Portsmouth to Caen Ferry with Pets: The Complete 2026 Guide

Travelling on the Portsmouth to Caen ferry with pets is straightforward — once you know which ship you are on. The Guillaume de Normandie (GdN) gives you three options: a pet-friendly cabin where your dog or cat travels with you, an onboard kennel on deck 7, or your vehicle. The Mont Saint Michel (MSM) has no kennels and no pet cabins — your pet stays in the vehicle for the entire crossing. That one distinction shapes everything about the experience, and getting it right at the booking stage is what this guide is for.

This guide covers the full picture for 2026: the April 2026 AHC rule change and what it means for your documentation, what to expect at Portsmouth (dogs are not permitted inside the terminal — plan your final walk before arriving), GdN kennel dimensions and booking tips, muzzle rules and fines, and what needs to be arranged in France before your return to the UK.

Last updated: June 2026 | All information verified from official Brittany Ferries and GOV.UK sources.

🐾 Pet Travel Fast Facts — Portsmouth to Caen

£35+

Per pet each way

90 min

Check-in with pets

Pet cabins on GdN deck 7

AHC

Required every crossing

✅ Dogs, cats and ferrets are accepted on the Portsmouth to Caen ferry
✅ You must have a vehicle — pets cannot travel with foot passengers, cyclists or motorcyclists
⚠️ Dogs are NOT allowed inside Portsmouth terminal building — exercise beforehand at Alexandra Park (~1.5 miles) or on approach roads
⚠️ MSM has no kennels and no pet cabins — if your sailing is on Mont Saint Michel, your pet stays in your vehicle throughout
✅ GdN offers all three options — pet cabin, onboard kennel, or vehicle. Check your ship before booking
✅ Book early — GdN pet cabins and kennels sell out fast, particularly in summer

Check Pet Availability & Book with Brittany Ferries

Can You Take a Pet on the Portsmouth to Caen Ferry?

Yes — Brittany Ferries accepts dogs, cats and ferrets on the Portsmouth to Caen crossing. Both ships carry pets, but the accommodation options differ so significantly that the ship name should be the first thing you check when booking. A crossing on the Guillaume de Normandie and a crossing on the Mont Saint Michel are not the same experience for a pet owner.

✅ Guillaume de Normandie

Hybrid-LNG ship, launched April 2025 — operates most Portsmouth–Caen crossings

21 pet-friendly cabins — deck 7, inside and outside options
10 small + 2 large kennels — deck 7, accessible throughout sailing
Pet exercise area — deck 7, same level as cabins and kennels
Vehicle option also available
Daytime sailings: vehicle visits possible (1 person, 15 min, escorted)
Overnight sailings: no vehicle deck visits at all
All three accommodation types on one ship

⚠️ Mont Saint Michel

In service since December 2002 — operates alongside GdN on this route

Vehicle only — no kennels, no pet-friendly cabins
Daytime sailings: vehicle visits possible (1 person, 15 min, escorted)
Overnight sailings: no vehicle deck visits at all
Pet must remain in your vehicle for the entire crossing
Still requires full pet documentation and pre-booking

💡 How to check your ship: When searching on the Brittany Ferries website, the ship name is displayed next to each sailing time. Once booked, your confirmation email confirms which ship operates your crossing. If pet-friendly cabins or kennels are important to you, filter for Guillaume de Normandie sailings specifically. The ship you are on determines which accommodation options appear at checkout.

🚫 Vehicles only — no exceptions for foot passengers: Pets cannot travel on the Portsmouth to Caen ferry without a vehicle. This applies to cyclists and motorcyclists too. If you are travelling as a foot passenger or on a bicycle, your pet cannot board. The only exceptions are registered assistance dogs — contact Brittany Ferries directly at pettravelexpert@brittanyferries.com or call 0330 159 7000 to discuss your options.

