pet travel brittany ferries

Join our Adventure: Get all my insider tips for motorhoming & road trips

REVIEWED: Pet-friendly Cabin on Brittany Ferries. Worth it, or not?

Thinking of taking your dog to France using a Pet Friendly Cabin with Brittany Ferries? Not sure if it’s the right option for you? Here’s everything you need to know about the options for travelling with your pet on the ferry and how to make it even easier.

Don’t forget to grab your FREE dog travel checklist below to make sure you remember everything!

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

JUMP AHEAD TO...

Taking a dog to France- the options

I HATED the idea of leaving our little adventure puppy Mac in the car on the ferry from the UK to France.

In fact, we were prepared to drive from Devon to the Eurotunnel and then back to the West coast of France (a one-way trip of around 700 miles)… all to avoid putting him through that.

However, I discovered you can take a dog from the UK to France in a dog-friendly cabin on the ferry – and it’s made our travelling so much easier!

Here’s a full review of travelling on a pet-friendly ferry with Brittany Ferries from England to France.

TOP TIP: we know it can get hot when travelling in a car or camper so here are a few tips on how to help keep your dog cool whilst travelling .

Taking a ferry from UK to France with dogs- what pet-friendly cabin options are there?

There are many ferries to France from UK, but I was surprised to learn that there are actually two ferry companies which offer pet or dog-friendly cabins; DFDS, Brittany Ferries .

Note: For my Irish followers, Irish Ferries don’t do pet cabins but they do have pet kennels on some of their routes.

Because of where we’re based in the UK, the Brittany Ferries port of Portsmouth is easy for us and the route which offers pet-friendly cabins from England to France is the Portsmouth to Caen route.

Portsmouth to Le Havre did use to offer pet-friendly cabins on some ships but the pandemic killed this option- hopefully it will return one day.

It is also possible to book pet-friendly kennels from the UK to Spain and I believe DFDS do pet-friendly cabins on some routes; check with each ferry operator for more details.

Requirements to take a dog from the UK to France

Before you can leave the UK with your dog, whether by ferry or Eurotunnel , you need to get he appropriate paperwork.

Here’s everything you need to know about taking a dog from the UK to France after BREXIT.

Pet-Friendly cabin with Brittany Ferries: check-in

Checking in with a dog for a pet-friendly cabin is surprisingly easy, at least on the Portsmouth side. You arrive at the port and pull in to the correct lane.

NOTE: Brittany Ferries often have multiple sailings close together, so make sure it’s the right lane for your destination!!

The check-in agent will require:

• Your booking reference
• Your passports (including the pet passports)
• You to scan your dog/ pet with their microchip scanner so they can check it’s the correct pet
• To see the muzzle for the dog (more on that next!)

TOP TIP : Try to at least PRETEND like you’ve used the muzzle before. We still had ours in the packaging… I could feel the woman rolling her eyes at us!!

Once complete, they will give you a sticker for the outside of your car to show you have a pet onboard. You will also be handed your pet-friendly cabin keycards and a paper hanger for your rear-view mirror. 

ANOTHER TOP TIP – fold a corner over on the sticker to make a flap so it’s easier to peel off. 

They will then direct you to the correct lane to park up in and you are through- ready from your ferry to France and your pet’s big adventure onboard!

Brittany Ferries- Dog Muzzle requirements

Since telling people we use the pet-friendly cabins to take our dog to France, the biggest question we’ve been getting is “Does he have to wear a muzzle?”

The short answer is yes but, before you immediately close down this webpage in disgust , let me give you the longer answer.

You do NOT need to muzzle your dog at all until onboard the ferry , so whilst you’re at the port waiting, you can go for a walk/ wee without needing to put it on.

There are NO dog play areas at Portsmouth port, which is a real shame, especially in comparison to the excellent facilities at the Eurotunnel.

But there are places for a walk/ wee before you board- and I highly recommend you do this!

The first time you need the muzzle is when you get out of the car onboard the ferry. You’ll be parked next to a specific door, which has a lift or stairs taking you straight up to the ‘Pet Deck’.

You’ll be with several other dogs (we had about 10 with us) and ALL of them were muzzled.  There were several members of Brittany Ferries staff around and they insisted on all dogs wearing a muzzle- even if they were being carried.

If the dog is in a crate it does not need a muzzle.

ANOTHER TOP TIP : Do NOT wait until this moment to put a muzzle on your 4-month-old puppy for the first time.

Not that WE would ever be so stupid… (Ooops!)

Poor Mac HATED the muzzle (as do most dogs) and he looked so sad, it broke my heart to make him wear it.

Having said that, it was on for 5 minutes . Tops. In the grand scheme of things, I’d much rather he was upset for 5 minutes while I’m there to cuddle and reassure him, then him being stuck on his own in the car deck, upset for hours. 

That’s our opinion on the muzzling. Get one which goes on really quickly and doesn’t need lots of fastening/ adjusting. We like this one as it still allows him to breathe easily.

It’s not on him long enough to worry about him drinking. After a couple of trips on the ferry, he’s much more used to it and will even sit while we fasten the muzzle on him. 

It’s really hard to know which size to get, so a pet shop might be your best bet, although they can be more expensive.

Brittany Ferries Pet-Friendly cabin review- how much does it cost?

The Brittany Ferries Pet-Friendly ferry cabins from the UK to France cost exactly the same amount as the normal cabins.

I believe we paid £79 (each way) for an inside 4 berth. On top of this, you had to pay a small supplement for each dog.

Taking a dog to France with Brittany Ferries- be sure to book them on!

You MUST make sure you book your dog onto the crossing, as well as booking the cabin and the passengers. When you are filling in the details on the booking for adults/ children who are travelling, you’ll find a small section below which asks how many pets you will be taking.

