on the coastal tram, stopping at cafes and going on the beach, they were even allowed in a beer warehouse! We stayed in a place called Adinkerke 40 minutes from the Eurotunnel terminal, in wonderful accommodation which had an enclosed garden so the boys could run around with no worries. The location was perfect as only short walk to supermarket and coastal tram stop which takes you the whole 70 kilometres of the Belgium coastline. There are also buses and main trainline close by so could get anywhere. The motorway was also minutes away so was a perfect location. The dog poo bins even have poo bags attached.
On the return trip again went to Pet Reception in Calais which is now on the left hand side as you enter the terminal. The French lady was lovely they had their microchips checked again and paperwork all in order. As we were returning within 120 hours they didn’t require another tapeworm tablet. If we had stayed longer you would need their tapeworm tablet administered by a vet in Belgium 24 hours before your return journey which we have sourced for future visits courtesy of the owner of the house we stayed in. We will be visiting again next year so wait for our next instalment…..
