Channel crossing by car with a dog.

[Khandro]

I normally cross from Dunkirk to Dover for about £50 return (amazing value!) but now we have a rescued miniature poodle, and in order not to leave him alone I crossed by the tunnel which cost a whopping £165 return. plus an extra £30 for the dog paid in Calais. Dogs are not allowed in the passenger decks and ditto passengers remaining on the car decks. A few years ago though, as a passenger with a monstrous hangover, I remained in the car and wasn't challenged for being there. Has anyone tried this, or knows of a cheaper method of crossing please?

[Bambiagain]

I think you were lucky not to be challenged! I don't think there is another (legally) cheaper way. I used the tunnel when I moved to Germany with two dogs and a cat because I didn't want to leave them alone for the crossing. Ferries can be amazingly cheap - I'm going to England soon for 48 euros return - but not animal friendly.

[Khandro]

I think if one of the ferry companies became dog friendly they would pick up a lot of business now going through the tunnel. Recently using Italian ferries in the Med. nobody bothers, people walk about everywhere on board with their pooches, (Forza Italia!). The Channel ferries could at least have an area set aside for owners and their pets methinks. I assume your 48 euro ticket is with DFDS Norfolk?

[Bambiagain]

You are quite right about the business opportunities for animal friendly ferries! And yes, you are also right about DFDS.

[Khandro]

I'm glad you agree B. I think I will drop a line to their M.D. in Copenhagen and suggest they consider trying something.

[boxtops]

Don't forget that the reason that our ferries etc leaving and entering the UK exclude dogs into certain areas is because of the strict anti-rabies arrangements at UK borders - the Italian dogs you saw aren't subject to those constraints across Europe in general.

[Bambiagain]

Khandro - please let me know the outcome!

Boxtops, I do see the point. I hope that controls of people and animals boarding ferries is stringent enough to catch those who (potentially) take animals on deck with them, since everybody shouold go through passport control. I took my animals in the tunnel because I did not want to leave them in the car unattended for the whole crossing, but I always use a ferry when travelling without animals. The facility exists to transport animals with a passport, it is a shame it is so expensive to do so when you care about the animals' welfare.

[boxtops]

The border controls certainly stop quite a few animals coming in, Khandro - there are stories in our papers every few weeks about animals being taken into quarantine who don't have the necessary paperwork (or which are illegal imports).

[madmaggot]

I collect tesco points and use them solely for channel tunnel crossings. You get (currently) 3x the value of your points to use against the fare, however the fee for the dog has to be paid in cash.
We don't shop in tesco but we use their credit card, put ALL purchases however small onto the card and pay it off when due to avoid any charges.
In this way you actually travel for free if you can collect enough points throughout the year.

[Khandro]

Thanks box. but there is no problem leaving the UK with a dog it is just for entering, probably justified; though I have never seen a rabid dog in France or Germany (or anywhere else except in India!). Dogs entering have to have a passport and everything has to be up to date within 24 hrs of arrival, so you have vet's fees and £30 administration fee, which the French seem to trouser, saying they are doing it on behalf of the Brits! Mad. Tesco points sound great, but we don't have them in Germany, and anyway it isn't exactly a saving (like airmiles) because you could have spent it on other things, thanks for the interest though. Bambi, I'll try to keep you posted.

[madmaggot]

Kandro, shame you can't use tesco points.
Actually it is a saving because they're collected on purchases that I am making anyway and would otherwise be in cash. Instead of drawing the cash when buying, I just leave it in the bank until the card is due.
Truely something for nothing.