Jersey’s incoming ferry provider DFDS has gone back on its proposed pet travel policy following backlash from animal owners over concerns about the welfare of their pets.
The Danish firm now says it will allow dogs to remain in vehicles while travelling on the slow ferry to the UK. DFDS previously said pets would have to be booked into a designated lounge or cabin.
DFDS says it is working with The Kennel Club of Jersey to establish a set of guidelines for passengers wishing to bring their animals on board, saying the welfare of animals on their ferries is their ‘highest priority’.
In a social media post, The Kennel Club of Jersey said: “The welfare of all dogs is paramount to The Kennel Club of Jersey and DFDS and we are going to be meeting to set up the new travel policy.
“We would like to thank DFDS for listening to us and acting, and we look forward to meeting them.”
The company also confirmed that anyone who has already booked a pet cabin will be eligible for a refund.
It is a similar story when it comes to charges for bikes, with DFDS saying it will remove the £25 charge for foot passengers to bring their bike on board and that anyone who has already paid to bring a bike on a ferry will be refunded.
In a statement, DFDS added that St Malo day trip prices will be published shortly.
The statement also confirmed that passengers can now book to take their caravan on board and that their launch offer is being “adjusted” for the benefit of customers only booking a return from UK ports.
The company said: “These changes reflect DFDS’s promise to review and enhance its services following feedback, and its continued commitment to work with the community to best serve the island.”
DFDS will take over from Condor Ferries as Jersey’s ferry operator at the end of March.
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