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Pets
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 03/03/2008, 12:35
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pouyade
Joined on 17/01/2005
Berkshire and 17
Posts 114
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Long Ferry crossing with dog
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Our 7 yr old spaniel has travelled happily to France on short ferry crossings, on Speedferries and by Tunnel at least 4 times a year since she was a year old. For our next visit, it suits us to use the Portsmouth - St Malo route but we are concerned as to how she would cope. I read that she would be able to go into kennels (on the Bretagne) rather than having to stay on the car but am still wondering whether it is a great idea.
Anyone used the kennel system or able to offer information on the kennel visiting arrangements? Does one end up later/ earlier embarking or disembarking when using the kennels? Do the dogs just wind each other up?
Thoughts welcome, by PM if you prefer.
Many thanks
Pouyade
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03/03/2008, 13:54
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Deimos
 
Joined on 15/11/2005
France
Posts 2,731
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Re: Long Ferry crossing with dog
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In my experience these days BF are not well organised for
managing pets. Last time I travelled
with them I arrived at the port 1:30 before departure, was immediately waved
through to the loading area and they then refused to let me take my dogs out of
the car to relieve themselves before an 8 hr crossing. By this time the dogs had been in the car
for quite a few hours and their officious people at the port were totally
unhelpful and unaware that dogs need to go to the toilet every now and again !! (Fortunately, once we boarded the boat crew appreciated
the problems and the dogs had an exciting time finding loads of places to go to
the toiled on the boat (with BF’s boat staff permission).
My understanding is that the kennels are not used on channel
crossings but only on the trips to/from Spain.
BF have told me about their kennels before but I have never been able to
use them on channel crossings. However,
after my last experiences with BF I will never travel with them again with my
dogs.
If ferry companies are to be allowed to transport pets they
need to ensure their staff are aware of the needs of pets and that the staff
need to understand the word “helpful”, “cooperation”, etc. In my experience BF fall far short of the
mark in this regard and should really not be allowed to take pets.
However, my experiences with other ferry companies is
totally different. They seem to be able
to be helpful, provide facilities, let your dogs go to the loo, etc. I’m sure there are some good BF staff when
it comes to pets (e.g. the boat crew in my above experience) but coming across
them seems a matter of chance – which is not good as, “catch the wrong ones” or
“catch them on a bad day” and your pet will suffer.
Ian
Copyright Deimos. All rights reserved
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03/03/2008, 15:54
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Will
Joined on 22/09/2004
Sussex & 50 (Mortainais)
Posts 5,102
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Re: Long Ferry crossing with dog
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Two cross-channel ships are equipped with kennels, the Bretagne and the Pont Aven. Both are operated by Brittany Ferries, and are used on the St Malo route, though it's only the Bretagne in the summer season. The Pont Aven kennels are situated on the highest deck, I think it's No10, and it is possible to see the dogs at any time and walk them (around that deck only). On the Bretagne, the kennels are, I believe (though I could well be wrong) on the car deck level, so visits are subject to timetables.
Although this may not have been the case in the past, the kennels are used on the St Malo route as well as that to Santander. In fact when a ship with kennels is being used, company policy is that use of the kennels is compulsory for all dogs travelling (see http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/pet-friendly-holidays/taking-your-pet ).
Company policy is that dog owners can visit pets, even those carried in cars, on request, subject to the captain's discretion (other than on the Pont Aven of course where the kennels are available at all times). A few captains in the past were sometimes reluctant to grant this, but it seems to be less of a problem now. However most dogs seem perfectly happy to be left for the duration of the crossing - if not then there are mild sedatives and other tranquilising measures that your vet can prescribe (though I know this is controversial).
You embark and disembark with all the other passengers, though obviously you need to drop off and collect the dog as part of the procedure. As to whether or not dogs wind each other up, that's purely down to the individual dogs. Most of the time they seem to get along fine, though it only takes one awkward or aggressive animal to mess things up
Many people believe that the worst part of taking a dog is the procedure at the French ports (at least those used by Brittany Ferries) where the dog has to be taken to a check in desk inside the terminal building rather than being checked at the kiosks, as in Britain. Although there were difficulties in the earlier years of the Passport sceme, as described by the other two respondents (and particularly on the P&O Le Havre and Cherbourg routes, by all accounts), things seem to have settled down to a much more dog-friendly regime now. After all you pay a fare now to take the dog, unlike before, so you are entitled to expect something in return.
Will
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03/03/2008, 16:18
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Fleur
Joined on 23/08/2004
Dordogne
Posts 103
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Re: Long Ferry crossing with dog
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Hi Pouyade
We travelled here with our two dogs - one of 7 years and one of 17 years old - on an overnight sailing and we left the dogs in the car. They had their own travel cages with bedding water and food in each, plus the window left open a crack.
The person in charge of the parking told us that he'd check the dogs and contact our cabin if any problems during the sailing.
There were no problems and the dogs were happier in their beds than they would ever have been in a kennel.
Our doggie travel kit also included nappy changing mats, nappy sacs etc. None were needed we're delighted to say.
Good luck
Speak softly and carry a big stick
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03/03/2008, 17:27
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Russethouse
Joined on 23/08/2004
Forum Moderator
Posts 10,140
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Re: Long Ferry crossing with dog
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In light of your experience perhaps it would be worth other people using this service stopping before they reach the ferry terminal, to let their dogs 'stretch their legs' etc
www.quimperclub.org
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03/03/2008, 21:37
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WendyG
Joined on 23/08/2004
Posts 95
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Re: Long Ferry crossing with dog
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Hi
We used to take our 3 dogs back and forth regularly on BF Portsmouth/Caen criossing and did not experience any problems. They were far happier being left in the back of our Volvo estate with water etc. and did not suffer any problem. It is of course essential that they are let out prior to check-in and then asap after landing.
We mostly took the overnight crossings so they slept happily. They had always from puppies travelled in the vehicles and would choose to stay in the back with the tailgate up evebn when at home.
Jekyll
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France Forum » Living » Pets » Re: Long Ferry crossing with dog
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