I believe there is a maximum of 2 dogs per pet-friendly cabin, so if you have more dogs you might want to look at a different option for travelling to France with your dogs.

Obviously, you can take a dog to France without booking a pet-friendly cabin- but you’ll be leaving them in the car.

See inside a Dog-friendly cabin

Here’s a quick video, showing you what to expect from a pet-friendly ferry cabin with Brittany Ferries:

We hope you found the video useful. If you did, we’d love it if you followed us on Youtube . New videos with tips for motorhoming and campervanning in the UK and Europe are released weekly.

Pet-Friendly Cabin on Brittany Ferries

All the pet cabins are on one deck, in a little corner of the ship not accessed by any other passengers. We’ve been on several of the ships and the layouts are all fairly similar.

On one of the ships, you’ll get the keycard for your cabin as you check in. On the other pet-friendly ferry, you’ll get a keycard on check-in, but someone will meet you at the bottom of the stairs to the pet area with a code for your cabin written on a card.

I’m not sure why this is- maybe they change the codes regularly??

The dog-friendly cabins on Brittany Ferries are exactly the same as any of the other cabins… with 2 notable exceptions.

Firstly, there is no carpet anywhere. For obvious reasons.

Secondly, Brittany Ferries provides a lovely welcome pack for your pooch, with a collapsible water/ food bowl, some poop bags (who thought I’d ever use that word so much on a blog!!) and a biscuit/ treats for your pup.

(These aren’t always available, so bring your own food/ water bowls just in case. I LOVE these bowls, especially as they lock shut so I can store his food for the next morning safely without it spilling)

Ferry from England to France with a dog- where do they ‘go’?

There is an outside ‘Pet Deck’, where you can walk your dog and encourage him to do his business. 

There’s a bin to dispose of your poop bags and a hose is provided to wash down after them- PLEASE use it. Mac happily splashed his way through all sorts of unpleasantness and then proceeded to jump all over me.

It was awesome. Not.

Mac wasn’t entirely sure what he was supposed to be doing on that weird floor out in all that wind- even after watching several other dogs do their ‘thing’.

It took a good 25 minutes to get anything out of him, so go prepared with a coat. I did NOT bring a coat with me and it was FREEZING- major lesson learnt.

It’s not a big area and you can’t let them off their lead. Make sure the lead is sturdy, like this one ; it’s a horrible fall overboard and I think Mac could have squeezed through the railings if he has a chance.

Also, all dogs MUST wear a muzzle whilst outside their cabin. 

Overnight ferry to France in a Brittany Ferries Dog-Friendly cabin

We booked an inside cabin, for no real reason other than I thought the view out the window might freak Mac out a little.

There were the usual 2 bunks below and 2 in the ceiling.

( If you want to know more about using Brittany Ferries to go to France, this video might be useful. )

There is no form of crate in the cabin, so you might prefer to bring your own. Dogs aren’t allowed on the beds, and trying to keep Mac on the floor is…troublesome! So a collapsible crate like this one would be a great idea.

Can the dog go to the restaurant on the ferry?

Pets are not allowed in the restaurant or anywhere else onboard the ship, so you can either take it in turns to go get breakfast, or leave your dog alone in the cabin.

We didn’t want to upset him, so I went down and grabbed bacon, sausages and bread rolls, along with tea & coffee… and carried them back up to the cabin.

I have no idea if this is allowed or not, but nobody stopped me so we enjoyed breakfast in our cabin with a fairly contented puppy.

Entering France with a Dog

If you’re used to travelling to France on a ferry, the next bit is a little different from what you might be used to.

Instead of having to leave your cabin 30 minutes before docking, you actually have to wait in your cabin until an announcement is made asking all Pet Owners to return to their cars. 

Once off the ferry, you need to show your passport at Passport Control to enter France.

They didn’t want to see Mac or his passport at all- they didn’t seem in the slightest bit interested. One quick swipe of our human passports, and we were set free to go motorhoming in France.

Returning to the UK from France with your dog on a ferry.

The return is pretty much the same. You’ll need the same information at check-in, and again, they ask to scan the microchip and see the muzzle.

Again, there is nowhere in either Le Havre or Caen for dogs to run and play, but you are allowed to walk them before going through security.

Don’t forget to get your worming tablet given by a vet 1-5 days before travel back to the UK- more details on that here. 

Brittany Ferries Pet-Friendly cabin review- is it a good way to take a dog to France?

Absolutely! We love being able to keep our dog with us throughout the ferry crossing between England and France. 

Apart from being FROZEN on the poop deck, (my fault for forgetting a coat) none of us were ever worried and he wasn’t separated from us once.

There were no kennels or cages and (apart from the short time he had to wear a muzzle) he was totally calm about the whole thing- pretty amazing for a 4-month-old puppy!

The proof is in the pudding, as they say- we have now booked used Pet-friendly cabins onboard Brittany Ferries for the past 4 years and still think they’re a fantastic way to travel to and from France.

Top Tip: BOOK EARLY if you want to travel in school holidays- the Portsmouth to France ferry routes book up ridiculously quickly and there’s only a limited number of cabins.

Have you ever tried a pet-friendly cabin with Brittany Ferries or any other company? What did you think of the service?? Let me know below- I’d love to hear your experience.

How else can I help you today??

• Taking your dog to France from UK after BREXIT
• Essential dog travel accessories your road trip needs
• France road trips- 10 fantastic ideas
• 10 Epic cities to visit in France

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

Visiting Ireland with a dog? Read this First!

Introducing our Adventure Puppy!

