Affiliate Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. If you book through these links we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Taking Pets on the Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry: The Complete 2027 Guide
There’s no need to leave your dog, cat or ferret behind when you travel from Portsmouth to St Malo. Brittany Ferries is one of the most pet-friendly ferry operators in Europe, and the Portsmouth to St Malo route — primarily operated by the MV Saint-Malo — offers three ways for your pet to travel: in a pet-friendly cabin with you, in an onboard kennel, or settled in your vehicle. This guide covers everything you need to know for 2027 for taking your pets on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry, from booking and documentation to check-in, onboard rules and returning to the UK safely.
Last updated: October 2026 | All information verified from official Brittany Ferries and UK Government sources
🐾 Pet Travel Fast Facts — Portsmouth to St Malo
£35
Per pet each way to France
90 min
Check-in closes before departure
28
Pet-friendly cabins on MV Saint-Malo
5 max
Pets per vehicle online
✅ Dogs, cats and ferrets are accepted on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry
✅ You must have a vehicle — pets cannot travel with foot passengers, cyclists or motorcyclists (recognised assistance dogs are the exception)
✅ Three accommodation options on the MV Saint-Malo: pet-friendly cabin, kennel, or your vehicle
⚠️ Since 22 April 2026: AHC required for all GB residents — EU pet passports are no longer valid for travel from Great Britain to the EU, regardless of when they were issued
✅ Book early — pet cabins and kennels sell out fast, especially in summer
Can You Take a Pet on the Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry?
Yes — Brittany Ferries fully welcomes dogs, cats and ferrets on the Portsmouth to St Malo crossing. The route is primarily operated by the MV Saint-Malo, the first ship on this route with pet-friendly cabins, offering all three accommodation options: 28 pet-friendly cabins (including pet-friendly Commodore and Club cabins), 12 kennels on deck 7, and the option for your pet to remain in your vehicle.
Between 7 and 20 March 2027 the Armorique operates a small number of sailings instead of the Saint-Malo. She has 18 pet-friendly cabins on deck 9 but no onboard kennels — so on those sailings, your pet either stays in a pet-friendly cabin or in your vehicle. Always check which ship is operating your sailing date before you book, as the available options differ between ships.
⚠️ Vehicles only: Pets cannot travel with foot passengers, cyclists or motorcyclists on Brittany Ferries. You must have a vehicle booked on the same crossing to bring a pet. The exception is recognised assistance dogs — if you’re bringing one without an enclosed vehicle (such as a car, van, minibus, motorhome or car and caravan), you can’t book online: call Brittany Ferries on 0330 159 7000 to make the booking. If you’re travelling with a tricycle or a motorcycle with sidecar and want to take a pet, Brittany Ferries’ reservations team can make the booking for you — call 0330 159 7000.
🐰 Rabbits not accepted: Brittany Ferries does not permit rabbits on any of its ferries. If you wish to travel with an exotic pet (such as a turtle or parrot) that is not a dog, cat or ferret, different rules apply — you may need an EU Health Certificate or CITES certificate. Contact Brittany Ferries directly at pettravelexpert@brittanyferries.com well in advance.
How Much Does It Cost to Take a Pet on the Ferry?
The pet fee is charged per pet, per crossing, on top of your standard vehicle and passenger fares. If you also want your pet to stay in a pet-friendly cabin, the cabin cost is additional to the pet fee. Kennels are included within the £35 pet fee — there is no extra charge to use them.
What You’re Paying For
Cost
Notes
Pet fee — France crossings
£35 per pet, each way
Applies per pet on every Portsmouth–St Malo or St Malo–Portsmouth crossing.
Pet-friendly cabin (MV Saint-Malo)
From £90+ per cabin, plus the £35 pet fee
4-Berth Inside Pet from £90+, 4-Berth Outside Pet from £110+, 2-Berth Outside Club Pet from £130+ and 2-Berth Commodore Pet-Friendly from £340+ (with Les 8 Trésors lounge access for owners). On the Armorique, pet cabins start from £80+. See our cabin guide.
