Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2019 7:01am
We have done this journey a few times with our dog before we moved permanently. I assume your dogs have pet passports or else you won't be able to bring them back to the UK. Also make sure you understand the changes on pet passports possible with Brexit.
First decision is how to cross the channel, we always used Eurotunnel as very easy (the dogs stay with you and only 35 minute crossing) + there are exercise areas at each end whilst waiting for your service.
Look at the 2 web links below:
https://about-france.com/tourism/no-tolls-routes.htm
https://about-spain.net/travel/no-tolls.htm
They give good routes and minimise the french tolls.
Make sure you have the necessary kit in your car (spare bulbs, hi-viz for all occupants, warning triangles, etc)
We used Booking.com to find hotels en route as you can select pet friendly as an option. Not sure regarding more than 1 dog but the telephone and email addresses for all hotels are given so you can contact the hotels direct to check.
We also tried to use supermarkets in France for fuel as the motorway stations are expensive. Fuel in Spain is cheaper and tends to be similarly priced on the Autovias although you can save by looking for off Autovia stations.
If you are retruning to the UK you will need the pet passports stamped and a worm pills administered. There are several vets in the area that speak English and can do this for you at a reasonable cost.
All of the tolls on the motorways take cards but the machines are all on the passenger side so ideally have one of your passengers on that side otherwise you will need to get out to operate them.
Have a good journey.