Can I Take My Pet Dog or Cat on a Ferry France to England UK?
Yes. Avoid the hassle of airports with your Pets, avoid the mandatory cargo requirement for Pets traveling to England by flying with your Pet In Cabin to France and take a Pet-Friendly Ferry to England.
Travel with Pets by Boat from France to England allows you to avoid your Pets having to fly in Cargo.
Ferry crossings with Pets from France to England UK allow Pet Travel in 3 ways:
- Pets remain in a vehicle
- Pets as Foot Passengers and in a Kennel
- Pets with You in Private Cabins
There are a few different options for traveling with your Pet by ferry from France to England UK. The most popular option is to travel with your Dog, Cat or Ferret in a car for the duration of the ferry crossing.
If you your traveling with your Pet by ferry in a vehicle you may still be able to visit your pet during the journey.
You must have staff accompany you. Still, some do not allow visits.(although exceptions will be made in an emergency).
Pet Friendly Ferries and Boats from France to England UK are:
- DFDS Seaways
- Brittany Ferries
- Condor Ferries
- Isle of Man Steam Packet Company
- P&O Ferries
- Irish Ferries
There are more options than just Pet travel in a car. On many Pet Friendly crossings, the Ferries have pet-friendly kennels, which enable you to visit your dog during the journey and take them to an exercise area or lounge. Some ferry companies also offer pet-friendly cabins, which mean you can bring your Dog, Cat or Ferrer on board with you and have a private space.
Pet Friendly Ferries from France to England UK
| Pet Travel Ferry or Boat | Foot Passenger/Kennel | Pet Friendly Private Cabin |
|---|---|---|
| DFDS Seaways | Yes. Limited Kennels (Book in advance) Travel in Car Allowed too | Yes. Up to 2 medium sized Dogs & Sleeps up to 4 people. |
| Brittany Ferries | No Foot Passengers. Limited Kennels (Book in advance) Travel in Car Allowed too | Yes. Up to 2 medium sized Dogs. Pets must remain in Cabin. |
| Condor Ferries | Yes for Foot Passengers with Kennels Travel in Car Allowed too | No |
| Isle of Man Steam Packet Company | Yes for Foot Passengers with Kennels (& allowed on Deck) Travel in Car Allowed too | Yes |
| P&O Ferries | Yes for Foot Passengers with Kennels (& allowed on Deck) Travel in Car Allowed too | Yes |
| Irish Ferries | Dog, Cat or Ferret Methods: Car for the duration of the voyage, or onboard kennels DFDS Seaways P&O Ferries | No |
See also, Amazon Pet Travel Finds Under $25
1. DFDS Seaways
Pets Allowed: Dogs, Cats and other Domesticated Pets including Ferrets.
Automobile Pet Travel: Yes, you can travel with your Pet but they must remain in the vehicle. Pets need to be booked onto the ticket and this can only be done by contacting us.
You can leave your pet in a vehicle. As car decks are closed during the crossing it is important for you to agree time when you would be able to visit or walk your pet with Guest Service Center onboard.
Foot Passengers Pet Travel: On Dieppe – Newhaven route DFDS also offer kennels for foot passengers travelling with pets and you can visit them at the kennel during your crossing.
There is limited availability so ensure you book yours in advance.
Pet Friendly Ferry Boat Cabins: YES. Pet travel is easier than ever with a ferry crossing from Amsterdam-Newcastle.
Their Pet friendly cabins mean your Dog or Cat can stay in your cabin with you for the entire journey and the vinyl flooring makes them especially pet friendly.
They can accommodate up to 2 medium sized dogs and sleep up to 4 people.
If you’d like to take your Dog for a stroll out on deck, there are designated areas where you can stretch your legs. Just visit the Guest Services where you can obtain a pass to access the Dog friendly outdoor areas.
Cost: Pet fee is ($22-35USD) per Pet.
Documents Required for Pet Travel by Ferry Boat:
- Ferry Ticket
- Your Passport/Visa
- Pet’s EU Health Certificate (Pet Passport)
- Passenger Locator Form (required by UK to enter England)
- Negative Covid Test (on some ferries)
DFDS has one of the largest ferry networks in Europe, with routes operating to Denmark, Norway, the UK, mainland Europe and even the Baltic regions, including major cities such as Copenhagen, Oslo and Amsterdam.
Additional Information:
The Ferry Station has a cafeteria and vending machines (snacks and coffee),
Here’s a synopsis of the day from a recent traveler in 2022:
- Route: Dieppe to Newhaven
- 10:30 Check In
- Security Checks luggage and scans each person with a detector wand.
