LORNA Posted August 6, 2008 Posted August 6, 2008 Hi, I am really planning ahead with this one but next Summer we are planning to take a tour around France and Northern Spain and intend to take our dog with us. I'd be really grateful of any advice/experiences that will help us choose the ferry crossings. Am I right in saying the dog has to stay on the car deck for the duration of the journey? If so, this seems to rule out a longer journey by sea. Look forward to hearing from anyone who can help. Thanks, Lorna
twooks Posted August 7, 2008 Posted August 7, 2008 we regularly use the Hull ferries, the dogs have a kennel area and seem perfectly happy in there, certainly not heard of any complaints don't know what facilities are like on shorter crossing - presumably not as good ?? because not used for as long a period B-)
naittaw Posted August 7, 2008 Posted August 7, 2008 Usint the Chunnell is the most dog-friendly option.
LORNA Posted August 7, 2008 Author Posted August 7, 2008 Thanks for your advice - will look into these options. Would be useful to know if the longer sea crossing to Northern Spain has a way of allowing dogs to travel comfortably. If there's anyone out there with opinions I'd value these!
naittaw Posted August 7, 2008 Posted August 7, 2008 You need also to be sure that the Feryy company you choose handles the Pet Passport scheme. I think that not all do, but I'm not sure.
parkmoy Posted August 7, 2008 Posted August 7, 2008 LORNA - 2008-08-07 1:22 PM Thanks for your advice - will look into these options. Would be useful to know if the longer sea crossing to Northern Spain has a way of allowing dogs to travel comfortably. If there's anyone out there with opinions I'd value these! I'm taking our dog Plymouth to Santander and she's booked in to a kennel on board. I understand that there are certain times you can visit etc.
Mel B Posted August 7, 2008 Posted August 7, 2008 Dover-Calais ferry crossings: the dog stays in the vehicle at all times, you are not normally allowed to go see them, if you do want to, a member of staff from the ferry company has to go down with you and stay with you. However, I don't think they'd be very happy if you just wanted to see your dog for the sake of it. Our dogs are fine on these crossings, they just snuggle up into their beds and go to sleep. You can then go and have a nice potter round the boat, hit the shops, cafes etc which I think helps get you into holiday mode. Folkeston-Calais Eurotunnel: this is definitely the most dog friendly as you don't have to leave them at all. The down side is that you're 'captive' and can't see the white cliffs disappearing and it doesn't feel like you're going on holiday ... and no, you can't see the fishes out of the windows! Sorry, no experience of the longer trips to Europe.
chatterdog Posted August 7, 2008 Posted August 7, 2008 Pont Aven one of Brittany ferries doing the plymouth - santander route has kennels and a dog exercise area. There are no faccilities on the P&O Portsmouth to Bilbao for dogs
LORNA Posted August 8, 2008 Author Posted August 8, 2008 Really good detailed points and facts - thanks so much - will continue to research and make decisions in the Autumn!
colinfrier Posted August 8, 2008 Posted August 8, 2008 Brittany Ferries will take dogs on the Plymouth Santander crossing.There is a kennel area for the dogs small and large cages you can go to that area as often as you wish and walk your dog or spend the whole trip there if you wish. For the short crossing use the Tunnel then the dogs will be with you in the vehicle. We have bought two Irish( Red) Setter puppies( yes we are mad) and are bringing them back to Spain in September via the tunnel choose the best time and its only £61 single. Colin
LORNA Posted August 11, 2008 Author Posted August 11, 2008 The long-crossing with the kennels and excercise sounds very do-able and the Chunnel looks good for the journey back. Any other tips about travelling with dog e.g. if she is injected and certified etc for France is she then ok for Spain too? Not thinking of going to Southern Spain but staying in the Northern part and possibly Pyrenees the taking a long tootle back through France. Thanks again for advice so far.
naittaw Posted August 11, 2008 Posted August 11, 2008 Pets Passport is primarily about getting back into UK rather than into other European countries. So if you have a Pet Passport and have had the additional treatment between 24 and 48 hours before boarding ferry or tunnel for the return journey you are ok no matter where in Europe you have come from. If you have not yet got the Pet Passport remember that you must allow 6 months to obtain one before your outward journey.
LORNA Posted August 11, 2008 Author Posted August 11, 2008 Thanks for the clarity of your reply - will make sure the treatments and paperwork are sorted!
Tomo3090 Posted August 13, 2008 Posted August 13, 2008 We're taking our dog away too this year, but what has got me snarling is the prices charged for taking your pet. Fair enough if you are using a kennel service but when the animal is in your van and doesn't even walk around on board where do they get off charging you for the animal? They can't surely be claiming they add weight so use more fuel!
derek500 Posted August 13, 2008 Posted August 13, 2008 Tomo3090 - 2008-08-13 11:01 AM We're taking our dog away too this year, but what has got me snarling is the prices charged for taking your pet. Fair enough if you are using a kennel service but when the animal is in your van and doesn't even walk around on board where do they get off charging you for the animal? They can't surely be claiming they add weight so use more fuel! I believe the charge is for checking the passport and scanning the chip. Of course you only pay one way, into the UK.
yeti Posted August 13, 2008 Posted August 13, 2008 A Pal of mine is in a senior position with a ferry operator,I love to wind him up about the policy they have for dogs. They don't seem to have any provision for guide dogs,which is why the Passport scheme was originally introduced. I would say the tunnel is the best in these situations.
J9withdogs Posted August 13, 2008 Posted August 13, 2008 Do you have to exercise the dogs on the Poop Deck? (lol) (Sorry...I'll go now.....)
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