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The Plymouth to Roscoff Ferry with pets: The Complete 2026 Guide
Travelling on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry with pets is one of the most popular reasons people choose this route — and Brittany Ferries makes it genuinely straightforward. Dogs, cats and ferrets are all welcome, and both ships offer pet-friendly options: the Armorique, which operates most crossings, has 19 pet-friendly cabins; the Pont-Aven, on selected Fridays and Tuesdays, has 28 pet-friendly cabins, onboard kennels, and a dedicated pet exercise area. This guide covers everything you need for 2026: documentation, booking, what to expect at Plymouth Millbay, onboard rules, the April 2026 AHC rule change, and how to return to the UK with your pet safely.
Last updated: April 2026 | All information verified from official Brittany Ferries and UK Government sources
🐾 Pet Travel Fast Facts — Plymouth to Roscoff
£35+
Per pet each way to France
90 min
Check-in before departure with pets
19 / 28
Pet cabins — Armorique / Pont-Aven
5 max
Pets per vehicle — online booking
✅ Dogs, cats and ferrets are accepted on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry
✅ You must have a vehicle — pets cannot travel with foot passengers, cyclists or motorcyclists
✅ Dogs are allowed inside Plymouth Millbay terminal — no muzzle required in the building (unique among UK ferry ports)
⚠️ From 22 April 2026: AHC required for all GB residents — EU pet passports are no longer valid for travel from Great Britain to the EU
⚠️ Armorique (most sailings) has no onboard kennels — pets stay in a pet-friendly cabin or your vehicle
✅ Book early — pet cabins sell out quickly, especially in summer and school holidays
Can You Take a Pet on the Plymouth to Roscoff Ferry?
Yes — Brittany Ferries welcomes dogs, cats and ferrets on the Plymouth to Roscoff crossing. Both ships on this route carry pets, though the accommodation options differ significantly between them. Understanding which ship operates your sailing is essential before you book.
The Armorique operates most Plymouth to Roscoff sailings throughout the year. It has 19 pet-friendly cabins on deck 9 (inside and outside options) but no onboard kennels — so your pet either stays in a pet-friendly cabin with you, or remains in your vehicle for the crossing. The Pont-Aven operates selected Friday daytime and Tuesday overnight sailings. It has 28 pet-friendly cabins on deck 6, a dedicated kennel area, and a pet exercise area — giving you all three accommodation options. Always check which ship is operating your specific sailing date before booking, as the options available differ.
⚠️ Vehicles only — no exceptions: Pets cannot travel with foot passengers, cyclists or motorcyclists on Brittany Ferries. You must have a vehicle booked on the same crossing to bring any pet. The only exception is registered assistance dogs — contact Brittany Ferries directly to discuss your options. Call 0330 159 7000 or email pettravelexpert@brittanyferries.com.
🐰 Rabbits not accepted. Exotic pets — call first: Brittany Ferries does not accept rabbits on any sailing. For exotic pets (parrots, turtles, reptiles etc.) different rules apply and you may need an EU Health Certificate or CITES documentation. Contact pettravelexpert@brittanyferries.com well in advance — at least 6–8 weeks before travel.
Pet Ferry Costs — Plymouth to Roscoff 2026
The pet fee is charged per pet, per crossing, on top of your standard vehicle and passenger fares. If you want your pet in a pet-friendly cabin, the cabin costs are additional to the pet fee. Kennels (Pont-Aven only) are covered within the £35 fee — there is no extra charge to use them.
What You’re Paying For
Cost
Notes
Pet fee — France crossings
£35+ per pet, each way
Applies per pet on every Plymouth–Roscoff or Roscoff–Plymouth crossing. Must be pre-booked.
Pet-friendly cabin
Standard cabin price + £35 pet fee
Cabin priced the same as a standard cabin. See our full cabins guide for pricing.
Onboard kennel (Pont-Aven only)
Included in the £35 pet fee
No extra charge for kennel use. Must be booked in advance. Not available on Armorique sailings.