10 essential Dog Motorhome & Caravan travel accessories

Travelling with a dog this Summer? READ THIS FIRST!

How to get a pet passport

Taking a Dog to France or Europe- Complete Guide

We’ve taken our dog to France several times on the ferry. Very good article, covers many of the important things to consider and very well written. Thanks

Hi. Thanks for this entire site – it’s very useful and informative for someone considering taking the plunge. On the subject of taking dogs on ferries I think it is worth mentioning that on some ferries there is a third option as they have kennels. Personally I think it is a terrible option and would never use them but might suit someone. We have taken our large dog on Brittany ferries many times but leave him in the car. I don’t think he is a big fan but he at least tolerates it. The plus side is that it is his bed and “space” that he knows. I’m not sure he would fit in the cabins!

Thank you for sharing your blog post regarding taking your dog from the UK to France on a pet friendly ferry. Well written, very informative and interesting. Nice photos also. I will bookmark your site for future reference.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Adventures of Django and Arya

Brittany ferries.

Pet Travel >> By Ferry >> Brittany Ferries

• Last Updated January 3, 2024

If you’re looking for a pet friendly ferry in 2024 from the UK to EU, Brittany Ferries has options. We’ve spoken to many people who regularly use the Brittany Ferries pet friendly cabins from Portsmouth, England (UK) to Santander, Spain. They load up their motor homes or cars, then set sail with their furry friend from Portsmouth. Upon arrival in Santander, fully rested from their pet friendly cabin, they drive onwards with their cat or dog to their final destination in Spain , France or Portugal . However, you don’t have to opt for a Brittany Ferries pet friendly cabin, as your pet can also travel in your vehicle or an onboard kennel. The cost of Brittany Ferries pet friendly cabins and kennels vary, and they aren’t available on every ship or route. Check out reviews for Brittany Ferries to hear what other pet travellers think, or read the full Brittany Ferries pet travel policy 202 4.

Create your own review

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes

Table of contents

Cost of brittany ferries pet friendly cabin, cost of brittany ferries pet in vehicle, cost of brittany ferries kennel, brittany ferries policy for foot passengers, bicycles, motorcycles with pets, pet friendly holidays, related pages, pet friendly brittany ferries routes to france and spain.

It’s all the ‘ P’s ‘ if you’re sailing from the UK with your pet to France or Spain, as the UK ports for Brittany Ferries are Portsmouth, Plymouth and Poole! The Routes available are:

There’s no pet friendly ferry between the UK and Portugal at the moment, so if that’s where you heading, check out our complete guide to relocatIng a cat or dog to Portugal .

Brittany Ferries Pet Travel Options – Pet Friendly Cabins, Kennels or Remain in Car

Whether or not you can opt for a pet friendly cabin, an on-board kennel, or for your cat, dog or ferret to remain in your car depends on the ship used for your crossing.

* Pets travelling on the Pont-Aven ; pets may stay in either a pet-friendly cabin or in your vehicle when on crossings to and from France. When sailing to or from Spain, pets must stay in a pet-friendly cabin, or dogs can stay in a kennel. Cats must stay in a pet-friendly cabin on all sailings to/from Spain.

Brittany Ferries Pet Friendly Cabins

Pet friendly cabins are currently available on four of Brittany Ferries ships:

The cabins are designed to comfortably accommodate a single pet. If you wish to take more than one pet, please get in touch with Brittany Ferries. Pets are not allowed in any of the public areas of any ship. All pet-friendly cabins have the following features:

• Air-conditioned
• Bunk-style beds
• Laminate flooring

Bedding for your pet is not supplied so remember to take your own!

All ships with pet-friendly cabins have a pet exercise area on board. Remember that your pet must be muzzled and on a lead when outside your cabin. This also means during the journeys between your vehicle and your cabin, the cabin and the exercise area and whilst in the exercise area.

The cost of a pet friendly cabin with Brittany Ferries varies, depending on the route, cabin size and time of year. The cabins cost from £40 per crossing, in addition to the tickets purchased for you and your cat or dog.

Brittany Ferries Pet in Vehicle

If you would rather keep your cat or dog in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing, rather than a pet friendly cabin with Brittany Ferries to Spain or France, then they must remain in your vehicle. You will also have to ensure that you open your car windows to provide ventilation during sailing, and leave water for your pet. The garage decks may be warm when you first park, but once the ship has set sail, the temperature is carefully regulated and inspected regularly. It’s worth taking along some window grilles so that your pet has a flow of fresh air, while being unable to escape.

A maximum of five pets are allowed per vehicle, but it’s important to make sure each pet has sufficient space within the vehicle for safety and comfort. Multiple pets will create extra heat in the vehicle and this should be taken into account before making your journey. During times of high temperatures please reconsider transporting cats or dogs that have difficulty in maintaining a normal body temperature in hot weather, such as snub nose dogs.

Please also keep the following in mind before booking:

• Access to the garage decks during the crossing is forbidden, except when with a crew member. There are no pet visits to the garage decks on overnight sailings.
• If you are travelling on Normandie Express , you will not be allowed to visit your pet during your sailing.
• To visit your pet during your sailing, you will need a ticket. To obtain a ticket, present your passport or driving licence at the information desk – your ID will be held securely during your visit.
• Visits are limited to one person per vehicle for a maximum of 15 minutes. For exact visit times, please ask at the information desk. Pets must stay inside the vehicle as the purpose of these visits is to check on their well-being only.
• All visits are subject to operational and weather conditions. The captain reserves the right to change or refuse visits at any time.

From £25 per pet one way, you can take your cat or dog on any of the routes to France.

Pets in Kennel

Kennels are available in two different sizes, small and large. Be aware that Brittany Ferries doesn’t allow cats to occupy kennels on any crossing.