- Check In Counter: Attendant asked for:
- 1. Ferry Ticket
- 2. Passport
- 3. Pet’s EU Health Certificate (Pet Passport)
- 4. Passenger Locator Form (required by UK to enter England)
- 5. Negative Covid Test
- The attendant came around to scan Pet’s microchip.
- We received our Boarding Pass
- Loaded onto the Shuttle bus to get to the ferry
- On board there is free wifi, café, duty-free shop, bar, tv, and arcade. There are reclining chairs
- On arrival: foot passengers disembark first to a shuttle.
- An attendant will collect passports, scan and return.
- Then off to small waiting area to collect luggage.
- The train station is on the lot as the ferry station (5 minute walk).
2. Brittany Ferries
Brittany Ferries offers a convenient cross Channel ferries to France with Pets, with a wide choice of ferry crossings. Depart from Portsmouth, Plymouth or Poole and travel to Cherbourg, St Malo, Caen, Le Havre or Roscoff for a direct Channel crossing to France.
There are three ways that your Pet can travel on Brittany Ferries: in your car, in a kennel or in a Pet-Friendly Cabin.
The choices available depend on which ship and route that you travel on. We’ve outlined them here so you can find the sailing that’s right for you and your Pet.
Pets Allowed: Dogs, Cats and Ferrets
Automobile: Yes. You can visit your Pet but, the visits are limited to one person per vehicle for a maximum of 15 minutes. Pets must stay inside the vehicle as the purpose of these visits is to check on their well-being only.
Kennels are available in two different sizes – large and small, on four of our ships – Bretagne, Galicia, Salamanca and Pont-Aven.
Pets in kennels are not allowed in any of the public areas but there is a Pet Friendly exercise area where they can play during the voyage.
Foot Passengers: NO. You cannot travel with your Pet on the ferry if you are travelling as a foot passenger, nor if you are travelling with a bicycle or a motorcycle (except motorcycles with a sidecar).
Pet Friendly Cabins: Yes. There are 5 ferries that allow Pet Travel and have Pet Friendly Cabins – Connemara, Galicia, Salamanca, Pont-Aven and Normandie, and are designed to comfortably accommodate a single pet. If you wish to take more than one pet, please contact them via email. Pets are not allowed in any of the public areas of the ship.
All pet-friendly cabins have these features: En-suite, Air-conditioned, Bunk-style beds, Laminate flooring for easier cleanup.
All the boats 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.
Routes: You can depart from Portsmouth, Plymouth or Poole and travel with your Pet to Cherbourg, St Malo, Caen, Le Havre or Roscoff
Cost: Varies from $35USD to $65USD
Documents Required:
- Ferry Ticket
- Passport/Visa
- Pet’s EU Health Certificate (Pet Passport)
- Passenger Locator Form (required by UK to enter England)
- Negative Covid Test (on most routes).
3. Condor Ferries
If you are looking for an alternative Ferry route from France to England with your Dog or Cat than the congested Dover-to-Calais ferry path, try the North Brittany coast with a trip from Plymouth to charming Roscoff
Condor Ferries sails to Saint-Malo up to four times a week. When traveling with a Pet, you can choose: on foot with a Pet, traveling by car with a Pet.
Pets Allowed: Dogs and Cats
Automobile: Yes. If you’re travelling by car with your Pet they can stay in the car for the journey, but make sure you leave windows slightly open for fresh air, and also some water. We ask all travelers not to set their car alarms, so as not to upset any Pets traveling.
Visits to the car deck are allowed during your journey, but you’ll need to be accompanied by a member of the ship’s crew, and it is dependent on weather conditions.
Foot Passengers: Yes. If you’re travelling on foot your Dog or Cat, your Pet will need to be in a crate or kennel that meets RSPCA requirements for Pet animals, which is located in a dedicated Pet area on the car deck.
Pet Friendly Cabins: None
Routes: You and your Pets can travel from Guernsey, to Poole or Portsmouth port onboard the high-speed ferry, the Condor Liberation from 3 hours. Or, you can travel onboard Commodore Clipper to Portsmouth port in 12 hours and 55 minutes overnight via Jersey.
Travelling from Jersey to the UK means you can either sail to Poole port onboard Condor Voyager in just over 4 hours, or you can sail to Portsmouth port onboard Commodore Clipper in 8 hours and 55 minutes.
If you’re travelling from St Malo to the UK, you’ll take the Condor Voyager via Jersey for your crossing to Poole, giving you a total sailing duration of 6 hours and 20 minutes.
Cost: The Pet Fee is about $15USD or £11 each way if travelling with a passenger on foot. There is no charge for pets travelling inside a vehicle.
