Heading to France and Spain with Pluto, Scrumpy, Sirius, Throttle, Mr Bojangles, Byron, Baby, Poppy, Billie, Belle, PJ and Arfa

Animalcouriers set off from the UK with pets on board who are heading to France and Spain. In addition to Belle and PJ, collected in Scotland a couple of days ago, we were joined by a fabulous cast of characters.

Basset Hound Pluto from London is on his way to Madrid to rejoin his family who’ve moved back to Spain. He’s a very determined chap, and very strong. You don’t so much take him for a walk as simply try to steer him in the general direction you want him to go!

Marvellously monikered feline trio Scrumpy, Sirius and Throttle are relocating with their owners from Surrey to the south of France. They’ve been boarding at a cattery owned by Caroline, a niece of the cats’ owners. She was rather sad to see them go as she’s known all of them since they were kittens.

Smart tuxedo cat Mr Bojangles was brought to us from Northern Ireland by his owner. We’re taking him the rest of the way to the Malaga area of Spain, where he and his family are relocating.

Handsome grey cat Byron hails from London and making the journey to the Spanish capital, Madrid. Quite a vocal fellow, he’s also a very friendly puss.

Cute ginger tabby cat Baby got on board in London and is heading to Barcelona in northern Spain; while long-haired stunner Poppy is travelling with us all the way to Gibraltar.

Little Jack Russell Billie was brought to us from the Isle of Wight by Lee. Lee’s been looking after Billie on behalf of his parents, while they relocated to central France. Now Billie’s off to join them.

And finally, we were pleased to see Arfa again — this much loved Staffie is one of our ‘frequent flyers’. He’s off to spend some quality time with his grandparents in Spain.

Pluto deciding to sit down for a bit

Scrumpy gets a goodbye hug from Caroline

Throttle gets comfy for the journey

Sirius is keener to know what’s going on all around

Mr Bojangles, who’s heading to Malaga

Chatty Byron — you could get lost in those green eyes!

The very charming Barcelona-bound Baby

Beautiful long-haired Poppy

Jack Russell Billie gets a reassuring cuddle from Lee

Splendid Arfa, who needs no introduction!

Belle, seen here, and all the other dogs, got a walk in the evening sun in Portsmouth before we boarded the ferry

PJ tries out for the ‘longest tongue’ competition

Our first reunion on this trip — Billie back in the arms of her very happy owners