Hi,I am planning on show 1 of my dogs in France later in the year,had hoped to find someone who's been abroad before,to give me a lift,but they're all not going now,so I think I'll have to go it alone.I am nervous,as I don't speak much French,and have never driven abroad before.
I'm planning to find pet friendly accomodation near Calais for the 13th and 14th August,also I need a vet before coming home?
Can anyone recommend a website for accomodation,and how can I find the vets before travelling home on the 15th?
I will still try to find a lift,but any advice would be greatly accepted,thanks!

When we showed in France there was a vet at the show who could do the tick&wormer.
So it would be worth asking the show organisers if the vet on site could treat the dog?

You soon get used to driving on the wrong side and I don't speak any french at all but still managed.
We did get lost once and had to get directions from a lady who spoke very little English but sign language and piece of paper where the directions could be drawn saved us :).
Sat nav that works in europe is also a good to have :)

We have used few different websites to book our accomodation, I just googled hotel/name of the place and went from there.
Most places seem to be pet friendly and allow dogs.

Thank you,will check schedule for vets.

The shows we have been to in France have had vets on duty as the dogs have been "vetted" into the show with the dog checked for obvious signs of illness and passports, microchips and vaccinations all checked. The show vets did our passport work.

European hotels are more pet friendly than in the Uk , when traveling to shows I tend to use bookings.com - searching by town and pets welcome. If you are showing in a well known exhibition centre the website also gives you hotels graded by distance from the venue.  

Driving on the wrong side of the road feels odd for first few miles but once on main moterways it really isn't too bad. I would recommend a sat nav .. would'nt do Europe without one esp when in major towns to find hotels / venues etc.  Just give yourself plenty of time to get from A to B as until you feel more confident you will drive a bit slower than your norm.

Oh and ENJOY .. I know we do when we go to Europe :))

K

I do have the europe tom tom,thank you ever so much! :))

We have a  Garmin and found our hotel on a weekend away in Belgium no problem., same with hubby picking Inka and I from Brussels Airport and driving to and from Dunkirk.

Hi I live in France and show my dogs regularly, there is not always a vet a every show so it will depend on the show you are going to, you can always email the organisers to ask if a vet will be there.  Work out your dates for when you are leaving, the worm and tick treatment has to be given at a certain time.  I think DEFRA have a list of vets in the Calais area.  Hotels in France are usually great with dogs, some charge, some don't, I use Ibis, Formule 1, B and B, Akena, Ace, Premier Classe, all low budget but OK for one night.  Once you start driving on the other side you will soon get used to it, don't worry and enjoy yourself.  Dog showing in France can be quite an experience!  Which show are you going to?  Forgot to say that 15th August is a bank holiday - although most of August is a holiday in France - don't forget to factor in the traffic!  
Have a great time.
Jan

Just looked at the Calender, and depending on what time your ferry/train is on 15th you will need to get a late (ish) appointment on the Saturday. You will need to start checking if vets are open on the Saturday (as it's bank holiday weekend) and if they are open after midday.
Just a thought.

Jan 

I know,found out about flaming Bank Holiday yesterday,will probably get to the vets Tuesday morning,then travel home on the Wednesday afternoon,which does mean we have to change our dates a little,but bringing my dog home is more important.We are showing a Brittany at the National D'Elevage,Saint Omer/Clairmarais,thank you for your imformation!:))

LOL you've reminded me of how I used to feel driving on the other side of the road: I used to catch a ferry that would get us to Calais or Rotterdam for about 2am--the roads would be as empty as they could be, and I had time to make any mistakes without any honking horns. By the time the traffic built up for morning rush hour I felt completely at home :)