Pets travelling in a vehicle are charged approximately $25USD or £20 each way from the UK or Channel Islands to St Malo, and vice versa.
Documents Required:
- Ferry Ticket
- Passport/Visa
- Pet’s EU Health Certificate (Pet Passport)
- Passenger Locator Form (required by UK to enter England)
- Negative Covid Test (on most routes)
4. Isle of Man Steam Packet Company
Dogs and Cats can travel on the Isle of Man Steam Packet ferries on board the Ben-my-Chree (Heysham to Isle of Man route). You can travel in the Passenger/Dog Lounge, a private Dog Cabin or in a vehicle (travel in your car is free for Pets).
Pets Allowed: Dog and Cats
Automobile: Yes
Foot Passengers: Yes on some ferries.
Pet Friendly Cabins: Yes
There is a Pet lounge (Cost is 10 Pounds) and Pet cabins (book in advance is required). Also, you and your Pet may exercise outside on the passenger deck.
Cost: The Pet Fee is about $15USD or £10.00 per Pet.
5. P&O Ferries
P&O Ferries from France to England are very Pet Friendly. Their Pet Travel policy for 2022 allows Dog and Cats on board.
Pets can also travel free of charge on Cairnryan – Larne crossings and on the Dover – Calais, and Hull – Rotterdam routes for a small fee.
P&O Ferries accepts Cats and Dogs on board the ferry travelling in your vehicle, or in one of the limited, pre-booked kennels or Pet friendly cabins.
The Dog kennels and Pet friendly cabins are not available on every route, so foot passengers can only travel with Pets on certain P&O Ferries crossings.
Pets Allowed: Dogs and Cats
Automobile: Yes
Foot Passengers: Yes—reservations are required
Pet Friendly Cabins: Yes. Reservations are required because cabins are limited
Route: Calais to Dover (and others in the Netherlands, Belgium and Ireland)
Cost: $80-$190 USD
6. Irish Ferries
Your Pets,Dog, Cat or Ferret have the option of either staying in the comfort of your car for the duration of the voyage, or being housed in the onboard kennels.
If you do choose to use a kennel it must be booked in advance.
When travelling with your pet / assistance animal, you must advise us at time of booking.
Pet Passport & Government regulations for Pet Friendly Ferry Boat
EU pet passport rules apply throughout the European Union. All Dogs, Cats and Ferrets travelling between member states need an official recognised EU Pet Passport with veterinary endorsements certifying compliance with tests, treatments and vaccinations.
Your Pet’s Health Certificate endorsements must be dated (including expiry dates), stamped and signed by an authorised Veterinarian.
Ensure your Dog, Cat or Ferret is microchipped. I recommend the Standard ISO Pet microchip.
Have a valid EU pet passport OR an animal health certificate issued by a UK official vet. A health certificate is required before each entry into the EU. (Pet owners are advised to retain any GB-issued EU pet passport, as it may contain important information about vaccinations, treatments, etc.)
Ensure your Dog, Cat or Ferret is vaccinated against rabies – Pets must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated. Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel.
Have a tapeworm treatment (for dogs). Dogs travelling from, or returning from, Britain to Ireland will require treatment against tapeworm by a veterinarian 24 to 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before arrival in Ireland. If travelling with a passport issued in Ireland, this treatment may be entered into the pet passport by a UK vet.
Does My Pet Need a Tick or Tapeworm Treatment to Travel to UK England?
Tick and tapeworm treatment is required for Dogs but is not required for cats and ferrets.
Dogs – Tapeworm treatment must be administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before arrival into the UK. The passport must be signed, dated, stamped and include the date and time of treatment as well as the manufacturer and the name of the product used.
If the Pet passport does not comply with this, we regret that we will not be able to carry the animal under the Pet Travel Scheme.
Cats & Ferrets – A Pet passport or third country certificate is required. Tick and tapeworm treatment is no longer needed.
What Documents are Necessary to Travel the Ferry with Pets France to England UK?
- 1. Ferry Ticket for you and your Pet
- 2. Passport
- 3. Pet’s Passport or Endorsed Health Certificate (Pet Passport) 1 for France and 1 for UK
- 4. Passenger Locator Form (required by UK to enter England)
- 5. Negative Covid Test (for some Ferries)
Documents Required: Ferries allow Pets that comply with the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), for services to and from France. You can find more information at UK.gov
Which Ferries from France to England offer Pet-Friendly Cabins?
Pet Friendly Ferries from France to England that have private Cabins for Pets are: DFDS Seaways, Brittany Ferries, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and P&O Ferries.