🐰 What pets are not accepted: Rabbits are not permitted on any Brittany Ferries sailing. Bookings cannot be made on the day of departure, for unaccompanied pets, or for exotic animals (parrots, turtles, reptiles etc.) without an EU Health Certificate or CITES documentation. For exotic pets, contact pettravelexpert@brittanyferries.com at least 6–8 weeks before travel.

Pet Ferry Costs — Portsmouth to Caen 2026

The pet fee is charged per pet, per crossing, on top of your vehicle and passenger fares. Kennel use on Guillaume de Normandie is included within the pet fee — there is no extra charge for the kennel itself. Pet-friendly cabins are priced as standard cabins with the pet fee added on top.

What You’re Paying For	Cost	Notes
Pet fee — per pet, each way	£35+	Applies per pet on every Portsmouth–Caen or Caen–Portsmouth sailing. Must be pre-booked
Pet-friendly cabin (GdN only)	Cabin price + £35	Pet cabin priced same as standard cabin of same grade. See our Cabins Guide for pricing
Onboard kennel (GdN only)	Included in £35	No extra charge for kennel use. Must be booked in advance. Dogs only — cats cannot use kennels
Pet staying in vehicle	Included in £35	Available on both GdN and MSM. No extra cost beyond the pet fee. Must still be pre-booked

💡 Key booking notes: Up to 5 pets per vehicle can be booked online. For more than 5, contact Brittany Ferries directly. Bookings cannot be made on the day of departure. Registered guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge — notify BF at the time of booking. Any person responsible for a pet must be 16 or over. Pets cannot travel unaccompanied. Pet travel is popular and space is limited — book early, especially for GdN pet cabins and kennels in school holidays and summer.

Where Can Your Pet Stay? — All Four Options Explained

The accommodation option you select at booking determines everything about your crossing with a pet. On Guillaume de Normandie you have three choices; on Mont Saint Michel you have one.

🛏️ Option 1: Pet-Friendly Cabin (Dog-Friendly Cabin) — Guillaume de Normandie Only

21 cabins · Deck 7 · Inside and outside options · Dogs and cats welcome

Best for: Anyone who wants to keep their pet with them throughout the crossing. Your dog or cat stays in the cabin — no separation at any point. Available exclusively on Guillaume de Normandie sailings. Also the best choice for nervous or anxious dogs — being with their owner throughout a 7-hour crossing is considerably less stressful than an unfamiliar kennel or a vehicle they can’t leave.

All GdN pet cabins include: ensuite, air conditioning, bunk-style beds, laminate flooring (practical for pets). Pet bedding not supplied — bring your own. UK 3-pin sockets plus EU 2-pin.

Capacity per cabin: 2-berth = 1 large dog (>10kg) or 2 small dogs/cats (<10kg). 4-berth = 2 large dogs or 3 small dogs/cats. Cabin space will feel tight with multiple larger pets.

Exercise area: Deck 7, same level as pet cabins. Dogs must be muzzled and on a lead at all times outside the cabin — including in the exercise area and during all transfers on board.

⚠️ Pets are not permitted in any non-pet-friendly cabin or public area. If your pet enters a standard cabin, a deep-cleaning fine of €193.68 applies (first offence); €387.36 for any repeat. Book the correct cabin type and keep your pet within it at all times.

🐾 Option 2: Onboard Kennel — Guillaume de Normandie Only

10 small + 2 large kennels · Deck 7 · Dogs only · Included in £35 pet fee

Best for: Dogs who travel well independently and owners who don’t need a cabin for themselves or prefer to share a standard cabin. Cats cannot use kennels — cats must use a pet-friendly cabin or your vehicle.

Kennel Size	Height	Width	Depth	Suitable breeds (guide)
Small (10 available)	80cm	95cm	110cm	Toy Poodle, King Charles Spaniel, Jack Russell Terrier
Large (2 available)	80cm	95cm	210cm	German Shepherd, Labrador, Dalmatian, Boxer, Pointer, Setter

Kennels on GdN are on deck 7 with a water tap and waste bins nearby. They are accessible throughout the crossing except during cleaning periods (approximately 30 minutes, twice daily). A pet exercise area is immediately adjacent to the kennel area on the same deck. Bedding is not provided — bring your own, plus water bowl, food and your dog’s familiar items.

