Travel to Corsica with your dog pet with complete peace of mind
Travelling to Corsica by ferry with a dog is both possible and convenient if you want to take your four-legged friend with you. The crossing takes place overnight: whilst you sleep, your dog sleeps in the kennel or in your vehicle, and you arrive together on the ‘Isle of Beauty’ first thing in the morning.
For many dog owners, the issue of transport is the main obstacle to setting off. Flying is often out of the question, car journeys are too long, and the idea of leaving your pet at home is unthinkable. The ferry to Corsica changes all that: your dog travels on board with you, the crossing takes place overnight, and everyone arrives well-rested.
On board, your dog is strictly not allowed in the passenger areas
=> cabins, lounges, bars, restaurants, outdoor decks – whatever their size or breed.
They will stay either in the air-conditioned kennel or in your vehicle in the garage.
Exception: guide dogs and assistance dogs remain with their owners throughout the crossing.
Travelling to Corsica by ferry with your dog: how does it work?
A night-time crossing with your dog on board
The crossing to Corsica takes place exclusively at night. This arrangement is particularly well suited to pets: the calm of the night, the gentle rocking of the sea, and the fact that most of the time spent apart coincides with their natural sleeping hours.
You board the ferry in the evening from Marseille. On arrival in Ajaccio or Porto Vecchio, you’ll be reunited with your dog shortly after the ship docks, and the day can begin.
Many travellers who take the ferry with their dogs report that the crossing is smoother than they had anticipated.
The air-conditioned kennel: a dedicated space for your dog
On board, an air-conditioned kennel area accommodates animals in secure individual kennels. Your dog will have its own sheltered, quiet space at a constant temperature – even in summer.
For small dogs, bringing a suitable travel crate makes it easier to settle them into the designated compartment. Remember to bring a €1 coin to lock the kennel – you’ll get it back with your dog on arrival.
This option is ideal if you want your pet to be in a dedicated, supervised and secure space for the duration of the crossing.
In his car: the space he knows so well
Many dogs feel more at ease in their car than in a new environment. Leaving your pet in their car, in the ship’s car park, is a perfectly valid option – and often preferable for anxious or large dogs.
Make sure you leave a window slightly open to ensure ventilation. The car deck is closed and ventilated during the crossing.
It is strictly forbidden to leave your dog in the boot.
In either case – whether at the kennels or in the vehicle – you will not be able to visit your pet during the crossing. Please make the necessary arrangements before boarding.
Corsica with your dog: the right choice
Corsica is a particularly welcoming destination for travellers with pets. With its vast natural landscapes, beaches accessible out of season, mountain trails and intimate villages, the island offers the ideal setting for a holiday for two or more.
Travelling by car on the ferry also means enjoying complete freedom on the island: no need to rely on public transport, the chance to visit secluded beaches, and your car always on hand to let your dog rest in the shade whenever needed.
Preparing your dog for the overnight crossing
Thorough preparation before boarding makes all the difference. The aim is for your dog to board the vessel feeling relaxed and to spend the night as peacefully as possible.
Before boarding
- Take your dog for a long walk in the hours leading up to departure. A dog that has had plenty of exercise will settle down and sleep more easily.
- Be careful with feeding. Avoid giving your dog a meal in the hours before boarding. If you’re unsure about the risk of travel sickness, ask your vet for advice – they may recommend a special diet or suitable treatment.
- If your dog is particularly anxious, your vet may prescribe something to help them sleep peacefully through the night. Make sure to book this appointment in advance.
Category 1 and 2 dogs: what you need to know
Category 1: Only permitted in their owner’s vehicle (not in the kennel). A muzzle must be worn whilst on board.
Category 2: Choice of kennel or vehicle. A muzzle must be worn whilst on board.
practical and regulatory information you need to travel with your dog
Documents required for your dog
Your dog must be included on the booking. It must have a valid European pet passport and a valid, up-to-date rabies vaccination.
View the full page on documents required for travelling with a pet
Travelling to Corsica by boat with your dog: why choose La Méridionale
Choosing the ferry is the first step towards making the right choice for a trip with a pet. The overnight crossing avoids long hours of driving in the heat. Your dog is neither in the hold of an aeroplane nor at a kennel. They travel with you.
At La Méridionale, we put the travel experience at the heart of every crossing. This attention to detail is also reflected in the welcome we extend to passengers travelling with pets.
The air-conditioned kennel on board, the secure individual kennels and the option to leave your pet in your vehicle offer a range of solutions for travelling with your dog.
At La Méridionale, we place the travel experience at the heart of every crossing. This commitment is also reflected in the welcome we extend to passengers travelling with a pet.
The air-conditioned kennel on board, the secure individual kennels, and the option to leave your pet in your vehicle offer a range of solutions for travelling with your dog.
Thank you for travelling with us!
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Since 2017, La Méridionale has been awarded the prestigious Travellers' Choice label.
