Dogs (pets) on a Ferry experiences, do's, don'ts tips etc - short crossings, no cabin (1 Viewer)

[MisterB]

As Eurotunnel prices seem to be ever increasing, i have noticed more people with dogs (pets) are looking for other viable alternatives. I know that if we still had our dog, we would definitely be looking for alternatives.

can anyone who has used a ferry service on a short crossing to take their animals 'abroad' post their experiences to give others an idea of how suitable it was, how pet friendly including what facilities were on board for your pet, where did you travel to/from, who with, were you 'inside' or on the outer decks?

it might give others the confidence to use a pet friendly ferry if they know what to expect?

 

[Geistguy]

Always use Harwich to Hook of Holland crossing, 6 hours approx sailing and pets can stay in the MH. A good walk before getting to the ferry means our dog is comfortable. Good big green space after leaving harbour to stop for walkies.

 

[David BW]

Our first ferry crossing with our dog was to the Outer Hebrides - we went for the shorter crossing from Skye. The dog stayed in the van and settled very comfortably and seemed completely unfazed. We did other short crossings between the islands and then back to the mainland - no problems. We've since done two trips between to France (Poole to Cherbourg -about four and a half hours). Again our dog stayed in the van and settled comfortably and was relaxed when we returned.
We avoid taking Coco out of the van during the crossings as she doesn't get on with all other dogs and it's less stressful for us all if she's comfortably in the van. Also, Brittany Ferries rules would make her wear a muzzle when outside the van and she wouldn't be comfortable with that.

 

[TerryL]

We've used ferries of up to 5 hours duration and left the dog in the MH with no problems. A good walk beforehand, proper ventilation with water and a few treats and he's always been fine. Delighted to see us of course when we come back but he seems to treat it like sleeping at night and we always stop as soon as possible to let him out for toileting.

But he's always travelled, right from birth, so he's used to it.

 

[Nirvanauk]

Done the Rotterdam and Cherbourg this year. No problem. Dog friendly cabin each time. We take a muzzle but have never been asked to put it on. Both ferries have very small dog walks.

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[Aly1]

My dog would be stressed, howl and bark if she was left in my motorhome on a crossing. As well as her being stressed she sets all other dogs off. She was expelled from doggie daycare for stressing all the other dogs out and making them all bark and howl!
Last year I travelled with P and O Dover to Calais in the pet lounge with her. It was a very pleasant crossing with a small outside area for toileting the dogs. I prefer the convenience of ET and also the ability to change my crossing times online but would definitely use the P and O pet lounge again if ET was a lot more expensive.

 

[Guigsy]

We recently went from Holyhead to Dublin with the cat. On the way there, he stayed in the van. Litter tray, food, water. It was a smooth crossing. He seemed ok, but a little flustered.

On the way back it was a bit rougher. But we had a pet cabin. After exploring the room, he pretty much slept the whole way. I think we'd have him in the cabin if we had the choice.

Although we much prefer the speed and convenience of the tunnel.

 

[EuroTrotters]

Always use Harwich to Hook of Holland crossing, 6 hours approx sailing and pets can stay in the MH. A good walk before getting to the ferry means our dog is comfortable. Good big green space after leaving harbour to stop for walkies.

My choice too, if we try ok a pet

 

[EuroTrotters]

My choice too, if we try ok a pet

Meant to say if we had a pet

 

[Barti Ddu]

We've now used the Dover Calais ferry with the pet lounge a number of times. In fact just came off it less than 2 hours ago. A bit rough today thanks to Storm Babet. Complimentary hot and cold drinks, pet exercise area, comfy seats. Makes a cost effective alternative to the tunnel.

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[Jays2]

We have traveled with our dogs in our van no problem.
However on discussing staying in your van ( not allowed) but some people have, with our daughter.
She was a ships navigator , told us it’s a death sentence if the ship has a problem.
She explained that these hold areas are sealed as a flotation device to allow more time to evacuate the ship.
With this knowledge our 8 year old granddaughter got a bit upset to think that our pets in the vehicle would die.

 

[Peter and Julie]

We have used P&O because of the pet lounge, which is brilliant! Wouldn't dream of leaving the dogs in the car or motorhome for a crossing, car alarms constantly going off. Because of the area we usually aim for in France it's Brittany Ferries we now use with pet friendly cabins. I found calling them and asking for a sailing with a pet cabin when we wanted to travel was easier as we can aim for any port in France they use from/to Portsmouth.