Onboard kennel
Included in the £35 pet fee
No additional cost for kennel use — it’s covered by the pet fee. Must be selected at time of booking.
Pet staying in your vehicle
Included in the £35 pet fee
No additional cost beyond the per-pet fee.
💡 Key booking notes: You can book a maximum of 5 pets per vehicle online. For more than 5, contact Brittany Ferries directly. Bookings cannot be made on the day of departure, for unaccompanied pets, or for rabbits. Recognised assistance dogs travel free of charge. Any person responsible for a pet must be 16 years old or over. Brittany Ferries’ paid Priority Disembarkation isn’t available for vehicles travelling with pets.
Where Can Your Pet Stay on the MV Saint-Malo?
The MV Saint-Malo is the primary ship on this route and offers all three pet accommodation options. The option you choose must be selected at the time of booking — you cannot change it onboard. Space for pets is limited, especially in the summer months, so book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
🛏️ Option 1: Pet-Friendly Cabin
Best for: Families, couples, or anyone who wants their pet with them for the overnight crossing. Your pet stays in the cabin with you — no separation, no kennels.
The MV Saint-Malo has 28 pet-friendly cabins, available as inside and outside options, including pet-friendly Commodore and Club class cabins. The dedicated pet exercise area is on deck 7, on the starboard side. Cats and dogs are both welcome.
All pet-friendly cabins include: ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, easy-clean vinyl flooring (not carpet — practical for pets), fresh linen and towels, toiletries, a TV with Video on Demand, and at least one continental plug socket. Bed layouts vary by cabin grade.
Capacity by cabin type:
2-berth cabin: 1 large dog (over 10kg) or 2 small dogs/cats (under 10kg)
4-berth cabin: up to 2 large dogs or 3 small dogs/cats
Note: cabin space may be tight with 2 or 3 pets
Bedding for your pet is not supplied — bring your own. Outside cabins have a window.
🐾 Option 2: Onboard Kennel
Best for: Dogs only — cats are not permitted in kennels on any Brittany Ferries ship. Available only on the MV Saint-Malo, not the Armorique. Kennel use is included in the £35 pet fee with no extra charge.
The MV Saint-Malo has 10 small kennels and 2 large kennels on deck 7, accessible at all times except during cleaning (30 minutes, twice per day). A water tap is provided nearby, along with a dog waste bin and bags. The pet exercise area is on the same deck.
MV Saint-Malo kennel dimensions:
Size
Height
Width
Depth
Small
80cm
95cm
110cm
Large
80cm
95cm
210cm
Small kennel suitable for: Jack Russell Terriers, King Charles Spaniels, Toy Poodles and similarly sized breeds. Large kennel suitable for: German Shepherds, Labradors, Dalmatians, Boxers, Pointers and Setters.
⚠️ Book the correct size — if the kennel reserved is unsuitable for your dog, carriage cannot be guaranteed. Bedding, water bowls, food and toys are not supplied.
🚗 Option 3: Pet Stays in Your Vehicle
Best for: Pets who are comfortable in the car, or motorhome travellers with a large, comfortable space. Suitable for dogs and cats. Covered by the £35 pet fee with no extra charge.
The car decks are locked once the ship has sailed. On overnight sailings there are no visits to the garage deck — you will not be able to check on your pet during the crossing. On daytime sailings (most St Malo to Portsmouth returns), a 15-minute visit can be arranged at the information desk: one person per vehicle, once per sailing, escorted by a member of staff. You’ll need to leave your passport or driving licence at the information desk in exchange for a token during the visit. All visits are subject to weather and captain’s discretion. Your pet’s welfare in the vehicle is entirely your responsibility — Brittany Ferries accepts no liability for unsuitable conditions inside the vehicle.