The small Brittany Ferries kennel is suitable for the following dog breeds as a guide:

• Basset Hound
• King Charles Spaniel
• Jack Russell Terrier

For the large kennel, the large kennel is considered suitable for a:

• German Shepherd

The kennels can be booked on four of Brittany Ferries’ ships:

• Bretagne (24 small & 12 large kennels)
• Galicia (10 small & 2 large kennels)
• Pont-Aven (42 small & 24 large kennels)
• Salamanca (10 small & 2 large kennels)

A water tap is provided nearby the Brittany Ferries on board kennels, and there’s a dog waste bin with bags available.

Bedding is not supplied so you must remember to take your own. You should also take your own water bowls, food, toys etc. Our pet travel checklist  will keep you on track!

Pets in kennels are not allowed in any of the public areas of the ship and  must be muzzled  and on a lead at all times outside of the kennel. This includes during the journeys between your vehicle and the kennel, the kennel and the exercise area and whilst in the exercise area.

The kennels are accessible at all times. Access is gained through a metal caged door (via a security swipe card keypad, card issued at check-in).

To Spain, the price is from £79 return for kennel accommodation.

Brittany Ferries doesn’t permit foot passengers to travel with dogs, cats, or any other animal on any of their crossings. Passengers with bicycles or motorcycles also can’t take a pet.

If you don’t have a vehicle for the journey, you’ll be pleased to know that DFDS has some foot passenger options available.

In addition to permitting dogs to travel onboard their ships in pet friendly cabins, within your vehicle or in a kennel, Brittany Ferries also offers pet friendly holidays to France and Spain. The options available for your holiday headquarters include apartments, cottages, camp sites and hotels. To book a ferry crossing and accommodation package, visit the Brittany Ferries website to view the choices available for your required dates.

Remember to leave a review if you travel with Brittany Ferries with your pet!

Pet Friendly Ferries

• Protecting your cat or dog in a foreign country
• Taking your pet to France
• 7 Acts of Animal Altruism
• Global Airline Pet Policies
• Entering Spain with a pet
• 8 Essential Pet Travel Accessories
• The Top 3 Ways to take your pet to France

Flying with Pets

Comprehensive guides to flying with cats and dogs in the cabin, and in the hold as checked baggage or cargo.

Prefer sailing the seas to soaring the skies? Then check out our selection of global pet friendly ferries.

Pet Friendly Trains

Read about rail routes and pet policies for worldwide train networks.

Pet Travel Schemes

Do you need a Pet Passport, Animal Health Certificate or Import Permit for your next trip? Discover the documentations and preparations required under each country’s pet travel scheme.

Protecting Cats & Dogs

Remember to keep your pet safe from vector-borne diseases when you travel to a foreign destination.

Pet Cargo & Couriers

Discover airline cargo companies, and pet couriers to transport your cat, dog, ferret, rabbit or bird by road.

Pet Friendly Destinations

Check out our directory of worldwide pet friendly destinations

Pet Friendly Hotels

Once you decide where you're heading for your next trip, find the paw-fect pet friendly accommodation, reviewed by other cat and dog owners..

Dog Friendly Beaches & Parks

Locate the best dog friendly beaches and parks to visit with your four-legged friend.

Add a Pet Friendly Place to our Global Directory

Recent posts.

Taking a Dog to The Algarve

Are you spending the summer months, or planning a winter escape with your dog in the Algarve? Look no further as we’re going to fill

Fifteen Airlines that Permit Pets in Cabin 2024

When flying with a cat or dog, there’s no doubt that pet safety is paramount. They’re precious cargo after all! Many international airlines allow small

Pet Friendly Sleeper Trains in Europe 2024

With an increased demand for environmentally friendly travel options in 2024, you’ll be happy to hear that pet travel in the EU and UK is

8 Pet Friendly Hotels in UK for 2024

With the cost of living crisis, many cat and dog owners are opting for a staycation in the UK, and thankfully there’s an array of

7 Chilling Animal Myths for Halloween

Growing up in Glasgow, Scotland, superstitions were integrated into everyday life in our household, and they always related to avoiding bad luck! Spill the salt?

COVID-19 is STILL Affecting Pets on Planes

This summer, with worldwide airport chaos due to staff shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s not just human holidays that are being cancelled –

Quarantine for Cats & Dogs

Pet quarantine used to be commonplace when travelling with cats and dogs. But, following the introduction of the European Union (EU) Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)

7 Transatlantic Pet Friendly Airlines

Does your next international pet vacation or relocation in 2024 involve an international transatlantic flight with your cat or dog? If yes, you’ll be happy

4 IATA Compliant Airline Pet in Hold Crates

Pet safety is of paramount importance when flying a cat, dog or other animal in the aircraft hold, so an International Air Transport Association (IATA)

• Traveling with your pet from the UK to Spain: a complete guide

Ride smoothly to Spain with your furry friend

• Ferry Tickets

Wondering if there's a dog-friendly ferry to Spain from the UK ? The two countries are connected by Brittany Ferries vessels, where pets are more than welcome!

Find out all you need to know about onboard accommodation , tickets and documentation , as well as the necessary equipment you need to travel on the ferry to Spain from the UK with your dog, cat or other pet.

Useful info : find out all about ferry routes from the UK to Spain on our dedicated blog post, departing from the ports of Portsmouth and Plymouth to Bilbao and Santander .

Happy dog preparing for a ferry trip

Can I take my pet on a ferry to Spain from the UK?

Yes, you can travel with your pet on all ferries sailing from the UK to Spain. Brittany Ferries vessels serving routes to Spain offer pet-friendly amenities for dogs, cats, ferrets, and other domesticated pets. You can bring along up to 5 pets on the ferry.

