Travelling to Spain with dog

There are nervous dogs and calm dogs, and there are nervous owners and calm owners -  both react in different ways so Google is throwing up conflicting opinions and I have no personal experience to add I'm afraid. 

Some reports speak of dogs barking all the time - set off by owners continually going to the kennels to check. Some speak of owners sitting up all night on a bench by the kennels. Some, however, say they bed their dog down with usual blankets and comforters and take it all in their stride. Good luck with it. 

I believe there are dog friendly cabins on some ferries which we are looking into for next year...have you considered that.

We came over a week ago on the Santander ferry, we are not dog owners anymore however we were very impressed with the facilities on the Pont Aven ship for the dogs. Access to the dogs kennels seems to be unlimited (they are at the back of the ship) there is an area fenced off on the back deck that owners were walking their dogs in, some went and sat with them for hours in this area, it was a fairly calm crossing. Our cabin was also at the back of the ship a few decks below the kennels, at no time did I hear any barking coming from the kennels. When we were last on the Hull to Zeebrugge ferry we could here the dogs all night long.

I have done the Portsmouth to Santander or Bilboa, return a number of times. Both on the large ferries and the economy ones in winter. There are more kennels and larger exercise area on the bigger boats. The economy service offers about 12 dog friendly cabins only. These are ideal for  me as my dog suffers from seperation anxiety - and it is a nightmare if she has to be in a kennel. You may find your dog is unwilling to do his toilet on the walking area - it is a major topic of conversation!  My dog on her trip back at the end of March, finally did both!  Cheers all round.

Since I am a rotten sailor I think I would take the driving route but I think my Dogs would prefer it too.. A dog friendly cabin is the only way I would go no kennels.  I hope you have a great trip.

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately we booked too late for a dog friendly cabin. I think I will be one of those mentioned owners who spends the whole crossing on the "dog deck" more for my peace of mind than anything else. She usually travels in her own cage in the motorhome and we pop down to the car deck to see her mid way through the crossing and she is often asleep. Fingers crossed she will take it in her stride with her own blankets/bedding/treats etc. Kay

I did not think passengers were allowed access to the car decks during a crossing.

When travelling with our dog we are escorted to the car deck by a crew member to check on her during the crossing, she is usually fast asleep! For the spain crossing she won't be on the car deck but on a deck reserved for dogs and owners.  Thanks for all the comments.

Our dog has travelled happily to France in the motorhome a few times, we are crossing from  Plymouth to Santander in September with Brittany Ferries and she will be using one of their kennels. Has anyone used this service? Any thoughts/advice much appreciated. Thanks.  Kay and Flo

...We have used the kennels on the Pont Aven travelling to Spain with all our 4 dogs on several occasions.  The kennels are in an area on the top deck just for dogs with a dedicated deck area where they can relieve themselves if necessary as it is a long journey.  There are facilities for owners for pick up or swill down afterwards.  You have a pass card just the same as your cabin card to access the deck so it is secure with only dog owners having access and you can visit them or sit with them at any time during the crossing.   Our dogs have always settled well.  We take their dog bed/blanket to put in the kennel, chew treats to settle them and a dog dish for water although I seem to remember there are built in water containers in each kennel door.  Your dog will be fine.