Your dog must be secured or in a suitable crate
Keep the vehicle well ventilated at all times — open windows, but make sure your pet cannot escape
Window grilles are recommended to allow airflow while preventing escape
Leave sufficient food, water and absorbent bedding
Your pet must be able to sit, stand, turn around and lie down naturally
Multiple pets create additional heat — factor this in, especially in summer
Garage decks regulate temperature once at sea but may be warm initially
⚠️ If your sailing is on the Armorique (7–20 March 2027): The Armorique has no onboard kennels — your options are a pet-friendly cabin (18 cabins on deck 9, inside and outside, from £80+ — follow the paw prints) or leaving your pet in your vehicle. The Armorique also has a pet exercise area. Check which ship is operating your specific sailing date before booking.
Pet Documentation: What You Need for 2027
⚠️ Important change since 22 April 2026: New EU rules mean that GB residents can no longer use an EU pet passport to enter the EU — regardless of when it was issued or which country issued it. This applies to all EU pet passports held by owners whose main residence is in England, Scotland or Wales. The only valid document for GB residents travelling from Great Britain to France with a pet is now the Animal Health Certificate (AHC). The official UK government guidance has been updated to reflect this — always check gov.uk before you travel, as the rules may change.
Northern Ireland residents are an exception — vets in Northern Ireland may still issue EU pet passports to NI residents, and these remain valid for EU travel. Returning to the UK is unchanged — you can still enter Great Britain on a valid EU pet passport (where one exists) or an AHC.
For GB residents (England, Scotland and Wales), the Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is now the required document for every trip from Great Britain to France. Speak to your vet well in advance — ideally at least four to six weeks before your first trip, to ensure vaccinations and microchip records are correct and in order. The official UK government guidance is available on gov.uk.
📄 Animal Health Certificate (AHC) — Required for all GB Residents
The AHC is the mandatory document for all GB residents (England, Scotland, Wales) travelling to France with a pet. Your official vet issues a UK AHC which must be completed within 10 days before you travel into the EU. A new AHC is required every time you travel from GB to the EU — it cannot be reused for future trips.
From 22 April 2026, the AHC validity for onward travel within the EU and return to GB has been extended from 4 months to 6 months from the date you entered the EU. If you travel outside the EU during your trip (for example to Switzerland or another non-EU country), you will need a new AHC to re-enter the EU.
The AHC must be in dual language, completed in block capitals with an official vet stamp. Your pet’s microchip number and date, rabies vaccination details, and the official vet’s stamp and signature must all be correctly completed. Any alterations must be legible, signed and stamped by the vet.
You must travel into the EU within 10 days of the date the AHC was issued. Book your vet appointment early — AHC demand has increased significantly following the April 2026 rule change.
📘 EU Pet Passport — Northern Ireland Residents Only
Since 22 April 2026, EU pet passports are no longer valid for GB residents (England, Scotland, Wales) travelling to the EU — regardless of when the passport was issued or which country issued it. This is a firm rule change, not an enforcement grey area.
Northern Ireland residents are the exception: NI vets may still issue EU pet passports to residents of Northern Ireland, and these passports remain valid for EU travel. If you are a NI resident, your existing valid EU pet passport continues to work, provided all vaccinations and boosters are current.
Returning to Great Britain: EU pet passports can still be used to re-enter the UK — so if you already have one, it remains valid for the return leg even if it can no longer be used to enter France. All other UK entry requirements still apply.
💉 Microchip & Vaccination Requirements
Your pet must be microchipped, and the microchip date must appear on documentation as being on or before the rabies vaccination date. Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies — they must be a minimum of 12 weeks old before vaccination.
For first-time travel, a 21-day waiting period applies after the initial rabies vaccination before travel is permitted. No waiting period is needed for boosters if vaccinations are kept current. If given in two parts, the 21-day wait runs from the second vaccination date. Keeping vaccinations continuously up to date is essential — any lapse resets the process.
🏥 Vets Near Portsmouth
For your AHC or a pre-travel health check before you sail. Not every vet is an Official Veterinarian (OV) who can issue an AHC, so check when you book — and book well ahead, especially in summer.