How Much Does it Cost to Take a Dog on a France Ferry?
Most Pet Friendly ferry crossings with Pets in a vehicle travel for free. Foot Passengers with Pets travel cost average is $50 to $200 USD and Pet Friendly Cabins average $25-$75USD.
How Much Does it Cost to Take a Dog on an England UK Ferry?
Most Pet Friendly ferry crossings with Pets in a vehicle travel for free. Foot Passengers with Pets travel cost average is $50 to $200 USD and Pet Friendly Cabins average $25-$75USD.
Do Dogs Have to Stay in a Car on a Ferry?
Only on some ferry routes. There are options for travelling with your Pet by ferry from France to England UK. Some Pet friendly Ferries have Pet cabins and Pet kennels.
The most popular option to travel with your Dog, Cat or Ferret on a ferry is in a car for the duration of the ferry crossing. If you your Pet travel by Ferry in a vehicle you may still be able to visit your pet during the journey.
You must have staff accompany you. Still, some do not allow visits.(although exceptions will be made in an emergency).
There are more options. On some Pet Friendly crossings, pet-friendly kennels are also available, which enable you to visit your dog during the journey.
Some ferry companies also offer pet-friendly cabins, which mean you can bring your Dog, Cat or Ferrer on board with you. Note that most ferries require all Dogs brought on board to wear a muzzle at most times. See the chart above for all your options.
Pet Travel after Brexit
From 1 January 2021, the UK will become a Part 2 listed third country in the EU Pet Travel Scheme. This means if you travel with your pet from the UK to Europe you will need a Health Certificate issued 10 days before travel if your pet(s) have an EU Pet Passport, issued in Great Britain.
For pets travelling from the EU to the UK, the EU Pet Passport will still be accepted. If you would like to take a pet that is not a dog, cat or ferret to France and Spain then the rules have changed. You may need an EU Health or CITES certificate. See additional information at UK.gov
Will my Dog need a muzzle on the Ferry to France or England?
Yes, most ferries require your Dog to be muzzled and on a lead in public areas, during check-in and during any transfers on board e.g. between the car decks and your pet-friendly cabin or kennels and between the pet-friendly cabin/kennel and the pet exercise area.
Some Ferries have muzzles to loan and some allow Dogs without muzzles if they are well-socialized.
What Pets Can Travel on a Ferry to France or England UK?
Dogs, Cats and Ferrets are allowed to travel on most Ferries to England UK and France. DFDS Ferries allows other domesticated Pets. Email them for permission. Depending on the other animals already booked, they can accommodate other species.
What Documents Does My Pet Need to Travel to the UK and EU?
The UK has now left the European Union. If you are travelling with a dog, cat or ferret you will need either a UK issued EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC), or an EU Pet Passport that has been issued by a current EU country.
My Packing Checklist:
- Travel documents for Me: Passport, Boarding Pass
- My Pet’s Microchip certificate
- My Pet’s Rabies vaccination certificate
- My Pet’s Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport
- Proof of tapeworm treatment (if traveling to UK). You can have the Test completed in France to comply with this requirement.
- My Pet’s Booking confirmation email printed
- My Pet’s fee (I try to bring enough cash just in case)
- Muzzle for Dogs. Link to muzzle A muzzle is often require when in public spaces on the ferry and at the dock or shuttle.
- Dog bed and blankets
- Food, treats, travel bowls, poop bags, pee pads and medicine
- If travelling with an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) you will also be required to have a record of your pet’s microchip and rabies vaccination certificate.
What Veterinarians are close to Ferries for Health Certificate and Tapeworm and treatment?
This is a list of vets in and around our continental and UK ferry ports that are qualified to treat your pet before returning to the UK.
Please note that many vets are closed on Sunday and Monday as well as Bank Holidays. Please bear this is mind when complying with the “between 24 and 120 hours” rule for tapeworm treatment for Dogs.