⚠️ Only 2 large kennels available on GdN. Book early — they sell out well in advance of popular sailings. Book the correct size: if the kennel is unsuitable for your dog’s size on arrival, carriage cannot be guaranteed.

🚗 Option 3: Pet Stays in Vehicle — Both Ships

GdN and MSM · Covered by £35 pet fee · Car deck locks once sailing begins

Best for: Pets who are most comfortable in their familiar car environment. Available on both ships. On GdN daytime sailings, a car deck visit can be arranged. On MSM daytime sailings, visits follow a slightly different arrangement (see below). On all overnight sailings, no car deck visits are possible at all.

Ventilation & comfort

Open windows to allow air flow — use window grilles to prevent escape. The car deck can feel warm when you first park while vehicles are still loading, but once the ship is underway the temperature is carefully regulated and inspected regularly by crew. Leave sufficient water, food, absorbent bedding and familiar items. Your pet must be able to sit, stand, turn and lie down naturally.

Car deck visits — GdN

On daytime GdN sailings, a visit can be arranged via the Information Desk. Present your passport or driving licence (held during the visit), receive a ticket, one person, maximum 15 minutes, crew escort. Pet stays in the vehicle.

Brachycephalic breeds, heat & nervous dogs

Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs) and thick-coated dogs are vulnerable to overheating. In summer the overnight sailing is preferable. For any dog prone to heat or anxiety, a dog-friendly cabin on GdN is the best option — they stay with you in an air-conditioned cabin throughout all 7 hours.

⚠️ Never give your dog a prescription sedative before ferry travel. Sedation affects a dog’s ability to regulate body temperature and balance, which is dangerous in an enclosed vehicle or at sea. If your dog is anxious, ask your vet about natural calming options — prescription sedation before a crossing is strongly discouraged.

⚠️ Mont Saint Michel — Vehicle Only: What This Means in Practice

If your crossing is operated by Mont Saint Michel, your pet remains in your vehicle for the entire sailing. There are no kennels, no pet-friendly cabins, and no pet exercise area. On daytime MSM sailings, a supervised visit to the car deck can be arranged at the Information Desk — present your passport or driving licence as ID (held securely), receive a visit ticket, one person only, 15 minutes maximum, accompanied by a crew member throughout. Your pet stays inside the vehicle during the visit.

On overnight MSM sailings, there are no car deck visits at all — your pet is alone in the vehicle from the time the car deck locks (shortly after departure) until arrival at Ouistreham. If leaving your pet alone overnight in a vehicle concerns you, book a Guillaume de Normandie sailing where cabin and kennel options are available.

Pet Documentation: What You Need — 2026

⚠️ April 2026 Pet Passport Rule Change — Use an AHC to Guarantee Entry

From 22 April 2026, new EU rules changed how GB residents can travel to France with pets. EU pet passports issued to GB residents before 22 April 2026 may no longer be valid for entry into the EU — the GOV.UK guidance is clear that individual EU member states may refuse them. EU vets cannot issue new EU pet passports to non-EU residents after this date.

To guarantee smooth travel, GB residents should get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from a GB Official Veterinarian for every trip from Great Britain to France — regardless of whether they have an older EU pet passport. GB residents can still use EU pet passports for the return journey back into Great Britain.

Always verify the current requirements at gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad before travel.

Animal Health Certificate (AHC) — Recommended for All GB Residents

The GOV.UK guidance is clear: to guarantee smooth entry into France, GB residents should get an Animal Health Certificate for every trip — even if they hold an older EU pet passport. EU pet passports issued to GB residents before 22 April 2026 may no longer be accepted by EU border authorities. Individual member states can apply their own requirements, so an AHC removes any risk of refusal.

