UK to France

There are a lot of options for travelling from the UK into France:

Pet Options:

1. Folkestone - Calais (EUROTUNNEL)

The Eurotunnel is a great option because everybody stays in the car together for the crossing - including the dogs! There is a great pet area at the port where you can tire your dog out before you go. It is advisable to arrive with plenty of time, because when travelling with pets, you must check in at the pet reception to show your pet's documentation.

The crossing is approximately 35 minutes.

2. Dover - Calais

P&O Ferries: Pets can either stay in the vehicle, or use the new Pet Lounge service. The Pet Lounge is a place for humans and pets to sit during the crossing with other like-minded pet owners. It features comfortable booths, leather sofas, TV, charging points and complimentary hot and cold beverages. There is also a pet exercise area. The Pet Lounge can be added to your booking during the booking process. You can find more information about it here.

Irish Ferries: Pets must travel in kennels on the car deck. There are no other options. Visits can be arranged but are limited.

DFDS: Pets must remain in vehicles throughout the sailing. It is located on the car deck so there is no access during the crossing unless previously arranged with guest services.

This sailing is approximately 1.5 hours.

3. Portsmouth - Caen (Brittany Ferries)

Mont St Michel Ship: Pets must stay in vehicles on the car deck.

Normandie Ship: Pets can either stay in vehicles or you can book a Pet Friendly cabin where your pet can stay with you for the duration of the crossing.

The day sailing is approximately 6 hours. The Normandie ship with pet cabins is usually an overnight sailing that takes slightly longer but you will be able to sleep in your cabin. Just be aware though that sometimes the Mont St Michel operates the night route and pets must stay in vehichles so pay attention to which ship you are booking during the booking process.

4. Portsmouth - Cherbourg (Brittany Ferries)

Salamanca Ship: Pets can either stay on board in a kennel or a pet friendly cabin. Dogs must be muzzled at all times when they are not in their cabin or kennel. The kennels are located on the passenger deck which means you have unrestricted access to your pets throughout the sailing. You can view the ship guide here.

Santona Ship: From Spring 2023, the Santona ship will be in operation as well as the Salamanca. Pets can either stay on board in a kennel or a pet friendly cabin. Dogs must be muzzled at all times when they are not in their cabin or kennel. The kennels are located on the passenger deck which means you have unrestricted access to your pets throughout the sailing.

The sailing is approximately 3 hours.

5. Portsmouth - St Malo (Brittany Ferries)

Pets can stay in vehicles or in the kennels. Kennels are located on the car deck and access will be limited during the crossing.

The sailing is approximately 11 hours.

6. Portsmouth - LeHavre (Brittany Ferries)

Pets must stay in vehicles with limited access throughout the sailing.

The sailing is approximately 8 hours.

7. Plymouth - Roscoff (Brittany Ferries)

Armorique Ship: The only option on this ship is for pets to stay in the vehicle for the duration of the crossing. Visits to the car deck can be arranged, but is weather dependent. Visits are limited to 15 minutes and are not permitted during the night. Pets are not allowed out of the vehicle, even during a visit - the visits are solely to check on them and not to exercise them. You can view the ship guide here.

Pont-Aven Ship: You will have the option of a pet friendly cabin, or a pets can stay in your vehicle. Dogs must be muzzled at all times when they are not in their cabin. You can view the ship guide here.

The daytime sailing takes approximately 5.5 hours and the overnight sailing takes approximately 11 hours.

8. Poole - Cherbourg

Brittany Ferries: Pets must stay in vehicles for the duration of the crossing. This route uses the Barfleur ship. 15 minute visits are possible if accompanied by a crew member however these visits are for wellness checks only and pets cannot leave the vehicle.

Condor Ferries: Foot passengers can travel with pets in a travel cage/bag and it will be left in a dedicated kennel area on the car deck. Passengers travelling by car must leave their pets in the vehicle. Visits to the car deck can be arranged and you will need to be accompanied by a crew member.

The sailing is approximately 4.5 hours.

9. Poole - St Malo (Condor Ferries)

Foot passengers can travel with pets in a travel cage/bag and it will be left in a dedicated kennel area on the car deck. Passengers travelling by car must leave their pets in the vehicle. Visits to the car deck can be arranged and you will need to be accompanied by a crew member.

The sailing is approximately 6.5 hours

10. New Haven - Dieppe (DFDS)

Pets must remain in vehicles throughout the sailing. It is located on the car deck so there is no access during the crossing unless previously arranged with guest services.

11. Dover - Dunkirk (DFDS)

Pets must remain in vehicles throughout the sailing. It is located on the car deck so there is no access during the crossing unless previously arranged with guest services.