Important : bear in mind that you must travel with a car if you want to bring along your pet/pets. You can’t bring a pet if you are traveling as a foot passenger, nor if you are traveling with a bicycle or a motorcycle.

Ferry tickets for dogs , cats and ferrets can be booked online for sailings on all Brittany Ferries routes. Note that rabbits are not allowed on ferries to Spain.

What documentation do I need to travel on the ferry to Spain with a pet?

In order to be able to board the ferry to Spain with your dog or other pet and enjoy a smooth holiday, you need to have valid and recently updated pet documentation . Necessary documents depend on the kind of pet you are traveling with and country of departure:

• Dogs : a pet passport or Animal Health Certificate showing that the pet has been microchipped and vaccinated against rabies (if you depart from the UK) or treated against tapeworm (if you depart from Spain).
• Cats / ferrets : a pet passport or Animal Health Certificate. 

Brittany Ferries offers the pet travel pre-check service 96 hours before departure, so you can confirm that your pet's travel documentation is valid to travel. The service is free of charge.

Remember that you must bring your pet's documentation with you as you may be required to present these documents when you check in at the port.

Tip : note that the UK has left the European Union and you can find the latest guidelines on taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad on gov.uk .

Double trouble checking in the ferry from the UK to Spain

Where can my pet stay on board UK - Spain ferries?

Ferries to Spain are pet-friendly and well equipped in terms of amenities and accommodation options. There are 3 different ways that your pet can travel on UK - Spain ferries:

• in your car
• in a kennel
• in a pet-friendly cabin

Pet accommodation options vary from one Brittany Ferries vessel to another, and also depend on the route. However note that all ferries are equipped with pet exercise areas . Note that pets are not allowed in the vessels’ public areas (except registered assistance dogs) and should wear a muzzle and a leash at all times outside the cabin, kennel or car.

Kennels are available in two different sizes: large and small. It is possible that two small dogs can share a large kennel. There is a water tap nearby and there is a dog-waste bin with bags available. You can visit your dog during the sail. Make sure to bring your own supplies when it comes to bedding, water bowls, food, etc. There are no kennels available for cats.

Pet-friendly cabins are available on all UK - Spain ferries. All pet-friendly cabins are equipped with comforts , such as fresh linen and towels and A/C. There are both inside and outside cabins available. These cabins are designed to comfortably accommodate one pet.

Pets staying in vehicles should remain there throughout the journey. You can visit your pet to check its well-being (1 passenger only and for up to 15 minutes) accompanied by a member of the crew. Remember to leave food and water for your pet, as well as absorbent bedding and any toys that might make them feel more comfortable, and to leave the car windows slightly open for ventilation .

Note : due to Brittany Ferries’ health and safety measures, passengers must check in at least 90 minutes before departure . Pet-carrying vehicles will be handed a special sticker upon arrival at the port, that should not be removed before leaving the port of arrival.

How much does it cost to bring my pet on a ferry to Spain from the UK?

You can catch the ferry to Spain with your dog, cat, or ferret, with pet tickets starting at around £45 (around €52). Prices vary depending on the accommodation you choose for your pet (kennel, cabin or car).

Important : if you're thinking of traveling to Spain with your pet, bear in mind that space is usually limited, especially in the summer. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you book well in advance .

Feeling the breeze and the waves in Santander

Feeling blue when you leave your furry friend behind to go on holiday? You don’t have to! Ride the ferry to Spain with your pet, and explore its beautiful countryside and long, sandy beaches together!

Useful info : for the time being, it is not possible to book tickets for ferries between the UK and Spain on Ferryhopper, but we are always working on including new ferry routes. Use our Map of ferries to check out of all available connections from the UK and… stay tuned!

Latest article

Keep on reading

• SNAV June offer: Italy - Croatia ferry tickets from €9 June 7, 2024
• Seajets ferry offers: up to 30% off for Crete & the Sporades June 5, 2024
• 25% Italy - Greece early-booking offer by Ventouris Ferries for 2024 June 5, 2024

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Holiday Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travellers' Choice
• Help Centre

Pet friendly cabins = pet owner... - Brittany Ferries

• Europe    
• United Kingdom (UK)    
• England    
• Hampshire    
• Portsmouth    
• Portsmouth - Things to Do    
• Brittany Ferries

We have travelled with BF for many years. It is a ferry not a cruise ship, as some people seem to... read more

May 2024 and April 2022 - so two round trips undertaken for business reasons and travelling solo... read more

Pet friendly cabins = pet owner friendly!

Travelled on the 'economie' service from Portsmouth to Le Havre. Departs 11.30pm at night and arrives 8.30am. Chose this service as it seems to be the only one to Europe that lets dogs on board in your cabin. Really clean cabins (no smell from pets at all). Small bar and restaurant. Cars are on one open air level. The booking process says that it is a no frills service, but that doesn't mean it wasn't clean and well cared for. Just means there is less on it as it is a small ferry. At 11.30pm at night it is bed time anyway, ready for the drive the next day. Would use it again definitely.

I travel the Caen - Portsmouth BRITTANY Ferries route approx 6 times a year. Why is it alway late??? Bad scheduling or just poor management?

