Keycamp family camping holidays in Europe

home > this is Keycamp > Take your dog on holiday > Common Questions

Common Questions

The following is a list of the most commonly asked questions presented to us by customers enquiring about taking their dog overseas on a Keycamp Holiday:

Who can you travel with?

Nearly all ferry operators from the UK to the continent will accept pets on board. The following routes and operators have been approved by DEFRA for the PETS passport scheme:

– Hull – Zeebrugge (P&O Ferries)
– Hull – Rotterdam (P&O Ferries)
– Rosyth – Zeebrugge (Superfast Ferries)
– Dover – Calais (P&O Ferries) (SeaFrance) (Eurotunnel)
– Dover – Dunkerque (NorfolkLine)
– Dover – Boulogne (Speedfast Ferries)
– Newhaven – Dieppe (Transmanche Ferries)
– Portsmouth – Cherbourg, Caen, St Malo (Brittany Ferries)
– Portsmouth – Le Havre (Louis Dreyfus Lines)
– Poole – Cherbourg (Brittany Ferries)
– Poole – St Malo (Condor Ferries)
– Plymouth – Roscoff (Brittany Ferries)
– Newcastle – Ijmuiden (DFDS Seaways)
– Harwich – Hook of Holland (Stena Line)
– Plymouth – Santander (Brittany Ferries)

Whilst some airlines will carry pets as cargo, at this time, Keycamp Holidays will only book dogs for travel via ferry, as above.

What happens at Check In in the UK?

Check in as normal. Present all passports, including your dog's, to the check in personnel who will issue the relevant boarding passes and advise on the on-board procedures for pets. It is common for there to be a "pets area", where you can walk your dog whilst you wait to board.

How does the dog travel on board?

Each operator will have different rules dependent on the type and duration of the crossing. As a general rule though, on short crossings, the dog will remain in the vehicle. On longer crossings the dog will be stored in kennels on board the ship and there will be provision for accompanied visits during the crossing. For the latest information about each operator, contact our call centre.

For first time or nervous dogs, you may wish to use Eurotunnel for the journey. This is simply because you travel with your vehicle during the crossing and will therefore travel with your dog.

What happens when I arrive on the continent?

Nothing - all you need to do is join your vehicle as normal and drive off the ferry and out of the ferry port. Your dog has already performed all of the required checks for entry onto the continent.

What happens on the campsite?

Campsites are very welcoming of dogs and have been accepting dogs as guests for a long time. Campsites and camping in general is considered as one of the few holiday types where dogs owners can benefit from the freedom and flexibility of taking a dog on an overseas holiday. However, there are a few requirements:

Control - dogs will be required to be kept on a leash at all times whilst on the campsite grounds.
Consideration - dog owners will be expected to be considerate of other guests and keep noise to a minimum.
Cleanliness - dog owners will be expected to clean up after their dogs.

What should I take with me?

Keycamp Holidays would recommend that as a minimum you bring the following items with you: lead, dog bowl, dog food, favourite toys, favourite blankets or basket, poop-a-scoop or doggy bags.

Europeans are renowned as dog-lovers, so shopping for any additional requirements should be relatively simple and straightforward. Most of the brand names that are well known in the UK are also well known in Europe.

Are there any other requirements to perform before I return to the UK?

Yes - Before the dog re-enters the UK, it must be treated against ticks and tapeworm. The dog must be treated against ticks and tapeworm not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before re-entry into the UK. The vet who completes this simple procedure will “stamp” the passport and give the necessary paperwork to you to be presented to the travel operator. This process MUST be completed as described. Failure to comply with this regulation will involve your dog being placed into quarantine upon arrival into the UK.

Keycamp Holidays will provide you with names, addresses and telephone numbers of several veterinary offices close to your final night's stay. Many customers will be confident in calling and booking their own appointments. However, for those who require a little assistance, our on-site couriers will gladly help. The treatment itself will cost approximately €30 - 50.

What happens at Check In on the way home?

Check in as normal. Present all passports, including your dog's, to the check in personnel who will issue the relevant boarding passes and advise on the on-board procedures for pets. You must also present the Ticks and Tapeworm paperwork that will have been provided to you by the veterinary office the previous day. It is common for there to be a "pets area", where you can walk your dog whilst you wait to board.

What happens when I arrive back in the UK?

Nothing - all you need to do is join your vehicle as normal and drive off the ferry and out of the ferry port. Your dog has already performed all of the required checks for entry before you joined the ship and can travel straight home with you.

What about dangerous or banned dogs?

UK vets cannot issue banned or dangerous dogs with a PETS passport. Therefore, banned or dangerous dogs cannot travel in and out of the UK.