🐕 Dogs only — tapeworm treatment to re-enter the UK: Your dog must have tapeworm treatment administered by a vet not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (5 days) before the scheduled UK arrival time. This must be entered on the AHC or EU Pet Passport with the vet’s name, product name, manufacturer, date, time and stamp. Tick treatment is no longer required. Cats and ferrets do not need tapeworm or tick treatment to return to the UK.
⚠️ Breed restrictions in France: Certain dog types are restricted or banned under French law. Category 1 (“attack dogs”) cannot be brought into France — these are pedigree-less dogs resembling Pit Bull Terriers (American Staffordshire Terrier type), Mastiffs (including Boerboels) and Tosas. Category 2 (guard and defence dogs) must be muzzled and kept on a lead in all public spaces — this covers pedigree American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers (pedigree or not) and Tosas. The British Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not on either list. If your dog may be a restricted or banned type, check the official UK government guidance on gov.uk and verify requirements with the French authorities before travelling. Brittany Ferries also reserves the right to refuse carriage of certain breeds — contact them directly at pettravelexpert@brittanyferries.com if you have any doubt about your dog’s breed or type.
✅ Brittany Ferries Pet Travel Pre-Check: Once you’ve booked, Brittany Ferries will email you 3 days before departure with a link to their free Pet Travel Pre-Check service. Available from 96 hours before departure, log in with your Brittany Ferries account details and answer a few questions about your pet’s documentation, vaccinations and microchip. You’ll receive instant confirmation whether everything is valid. If any problems are found, their Pet Travel Experts can help resolve them before you reach the port. You must still bring all original documentation with you on the day.
Onboard Pet Rules — Muzzles, Fines & Exercise
Brittany Ferries enforces strict pet rules onboard the MV Saint-Malo. These rules exist for the safety of all passengers and animals. Fines are actively issued — understanding the rules before you travel makes for a much smoother crossing.
🐕 Muzzle Rules
Your dog must be muzzled and on a lead at all times when outside their vehicle, kennel or pet-friendly cabin. This applies during:
Check-in at Portsmouth International Port
All transfers between car deck, cabin or kennel
Walking to and from the pet exercise area
While in the pet exercise area itself
Fines are actively enforced. Failure to muzzle your dog incurs a fixed fine of €200 for a first offence and €400 for any repeat offence on a subsequent crossing. Repeated violations may result in being refused travel entirely. You must provide the muzzle — it is not supplied. Familiarise your dog with it before travelling. Assistance dogs are exempt. Owners are responsible for their pet’s behaviour at all times.
🚫 Where Pets Cannot Go
Pets are confined to their designated accommodation area only. They are not permitted in:
Any public area — restaurants, bars, lounges, open decks
Standard (non-pet-friendly) cabins
If in a kennel: cabins and public areas are off limits
If in your vehicle: the vehicle for the entire overnight sailing
Fines apply for taking a pet into a non-pet-friendly cabin. Brittany Ferries charge a fixed deep-cleaning fee of €193.68 for a first offence and €387.36 for any repeat offence (VAT included). Only recognised assistance dogs are permitted in public areas. Pet areas are clearly signposted onboard.
🌿 Pet Exercise Area
The MV Saint-Malo has a dedicated pet exercise area on deck 7, on the starboard side, close to the kennels. Dogs must remain muzzled and on a lead at all times in the exercise area.
You are responsible for cleaning up after your pet. Suitable bins are provided in designated pet areas.
The Armorique also has a pet exercise area — ask the crew where to find it if you’re sailing on her in March.
🦺 Assistance Dogs & Emotional Support Animals
Recognised assistance dogs — including dogs accredited by ADI, ADUK, ADEU, ADEI, IGDF or ADAA, and medical alert dogs trained by recognised charities — travel free, can stay in any cabin and go anywhere in the public areas, and don’t need a muzzle. They must wear a jacket, harness or lead showing they’re a working dog, and meet the usual travel rules for dogs. Owner-trained assistance dogs may be accepted after assessment — email Pettravelexpert@brittanyferries.com. Tell Brittany Ferries at the time of booking.
