Animalcouriers left the UK from Portsmouth on the overnight ferry to St Malo in northern France. From there we’ll head towards Italy and then on to Greece.

Checking pet passports at Portsmouth

Checking pet passports at Portsmouth

 A beautiful sunset as we sail away

A beautiful sunset as we sail away

Once everyone was walked, fed, and tucked up for the night, it was time for a beer

Once everyone was walked, fed, and tucked up for the night, it was time for a beer

We caught a final view of the sun as it sank below the horizon

We caught a final view of the sun as it sank below the horizon

Clifford, Georgie, Squash and Coco

Genine’s dog Clifford and cats Georgie and Squash are travelling with us to Greece. Everyone’s spending the summer at the family home in Paros. Genine’s sister Lolly and her family, along with Cocker Spaniel Coco, will also be there.

It’s been quite an operation getting the whole family to Greece. Genine left for Paros last week, so is ready to welcome everyone. Lolly is still in England, and was on hand to see the dogs on their way. The cats waited for the off at Burntwood Kennels and Cattery near our office, where they had their bags packed and ready when we arrived to collect them.

Handsome fluffball Clifford

Handsome fluffball Clifford

Black-and-white Georgie is a laid-back chap. Taking it easy and hoping no-one expects him to take a turn behind the wheel! He's doubtless looking forward to warmer weather in Greece than we've been having in the UK.

Black-and-white Georgie is a laid-back chap. Taking it easy and hoping no-one expects him to take a turn behind the wheel! He’s doubtless looking forward to warmer weather in Greece than we’ve been having in the UK.

The airlines wouldn't allow Squash to fly as he's a Scottish Fold. The upside for us is that we get to have Squash and the rest of the animal family travel with us!

The airlines wouldn’t allow Squash to fly as he’s a Scottish Fold. The upside for us is that we get to have Squash and the rest of the animal family travel with us!

Both cats like to keep a close eye on what's going on around them

Both cats like to keep a close eye on what’s going on around them

Coco enjoyed a brilliant walk along a very pretty piece of Brittany coastline this morning, before we got under way

Coco enjoyed a brilliant walk along a very pretty piece of Brittany coastline this morning, before we got under way

Coco, Clifford and couriers M and J all agreed it was a super view

Coco, Clifford and couriers M and J all agreed it was a super view

Daisy

Daisy’s owner Carol has left England for a spell in Italy, high in the mountains above Genoa. Carol was very anxious about leaving Daisy who, like all our passengers, is a much loved pet.

Daisy had a great walk this morning, but because she's quite small, the grasses covered her head. That made it tricky to get a photo of her, so here she is  in her bedroom.

Daisy had a great walk this morning, but because she’s quite small, the grasses covered her head. That made it tricky to get a photo of her, so here she is  in her bedroom.

Zelda

Gorgeous Staffie Zelda is travelling with us from Sunderland to Ioanina in northern Greece. Owner Orestis is sending her to live with his parents. It was a sad goodbye, but Orestis knows Zelda will be very happy with her grandparents.

Lovely Zelda enjoying the fresh air

Lovely Zelda enjoying the fresh air