Dogs on Ferries (1 Viewer)

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DM14742

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On our one trip (so far) to France we took the tunnel mainly because of the dog but a good alternative for us would be to go from Portsmouth to St Malo ideally but any of the French Ports out of Portsmouth would be a viable choice. Has anyone any experience of taking a dog on these routes & more particularly are there facilities to allow you to have your pet with you on deck or in a Pet friendly Cabin for instance?
It wouldn't be an option for us to leave our dog in the Van for the period of the crossing but if any one of Ferry Companies take dogs into consideration it would be helpful to know.
 

Vic

Aug 1, 2010
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Check the prices of the Portsmouth v Dover v tunnel route first and the time spent aboard. That may make your mind up.
 

54mud

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Sep 18, 2009
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We did Portsmouth to St Malo 3 years ago when the Motorhome was just a standard
110 and Oskar was OK in the back for the 8 hour crossing. When the ferry stopped at the Channel Islands I nipped down to the car deck to check on him and he was fast asleep.
But not all dogs are the same. You would not think that the lively thing that was chasing your dog at the weekend could be so laid back when traveling.
Sorry but do not know about on board pet facility.

PS was nice to meet you at the weekend Jez and Lyn

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D

DM14742

Deleted User
We did Portsmouth to St Malo 3 years ago when the Motorhome was just a standard
110 and Oskar was OK in the back for the 8 hour crossing. When the ferry stopped at the Channel Islands I nipped down to the car deck to check on him and he was fast asleep.
But not all dogs are the same. You would not think that the lively thing that was chasing your dog at the weekend could be so laid back when traveling.
Sorry but do not know about on board pet facility.

PS was nice to meet you at the weekend Jez and Lyn

Thanks for that & nice to meet you too, we had a great time at Cropredy & looking forward to the next one. Well impressed with your Van by the way :thumb:
 

jennymaywright

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Aug 21, 2009
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We did the crossing from Portsmouth to Le Havre about 3 years ago on LD Lines I think it was which took 5 hours. They were very helpful and you could go to the purser's desk and request that you wanted to check on the dog and someone came down to the hold with us while we got Sorrel out and walked her about for a bit and checked her water etc. Sorrel was very happy and was fast asleep when we got to her. Sadly we don't have Sorrel any more but I would not hesitate to do the same crossing with a dog.
 

Hollyberry

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Apr 24, 2011
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Mine ( 2 dogs and 2 cat ) have done Le Havre to Portsmouth and Dieppe to Newhaven, approx 5 and a half and 4 and a half hours respectively, with no problems at all. They've travelled in the car and in the motorhome.
Never seemed stressed on my return. You can go down to the vehicle to check on them but I've always though this is a bit mean. They might wonder why you disappear again.
Depends on your dog. Mine make their own pack so they all curl up together and sleep, but one dog might find the ship noises distressing. On a motorhome at least you can close the curtains and they will be more likely to sleep.

Look at mappy.fr There's an English option and it will give you an estimate of fuel and toll charges for each route so you can compare.

P.S I wouldn't use a ship provided kennel on a ferry for my dogs, as a) you've no control over light and noise, and b) you don't know who used it before, how well it's been cleaned. In a motorhome it might also be possible to leave a CD playing maybe.

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mikeman

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Apr 22, 2010
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I have travelled Portsmouth - St Malo both ways in the last 2 years with my dog. The pet stays in the vehicle and twice during the trip I was escorted to the vehicle by a member of the crew to walk the dog around the vehicle deck for a wee & pooh.
All very civilized and pet friendly. I would not hesitate to do it again.
Mike
 

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