Traveling with your pet from the UK to Spain: a complete guide

Wondering if there's a dog-friendly ferry to Spain from the UK? The two countries are connected by Brittany Ferries vessels, where pets are more than welcome!

Find out all you need to know about onboard accommodation, tickets and documentation, as well as the necessary equipment you need to travel on the ferry to Spain from the UK with your dog, cat or other pet.

Useful info: find out all about ferry routes from the UK to Spain on our dedicated blog post, departing from the ports of Portsmouth and Plymouth to Bilbao and Santander.

Happy dog preparing for a ferry trip

Can I take my pet on a ferry to Spain from the UK?

Yes, you can travel with your pet on all ferries sailing from the UK to Spain. Brittany Ferries vessels serving routes to Spain offer pet-friendly amenities for dogs, cats, ferrets, and other domesticated pets. You can bring along up to 5 pets on the ferry.

Important: bear in mind that you must travel with a car if you want to bring along your pet/pets. You can’t bring a pet if you are traveling as a foot passenger, nor if you are traveling with a bicycle or a motorcycle.

Ferry tickets for dogs, cats and ferrets can be booked online for sailings on all Brittany Ferries routes. Note that rabbits are not allowed on ferries to Spain.

What documentation do I need to travel on the ferry to Spain with a pet?

In order to be able to board the ferry to Spain with your dog or other pet and enjoy a smooth holiday, you need to have valid and recently updated pet documentation. Necessary documents depend on the kind of pet you are traveling with and country of departure:

• Dogs: a pet passport or Animal Health Certificate showing that the pet has been microchipped and vaccinated against rabies (if you depart from the UK) or treated against tapeworm (if you depart from Spain).
• Cats / ferrets: a pet passport or Animal Health Certificate. 

Brittany Ferries offers the pet travel pre-check service 96 hours before departure, so you can confirm that your pet's travel documentation is valid to travel. The service is free of charge.

Remember that you must bring your pet's documentation with you as you may be required to present these documents when you check in at the port.

Tip: note that the UK has left the European Union and you can find the latest guidelines on taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad on gov.uk.

Double trouble checking in the ferry from the UK to Spain

Where can my pet stay on board UK - Spain ferries?

Ferries to Spain are pet-friendly and well equipped in terms of amenities and accommodation options. There are 3 different ways that your pet can travel on UK - Spain ferries:

• in your car
• in a kennel
• in a pet-friendly cabin

Pet accommodation options vary from one Brittany Ferries vessel to another, and also depend on the route. However note that all ferries are equipped with pet exercise areas. Note that pets are not allowed in the vessels’ public areas (except registered assistance dogs) and should wear a muzzle and a leash at all times outside the cabin, kennel or car.

Kennels are available in two different sizes: large and small. It is possible that two small dogs can share a large kennel. There is a water tap nearby and there is a dog-waste bin with bags available. You can visit your dog during the sail. Make sure to bring your own supplies when it comes to bedding, water bowls, food, etc. There are no kennels available for cats.

Pet-friendly cabins are available on all UK - Spain ferries. All pet-friendly cabins are equipped with comforts, such as fresh linen and towels and A/C. There are both inside and outside cabins available. These cabins are designed to comfortably accommodate one pet.

Pets staying in vehicles should remain there throughout the journey. You can visit your pet to check its well-being (1 passenger only and for up to 15 minutes) accompanied by a member of the crew. Remember to leave food and water for your pet, as well as absorbent bedding and any toys that might make them feel more comfortable, and to leave the car windows slightly open for ventilation.

Note: due to Brittany Ferries’ health and safety measures, passengers must check in at least 90 minutes before departure. Pet-carrying vehicles will be handed a special sticker upon arrival at the port, that should not be removed before leaving the port of arrival.

How much does it cost to bring my pet on a ferry to Spain from the UK?

You can catch the ferry to Spain with your dog, cat, or ferret, with pet tickets starting at around £45 (around €52). Prices vary depending on the accommodation you choose for your pet (kennel, cabin or car).

Important: if you're thinking of traveling to Spain with your pet, bear in mind that space is usually limited, especially in the summer. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you book well in advance.

Feeling the breeze and the waves in Santander

Feeling blue when you leave your furry friend behind to go on holiday? You don’t have to! Ride the ferry to Spain with your pet, and explore its beautiful countryside and long, sandy beaches together!

Useful info: for the time being, it is not possible to book tickets for ferries between the UK and Spain on Ferryhopper, but we are always working on including new ferry routes. Use our Map of ferries to check out of all available connections from the UK and… stay tuned!