Pet staying in your vehicle
Included in the £35 pet fee
No additional cost beyond the per-pet fee. Must still be pre-booked.
💡 Key booking notes: Up to 5 pets per vehicle can be booked online. For more than 5, contact Brittany Ferries directly. Bookings cannot be made on the day of departure. Registered guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free — notify BF at time of booking. Any person responsible for a pet must be 16 or over. Pets cannot be booked as unaccompanied.
Where Can Your Pet Stay? — Armorique vs Pont-Aven
The most important thing to check before booking is which ship operates your sailing. The Armorique and Pont-Aven have very different pet facilities — and most Plymouth to Roscoff crossings are on the Armorique, which has no kennels.
Armorique — Most Sailings
19 pet-friendly cabins · Deck 9 · No kennels
⚠️ No onboard kennels on Armorique sailings
On Armorique crossings your pet can either travel in a pet-friendly cabin with you or remain in your vehicle on the car deck. There are no kennel facilities and no dedicated pet exercise area. This is the arrangement on the majority of Plymouth to Roscoff sailings throughout the year.
19 pet-friendly cabins on deck 9 — inside and outside options
Dogs and cats both welcome in pet cabins
No kennel option on this ship
No dedicated pet exercise area
Pet exercise: limited visits can be arranged with the Information Desk
Continental 2-pin sockets — bring a UK adaptor
If you want kennels, you must specifically book a Pont-Aven sailing.
On Pont-Aven sailings you have the full range of options: pet-friendly cabin, onboard kennel, or vehicle. The Pont-Aven has a dedicated pet exercise area on deck 6, alongside the pet cabins and kennels.
28 pet-friendly cabins on deck 6 — inside and outside options
Dedicated pet exercise area on deck 6
Onboard kennels available (dogs only — not cats)
Kennel use covered within the £35 pet fee
Food Pass available for your own meals — Small £25, Medium £40, Large £50
Pont-Aven operates the Friday 13:45 daytime sailing and selected Tuesday overnight sailings. Check your booking confirmation for the ship name.
The Three Accommodation Options
🛏️ Option 1: Pet-Friendly Cabin
Best for: Anyone who wants their pet with them throughout the crossing. Your pet stays in the cabin — no separation. Available on both Armorique and Pont-Aven.
All pet-friendly cabins have ensuite facilities, bunk-style beds, air conditioning, and laminate flooring (practical for pets — not carpet). Bedding for your pet is not supplied — bring your own.
Capacity guidance:
2-berth cabin: 1 large dog (over 10kg) or 2 small dogs/cats (under 10kg)
4-berth cabin: up to 2 large dogs or 3 small dogs/cats
Cats: welcome in pet cabins on both ships
🐾 Option 2: Onboard Kennel (Pont-Aven only)
Best for: Dogs only — cats cannot use kennels. Available exclusively on Pont-Aven sailings (not Armorique). Included in the £35 pet fee.
Kennels on Pont-Aven are on deck 6, accessible throughout the crossing except during cleaning (30 minutes, twice daily). A water tap and waste bin are nearby.
Kennel dimensions — Pont-Aven:
Size
Height
Width
Depth
Small
80cm
95cm
110cm
Large
80cm
95cm
210cm
⚠️ Book the correct kennel size. If the reserved kennel is unsuitable for your dog on arrival, carriage cannot be guaranteed.
🚗 Option 3: Pet Stays in Your Vehicle
Best for: Pets who are most comfortable in their own familiar space. Available on both ships. Covered by the £35 pet fee.
The car deck locks once the ship sails. On overnight sailings there are no visits to the car deck. On daytime Pont-Aven sailings (Friday), a visit can be arranged via the Information Desk — one person, maximum 15 minutes, subject to weather and captain’s approval. Present your passport or driving licence at the desk (held during the visit).
