Ferry Cross the......Channel.

Hitherto, as I understand it, if you took your beloved pooches or mogs across the channel by ferry they had to stay in the car.  

More recently however, on the Portsmouth - Le Havre crossing, Brittany Ferries have introduced 'Pet Friendly' cabins (which you can share with your pets).  But the ships, I'm told, are rather 'basic'.  Furthermore the ship arrives at 8:30am (as against 6:45am in Caen) making a same-day drive to Italy a real challenge.

Does anyone have any experiences or advice to share?

TBH we never use the Ferry when taking dog/s with us when we visit the UK, always use the tunnel. I know it may be a tad more  expensive but the speed of it all,lack of fuss and the time involved is a great incentive.

Agreed Flip.  We too have always used the tunnel hitherto with the dogs.  Plus the added advantage that you can offset the cost by using Tesco cash vouchers (£10 buys a £30 discount in the tunnel).

However with the tunnel:
The immigrants have been causing a lot of mayhem recently 
and
If you're coming from Devon you're committed to an overnight stay in France.