Veterinarians in France Close to the Docs for the Mandatory Tapeworm Treatment or UK Health Certificate Pet Passport
ST MALO
Clinique Vétérinaire, Brocéliande, rue du Grand Jardin, 35400. Tel: 0033 2 99 81 94 51
Drs Grall & Rickard, La Montagne St Joseph, rue Tertre aux Nefles. Tel: 0033 2 99 81 75 54
Clinique Veterinaire Rance Frémur, ZA les Landes. Plouër sur Rance, 22490. Tel: 0033 2 96 83 72 09 Email: rancefremur.vet@gmail.com
DINAN
Clinique Vétérinaire de Lanvallay Dr Léa Fammery & Dr Cécile Thomas, 2 rue des Fougères, ZA Clos des Landes, 22100 Lanvallay. Tel: 0033 2 96 85 33 16 Email : vetolanvallay@orange.fr Website: http://www.veterinairelanvallay.fr
ST POL DE LÉON
Mr J M Feydi, Avenue des Carmes, 29250. Tel: 0033 2 98 69 07 48
Cabinet Vétérinaire de Kerzourat, 11, place de l’Evêché, 29250. Tel: 0033 2 98 29 14 24
Normandy
CHERBOURG
Drs Hamel & Lecanu, 13 rue Paul Doumer. Tel: 0033 2 33 53 51 40
Clinique Vétérinaire Ryst (nearest terminal), 7 quai Général Lawton Collins Tel: 0033 2 33 20 40 32
LE HAVRE
Jean-Pierre Fresneda, 211 rue Irène Joliot Curie, 76620. Tel: 0033 2 35 48 45 51
Francis Pingard, 100 rue Maréchal Joffre, 76620. Tel: 0033 2 35 42 43 97
Thierry Roger Galloo, 64 rue de Fontaine La Mallet, 76620. Tel: 0033 2 35 46 43 69
OCTEVILLE
Dr Marc Delavenue, Boulevard l’Atlantique Tel: 0033 2 33 93 11 93
TOURLAVILLE
Dr Leprieur, 36 rue Général Leclerc. Tel: 0033 2 33 20 66 45
Dr André Lecervoisier, 41 rue Médéric. Tel: 0033 2 33 43 03 43
OUISTREHAM
Dr Borel, 149 route de Lion, 14150. Tel: 0033 2 31 97 41 41
Clinique Vétérinaire (Dr Dzempte, Dr Roger, Dr Malbaux), I Avenue Col. Dawson, 14150. Tel: 0033 2 31 96 55 82
England
PORTSMOUTH
Pratt & Nunn, 251 London Road, North End. Tel: 0044 2392 668 918
The Vet Portsmouth, Unit 5, Retail Park, Binnacle Way, Cosham, PO6 4FG. Tel: 0044 23 9421 7644
Harbour Veterinary Hospital, 251 London Rd, North End, PO2 9HA. Tel: 0044 23 9266 8916
Portsmouth Companion Care Vets (inside Pets at Home), Burrfields Retail Park, Burrfields Road, PO3 5LZ. Tel: 0044 23 9265 0655
HAVANT
Vets4Pets (inside Pets at Home), Solent Retail Park, Solent Road, Havant PO9 1ND. Tel: 0044 23 9241 4458
PassPets (specialise in Animal Health Certificates only), 26 Langstone High Street, Havant, PO9 1RY. Tel: 02392 453650
POOLE
Aniwell Vets, 453 Ringwood Road BH12 4LX. Tel: 0044 1202 591208
Natterjacks Vets, 2 Waterloo Road, BH17 7LD. Tel: 0044 1202 051141
Ark Aid, 266 Wimborne Road, BH15 3EF. Tel: 0044 1202 602766.
Vets4pets, Wessex Gate Retail Park, 10 Broadstone Road, BH15 3TE. Tel: 0044 1202 677675
PLYMOUTH
Rosehill, 61 Molesworth Road, Stoke PL1 5PF. Tel: 0044 1752 562575
South Moor Vets, Endsleigh, Cadleigh Park, Ivybridge, PL21 9JL. Tel: 0044 1752 892390
Plymouth Vet Group, 42 Lipson Road, PL4 8PW. Tel: 0044 1752 664866
See Also, Pet Taxis from France to England– Costs and Routes from Real Pet Travelers in 2022
How to Travel with a Dog from France to London England UK?
You can travel with a Dog from Paris France to London England and the UK in two ways: 1. Pet Friendly Ferry Boat or 2. Drive through Eurotunnel with a Pet Taxi.
For Pet Travel from France to England on a Ferry: Dogs, Cats and Ferrets are allowed an travel in 3 ways:
- Pets remain in a vehicle
- Pets as Foot Passengers and in a Kennel
- Pets with You in Private Cabins
For Pet Travel from Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands to England UK see Pet Friendly Ferry Boat Routes to England, Wales and Scotland
For Pet Travel via Pet Taxi from Paris France to England see, Pet Taxis from France to England
Travel with Pets by Ferry Boat or Taxi from France to England allows you to avoid your Pets having to fly in Cargo.
Can I travel with my Dog on the Eurostar Train?
No. Only Guide, Assistant and Service Dogs are allowed on the Eurostar Train. You can travel with Pets from France to England UK via a Pet Friendly Ferry or Pet Taxi.
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