Did a 2 night mini cruise in Feb from Portsmouth to st Malo France despite being petrified of feeling travel sick I was surprisingly ok and didn't notice it as much as I thought I would food and drinks are a great price on board we actually went to the cinema as we don't have time to at home was good price for that too entertainment was great st Malo was beautiful down side is you're not aloud back on the boat and there isn't much to do we didn't have breakfast on boat before we got off as wanted to have it in st Malo but no where opened till 11am and the one place that was open wasn't great but it did all came alive we got a bus (about 50p each,,' each way) to the aquarium which was a fab 3-4 hours highly recommend that well worth money and the trip then went to st Malo for lunch then looked around and walked around outskirts on top very good though worth the money was £40 each for us when booked didn't need much spending money would recommend for family's couples or hen/stag parties

We boarded the ferry slightly late but they made up time and docked in Bilbao on time. This is THE way to get to Spain with your motorhome, the cabin is so comfortable and the food for £8 a main meal is beautiful, recommend the rack of lamp if on offer. 30 hours seems a long time, but it flys by. I love the way they cater for pets with their own deck for walking them and their ablutions. Will definitely use them again, brilliant!

Dear ‘Dave P’, I am so glad to hear that you had a great trip to Bilbao,enjoying the facilities of the cabin and the cuisine on board. It is great to know that you will choose to travel with us again in the future and we look forward to welcoming you back onboard. Thank you for taking the time to post your review. Kind regards Alison Anakkar Customer Services Brittany Ferries

We took the overnight ferry but couldn't get a cabin. We suffered from the air conditioning, wrong clothes and slightly uncomfortable chairs. The clever people had sleeping bags and pillows. I can't really blame Britanny Ferries and have learned from my mistake.

Having travelled to Plymouth from Santander three weeks previously on the Pont Aven with my small dog, I was disappointed with my return journey on the Cap Finistere. Compared to the Pont Aven, the kennels were narrower and lacking food/water dispensers, and the cleaning of the exercise area took twenty minutes longer than scheduled in the morning, but my dissatisfaction lies predominantly with the security. The exercise area is larger than on the Pont Aven, but as a result it is visited by non-dog owners, who use it to drink and sunbathe, and even entertain their children by visiting the dogs. Having gone to great trouble, both emotionally and financially, of travelling with my dog, I did not expect the following circumstances. On several occasions the exercise area was full of non-dog owners, making it difficult to walk with my dog and let it do its business. I was also forced to confront non-dog owners who were standing by the grated door of the kennels making noises and looking at the dogs. Considering the stress they are already under, I was furious that they were allowed to be disturbed by these strangers. Although the door to the kennel is coded, I firmly believe that the small gate which opens onto the exercise area requires a lock system to prevent the crowding and overall nuisance caused by non-dog owners. A smooth crossing with lovely staff, made unnecessarily uncomfortable by this oversight on Brittany Ferries' behalf.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Register to vote Register by 18 June to vote in the General Election on 4 July.

• Environment
• Wildlife, animals, biodiversity and ecosystems
• Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes
• Animal & Plant Health Agency
• Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs

Pet travel: sea and rail routes and companies you can use

Updated 7 June 2024

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

• Publication for Northern Ireland

© Crown copyright 2024

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pet-travel-approved-air-sea-rail-and-charter-routes-for-the-movement-of-pets/pet-travel-sea-routes-and-companies-you-can-use

We update these lists when we are told of changes. You should check with your travel company if you want to make sure they are still approved.

Ferry routes and companies

From the falkland islands, from france, from the netherlands, from the uk, cruise routes and companies, rail routes and companies, is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Travelling with your family.

Family holidays and breaks

Ferry travel is the perfect choice for families ready to dive into a fun-packed family holiday in France or Spain. Forget cramped plane seats, excess baggage charges and expensive car rental. Travelling by ferry is the best way to travel with your family. Kids will love being on board with cinemas, kids play areas and more. You might even meet our mascot, Pierre le Bear!

Family travel made easy

Enjoy your own space to relax with an ensuite cabin. And, by taking your own car, you're only limited by what you can fit inside - although you can add a rack with the family's bicycles and a roof box too. Book now, it's the best decision you're yet to make.

A greater way to escape this summer

Save up to 30% on your sailing when you book a Brittany Ferries Holiday

Lowest fare finder

Sail from just €161 each way for a car and 2 passengers

Travelling with children

On board, there's plenty to keep you and your kids occupied

Onboard entertainment

Resident cabaret singers through to children's entertainers, cocktail pianists, tribute acts and DJ sets

Reasons to travel

Child-friendly: Keep all the family entertained with lots of fun things for kids to do on board our ships

Your own space: Enjoy the freedom of a private ensuite cabin so you have a base from which to explore

Award-winning : We've been voted Best Ferry Company and Best Travel Company For Family Holidays in the 2022 British Travel Awards

Our routes and destinations

We take you via the most direct route to France and Spain  for less driving and a longer break. Cruise in comfort and style aboard our ferries where your holiday starts the moment you step on board.

Ferries to France

Depart from Cork or Rosslare and travel to Roscoff, Brittany or Cherbourg, Normandy for a direct Channel crossing to your holiday in France.

Cork to Roscoff

Rosslare to Cherbourg

Ferries to Spain

Set sail from Rosslare to Bilbao, Basque Country for your holiday in northern Spain.

Rosslare to Bilbao

Rosslare to Santander (winter only)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do i entertain my child on a ferry.

There is so much to keep kids entertained on our ferries that you shouldn't have any problems keeping them occupied! You'll find play areas and games rooms, and some ships even have cinemas showing the latest releases for all the family or offer a Video on Demand service. There's also seasonal children’s entertainment where they can get involved in all sorts of fun activities and maybe even meet our mascot Pierre le Bear! For older children, download our Ferrynauts app for adventurers aged 7-14. Don't worry about rumbly tummies either as children's meals are available in all our restaurants.

How do you travel with a baby on a ferry?