The AHC must be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) — not all vets hold OV status, so check with your practice and book well in advance. It must be issued within 10 days before you travel to France, cannot be reused, and must be completed in dual language, in block capitals with an official vet stamp. Any alterations must be signed and stamped. Brittany Ferries checks documentation at Portsmouth and French authorities check again at Ouistreham. Book your OV appointment at least 4–6 weeks before travel — earlier in summer.

Microchip

Your pet must be microchipped. The microchip number and date of implantation must appear correctly on the AHC or pet passport. Crucially, the microchipping date must be on or before the date of the first rabies vaccination — not after it. Your microchip will be scanned at Portsmouth check-in.

Rabies Vaccination

Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies, with the vaccination date, product name, batch number and valid until date recorded correctly on the AHC. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before receiving the vaccination.

First-time travel: a 21-day wait applies after the initial rabies vaccination before travel to France is permitted. No waiting period is needed for boosters if vaccinations have been kept continuously up to date. Any lapse in vaccination status resets the waiting period.

Tapeworm Treatment — Dogs Only, For Return to UK

Dogs (not cats or ferrets) must have tapeworm treatment administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before your scheduled UK arrival time in order to re-enter the UK. The product name, manufacturer, date, time and vet’s signature and stamp must all be recorded correctly on the AHC or passport.

Work backwards from your Portsmouth arrival time to calculate your treatment window. Book your vet appointment in France as soon as you arrive — many French vets are closed Sunday and Monday, and bank holidays affect opening times too. See our recommended vets near Ouistreham below.

🐕 Restricted Breeds in France

Category 1 (banned in public places in France): Pit Bull Terrier crosses, Mastiff crosses (Boerboels), Tosas. These breeds cannot legally be in public spaces in France.

Category 2 (muzzle and lead required in all public spaces): American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers. If your dog may fall under either category, check gov.uk and contact Brittany Ferries at pettravelexpert@brittanyferries.com before booking.

✅ Brittany Ferries Pet Travel Pre-Check

Once booked, Brittany Ferries will contact you 96 hours before departure with a link to their free Pet Travel Pre-Check service. Log in with your Brittany Ferries account, answer questions about your pet’s documentation and vaccination records, and receive instant confirmation of whether your pet is cleared to travel. If any issue is flagged, their Pet Travel Experts can help resolve it before you reach Portsmouth. You must still bring all original documents on the day — the pre-check does not replace physical document verification at the port.

Onboard Pet Rules — Muzzles, Fines and Where Pets Can’t Go

Brittany Ferries enforces its pet rules actively on both ships. Fines are issued. The rules are straightforward but non-negotiable — knowing them before you board makes for a smoother crossing for you, your pet, and everyone around you.

🐕 Muzzle Rules — Actively Enforced

Your dog must be muzzled and on a lead whenever outside their vehicle, kennel or pet-friendly cabin. This applies during all transfers on board — from the car deck to your cabin or kennel, between the kennel or cabin and the exercise area, and at all times in the exercise area itself.

Fine: €200 first offence. €400 for any repeat on a subsequent crossing. Repeated breaches may result in being refused travel with Brittany Ferries in the future. You must supply the muzzle — it is not provided. Familiarise your dog with wearing one before the crossing — the ship is not a good place for a first introduction.

Assistance dogs are exempt from the muzzle requirement. Emotional support animals must follow the same rules as regular pets.

🚫 Where Pets Cannot Go

Pets are confined to their booked accommodation only. They are not permitted in:

Any public area — restaurants, bars, lounges, open decks
Standard (non-pet-friendly) cabins
Any area not designated for pets

Fine for taking a pet into a non-pet-friendly cabin: €193.68 (deep-cleaning charge) for a first offence. €387.36 for any repeat. Only registered assistance dogs may access passenger public areas.

🌿 Pet Exercise Area — GdN Only

Guillaume de Normandie has a dedicated pet exercise area on deck 7, adjacent to the kennels and pet cabins. Dogs must remain muzzled and on a lead at all times in the exercise area. Waste bins and bags are provided — owners are responsible for clearing up.

