Animals and horses customs
Veterinary Controls
Regulated Border Crossing
The border crossing between France and England for live animals is subject to strict rules regarding animal health and animal welfare.
This crossing requires numerous health formalities to ensure smooth operations. Several documents are required for the transit of live animals.
Our Teams Take Care of Everything!
We have a customs clerk service specialized in health and veterinary declaration, as well as a customs declarant service. These services work together to organize and ensure compliance in the transit process.
The key steps in this border crossing are:
- Identification and documentation of animals: Animals must be appropriately identified with a permanent identification, such as a microchip. Travel documents, such as health certificates, must also be prepared.
- Vaccinations: Animals must be vaccinated against certain diseases, such as rabies, before they can travel.
- Health inspection: Animals must undergo a health inspection before travel to ensure they show no signs of disease. During this inspection, veterinarians thoroughly examine the animals to confirm their fitness for travel.
- Transportation: Animals must be transported under appropriate and comfortable conditions, depending on their species and size.
- Border control: Animals will be checked at the border to ensure they meet the animal health and welfare requirements for entry into the country.
Horses at the Heart of Our Activity
Our Customs team specializes in the transit of horses. We organize the import and export transit of horses following all the applicable regulations in the shortest possible time. Each request is studied by our passionate equestrians and a veterinary expert to ensure skillful and meticulous handling of all requests.
The maritime companies located in the heart of the Cross-Channel exchanges have entrusted us with the task of assisting their clients in preparing and ensuring smooth and safe passage of horses. The proximity and close links with the SIVEP veterinary teams have established ASA as a key player in equine inspections.
Infrastructure Confirming a Strategic Position
Recently, the Port of Calais has installed an animal station at the heart of the Ferry Terminal, enabling rapid and secure veterinary inspection. Being concerned about animal welfare, we understand that the transportation of horses requires special and urgent attention in order to avoid disturbing, scaring, and upsetting the horses. That is why our teams are trained and experienced in managing this type of transit, which can be perilous when not faced daily.
ASA is also able to prepare and present specific CHED-A documents and carry out customs formalities for export or import. In this context, the Customs and Clerk teams divide the tasks and are in constant contact to ensure a successful passage.
Horses are an integral part of our environment and shape the daily lives of our employees.
Our Strategic Geographic Positioning
We are proud to be able to offer this assistance at the Port of Calais, parking O3, as well as at the Channel Tunnel site and Calais TruckStop parking in the TransMarck zone near the A16 highway.
The ASA team is at your disposal for any further information or advice you may need.
We answers to your questions
Several solutions are possible. First, for equines, they must be registered in the SIRE, which is the Information System for Equines. This system is managed by the IFCE, which is the French Institute of Horse and Riding. Another solution exists, which is to go through a foreign studbook, but it must be registered in the SIRE system. This registration is a paid process that varies depending on the studbook. Animals such as dogs, cats, and ferrets must have a passport filled out by a veterinarian and up to date with the latest vaccines. They must also have a Health Certificate.
Dogs must have a passport and a health certificate. Birds must be accompanied by a Health Certificate. As for horses, they must be accompanied by a passport, a Health Certificate, and a blood test. For all animals crossing the border, a Health Certificate is mandatory to anticipate customs and health requirements. Please note that the Health Certificate is valid for a maximum of 10 days.
We prepare and verify all documents before presentation at the border. We also act as intermediaries with the SIVEP and customs services. Moreover, we ensure the guarantee of the proper handling of the missions. On-site, we accompany our clients by physically representing them in the necessary offices. Finally, we ensure customs compliance before any release. Providing support to our clients is a priority at ASA, which is why we provide physical and moral support in all procedures. We are aware that Brexit, marking the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union, is not a simple matter in terms of the required procedures, which is why our employees ensure comprehensive assistance and respond to all your questions as quickly as possible.
Each case is unique, and the destination, origin, number, and intended use of the animals determine the extent to which they are subject to control. There is always a control, either in customs or in SIVEP, depending on the animal's use (commercial or personal). As an example, commercial transport of pets like dogs and cats may require different documentation and inspections compared to horses used for sporting events.
In case of animal descent or problems during transportation, the Port of Calais is equipped with an Animal Station containing horse boxes, dog and cat cages.
Animal feed is 100% subject to control.
Since each operation is specific to each client, we are at your disposal to answer all your questions and provide you with a guarantee of exemplary passage. Our experts are perfectly trained in all situations and accompany you in your procedures.
Most animal transits are for horses, followed by dogs. The Port of Calais is an approved area for horses, dogs, cats, and ferrets.
Where to find and contact us?
A team of professionals present on the Côte d'Opale coast is at your disposal at the Port of Calais (O3 car park), at the Tunnel as well as at the Calais Truck Stop car park.
ASA Brexit & Transit
ASA Shipping Agency
ASA Assistance Port 24/7 SIVEP