Emotional support animals are permitted on board but follow the same rules as regular pets — muzzled and on a lead when outside their accommodation, and not allowed in passenger areas. They can stay in a pet-friendly cabin (if booked), a kennel or your vehicle. They do not receive the same exemptions as assistance dogs.
Step-by-Step: Check-in & Boarding with a Pet at Portsmouth
Travelling with a pet adds extra steps to the check-in process at Portsmouth International Port. Follow this checklist to make sure everything goes smoothly. For every check-in deadline, see our check-in guide.
1
Before You Leave Home
Don’t give your pet too much food or water before the ferry sails. Allow adequate time for them to exercise, go to the toilet and settle down before boarding. Make sure your pet is comfortable travelling in the car, particularly if it will be for an extended period. Ensure your dog is familiar with their muzzle. Double-check your AHC has been issued within the last 10 days and all details are correct before leaving for the port.
2
Check-In Closes 90 Minutes Before Departure
For passengers with pets, check-in closes 90 minutes before departure — 18:45 for the 20:15 Portsmouth sailing, and well before the 45-minute deadline for other vehicles. This is a deadline, not an arrival time: aim to arrive at least an hour before it, so by around 17:45. If you miss the deadline, the ship will leave without you and you won’t get a refund. Exercise and toilet your pet before joining the check-in queue.
3
Document Check & Microchip Scan
At check-in, your pet’s AHC will be checked and your pet’s microchip will be scanned. Have all documents readily accessible. Brittany Ferries will place a pet sticker on your car windscreen — this must remain in place until you have left the port of arrival in St Malo. Your documentation will also be checked when departing Portsmouth.
4
Boarding & Pet Transfer
On boarding, crew will give you instructions for transferring your pet from the car to the kennel or pet-friendly cabin. Your dog must be muzzled and on a lead throughout all transfers. If your pet is staying in your vehicle, settle them in completely before leaving the car deck — it locks once the ship sails. Take everything you need with you. Once at sea, car deck access is not possible except for arranged visits on daytime sailings.
5
Arriving in St Malo
The ship arrives at 08:45 French time. Your pet’s documentation will be checked again on arrival at the Gare Maritime du Naye in St Malo. You may need to take your pet into the terminal building to be scanned — allow adequate time. Once clear of the port, pull over somewhere safe, get your dog out of the vehicle, let them stretch their legs and go to the toilet. Book your tapeworm vet appointment for the return journey as soon as possible.
What to Pack for Your Pet
Good preparation makes a real difference to your pet’s comfort and stress levels during an overnight crossing of around 11 hours 30 minutes. Nothing is supplied in kennels or pet-friendly cabins except the cabin basics for you — all pet items are your responsibility to bring.
📋 Documents Checklist
AHC (original, issued within last 10 days) — all GB residents
EU Pet Passport — Northern Ireland residents only
Rabies vaccination certificate
Microchip documentation
Your booking confirmation
Pre-check confirmation email
Your own passport or driving licence (for vehicle visits)
🎒 Essentials
Muzzle — dogs must wear one outside their accommodation
Lead
Absorbent bedding (not supplied in kennels or pet cabins)
Your pet’s own familiar blanket or toy
Nappy sacks and tissues for accidents
Collar tag with your number including international dialling code
🥣 Food & Water
Water in a spill-safe, attachable container
Water bowl (not provided in kennels)
Food and food bowl
Don’t overfeed or over-water before boarding
Ensure water is reachable throughout the sailing
🚗 If Pet Stays in Your Vehicle
Window grilles — allow ventilation while preventing escape
Travel crate if your pet is accustomed to one
Enough space to sit, stand, turn and lie down naturally
Remember: no access on overnight sailings
🎒 Pet Bag — Keep With You During the Crossing
If your pet is in a pet-friendly cabin or kennel, you’ll want a separate bag of essentials to keep with you rather than left in the car. The overnight crossing is a long time, and the car deck locks once the ship sails. Pack these in a rucksack or holdall you carry on board:
Collapsible bowls — for food and water top-ups in the cabin or exercise area (water is available on deck 7)
Food — something for your pet to eat on the crossing
