I might not know how to move a cat, but I sure do know multiple ways to skin them!

7 months. You can't take your pet in under the pet passport scheme until 6 months after the blood test, and the blood test has to be 30 days after the rabies jab. Once the 7 months are up, book on an official route (the Defra site should have a list of approved carriers), get the anti-parasite treatment done between 24 adn 48 hours before entering the uk and that should be it (you have to tell the carrier you're bringing an animal and they will probably charge). NB you can usually take an animal in a car on a ferry but not as a foot passenger

I've merged your thread with one of mine asking the same questions from last year.

I'll be heading over by road in just over three weeks with my two, so I'll have some more first hand info on how they do and how easy or difficult it is at the border.

That is a bit worrying. My vet has just given me some Sedalin sedative for my cat who is petrified of going in the car. Does that mean if I gave her a pill I would be breaking the law?

Thanks very much! I've just had him chipped and had his Rabies injection done last night. We have another appointment in a month (I guess it's for a blood test?) and it's just quite a relief that the ball is rolling now to be honest! It's quite a procedure isn't it!

But I'll really appreciate your knowledge in a few weeks about the border Also, thanks for merging my post into the thread!

Just for clarity.
You can only take your pet across the channel if the animal is in a car.

That means:
Via the tunnel it is quick and easy. There are pee spots for pets before you get on the car train and the crossing only takes 45mins

Via Ferry. You pet stays in the car you leave them and wander around the ferry. For the 1.5 hour crossing Calais - Dover this isn't so bad, if you are doing anything longer it can be a lot of stress, especially if there are delays on the crossing.
There is a hovercraft crossing from Cherbourg to Portsmouth which is only 4 hours and you may take pets onboard. Same rules as above.
You can not take your pet on as a foot passenger

You cannot cross the channel with an animal on a passenger train.

Hi

This info is great - we have been here two years and always known we will be going back to the UK this summer- just a quick question - I have been giving my chaps the rabies jab every year because it only lasts 3 years if you are based in the UK - does anyone know if this is actually right? I don't want to over do it but can't face the prospect of not getting them home.

I agree - Eurotunnel is definitely est but remember to take a lead!!! (for dog). Couldn't find mine and my well trained cocker stayed to heel but they wanted to see a lead!! For emergencies of course...