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 Hi there, can anyone help me? Never taken a pet abroad before and whilst checking out ferry / tunnel prices I suddenly wondered, when are the vets open? I know my dog has to have the tic etc done up to 48 before travel, but wondered how easy it is to get vets? I was looking at a Monday return ferry, then realised that would mean a vet visit on a Saturday.

If anyone can recommend a vet or any advice, would be most grateful - first timers and all that.

I found the info on France in June most helpful - think that's when I will go.

Cheers - looking forward to reply

You are wise to take the vet opening times into account. You may find vets only open Mon-Fri, plus Saturday morning. We always book our return ferry for Wed or Thurs to give maximum opportunity to get the vet appointment.

Our favourite vet is Dr Leleu in St Quentin. After treatment about 2 or 3 pm, we go on to Peronne for the night, before heading off to Calais for shopping and ferry home the next day, say 5 pm. We have also stayed at the municipal in St Quentin in the winter, when Peronne is shut, but it has a very basic shower block.

We spend 3 nights at La Bien Assise, in Guines near Calais. Arrive Tuesday, vets on Wednesday, Thursday last minute shopping then get the early ferry home Friday. This is the way we like to do it.

             Jim 

Last summer we took Tess our Border Collie to France. We stayed at a site near Ardres on our return. Vets on Monday, ferry Tuesday. 5 min drive from site, English speaking, 42 Euros. Simple.

WOW thanks very much everyone, some sound advice.  You have confirmed my thoughts. It also makes me realise that I really should make sure I book the crossing in advance. We were thinking of just turning up at the docks, but perhaps not.

Just one more BIG favour, I don't suppose anyone has a number for the vet they used do they? I will look on the net as well.

Jeepster, I think the vet / site you talk about will be the best for us. We are coming up from the Loire and want to avoid the Paris direction. Can you give me the detials? phone number or name of vet & site where you stopped.

Do you book your appointment with the vet before you travel? I am thinking this must be the way?

I'm so excited. Billy is also a Collie & I was worried about taking him, with the heat (hopefully) however I am reassured that there seem to be so many Collies on tour. 

Thanks everyone.

Hi BillysMum

We used Dr Paulus in Eperleque near Calais who works with his wife so I think he may be the same vet Tim and Carey used.  His address is:  Bleue Maison, 62910 Eperleques.  Tel: 03 21 88 46 00  Fax 03 21 88 45 10.  We just left plenty of time to go see him and stayed at Chateau de Gandspette for two nights so we could go see him the first day to make an appointment for the following day.  I think he closes early Wednesdays  but will work on appointments on Saturdays. (he may charge more tho)  He and his wife speak a little bit of english.  We found him very nice and very fussy and thorough with the passports, health checks etc.  We also went in June with our 4 dogs and have booked again for next year.  We will certainly use Dr Paulus again

Pam

Sometimes You're the windscreen; sometimes the fly

Hi if you want a vets at Calais try

Christian Petry 48 Rue de Gaule

tel 0321347739

it is very easy to find and park outside on road we always use this one

HAPPY NEW YEAR by the way!

Thanks people for all this info. 65E does sound a lot doesn't it. cheaper than kennels though I guess.

thanks for the info every one. we are taking our airdale to France in June

waiting for all clear this week,

whats the going rate for a vet in France please .  thanks

Quote: Originally posted by Billys Mum on 01/1/2008

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Thanks people for all this info. 65E does sound a lot doesn't it. cheaper than kennels though I guess.

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we are in Austria at the moment with our three dogs

the vet's appointment will be Saturday morning (12/1/200* and we leave here at 6.00 am Sunday morning.  Should be in Calais between 2.30/3.00 pm Sunday afternoon for the ferry - no caravan to tow this trip !!

We have found over many years that most vets in Europe ask what date/time you need putting in the passport, which does not necessarily relate to when the treatment is done.

Have a GREAT trip.  You and your dog will love it.

Oh well, lunch over - back on the piste !

Michael