Open windows for ventilation — prevent escape with grilles
Leave sufficient water and absorbent bedding
Your pet must be able to sit, stand, turn and lie down naturally
Multiple pets and summer heat — factor this in carefully
💡 Choosing the right ship: If kennels are important to you — perhaps you have a large dog or prefer not to share your cabin — specifically book a Pont-Aven sailing (Friday 13:45 departure, or Tuesday overnight). For most travellers the Armorique’s pet cabin option is perfectly comfortable and the crossing time (8–11 hours overnight) passes quickly with your pet settled beside you.
Pet Documentation: What You Need — Updated April 2026
⚠️ Rule change from 22 April 2026 — AHC now required for all GB residents:GB residents (England, Scotland and Wales) can no longer use an EU pet passport to enter the EU — regardless of when it was issued or which country issued it. The only valid travel document for GB residents taking a pet to France is now the Animal Health Certificate (AHC), issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel. This applies every time you travel from Great Britain to France. Always verify current requirements at gov.uk before you travel.
Northern Ireland residents are an exception under the Windsor Framework — vets in Northern Ireland may still issue EU pet passports to NI residents, and these remain valid for EU travel.
The AHC must be in dual language, completed in block capitals with an official vet stamp. Any alterations must be signed and stamped by the vet. Get your vet appointment in early — OV availability has reduced since the April 2026 rule change increased demand significantly.
📄 Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
Required for all GB residents travelling to France from 22 April 2026. Issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) — not all vets hold OV status so book early. Must be issued within 10 days before travel to the EU. Cannot be reused for future trips — a new AHC is needed every time you cross from GB to France.
From 22 April 2026, once you have entered the EU on an AHC it is valid for 6 months for onward EU travel and return to GB — extended from the previous 4-month validity. If you leave the EU during your trip (e.g. to Switzerland), you will need a fresh AHC to re-enter.
Book your OV appointment at least 4–6 weeks before your trip — and earlier in summer when demand is high.
📘 EU Pet Passport — NI Residents Only
From 22 April 2026, EU pet passports are no longer valid for GB residents entering the EU — not even passports issued before that date, not even passports issued in EU countries. This is a firm rule, not a grey area.
Northern Ireland residents (Windsor Framework exception): vets in NI may still issue EU pet passports to NI residents, and these remain valid for EU travel provided vaccinations are current. EU pet passports can still be used to re-enter Great Britain on the homeward leg.
💉 Microchip & Rabies Vaccination
Your pet must be microchipped — the microchip date must appear in documentation on or before the rabies vaccination date. Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies with an up-to-date booster (minimum age 12 weeks before vaccination).
For first-time travel, a 21-day waiting period applies after the initial rabies vaccination before travel to France is permitted. No waiting period is required for boosters if vaccinations are kept continuously current. Any lapse in vaccinations resets the waiting period.
🐕 Dogs only — tapeworm treatment to re-enter the UK: Your dog must have tapeworm treatment administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before the scheduled UK arrival time. This must be recorded on the AHC or EU Pet Passport with the product name, manufacturer, date, time and vet’s stamp. Cats and ferrets do not require tapeworm treatment to return to the UK.
⚠️ Breed restrictions in France: Certain breeds are subject to restrictions or an outright ban under French law. Category 1 (banned): crosses of Pitbull Terriers, Mastiffs (Boerboels) and Tosas. Category 2 (restricted — muzzled and on lead in all public spaces): American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Rottweilers. Check gov.uk and contact Brittany Ferries directly at pettravelexpert@brittanyferries.com if your dog may fall under these categories.
✅ Brittany Ferries Pet Travel Pre-Check: Once booked, Brittany Ferries will email you 3 days before departure with a link to their free Pet Travel Pre-Check service (available from 96 hours before sailing). Log in with your Brittany Ferries account details, answer questions about documentation and vaccination records, and receive instant confirmation. If any problem is flagged, their Pet Travel Experts can help resolve it before you reach the port. You must still bring all original documents on the day.