Mont Saint Michel has no pet exercise area. If your pet is in your vehicle on an MSM crossing, they remain there. Daytime visits to the vehicle are possible but limited (see above).

Step-by-Step: Check-in and Boarding with a Pet at Portsmouth

Before You Leave Home

Confirm your AHC was issued within the last 10 days and all fields are completed correctly. Don’t over-feed or over-water your pet before the journey — allow time for exercise and toileting before you reach the port. Practise the muzzle with your dog at home well before the trip. Pack all pet essentials in a bag you’ll carry on board rather than leaving in the boot — once the car deck locks, you cannot return.

Exercise Before the Port — Dogs Not Allowed in Portsmouth Terminal

Unlike Plymouth Millbay, dogs are not permitted inside Portsmouth International Port terminal building. Allow time for your dog to exercise and toilet before you arrive at the port. Alexandra Park is approximately 1.5 miles from the terminal and is the most convenient green space for a final pre-boarding walk. Arrive at the port with 90 minutes to spare — exercising before check-in means the crossing itself is considerably calmer.

Check-in — 90 Minutes Before Departure

Passengers with pets must check in at least 90 minutes before departure. At check-in, your pet’s documentation (AHC or valid pre-April-2026 EU passport) will be checked and your pet’s microchip scanned. Brittany Ferries will place a pet sticker on your car windscreen — this must remain in place until you leave the port of arrival at Ouistreham. Do not remove it before then. You may also be handed pet cabin keycards if applicable. Ensure documents are readily accessible rather than buried in a bag.

Boarding and Pet Transfer

On boarding, crew will give instructions for transferring your pet to the kennel or pet-friendly cabin. Muzzle your dog and put them on a lead from the moment you leave the vehicle — crew will be present and expect all dogs to be muzzled during transfers. If your pet is staying in your vehicle, settle them before leaving the car deck — it will lock shortly after departure and cannot be reopened until arrival (or during supervised daytime visits on some sailings). Take everything you need for the crossing with you now.

Arriving at Ouistreham — and a Dog-Friendly Region Awaits

Your pet’s documentation will be checked again by French border officials at Port de Ouistreham after disembarking. Keep documents easily accessible — there can be queues on busy sailings. Once clear of the port, find somewhere safe to stop and let your dog out for a walk and toilet. Book your tapeworm vet appointment as soon as you arrive in France — calculate your 24–120 hour window from your return UK arrival time and book accordingly. See recommended vets near Ouistreham below.

France is renowned for being one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe — restaurants and cafés regularly welcome dogs inside, and Normandy is particularly good for dogs. Sword Beach is two minutes from Ouistreham port, and the D514 coast road west passes dog-friendly beaches all the way to Arromanches. Inland, the Pays d’Auge and Suisse Normande offer quiet countryside walking with very little traffic. The Normandy coast and countryside make the Portsmouth to Caen crossing one of the best ferry routes for dog owners heading to France.

What to Pack for Your Pet

Nothing is supplied in pet-friendly cabins or kennels for your animal — bedding, water bowls, food and familiar items are entirely your responsibility. For a 7-hour crossing, good preparation makes a real difference to your pet’s comfort and your peace of mind.

📄 Documents Checklist

AHC (original, issued within last 10 days)
Pre-April-2026 EU Pet Passport if applicable
Rabies vaccination details
Microchip documentation
Booking confirmation
Pre-check confirmation email
Your passport or driving licence (for car deck visits)

🎒 Essentials

Muzzle — dogs must wear one outside accommodation
Lead and spare lead
Absorbent bedding — not supplied in cabins or kennels
Familiar blanket or toy from home
Nappy sacks and tissues for accidents
Collar tag with your mobile number including +44
UK travel adaptor for GdN cabins (UK 3-pin available on GdN)

🥣 Food and Water

Spill-resistant or collapsible water bowl
Sufficient fresh water for the crossing
Food and food bowl
Long-lasting chews — keeps dogs occupied quietly
Don’t over-feed before boarding
Water must be accessible at all times for kennel and vehicle pets