We've made travelling with a baby as comfortable as possible on our ferries. You will find baby changing facilities, microwaves in our restaurants to heat up baby food, and play areas for little ones. You can book a cot in your cabin for a charge or bring your own (but bear in mind that space is limited so you'll need to check the dimensions). We also offer a limited number of bed guards for young children sleeping in the beds so please ask at the information desk if you would like one. We advise booking a cabin on daytime sailings so that you have somewhere quiet for you and your baby where you can settle them down for a nap away from the busy public areas of the ship.

Can you take a pram on the ferry?

We recommend you take an easily foldable, lightweight pushchair or stroller for use on the ferry such as a YOYO. This is because there is limited space when you get out of your vehicle in the garage, in the lifts when travelling between decks and in your cabin. A small stroller or pushchair will also make it much easier to get around when exploring the ferry.

Do you have to pay for babies on the ferry?

Infants aged three and under travel for free on our ferries. If you wish to rent a cot to go in your cabin there is a charge for this, however, you are welcome to bring your own travel cot but you must check that it will fit in the cabin as space is limited.

Start planning your next trip

Information you need to know for your journey planning and booking

Your holiday begins on board

Our mission is to put you in a holiday mood as soon as you're on board

To help you plan your next sailing, view our ferry timetables to France and Spain

Port guides

Find out more about our ferry ports in the Ireland, France, Spain and the UK

Taking your pet abroad

What you need to know to make taking your pet on holiday a walk in the park

Priority disembarkation for just €15 each way

Be the first to disembark and start your holiday straight away

Book with confidence

With a choice of flexible ticket options and a refund guarantee, you can feel confident in booking with us

French escape or Spanish adventure...

Sail with us to France or Spain and discover some of our favourite holiday destinations

SAN SEBASTIÁN

SAINT-JEAN-DE-LUZ

Book a ferry

Search a holiday

Routes & Ports

Our ferries, onboard experience, planning your journey, destinations, self-catering holidays, highlighted holidays, hotels, breaks & tours, discover france, discover spain, inspiration, useful links, travel extras.

Please enable JavaScript to continue using this application.

2025 SAILINGS

Coming soon.

2025 sailings to France & Spain

Looking forward to travelling next year? So are we! Our sailings for winter 2024 and our 2025 season are nearly ready! Sign up now to be the first to hear and get ready to start planning your 2025 holiday.

Whether you want time together or time to yourselves, sail away with Brittany Ferries and enjoy the rich, relaxed experience of going by sea. We can't wait to welcome you on board!

Ferries to France

The most convenient cross-Channel ferries with the widest choice of departures

Ferries to Spain

We operate the most direct cruise ferry services to Spain from England

Lowest fare finder

Sail from £73 each way for a car + 2 passengers or just £21 per person on foot

A greater way to escape this summer

Save up to 30% on your sailing when you book a Brittany Ferries Holiday

Your holiday begins on board

With room to move on our spacious ships, great eateries and bars, shopping, entertainment and so much more, your holiday starts the moment you step on board.

Onboard dining

Delicious French and international cuisine can be enjoyed on board and our talented French chefs make food one of the highlights of every crossing

Onboard accommodation

Arrive at your destination feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep (or a daytime nap) in one of our cabins

Onboard entertainment

Resident music duos and cabaret singers, close-up magic and headlining illusion sets, through to children's entertainers, cocktail pianists, tribute acts and DJ sets

Duty free shopping

Save up to 40% versus the UK high street prices in our boutiques. Browse a great range of famous brands of perfumes, cosmetics, wines and more

French escape or Spanish adventure...

Sail with us to France or Spain and discover some of our favourite holiday destinations

MONT ST MICHEL

SAN SEBASTIÁN

Book a ferry

Search a holiday

Routes & Ports

Our ferries, onboard experience, planning your journey, destinations, highlighted holidays, collections, self-catering holidays, hotels, breaks & tours, top regions, city guides, inspiration, useful links, travel extras.

Please enable JavaScript to continue using this application.

Bahrain Pet Transport

What to know about bringing dogs and cats to bahrain, bahrain pet import rules and requirements.

Bringing your beloved pets to Bahrain requires careful planning and adherence to import regulations. At PetRelocation, we're here to guide you through this process to ensure a successful and stress-free move for your furry friends.

Pets arriving in Bahrain must travel via manifest cargo, and requirements vary based on the departure country. When relocating from the United States, pets need up-to-date rabies and other vaccines, such as Distemper for dogs and Feline Rhinotracheitis for cats. While not mandatory, we recommend microchipping for all traveling pets.

To help your pet feel at ease during the journey, we emphasize the importance of crate training. We suggest introducing your pet to the travel crate well in advance to help them become comfortable and reduce anxiety on the travel day. Additionally, consider the weather and climate in Bahrain when planning your pet's travel, as extreme temperatures can affect pet safety during transport.

Our team of specialists is ready to assist you in obtaining an Import Permit, Health Certificate and ensuring all vaccination requirements are met. With our expertise, you can enjoy peace of mind as you embark on this exciting new chapter in Bahrain. Whether you have a dog, cat, or furry companion, we're here to help you navigate the logistics and provide personalized support for a smooth relocation experience.

Do you need help planning your pet's move?

Complete our consultation form if you’re ready to learn more about pricing, logistics, and other travel details. Our team is ready to assist you!

Request Support

Regulations for Importing Pets to Bahrain

Attention: This information will be used as general guidelines and may not be updated to meet the current requirements. Before you travel, contact the appropriate authorities for your destination country.

Though not required for transporting pets to Bahrain, we recommend microchips for all traveling pets.

