DFDS has confirmed it will change the rule aboard its slow boat to Portsmouth, that prohibited pets to be kept in cars during the crossing.

Last Friday (31 January), the Danish ferry operator's spring and summer timetable went live, revealing to pet owners an unexpected change from what they are used to; that pets could no longer be kept in their vehicles on journeys to and from Portsmouth.

Instead, passengers with animals would have to book a 'pet-friendly cabin' for a maximum of two cats or two dogs. On the first available sailings, these were being priced as £70 for an overnight crossing in a 2 berth cabin without a sea view. 

Alternatively, they could choose to travel with their pet in the ‘pet lounge’ which will accommodate up to eight dogs. 

When asked by Channel 103, DFDS Jersey Route Director Chris Parker said this change was about animal welfare:

"It is a long crossing, a 12-hour crossing, so there is an element of safety we need to consider for the dogs. We do have pet cabins on the overnight ferry where we would rather the dogs be because they will be much more comfortable and with their owners.

"We feel that is better. Whether its something we can review, I don't know, we can have a look at it. But really - the welfare of animals is really key.

"The last thing we want is for dogs to become unwell or distressed."

Chris Parker

However, Channel 103 has now confirmed that, following discussions with pet owners and the Kennel Club of Jersey, DFDS has decided to change its policy to allow pets to travel in the car during the ferry crossing. This will come into effect on the first day of the operator's sailings. 

Chris Parker says he's listened to islanders' concerns: 

"We had quite a bit of correspondence over the weekend from concerned islanders and groups like the Kennel Club... What we want to achieve here is a situation where islanders can travel with their dogs safely, where we can as far as possible not have any changes to what exists currently."

Mr Harri Pickles in the car

However, pet owners will be asked to follow new guidance on how to properly look after their pets in the car, which Chris Parker says is in the works: 

"We basically want to mirror what was there previously but we want to work with the Kennel Club to put in a guide for passengers saying what they need to do to ensure the safe transport of their pets on an overnight crossing.

"We are concerned and so are the Kennel Club about the welfare of animals travelling on the ferries, particularly on a long crossing... We will make sure we get those rules in place."

Chris Parker also confirmed that those who have already booked a pet cabin to Portsmouth but would rather pay the reduced rate of keeping their dog in the car will be able to apply for a refund of the price difference.