TRAVELLING WITH A PET

Now that the UK has left the EU pet travel has changed. You will no longer be able to travel with a GB-issued EU pet passport, so you will need an EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Or if travelling from the EU an EU Pet Passport issued by another EU country or Northern Ireland. 

The below rule check list can be used to help you plan ahead. We also recommend that you speak to your vet and keep up to date with DEFRA guidelines on the gov.uk website. 

In order to have your pet on the ferry to France your pet must have:

• an animal health certificate (AHC), or a valid EU pet passport that’s accepted in the country you’re travelling to. You will need a new Animal Health Certificate every time you travel to an EU country. 

You must get an animal health certificate in the 10 days before you enter the EU as long as your pet either:
- has an up-to-date rabies vaccination already.
- only needs booster doses to keep the vaccination up to date.

If your pet needs a rabies vaccination, you must wait 21 days after the vaccination date before you get an animal health certificate. Day 1 is the day after vaccination.

We advise you to tell your vet you need an AHC when you take your pet to get vaccinated. This gives your vet time to prepare so your pet can experience our dog friendly ferry to France. 

Your pet’s animal health certificate is only valid for one single trip and will be valid after the date of issue for:
- 10 days for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland
- 4 months for onward travel within the EU
- 4 months for re-entry to Great Britain

Find out more on how to apply for an AHC and what information should be recorded by your vet by visiting the gov.uk website.

• a microchip - You must get your pet microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination. If you do not, they’ll need to be vaccinated again.

• a valid rabies vaccination - You must get your dog, cat or ferret vaccinated against rabies before it can travel to the EU or Northern Ireland. Your vet needs proof that your pet is at least 12 weeks old before vaccinating them. You must wait 21 days to travel after your pet is vaccinated. Day 1 is the day after the rabies vaccination. That way ferrets, cats, and dogs on ferries can have a safe journey without the risk of going sick meaning you can enjoy your trip too knowing our pet friendly ferry to France is keeping your pets happy.

• tapeworm treatment for dogs - A vet must treat your dog for tapeworm and record it in either an animal health certificate or a valid EU pet passport for entry into Great Britain.
  The treatment must have been given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before your arrival into England; please check when your ship is scheduled to arrive, we recommend you visit the vet at least one day before you travel. To check what treatment information your vet must record on your ACH or EU pet passport please visit the government website.

Dogs, cats, ferrets and pet birds are allowed on our ships, as long as they meet all the EU entry requirements and have a valid AHC or EU Pet Passport. For more details visit the gov.uk site. 

As all pets must stay inside the vehicle during the trip, unless you have upgraded to the Pet Lounge (Dogs only), we’ve put together a few tips on how to make the journey as comfortable and hassle-free as possible for both you and your pet. 

Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs or birds used for hunting, breeding or meat on our vessels.

Check-In closes at the below times on our Dover to Calais route:

Vehicles / Motorcycles: 60 mins before departure time.

Foot Passengers: 90 mins before departure time.

Dogs in Pet Lounge: 90 mins before departure time to get your dog on the ferry to France safely.

You must ensure you arrive BEFORE these cut off times. To look at all our Dover to Calais ferry times explore our ferry timetables now.

Please be advised these are the latest times you can arrive at Check-In AFTER security. Therefore, we encourage you to allow for plenty of time to pass through security checks and allow for busy traffic during peak periods.

Getting a comfortable ferry to France with your dog 

Before you sail

When travelling with dogs on ferries to France we recommend you bring some things for the journey that will help your pet have a comfortable sailing. These things will also be useful throughout the rest of your trip so you can explore things to do in France

• Water container, please ensure the container is spill-proof and contains enough fresh water for the journey.

• Absorbent pads or bedding for your car, the kennel or your pet-friendly cabin.

• Pet waste sacks.

• Favourite toys to help them settle.

Please make sure to feed your pet at least a few hours before boarding the ship – if you do it later then they may get travel sick.

Give your pet plenty of exercise before they travel – that way, they’re likely to be less restless on the car journey.

Always allow time for your pet to go to the toilet before boarding.

Ferry with dog pet travel tips for during the sailing

• You should also leave some water in the car in a non-spill bowl for them, so that they can stay hydrated.

• Make sure your car is as cool as possible when you leave them, particularly in the summer months, and always leave a window or two open for them.

At P&O Ferries we want to ensure that our ferry to France is dog friendly from the minute you arrive at our ferry port terminals regardless of whether that’s at Dover or Calais. 

We know how much your furry friends matter to you, which is why we're pleased to let you know that both our Dover and Calais Ferry Terminals now have two dedicated pet areas for your much-loved pets to stretch their paws and enjoy some playtime in the open-air!