🚗 If Pet Stays in Vehicle

Window grilles — ventilation without escape risk
Travel crate if your pet is familiar with one
Enough space to sit, stand, turn and lie naturally
Overnight sailings: car deck inaccessible once underway
Summer + flat-faced breeds: strongly consider a cabin instead

Returning to the UK — Tapeworm Treatment and Vets Near Ouistreham

🐕 Dogs — Tapeworm Treatment Window

Tapeworm treatment must be administered by a vet not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours before your scheduled Portsmouth arrival time. Work backwards from your UK arrival time to calculate your window. The product name, manufacturer, date, time and vet’s stamp must all be correctly recorded on your AHC or passport.

Book your vet appointment in France as soon as you arrive. Many French vets are closed on Sundays and Mondays, and French bank holidays affect opening times. Don’t leave the appointment until the day before your return sailing — if the vet is closed, you will have missed your window and your dog cannot re-enter the UK. Check all signatures, dates and stamps at the surgery before leaving.

🏥 Vets Near Ouistreham

These vets are recommended by Brittany Ferries and are qualified to administer tapeworm treatment and complete the required documentation before your return to the UK.

Veto Cote de Nacre
149 Route de Lion, Ouistreham
📞 +33 2 31 97 41 41

VETOROVA Clinique Vétérinaire
1 Avenue Colonel Dawson, Ouistreham
📞 +33 2 31 96 55 82

🏥 Vets Near Portsmouth

For AHC issuance or pre-travel health checks before your departure from Portsmouth.

The Pet Vet
Unit 5, Portsmouth Retail Park, Binnacle Way
📞 +44 23 9421 7644

Harbour Veterinary Hospital
Monaco House, Anchorage Park, Painter Close
📞 +44 23 9266 8916

Portsmouth Solent Vets for Pets
Burrfields Retail Park, Burrfields Road (inside Pets at Home)
📞 +44 23 9265 0655

🛂 DEFRA Checks at Portsmouth

DEFRA officials may carry out document and microchip checks when you arrive at Portsmouth. A failure at this point — wrong dates, missing stamps, incorrect product name on the tapeworm entry — can result in your dog being refused entry to the UK and placed in quarantine entirely at your expense. Check every field of your documentation at the vet surgery before leaving. If documentation or microchip procedures fail, Brittany Ferries can only carry your pet if you have already made quarantine arrangements for UK arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions — Pets Portsmouth to Caen Ferry

Can I take my dog on the Portsmouth to Caen ferry?

Yes — Brittany Ferries accepts dogs on both ships on this route. On Guillaume de Normandie your dog can stay in a pet-friendly cabin, an onboard kennel, or your vehicle. On Mont Saint Michel, your dog must remain in your vehicle throughout. You must have a vehicle booked — pets cannot travel with foot passengers, cyclists or motorcyclists. A pet fee of £35+ per crossing applies and must be pre-booked.

Does my dog need a muzzle on the Portsmouth to Caen ferry?

Yes. Dogs must be muzzled and on a lead whenever outside their vehicle, kennel or pet-friendly cabin — during all transfers on board and at all times in the pet exercise area. You must supply the muzzle. The fine for not muzzling is €200 for a first offence and €400 for any repeat on a later crossing. Familiarise your dog with the muzzle before travelling. Assistance dogs are exempt.

Does the Mont Saint Michel have pet cabins or kennels?

No. Mont Saint Michel has no pet-friendly cabins and no onboard kennels. Pets must remain in your vehicle for the entire crossing. On daytime MSM sailings, a supervised vehicle deck visit can be arranged at the Information Desk (passport or driving licence as ID, one person, 15 minutes, crew escort). On overnight MSM sailings, there are no vehicle deck visits at all. If cabin or kennel options matter to you, book a Guillaume de Normandie sailing.

What documentation does my pet need for the Portsmouth to Caen ferry?

