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I've been reading up on the Pet Passport Scheme and are considering getting one for our beloved Cocker Spaniel. Does anyone have any experience in taking their dog to / from France with Brittany Ferries on the Portsmouth->Caen route? Did you have any problems? What about seeing a vet for the vaccinations before the return journey - any problems reading the microchip?

All info much appreciated!

We have just brought Merlin, a border collie, back from his first camping trip to France and Spain.  He coped with the heat and travelling far better than we could ever have imagined!

We used the Channel Tunnel as we could all travel together in the car during the crossing.  Most of the ferry companies insist that dogs remain in the car alone during the crossing, although on some of the longer routes they are starting to provide "on deck kennels".  As more and more people take their pets abroad perhaps they will provide these for all crossings!

Getting the PETS Passport is a lot simpler than it sounds, just remember that the rabies vaccination and blood test need to be carried out at least six months before you intend to travel. Also remember to keep up the booster vaccinations each year or the passport becomes invalid.

We booked an appointment with a vet in Calais through www.dogsaway.co.uk . They were very helpful.  They made the appointment, sent us a map showing where the surgery was, even a photograph of the surgery so that it was easy to find.  The Vet spoke English, knew what she was doing, and gave Merlin a thorough check over, wormed him and applied the Front Line drops with no fuss.  The dogs away web site has lots of reassuring info, so it is worth paying it a visit, even if you decide not to use their services.

All in all we have had no problems, getting the passport was easy, Merlin coped well with the holiday, and the total cost was still less then paying for three weeks in Kennels.  Anyway a holiday just wouldn't be a holiday without Merlin!!!!

Steve

Thanks for that Steve, some really useful information for me there. We are taking the fast service to Caen which is just under 4 hours. Our cocker spaniel is used to being in the car and would curl up and sleep for the entire journey providing she has my sweater to lie on!

I was more worried about coming back and ensuring I found a local vet to vaccinate her - but I have just found out that the little campsite that we are staying at advise they can book an appointment with their local vet, which is a huge relief.

Looks like our little girl is going abroad at last!

Claire

   hi caddyclan,

                             i think you will find that the advice from merlins dad about the rabbies jab and the blood test is inaccurate about the time you can travel. you can go any time after  the blood test as long as you do not return to the U.K. within six months of the rabies jag. hope this makes sense to you.look at " vets in europe" on google for local vet in France.

                                                                hope this helps you.

Caddy,

we have an excellent English speaking vet in the village who's more than happy to stamp your pet's passport, so don't worry!

Tartan,

I'd agree with Steve.

Whist you may be technically correct in saying that you can travel out when you like as long as you don't return in less than 6 months, I think that it would be better advice to make sure that you don't travel before the 6 months has elapsed. This way you will not have any difficulties if, for any reason, you have to return home early.

We came back through Calais for the first time with our dog this year and had no problems at all. A couple of people ahead of us in the queue had difficulties but that was because the date the micro chip was inserted was after the date of the rabies jab. The lady behind the desk was being very thorough!!

Steve