Onboard Pet Rules — Muzzles, Fines & Exercise
Brittany Ferries enforces strict pet rules on both ships. Fines are actively issued. Understanding the rules before you travel — and making sure your dog is comfortable with a muzzle — makes for a much smoother crossing for everyone.
🐕 Muzzle Rules — On Board Both Ships
Your dog must be muzzled and on a lead whenever outside their vehicle, kennel or pet-friendly cabin. This applies during all transfers on board and in the pet exercise area.
Fines are actively enforced: €200 for a first offence, €400 for any repeat offence on a subsequent crossing. You must supply the muzzle — it is not provided. Familiarise your dog with it before travelling. Assistance dogs are exempt.
💡 Plymouth terminal exception: Dogs are allowed inside Plymouth Millbay terminal building without a muzzle — this is unique among UK ferry port terminals. The muzzle requirement applies once on board the ship, not in the terminal building itself.
🚫 Where Pets Cannot Go
Pets are confined to their designated accommodation only. Not permitted in:
Any public area — restaurants, bars, lounges, open decks
Standard (non-pet-friendly) cabins
The ship generally — only the designated pet areas
Fine for taking a pet into a non-pet-friendly cabin: €193.68 (deep-cleaning fee) for a first offence, €387.36 for any repeat. Only registered assistance dogs may access public areas.
🌿 Pet Exercise Area (Pont-Aven only)
The Pont-Aven has a dedicated pet exercise area on deck 6, next to the pet cabins and kennels. Dogs must remain muzzled and on a lead at all times. Waste bins and bags are provided.
The Armorique has no dedicated pet exercise area. Limited visits to the garage deck can be arranged via the Information Desk but are not guaranteed. For dogs who need regular exercise stops, the Pont-Aven sailing is strongly preferable.
🦺 Assistance Dogs & Emotional Support Animals
Registered assistance dogs (guide dogs, hearing dogs, mobility assistance dogs) are exempt from the muzzle requirement and are permitted in public passenger areas. Notify Brittany Ferries at booking. All pet travel documentation requirements still apply.
Emotional support animals are permitted on board but subject to the same rules as regular pets — muzzled and on lead outside accommodation, not permitted in public areas. They do not receive assistance dog exemptions.
Step-by-Step: Check-in & Boarding with a Pet at Plymouth
Travelling with a pet adds extra steps to check-in at Plymouth Millbay. The process is straightforward but requires careful timing — arriving with 90 minutes to spare is essential.
1
Before You Leave Home
Don’t over-feed or over-water your pet before the journey. Allow time for exercise and toileting before reaching the port. Confirm your AHC was issued within the last 10 days and all fields are correctly completed. Practise muzzle wearing with your dog beforehand — the ferry isn’t the place for a first introduction. Pack all pet essentials in a bag you carry on board rather than leaving in the boot.
2
Arrive 90 Minutes Before Departure
Passengers with pets must check in at least 90 minutes before departure. For the 22:00 overnight Armorique sailing, arrive by 20:00 at the very latest — earlier in peak season. Exercise and toilet your pet before joining the check-in queue. Dogs are welcome inside Plymouth Millbay terminal building without a muzzle — take advantage of this to let your dog settle before the formalities.
3
Document Check, Microchip Scan & Pet Sticker
At check-in your pet’s AHC (or EU Pet Passport for NI residents) will be checked and your pet’s microchip scanned. Have all documents readily accessible. Brittany Ferries will place a pet sticker on your car windscreen — this must remain in place until you leave the port of arrival at Roscoff. Documentation will also be checked when departing Plymouth.
4
Boarding & Pet Transfer
On boarding, crew will give instructions for transferring your pet to the kennel or pet-friendly cabin. Muzzle your dog and keep them on the lead for all transfers from this point on. If your pet is staying in your vehicle, settle them completely before leaving the car deck — it locks once the ship sails. Take all the essentials you need for the overnight crossing with you now.