Poo bags and baby wipes — accidents happen, especially on a moving ship
Towels — the sea air on the exercise deck can leave your dog damp; ferry floors can be slippery when wet
Familiar blanket or item of your clothing — something that smells like home can help anxious pets settle in an unfamiliar space
Spare lead and harness — never rely on a single lead for an overnight crossing with multiple transfers; a spare can save you from fines
Long-lasting chews — something that keeps your dog occupied without disturbing other passengers
Any medication your dog needs — plus a copy of the prescription in case you’re asked about it at the French border
🌡️ Hot weather & breed advice: Some dogs are particularly susceptible to heatstroke — especially flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, and dogs with very thick coats. During high temperatures it is not recommended to transport these breeds in a vehicle. Consider overnight sailings when it’s cooler, or earlier morning sailings on the return. Multiple pets in a vehicle generate additional heat — factor this in. Always get a vet health check before travelling if your pet has medical conditions, is on medication, or is very young or old. Do not give prescription sedatives before travel.
Returning to the UK — Tapeworm & DEFRA
The return journey from St Malo to Portsmouth requires some careful advance planning — particularly the tapeworm treatment window for dogs. Getting this wrong can result in your dog being refused entry to the UK or placed in quarantine at your expense. The requirements for returning to Great Britain were not changed by the April 2026 rule changes.
🐕 Dogs — Tapeworm Treatment Window
Your dog must have tapeworm treatment administered by a vet not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (5 days) before the scheduled arrival time in the UK. The treatment must be correctly entered on your AHC or EU Pet Passport — product name, manufacturer, date, time, and vet’s stamp and signature.
Most return sailings depart St Malo at 10:45 (between 09:40 and 11:45 on some dates, depending on the tides) and arrive in Portsmouth at 18:20; a few are overnight, departing at 20:30 and arriving at 07:45. Work backwards from your arrival time — your treatment window opens 5 days before arrival and closes 24 hours before.
⚠️ Many French vets are closed on Sundays and Mondays — and on public holidays. Book your tapeworm appointment as soon as you arrive in France. Check local opening times immediately on arrival — see our list of vets near St Malo below.
🐱 Cats & Ferrets
Cats and ferrets returning to the UK do not require tapeworm or tick treatment. You will need your valid AHC with current rabies vaccination details to return to Great Britain. These requirements are unchanged.
Always check the date, vet’s name, stamp and signature on your pet’s documentation before leaving the vet surgery — any error can cause serious problems at the UK border. Any alterations must be legible, signed and stamped by the vet.
🛂 DEFRA Checks at Portsmouth
Be prepared for a DEFRA inspection on arrival at Portsmouth International Port. Officials verify that all documentation is in order and procedures have been correctly followed. A failure at this stage can result in your pet being re-exported or placed in quarantine — entirely at your expense.
If any element of your documentation or microchip procedures fails, Brittany Ferries can only carry your pet if you have already arranged quarantine for UK arrival. Owners are solely responsible for compliance with all regulations.
🏥 Vets Near St Malo
These clinics can give your dog’s tapeworm treatment and record it on the AHC before you sail home. Call ahead to check opening hours and book a slot that falls inside your 24–120 hour window.
Can I take my dog on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?
Yes — dogs are welcome on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry with Brittany Ferries, provided you are travelling with a vehicle. You must book your dog in advance either in a pet-friendly cabin, an onboard kennel (MV Saint-Malo only), or leaving your dog in your vehicle. The pet fee is £35 per dog each way.
Can I take my pet as a foot passenger on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?
No. Pets cannot travel with foot passengers, cyclists or motorcyclists on Brittany Ferries — you must have a vehicle booked on the same crossing to bring a pet. The only exception is recognised assistance dogs: if you’re bringing one without an enclosed vehicle (such as a car, van, minibus, motorhome or car and caravan), you can’t book online — call Brittany Ferries on 0330 159 7000 to make the booking.
