Dogs on Ferries

richardast

I've scoured the internet without success before seeking help...

Does anyone know of a cross-channel ferry operator that allows dogs on ferries to stay with their owners during the crossing, rather than being locked up in the car or stuck in a kennel?

I've heard that there are definitely a couple, but I can't locate them.

Cheers

heavymental

Hmm. Ferrysavers work with all the main operators. They might be worth a ring to find out.

nwallace

If none of the operators allow dogs on deck when travelling as a vehicle passenger or the one you want to use doesn't check their foot passenger and dogs policy. CalMac allow foot passengers to convey dogs but the dog (and you) are then limited to certain areas of the ship. And obviously CalMac isn't a cross channel ferry operator.

johnnyhotdog

do you work for calmac, nwallace?

i don't know about the cross channel ferries i'm afraid - what is the problem with the car or kennel options?

richardast

I have a friend who says that the only good dog is a hot dog...

johnnyhotdog wrote:

i don't know about the cross channel ferries i'm afraid - what is the problem with the car or kennel options?

He's a rescue dog. Severe seperation anxiety and anti-social tendencies towards other canines would make kennels a nightmare. I'm looking for a crossing to Le Havre - don't want to leave a dog in my car for 8-9 hours :shock: .

Cheers for suggestions.

johnnyhotdog

i have a rescue dog too - luckilly, even though he'd been severely abused and then neglected, he's quite calm about things.

he doesn't like the vibrations of ferries though - gets him a bit nervous and upset.

it could be worth phoning a few of the operators with kennels as the might not be shared use.

it might be necessary to go the vet for sedation before the trip. if you are on a ferry where you can take your dog, normally you're limited to the "dogs" area where owners can sit with their dogs. it's very likely to be busy though.

sorry i haven't been much help!

nwallace

johnnyhotdog wrote:

do you work for calmac, nwallace?

i don't know about the cross channel ferries i'm afraid - what is the problem with the car or kennel options?

No I don't work for Cal Mac, just been on a few of their (inc NorthLink boats) while up north or west on holiday

johnnyhotdog

nwallace wrote:

johnnyhotdog wrote:

do you work for calmac, nwallace?

i don't know about the cross channel ferries i'm afraid - what is the problem with the car or kennel options?

No I don't work for Cal Mac, just been on a few of their (inc NorthLink boats) while up north or west on holiday

ok! I HAVE A FEW FRIENDS oops - caps - i'm not really shouting!

sorry, i was just curious!

Soreknees

If you want to go to Le Havre you've got one choice, and that's LD Lines from Portsmouth. Don't know what their policy is on pets though. Brittany ferries crosses to Caen from Portsmouth, I've seen a few dogs on board but again I don't know what their policy is on taking pets. Boom boom.

tatanab

LD lines website says -

Motorised passengers must have their animal remaining in their vehicle for the duration of the crossing. Reservations must be made online in advance. Foot passengers willing to travel with their pet should book over the phone and bring their own cage. Animals are being taken care of by our personnel from check-in to arrival.

http://www.ldlines.co.uk/animals.html

Tourist Tony

Your answer is the Channel Tunnel. If your dog can stand it, you travel in your car and so does the dog.

Monty Dog

If you have to leave the dog in the car, then I'd seriously consider sedation - knowing that he's having a nice deep doze for a couple of hours is best for dog and owner. We're taking a trip to the Isle of Man purely on the fact that they have 'doggy cabins' on certain routes.