5
Arriving at Roscoff
Your pet’s documentation will be checked again by French authorities at Port de Bloscon after disembarking. Allow adequate time — there can be queues in peak season, and the Roscoff arrival time varies by up to an hour due to tidal conditions. Once clear of the port, find a safe spot to let your dog out, stretch their legs and have a drink. Book your tapeworm vet appointment as soon as you arrive in France — many Breton vets are closed Sundays and some Mondays, so don’t leave it until the day before your return.
What to Pack for Your Pet
Nothing is supplied in pet-friendly cabins or kennels for your animal — all pet items are your responsibility. For the overnight crossing (8–11 hours), good preparation makes a real difference to your pet’s comfort and your peace of mind.
📋 Documents Checklist
AHC (original, issued within 10 days) — GB residents
EU Pet Passport — Northern Ireland residents only
Rabies vaccination certificate
Microchip documentation
Your booking confirmation
Pre-check confirmation email
Your own passport or driving licence (for vehicle visits on daytime sailings)
🎒 Essentials
Muzzle — dogs must wear one outside accommodation
Lead (plus a spare)
Absorbent bedding — not supplied in cabins or kennels
Your pet’s familiar blanket or toy
Nappy sacks and tissues for accidents
Collar tag with your phone number including +44
UK travel adaptor for cabin sockets (2-pin continental)
🥣 Food & Water
Collapsible or spill-resistant water bowl
Sufficient water for the crossing
Food and food bowl
Don’t over-feed before boarding
Long-lasting chews — keeps dogs occupied without disturbing other passengers
Overnight sailings: no access to car deck once underway
Summer heat and multiple pets: factor this in carefully
🌡️ Brachycephalic breeds and heat: Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs) and thick-coated dogs are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke in warm vehicles. During high summer, travelling on an overnight sailing (cooler temperatures) is preferable to leaving them in a hot car on the daytime return. Consider a pet cabin rather than the vehicle option for these breeds. Get a vet health check before travelling if your pet is elderly, on medication, or has any medical conditions. Do not administer prescription sedatives before travel.
Returning to the UK — Tapeworm & DEFRA
The return from Roscoff to Plymouth requires careful advance planning, particularly the tapeworm treatment window for dogs. Getting this wrong risks your dog being refused entry to the UK or placed in quarantine at your expense. The return requirements are unchanged by the April 2026 rule changes.
🐕 Dogs — Tapeworm Treatment Window
Tapeworm treatment must be administered by a vet not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours before the scheduled arrival time in the UK. The product name, manufacturer, date, time and vet’s stamp must all be correctly recorded on your documentation. Work backwards from your arrival time in Plymouth to calculate your treatment window.
⚠️ Book your vet appointment as soon as you arrive in France. Many Breton vets are closed Sundays and some Mondays. There is no functioning train from Roscoff — the line closed in 2018. For vets near Roscoff, Morlaix (24km, 30 min drive) has the nearest range of veterinary practices. Don’t leave this to the day before your return.
🐱 Cats & Ferrets
Cats and ferrets returning to the UK do not require tapeworm or tick treatment. You will need your valid AHC with current rabies vaccination details.
Always check every field on your documentation at the vet surgery before leaving — any error can cause serious issues at Plymouth port. Any corrections must be legible, signed and stamped by the vet.
🛂 DEFRA Checks at Plymouth
DEFRA officials may carry out document and microchip checks on arrival at Plymouth Millbay. A failure at this point can result in your pet being re-exported or placed in quarantine — entirely at your expense.
If documentation or microchip procedures fail, Brittany Ferries can only carry your pet if you have already arranged quarantine for UK arrival. Owners are solely responsible for compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions — Plymouth to Roscoff Ferry With Pets
Can I take my dog on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry?
Yes — dogs are welcome on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry provided you are travelling with a vehicle. Choose from a pet-friendly cabin (both ships), an onboard kennel (Pont-Aven only), or your vehicle. The pet fee is £35 per dog each way and must be pre-booked. Dogs are not permitted to travel with foot passengers, cyclists or motorcyclists.