What pet documentation do I need to travel Portsmouth to St Malo in 2027?
Since 22 April 2026, GB residents (England, Scotland, Wales) must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every trip to the EU — EU pet passports are no longer valid for entry into the EU if your main residence is in Great Britain, regardless of when the passport was issued or which country it was issued in. The AHC must be issued by an official vet within 10 days of travel. Your pet must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies before the AHC can be issued. Northern Ireland residents are an exception and may still use EU pet passports issued by NI vets. Always check gov.uk before you travel.
Can I still use my EU pet passport after April 2026?
Not if you are a GB resident (England, Scotland or Wales) travelling from Great Britain to the EU. Since 22 April 2026, EU pet passports are no longer valid for GB residents entering the EU — this applies even to passports issued before that date, and even if the passport was issued in an EU country. You must obtain an AHC from an official vet for every trip. The exception is Northern Ireland residents, whose vets may still issue EU pet passports. EU pet passports can still be used to return to Great Britain on the homeward leg.
Does my dog have to stay in the car on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?
Not necessarily. On the MV Saint-Malo you can choose an onboard kennel or a pet-friendly cabin where your dog stays with you. If your dog remains in the vehicle, the car deck is locked once the ship sails — on overnight sailings there are no visits to the garage. On daytime St Malo to Portsmouth sailings, one 15-minute visit escorted by staff can be arranged at the information desk (one person, subject to the captain’s discretion).
Does my dog need to wear a muzzle on the ferry?
Yes. Dogs must be muzzled and on a lead at all times when outside their vehicle, kennel or pet-friendly cabin — including during check-in, all transfers on board, and in the pet exercise area. Not muzzling your dog is a fixed €200 fine for a first offence. You must supply the muzzle yourself. Assistance dogs are exempt.
What tapeworm treatment does my dog need to return to the UK from France?
Your dog must have tapeworm treatment from a vet between 24 and 120 hours before the scheduled UK arrival time. It must be recorded on your AHC or EU Pet Passport with the product name, manufacturer, date, time and vet’s stamp and signature. Many French vets are closed Sundays and Mondays — book your appointment as soon as you arrive in France. Cats and ferrets do not require tapeworm treatment. These return requirements were not changed by the April 2026 rule changes.
Can I take a cat on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?
Yes — cats can travel in a pet-friendly cabin or in your vehicle on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry. Cats cannot use onboard kennels on any Brittany Ferries ship. GB residents must now have an AHC (not an EU pet passport) to travel to France with a cat. The AHC must be issued within 10 days of travel, and your cat must be microchipped with a current rabies vaccination. Cats returning to the UK do not require tapeworm or tick treatment.
When do I need to check in when travelling with a pet?
For passengers with pets, check-in closes 90 minutes before departure — 18:45 for the 20:15 Portsmouth sailing. That’s a deadline, not an arrival time: aim to arrive at least an hour before it, so by around 17:45. If you miss it, the ship will leave without you and you won’t get a refund. Your pet’s documentation and microchip will be checked at this stage and a pet sticker placed on your windscreen.
How many pets can I take on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?
You can book up to 5 pets per vehicle when booking online. For more than 5 pets on one booking, contact Brittany Ferries directly. A 2-berth pet-friendly cabin accommodates 1 large dog (over 10kg) or 2 small dogs/cats (under 10kg). A 4-berth pet-friendly cabin accommodates up to 2 large dogs or 3 small dogs/cats.
Continue Planning Your Portsmouth to St Malo Trip
🛏️
Cabin Guide
Every cabin grade on MV Saint-Malo and Armorique — from Admiral suite to standard 4-berth
Pet-friendly cabins and kennels on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry sell out quickly — especially during school holidays and summer. Book as early as possible to secure the right accommodation for your pet.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you continue to use this site, you agree with it. Please not this site also include affiliate links.