Rabies and Other Vaccines

The following vaccines are required for bringing pets to Bahrain:

Dogs: Rabies, DHLP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus)

• Dogs must have had at least two doses of these vaccines.
• Puppies must have had at least two doses of all these vaccinations. The first dose may be given at two months old and the second two to three weeks later. The puppy can be shipped no less than four weeks after the second dose.

Cats: Rabies, Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia

• Cats must have had at least two doses of these vaccines.
• Kittens must have had at least two doses of all of these vaccinations. The first dose may be given when two months old, and the second dose given two to three weeks later. The kitten can be shipped at least four weeks after the second dose.

Proof of these vaccines in original vaccination stickers will be needed to obtain the Import Permit.

Health Certificate

Within 10 days of departure, pets must have an original Health Certificate issued and/or approved by the USDA (or appropriate government office if originating elsewhere).

Import Permit

All pets arriving in Bahrain need an Import Permit. Your PetRelocation Specialist will obtain this on your behalf.

Additional Details

Upon arrival, pets will undergo inspection by government authorities. This clearance process, including a nasal swab test for rabies, generally takes two to four hours.

If all requirements are met, no quarantine is required for pets traveling to Bahrain.

Pet Travel Stories

“Maegan responded to my every concern for the months leading up to my contract signing. It was her kindness that convinced me PetRelocation was the service I needed. ”

— Brittany

Pet Travel Spotlight: Pretzel’s Move to Australia

From our blog.

Moving Your Pet to Taiwan?

Updated 2024 Guide: Understanding Australia’s New Pet Import Requirements

Planning Pet Travel to Australia

Pet Travel to Australia Via Canada

Planning Pet Travel to Australia From Colombia

How to Ship a Cat From Australia to the United States

How to Manage Dog Travel to Australia From China

Pet Move Spotlight: Four Pets Make the Most of Australian Quarantine

Brittany Ferries are planning to use an ekranoplan on the English Channel

Brittany Ferries intend to use a Ground Effect Vehicle (GEV) – what the Russians called an “ekranoplan” when they developed the concept in the 1960s – on some cross channel routes.

The ferry operator has announced that it is exploring the potential for a new sustainable version of the GEV, which they are calling a seaglider , in partnership with REGENT (Regional Electric Ground Effect Nautical Transport) in Boston, USA. The all-electric seaglider will offer a high speed passenger service on medium-to-short sea crossings.

Brittany Ferries has signed a letter of intent which could see seagliders with a 50-150 passenger capacity sailing between the UK and France by 2028.

GEV s* work by harnessing a concept well-known to pilots since the earliest days of aviation – ground effect. This is the cushion created by high-pressure air trapped between wings and the ground or water while flying at low altitude, typically one to ten metres above the surface.

The world first realised the practical capabilities of GEVs when U.S. intelligence satellites caught sight of the Soviet Union’s enormous (92m) top secret research ekranoplan shooting across the surface of the Caspian Sea at speeds over 300 knots (555 kph/345 mph) in the early 60s! They dubbed it the ‘Caspian Sea monster’. Quite right! Two decades later it had been developed into the nuclear missile carrying Lun-class ship killer.

The only Lun-class ekranoplan broke free while being towed to a new museum in Derbent, Daghestan in August 2020. While beached, a resourceful photographer managed to slip on board .

Brittany Ferries’ seaglider is rather more benign. It is expected to fly passengers gently at speeds of up to 180 mph – six times faster than conventional ferries – with a battery-powered range of 180 miles.

The voyage (it is a “voyage”. The International Maritime Organization classified GEVs as ships in 2005) from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, for example, could be covered in as little as 40 minutes.

The seaglider design uses hydrofoils to cushion the jarring impact of waves as it gathers speed before taking off, and on landing.

Once airborne it is a highly efficient form of transport, capable of moving significant loads over long distances at high speed.

One of the issues that has effected GEVs in the past has been safety at speed. At such high speeds it is really important to detect ships and other obstacles early. The seaglider comes with next-generation sensor suites detecting and automatically avoiding traffic at sea.

Both Brittany Ferries and REGENT understand that many technological, practical and regulatory milestones lie ahead. However, both companies say that caution should not stand as an impediment to the development of a promising concept that already has a history in military applications and smaller leisure craft operating around the world.

“This could be the birth of ferries that fly across the Channel,” notes Frédéric Pouget, ports and operations director for Brittany Ferries. “We are particularly pleased to contribute now because it means we can bring real-world challenges and potential applications into the company’s thinking at an early stage. We hope this may help bring commercial success in the years that follow.”

UPDATE (20/10/2022) : Another ferry company has ordered seagliders from REGENT. FRS (Förde Reederei Seetouristik) , a German ferry operator that has a large fleet of ships from small passenger ferries in Berlin to large Ro-Ro ferries  carrying passengers & freight across the Straits of Gibraltar, in the Pacific Northwest and in Oman, has signed an agreement for two seaglider models  –  the Viceroy seaglider , carrying up to 12 passengers and the Monarch seaglider , which will  hold up to 100 passengers.

* Sometimes also referred to as WIGs (Wing In Ground effect)

• ground-effect

Related Stories

You may like this, new ‘jolly roger’ display at the submarine museum, gosport.

DIY Road Traffic Monitoring for Citizens

New Photo Exhibition of Underground Stations being used as Bomb Shelters – Then and Now

Hurtigruten Norway Reveals Concept Designs for a Zero-Emission Cruise Ship

Shore-side power is the key to sustainable cruising says the Port of Kiel

Join the Conversation →

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

This is a niche blog about technically-minded travel. It reflects my own interests in the mechanical, technical, historical, engineering, transport and military world.

COPYRIGHT © MECHTRAVELLER 2016-2024, including all images unless indicated otherwise.