Not only that, but for the Crufts wannabes among your beloved companions, we also have a few obstacle tasks within the exercise areas to get them energised and exercised, as well as a seating area for you to relax. That way you can explore our pet friendly ferry to France by using our pet facilities and amenities at our terminals before you even board, so you and your pet can be happy from the beginning to the end of your journey. 

Our staff will be happy to direct you to these dedicated pet areas once you've checked in, just ask them for directions.

If your pet is poorly on the way to the ferry, you’ll find the nearest vet information for Dover and Calais ports below.

As your pet stays in your vehicle during the voyage, it’s important to make sure they’re fully fit and well before boarding the ship.

White Cliffs Vets
Unit 11, Whitfield Court, White Cliffs Business Park, Whitfield, CT16 3PX
Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 6pm 
Thursday open until 7pm
Saturday 8.30am to 12noon
Tel: 01304 41 41 41
Web: www.whitecliffsvets.co.uk

Clinique Vétérinaire
Dr Wuillot, Dr Lavielle & Dr Mottoul, 139 Boulevard Curie, 62100 Calais
Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 1pm and 2pm - 8pm
Saturday: 8.30am - 12noon and 2pm - 8pm
Tel: +33 (0)321 821 511 
Web: www.centre-veterinaire-curie.fr

Can dogs go on ferries?

Yes,  dogs can go on ferries and at P&O Ferries dogs can go on all of our ships regardless of the route including our ferries to France. We have ensured that our facilities make ferries to France with dogs easy and enjoyable from the minute you check-in till when you depart our ferries. Please note however, that unless you have booked your dog into our Pet Lounge, dogs (and all other pets) must remain in your vehicle during the crossing.

Can I stay with my dog on a ferry?

P&O Ferries are proud to sail dog friendly ferries to France,  which include having our pet lounges, with designated outside deck exercise areas. If you do not book the pet lounge then your dog must remain in the car. We recommend that you leave your dog plenty of water and keep the windows slightly open so your dog can stay hydrated and not overheat. 

Is there a pet check in Dover to Calais?

Yes, there is a Dover pet check in, but luckily for you it’s in exactly the same check-in as all our other passengers. 

We do not have a separate pet check-in as we want all of our passengers to be able to check in smoothly and get onboard efficiently without having to change anything. That way all travel documentation for all passengers onboard can be checked at the same time so you and your furry friend can get onboard straight away and start enjoying your journey.

Can you take dogs on ferries to France?

Yes, at P&O Ferries dogs are allowed on cross channel ferries. Whether your dog stays in your vehicle for the crossing or visits our pet lounge your dog will be happy and relaxed ready to explore their next puppy adventure. Please make sure all their documents and vaccinations are up to date, as per the Gov.uk requirements.

Do they check pet passports on the ferry?

At P&O Ferries, pet travel to France is managed by checking all pet passports and supporting documents at our pet check-ins. Our pet check-ins are open up until 90 minutes before departure time so make sure you arrive in plenty of time so you can settle your pet calmly and enjoy your journey. 

When travelling with a pet it is vital to be organised and have all travel planning sorted to avoid stress and enjoy your trip from the moment you reach our ports.  For up-to-date information of our travel timetables look now and book a ferry crossing that’s best for you and your pet. 

Can I take my dog on a ferry between Dover and Calais?

Yes, with the new P&O Pet Lounge, you can travel with your dog in style. Experience our luxurious lounges, complete with comfy sofas and TVs for the humans, and big spaces and an outdoor deck for your furry friends to stretch their legs and relax. See more on our dog-friendly ferries on our travelling with a pet page.

How much does it cost to take a pet on a ferry?

It costs £15 each way to bring your pet on a ferry. If you’re travelling with a dog, you can make use of our new Pet Lounge, which you can upgrade to for £12 each way.

Ferry pet travel to Europe after Brexit?

If you want to travel with pets, you’ll need to abide by the EU regulations. We recommend reading our travelling with pets page and checking the government guidelines to see what steps you might need to take for pet travel to France or Europe. 

Pet travel requirements for ferries?

If you want to travel with a pet from Dover to Calais, it will need to stay in the car for the duration of the trip. Dogs can travel in our new P&O Pet Lounges for an additional fee. Please make sure they have a valid AHC or EU pet passport, and all other documentation is complete and compliant with EU regulations before you bring your pets on a ferry. Read our travelling with a pet page, and the government guidelines on travelling with a pet to see more. 

Which pets are allowed to travel on ferries?

Dogs, cats, and ferrets are allowed to travel on our ships, provided they meet all EU regulations and have a valid AHC or EU pet passport. All pets must stay in your vehicle unless you have upgraded to the P&O Pet Lounge (dogs only). 

Are there places to stay in Calais with pets?

Whether you are staying in Calais for your whole trip or staying there for just one night after a family day trip to Calais, there are plenty of dog-friendly places to stay from hotels, B&B’s, and other short-term rentals.

To find out more explore the best dog friendly destinations in Europe today and book your crossing now