Pet lovers can enjoy taking their pet on their travels on the cross Channel ferries for a small fee. The routes of Dover-Calais and Hull-Rotterdam/Zeebrugge can accommodate pet(s), but not the Portsmouth-Bilbao route, which due to the duration of the trip does not carry pets.
For the Dover-Calais route, motorists who book a trip should check-in an hour before departure. Any pets should stay in their vehicles for the duration of the ferry trip. As for the Hull-Rotterdam/Zeebrugge route, check-in time should be at least 90 minutes before the scheduled crossing of the channel, and pets are housed in air-conditioned compartments located on the same vehicle decks.
For the latter route, P & O Ferries only allow guide and hearing dogs for foot passengers. On the other hand, for the Dover-Calais route, pets can be taken by foot passengers, provided that the animals are placed in lockable containers. These pets are also secured on the ferry’s lower deck.
Bookings for the Hull-Rotterdam/Zeebrugge route can only be made through a telephone call if you wish to take your pet, not online.
Not only cats and dogs can take advantage of this great opportunity to travel. Rabbits, even mice and guinea pigs, can also travel with you if you so wish. Just check out the requirements of your destination port regarding animals before you travel.
Travellers should plan their trip well beforehand, as cats and dogs are required to be properly vaccinated prior to going on board. They should also check the Defra website to inquire as to the PETS passport scheme.