If you do not have an EU pet passport issued before 22 April 2026, you will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from a GB Official Veterinarian, issued within 10 days of travel. Your pet must be microchipped (microchip date must be on or before the rabies vaccination date), vaccinated against rabies, and — for dogs returning to the UK — have tapeworm treatment administered between 24 and 120 hours before your UK arrival time. All entries must be correctly completed and stamped.

How early do I need to check in with a pet at Portsmouth?

Passengers with pets must check in at least 90 minutes before departure — earlier than the standard vehicle check-in time of 45 minutes. Allow additional time to exercise your dog before check-in, as dogs are not permitted inside Portsmouth terminal. Alexandra Park is approximately 1.5 miles from the terminal for a final walk.

Can I take a cat on the Portsmouth to Caen ferry?

Yes. Cats are accepted on both ships. On Guillaume de Normandie, cats can travel in a pet-friendly cabin or remain in your vehicle — cats cannot use the onboard kennels, which are for dogs only. On Mont Saint Michel, cats must stay in your vehicle. Cats do not require tapeworm treatment to return to the UK, but do need an AHC (or pre-April-2026 EU passport) and a current rabies vaccination with microchip.

How many kennels are on the Guillaume de Normandie?

Guillaume de Normandie has 10 small kennels and 2 large kennels on deck 7. Small kennels (80cm H × 95cm W × 110cm D) are suitable for breeds such as Toy Poodles, King Charles Spaniels and Jack Russells. Large kennels (80cm H × 95cm W × 210cm D) accommodate breeds such as German Shepherds, Labradors, Dalmatians and Boxers. With only 2 large kennels available, booking early is essential.

What is the tapeworm treatment window for returning dogs?

Tapeworm treatment must be administered by a French vet between 24 and 120 hours before your scheduled Portsmouth arrival time. If your return sailing is the 23:00 overnight arriving at approximately 06:45 UK time, your treatment window is roughly between 06:45 on the fourth day prior and 06:45 the day before your arrival. Book your Ouistreham vet appointment as soon as you arrive in France — many vets are closed Sunday and Monday.

How long will my pet be on the Portsmouth to Caen ferry?

All three sailings — the 08:00, 15:00 and 23:00 departures — have a crossing time of approximately 7 hours. Your pet will be on board for that full duration. On the overnight 23:00 sailing, the car deck is sealed from shortly after departure and is not accessible again until arrival at Ouistreham (06:45 or 07:30 French time). If leaving your pet in the vehicle for 7 hours overnight concerns you, a dog-friendly cabin on Guillaume de Normandie sailings keeps your pet with you throughout — or the onboard kennel is a quieter, more contained alternative to the vehicle. For particularly anxious dogs, the cabin is by far the better choice.

Can I take my pet if I am a foot passenger on Portsmouth to Caen?

No. Pets cannot travel on the Portsmouth to Caen ferry without a vehicle. This applies to foot passengers, cyclists and motorcyclists. If you are travelling with a registered assistance dog, contact Brittany Ferries directly at pettravelexpert@brittanyferries.com or call 0330 159 7000 to discuss your options. Tricycle and motorcycle with sidecar passengers wishing to travel with a pet should also contact the reservations team.

Continue Planning Your Portsmouth to Caen Trip

🚗

Car Ferry Guide

Prices, dimensions, check-in times, alarm advice and everything vehicle passengers need

Car Ferry Guide →

🛏️

Cabins Guide

Every cabin grade on GdN and MSM — from Couchette Plus to Commodore, with prices

Cabins Guide →

⚓

Portsmouth Port Guide

Getting to the port, parking, facilities, check-in lanes and terminal information

Portsmouth Port →

🐾

Driving in France from Caen

French road rules, A13 tolls, Normandy routes — everything to know once you’re off the ship

Driving in France →

Ready to Book Your Portsmouth to Caen Crossing?

GdN pet cabins and large kennels sell out early. Book as soon as your dates are confirmed — and check which ship operates your sailing before you do.

Check Pet Availability & Book with Brittany Ferries