UK–Spain Travel with Dogs: 2025 Ferries & Insider Travel Tips

Direct UK to Spain Ferry Routes That Allow Dogs

Brittany Ferries is currently the only ferry operator offering direct UK–Spain routes that allow dogs onboard.

1. Plymouth to Santander

Typically runs during spring to autumn, sailing twice weekly. Check live timetables for the current schedule. 

• Departs: Wednesdays at 15:45 and Sundays at 16:45
• Returns from Santander: Mondays at 17:00 and Thursdays at 16:00
• Duration: 18¼ to 22 hours — typically one overnight stay onboard
• Dog policy: Pet-friendly cabins (limited availability) or onboard kennels
• Amenities: Secure swipe‑card kennel access, adjacent pet exercise area outside cabins
• Pet Fee: £50 each way 
• Passenger fare: From ~£519 (car + 2 passengers, varies by season)
• Best for: Direct access to northern Spain without driving through France

2. Portsmouth to Santander or Bilbao

Available multiple times per week, depending on season. Specific timings can be found on the timetables page.

• Portsmouth to Santander: Mondays & Fridays at ~21:30; return from Santander Wednesdays & Sundays at ~14:00
• Portsmouth to Bilbao: Crossings typically depart Thursdays (19:00) and Sundays (22:00); returns Tuesdays and Saturdays at ~13:00
• Duration: Between 20 to 36 hours depending on route and port, can be 2 nights onboard
• Dog policy: Pet-friendly cabins (limited availability) or onboard kennels
• Amenities: Secure swipe‑card kennel access, adjacent pet exercise area outside cabins
• Pet fees: from £50 each way (basic rate)
• Passenger fare: From ~£559 (car + 2 passengers, varies by season)

Tip: Book well in advance — pet-friendly cabins sell out months ahead in peak seasons.

What Are the Pet Travel Options Onboard?

• Pet Cabins: Comfortable vinyl-floored rooms where your dog can stay with you. Only one pet per cabin by default. 
• Kennels: Larger and smaller options available, accessible most of the day except during cleaning. Located near cabin decks.
• Exercise Deck: Outdoor area adjacent to cabins for brief walks, always requiring a muzzle.
• Vehicle Travel: Not allowed on these long crossings—pets must be in a cabin or kennel. 

Dog Exercise Areas at Ports

UK Ports:

• Plymouth Ferry Terminal: Grassy verge near the long-stay car park — bring waste bags
• Portsmouth International Port: Dog walking area near the vehicle check-in lanes

Note: Exercise your dog before check-in — once boarded, movement is restricted

Spanish Ports:

• Santander: Small green area near passenger terminal
• Bilbao (Zierbena Port): Very limited space — drive 5 mins inland to Plentzia beach boardwalk for a proper walk
  

Entry Rules for Dogs: UK → Spain (via Ferry)

For now these are the requirements but the pet passport is set to return soon which will make things much easier for travelling with your dog.

Requirement	Detail
Microchip	Required, ISO 11784/11785-compliant
Rabies Vaccination	Given at least 21 days before travel
Animal Health Certificate (AHC)	Issued within 10 days of departure, valid for 4 months (return included)
Tapeworm Treatment	You’ll need to visit an EU vet between 24 and 120 hours before re-entry to the UK for a tapeworm treatment (not optional). This must be recorded in your AHC or pet passport by a licensed vet. Failure to do this can lead to entry refusal or quarantine — so book your return vet visit in advance.
Muzzle Requirement	Mandatory when walking dog to/from cabin or in exercise areas; Spanish regions may require them in public spaces

What Most People Don’t Know (But Should)

1. Set Fare Alerts: Sign up for availability notifications; cancellations can open up rare spots.
2. Tethering is often illegal: In Spain, it’s increasingly illegal to tether your dog outside shops or restaurants.
3. Spain’s new animal welfare laws (2023–2025) mean fines can be issued for travelling without proper restraint (e.g. dog seatbelt or crate).
4. You need to confirm pet cabin availability before booking the route — it’s not guaranteed even if the route is pet-friendly.
5. The Spanish sun can be intense: Always carry a portable water bowl, sunshade, and a cooling mat.
   
   

What If Pet Bookings Are Full? Your Plan B Options

• Opt for a Kennel: Still available on most crossings, but evaluate if your dog handles separation well.
• Use UK–France Routes + Drive: Ferries to France (e.g., Portsmouth–Caen, Plymouth–Roscoff) often allow pets in kennels or cabins and offer more flexibility.  Check out Dog-Friendly Ferries: UK to France Travel Guide with Your Dog
• Eurotunnel + Road Trip: Vehicles go through with pets inside; then drive from northern France to Spain.
  Pet Transport Services+Fly: Fly yourselves and arrange professional pet travel for your dog—though availability may be limited in hot months.
• Delay or Reschedule: The proximity to Spain might mean just waiting a week or two for pet booking openings via cancellations.
  
  

When Is the Best Time to Travel?

• Spring (April–June): Mild weather, better availability of pet cabins
  
• Autumn (September–October): Fewer tourists, less heat for your dog
  
• Avoid August: Hot, crowded, and difficult to get cabin space
  

Itinerary Suggestion: Dog-Friendly Stopovers in Northern Spain

• Santander: Stay at a dog-friendly hotel like Hotel Bahia with views of the bay and access to the coastal path
  
• San Vicente de la Barquera: Quiet beach town 1 hour from Santander with off-season dog beach access
  
• Picos de Europa: Perfect for hiking dogs — lakes, trails, and dog-welcoming rural casas
  

FAQs

What’s the 2025 schedule for pet-friendly ferries from the UK to Spain?
(Schedules are subject to change — check the Brittany Ferries website)

• Plymouth → Santander: Wednesdays at 15:45 and Sundays at 16:45
  Returns from Santander: Mondays and Thursdays
• Portsmouth → Santander: Typically Mondays and Fridays at 21:30
  Returns from Santander: Wednesdays and Sundays
• Portsmouth → Bilbao: Commonly Thursdays and Sundays
  Returns from Bilbao: Tuesdays and Saturdays

How long are the crossings?

• Plymouth → Santander: Approx. 18¼ to 22 hours
• Portsmouth → Santander or Bilbao: Typically 20 to 36 hours, depending on weather, vessel, and sailing route

What onboard pet facilities are available?

• Pet-friendly cabins: Ensuite, air-conditioned, and suitable for up to two pets (permitted in the cabin only)
• Kennels: Secure, access-controlled areas located in designated pet zones
• Exercise areas: Available on deck near the kennels or in designated pet cabin sections
• Important: Pets are not allowed in public indoor areas or inside vehicles during the crossing

How much does it cost to bring my dog?

£50 per direction, regardless of whether you choose a pet cabin or kennel
(Cabin costs are separate and priced per room, not per pet)

Are there breed or size restrictions?

There are no size restrictions on Brittany Ferries, but you need a muzzle and Spanish laws may require muzzles for certain breeds in public. France and Spain also have specific rules for “guard breeds” (e.g., Pitbulls, Rottweilers). Check local laws before departure.

Any advice from experienced dog travellers?

• Book as early as possible — pet cabins are limited and often sell out months in advance
• Check availability frequently — cancellations do happen
• Have documents ready — including your Animal Health Certificate (AHC), microchip, and rabies vaccine proof
• Pets cannot stay in vehicles — you must choose a cabin or kennel when travelling between the UK and Spain

What do I need to return to the UK with my dog?

• Tapeworm treatment is required by a vet in the EU or Northern Ireland
• Treatment must be administered 1 to 5 days before re-entry
• It must be recorded in your dog’s AHC or EU pet passport
  

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