Taking Pets on the Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry: The Complete 2026 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 2026 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: February 2026 | All information verified from official Brittany Ferries sources

Dog on the Ferry, pets on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry

🐾 Pet Travel Fast Facts — Portsmouth to St Malo

£35

Per pet each way to France

90 min

Check-in before departure

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
✅ Three accommodation options on the MV Saint-Malo: pet-friendly cabin, kennel, or your vehicle
✅ AHC or EU Pet Passport required — a UK-issued GB pet passport is no longer valid for EU travel
✅ Book early — pet cabins and kennels sell out fast, especially in summer
Check Pet Availability & Book with Brittany Ferries

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, which is one of Brittany Ferries’ most pet-friendly ships, offering all three accommodation options: 28 pet-friendly cabins on deck 7 (including Commodore and Club class), kennels on deck 7, and the option for your pet to remain in your vehicle.

Earlier in the season some sailings operate on the Armorique, which has 19 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 — no exceptions. You must have a vehicle booked on the same crossing to bring a pet. If you need to travel with a registered assistance dog as a foot passenger, contact Brittany Ferries directly to discuss your options. Tricycles and motorcycles with sidecars — call Brittany Ferries reservations who can make the booking for you.

🐰 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	Standard cabin price + £35 pet fee	Cabin is charged at the same rate as a standard cabin. See our cabin guide for pricing.
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. Registered guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge. Any person responsible for a pet must be 16 years old or over.

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 on deck 7, available as inside and outside options, including pet-friendly Commodore and Club class cabins. The dedicated pet exercise area is on the same deck. Cats and dogs are both welcome.

All pet-friendly cabins include: ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, bunk-style beds, laminate flooring (not carpet — practical for pets), fresh linen and towels, soap and shower gel, and at least one continental plug socket.

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 just outside the kennel area 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 (the St Malo to Portsmouth return), a limited visit may be arranged via the information desk: one person per vehicle, maximum 15 minutes, requiring you to present your passport or driving licence at the information desk (ID is held securely during the visit). All visits are subject to weather and captain’s discretion.

Open windows for ventilation — ensure 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: The Armorique has no onboard kennels — your options are a pet-friendly cabin (19 cabins on deck 9, inside and outside) or leaving your pet in your vehicle. The Armorique also has no dedicated pet exercise area. Check which ship is operating your specific sailing date before booking.

Pet Documentation: What You Need Post-Brexit

Since the UK left the EU, the rules for taking pets to France have changed significantly. The single most important thing to understand: a UK-issued GB pet passport is no longer valid for travel to the EU. You need one of the documents below. Speak to your vet well in advance — ideally at least four months before you plan to travel, to ensure vaccinations and microchip records are in order. The official UK government guidance for taking pets abroad is available on gov.uk.

📄 EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

The most common option for UK residents. Your vet issues a UK AHC which must be completed within 10 days before you travel. A new AHC is required every time you travel to the EU — it cannot be reused for future trips.

The AHC must be in dual language, completed in block capitals with a different colour ink OV 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 to the EU within 10 days of the date given by the official vet on the AHC.

📘 EU Pet Passport (issued in EU country)

An EU Pet Passport issued by a current EU country (or Northern Ireland) is still valid. Old-style EU passports remain valid if issued before 29 December 2014. New-style EU passports issued after that date must be the revised format.

Unlike the AHC, a valid EU Pet Passport can be reused for multiple trips — provided all vaccinations and boosters are current and correctly recorded. Your vet must keep all rabies vaccination details fully up to date.

💉 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.

🐕 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 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 breeds are subject to restrictions or an outright ban under French law. Category 1 (banned outright) includes crosses of Pitbull Terriers, Mastiffs (Boerboels) and Tosas — these breeds cannot legally enter France. Category 2 (restricted — must be muzzled and kept on a lead in all public spaces) includes American Staffordshire Terriers (Amstaffs), Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Rottweilers. If your dog is of 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 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 deep-cleaning fee of €193.68 for a first offence and €387.36 for any repeat offence. Only registered 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, directly alongside the pet-friendly cabins and 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 does not have a pet exercise area. If sailing on the Armorique, there is no dedicated exercise space for your pet.

🦺 Assistance Dogs & Emotional Support Animals

Registered assistance dogs (guide dogs, hearing dogs, mobility assistance dogs) are exempt from the muzzle requirement and are permitted in passenger public areas. You must notify Brittany Ferries at the time of booking, and your dog must comply with all pet travel documentation requirements.

Emotional support animals are permitted on board but are subject to the same rules as regular pets — they must be muzzled and on a lead when outside their accommodation, and are not permitted in passenger public areas unless a pet-friendly cabin has been booked. They do not receive the same exemptions as registered 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.

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.

Arrive 90 Minutes Before Departure

Passengers with pets must check in at least 90 minutes before departure — significantly earlier than the standard 60-minute check-in for vehicle passengers. For the 20:15 Portsmouth sailing, arrive by 18:30 at the very latest. Arriving earlier is strongly advised in peak season. Exercise and toilet your pet before joining the check-in queue.

Document Check & Microchip Scan

At check-in, your pet’s AHC or EU Pet Passport 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.

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, cabin access is not possible except for arranged visits on daytime return sailings.

Arriving in St Malo

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 11-hour crossing. 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 or EU Pet Passport (original)
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 11-hour 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 11-hour crossing with multiple transfers, carrying 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.

🐕 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 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.

The return sailing departs St Malo at around 10:30 and arrives Portsmouth at around 18:20. Work backwards from the 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. Brittany Ferries maintains a recommended list of vets near their French ports.

🐱 Cats & Ferrets

Cats and ferrets returning to the UK do not require tapeworm or tick treatment. You will need your valid AHC or EU Pet Passport with current rabies vaccination details.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 — there are no exceptions to this rule. You must have a vehicle booked on the same crossing to bring any pet. The only exception is registered assistance dogs — contact Brittany Ferries directly to arrange this.

What pet documentation do I need to travel Portsmouth to St Malo?

You need either a UK-issued EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC), obtained from your vet for each individual trip, or an EU Pet Passport issued by a current EU country or Northern Ireland. A UK-issued GB pet passport is no longer valid for EU travel since Brexit. Your pet must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. Speak to your vet at least 4 months in advance of your trip.

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 the overnight Portsmouth to St Malo sailing, there are no visits to the garage. On the daytime St Malo to Portsmouth return, limited visits can be arranged via the information desk (one person, 15 minutes maximum, 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. Fines are actively enforced for non-compliance. 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.

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. You need an AHC or EU Pet Passport with current rabies vaccination and microchip details. Cats returning to the UK do not require tapeworm or tick treatment.

When do I need to check in when travelling with a pet?

Passengers with pets must check in at least 90 minutes before departure — earlier than the standard check-in requirement for vehicle passengers. For the 20:15 Portsmouth sailing, aim to arrive by 18:30 at the latest. 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

Cabins Guide →

⏰

Ferry Timetable

Full 2026 sailing schedule — departure times, seasonal dates, and which days sailings run

Timetable →

⚓

Portsmouth Port Guide

Parking, getting there, terminal facilities, check-in, EV charging and everything about Portsmouth port

Port Guide →

🗺️

St Malo City Guide

Ramparts, beaches, restaurants, attractions and the very best of St Malo — once you arrive

St Malo Guide →

Ready to Book Your Pet-Friendly Crossing?

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.

Check Pet Availability & Book with Brittany Ferries