Does the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry have dog-friendly cabins?
Yes — both ships have pet-friendly cabins. The Armorique has 19 pet-friendly cabins on deck 9 (inside and outside options). The Pont-Aven has 28 pet-friendly cabins on deck 6. The Armorique operates most Plymouth to Roscoff sailings; the Pont-Aven operates selected Fridays (daytime) and Tuesdays (overnight). Check your booking confirmation for which ship operates your specific sailing date.
Does the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry have kennels?
Kennels are only available on Pont-Aven sailings — not on the Armorique. The Armorique operates the majority of Plymouth to Roscoff crossings. If having access to a kennel is important for your dog, specifically book a Pont-Aven sailing (Fridays 13:45 or selected Tuesdays overnight). Kennel use is included in the £35 pet fee.
What documentation do I need to take a pet Plymouth to Roscoff in 2026?
From 22 April 2026, GB residents (England, Scotland and Wales) must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every trip to France — EU pet passports are no longer valid for entry into the EU if you are a GB resident. The AHC must be issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel. Your pet must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. Northern Ireland residents are an exception under the Windsor Framework and may still use EU pet passports issued by NI vets. Always check gov.uk before travelling.
Can I still use my EU pet passport to go Plymouth to Roscoff after April 2026?
Not if you are a GB resident (England, Scotland or Wales). From 22 April 2026, EU pet passports are no longer valid for GB residents entering the EU — including passports issued before that date. You must have an AHC issued within 10 days of travel. The only exception is Northern Ireland residents, whose NI-issued EU pet passports remain valid. EU pet passports can still be used to re-enter Great Britain on the homeward leg.
Does my dog have to wear a muzzle on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry?
Yes — dogs must be muzzled and on a lead whenever outside their vehicle, kennel or pet-friendly cabin on board. Fines are actively enforced (€200 first offence, €400 repeat). You must supply the muzzle. One notable exception: dogs are allowed inside Plymouth Millbay terminal building without a muzzle — this is unique to Plymouth and does not apply once on board the ship. Assistance dogs are exempt from the muzzle requirement at all times.
Can I take a cat on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry?
Yes — cats can travel in a pet-friendly cabin or in your vehicle. Cats cannot use onboard kennels on any Brittany Ferries ship. From 22 April 2026, GB residents must have an AHC (not an EU pet passport) to travel to France with a cat — issued within 10 days by an Official Veterinarian, with current microchip and rabies vaccination records. Cats do not require tapeworm treatment to return to the UK.
What tapeworm treatment does my dog need to return to the UK from Roscoff?
Your dog must have tapeworm treatment from a vet between 24 and 120 hours before the scheduled UK arrival at Plymouth. It must be recorded on your AHC or EU Pet Passport with the product name, manufacturer, date, time and vet’s stamp. Book the vet appointment as soon as you arrive in France — many Breton vets are closed Sundays and some Mondays. The nearest veterinary practices to Roscoff are in Morlaix, 24km south. These return requirements are unchanged by the April 2026 rule changes.
How many pets can I take on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry?
Up to 5 pets per vehicle can be booked online. For more than 5, contact Brittany Ferries directly. This limit changed in April 2026 — previously the limit was 5 per person, not per vehicle. A 2-berth pet cabin accommodates 1 large dog (over 10kg) or 2 small dogs/cats (under 10kg). A 4-berth pet cabin accommodates up to 2 large dogs or 3 small dogs/cats.
Continue Planning Your Plymouth to Roscoff Trip
🛏️
Cabins Guide
Full pricing for every cabin grade on Armorique and Pont-Aven — including pet-friendly options
Pet-friendly cabins on Armorique and Pont-Aven sell out quickly — especially in summer and school holidays. Book early to secure the right accommodation for your pet.
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