Ferry company reassures pet owners as four-legged passenger numbers soar 72%

5th April 2017

Pooch in cabin
Pooch in pet-friendly cabin
Pont-Aven

As pet-passenger numbers continue to rise, cross-channel ferry operator Brittany Ferries has moved to reassure worried owners about the future of the pet passport scheme.

The company says more people are contacting its call centre seeking clarification on plans for the scheme post-Brexit. However, experts say that the free movement of pets across the Channel is unlikely to change significantly in the years following our departure from the EU.

“We can’t be sure of course, but our understanding is that the pet passports scheme will not change significantly from its current form,” said Steve Lawrie, pet passport manager for Brittany Ferries. “We hope that will be some reassurance for the growing number of holidaymakers travelling on our services with dogs, but in particular those with second homes in France for whom it is essential.”

The number of pets carried by Brittany Ferries on routes to France and Spain has soared 72% in the last five years. Last year 88,602 dogs and cats travelled in pet-friendly cabins and kennels, as well as in cars on shorter Channel crossings.

Year	Pets carried
2012	51,500
2013	60,114
2014	66,321
2015	78,938
2016	88,602

The pet passport scheme has been particularly helpful for regular travellers with second homes abroad. But the number of holiday homes and gites that welcome pets has also increased, making a trip to France an attractive alternative to impersonal and expensive kennels in the UK. Examples of these properties can be found throughout France and can be booked through Brittany Ferries or directly with home owners via portals like Holiday France Direct. These are a few popular examples:

Aquitaine:

https://www.holidayfrancedirect.co.uk/holiday-rentals/AT004929/index.htm

Western Loire:

https://www.holidayfrancedirect.co.uk/holiday-rentals/LL005165_a/index.htm

Limousin:

https://www.holidayfrancedirect.co.uk/holiday-rentals/UH004563/index.htm

Poitou-Charentes:

https://www.holidayfrancedirect.co.uk/holiday-rentals/PC003557/index.htm

Languedoc Roussillon: https://www.holidayfrancedirect.co.uk/holiday-rentals/RP005000/index.htm