MOUNTING operating costs and the loss of reliable inter-island ferries services have been blamed for a long-running pet transport service deciding to stop running Jersey and Guernsey services.
The Pet Bus, which carries animals by boat and road in specifically adapted vehicles, has announced it will stop its Channel Island service at the end of March 2026.
The family-run service, based in North Oxfordshire, is owned by Lesley and Gary Form and has been transporting pets between the mainland and the islands for several years.
In a statement posted on social media, the company described the move as an “incredibly emotional decision.”
“Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful pets and the people who love them,” the post said.
“We’ve watched nervous travellers settle into our arms, celebrated joyful reunions, and shared countless moments that reminded us why we do what we do.”
However, they said that mounting pressures have made the service unsustainable, citing rising operating costs and the “loss of a regular, reliable inter-island transport link”.
Islanders and customers who have used the service took to social media to share their reaction to the recent news.
One comment described the decision as a “devastating loss for the Channel Islands,” adding that the service they had been provided with was “valuable and amazing.”
Others shared photos of their furry friends that had been brought over to the island using the company.
The decision follows a recent submission to the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel that criticised the inter-island ferry services and raised concerns for those travelling with animals.
Kennel Club of Jersey vice-chair and show secretary Christine Marett highlighted the lack of trips in the new UK timetable provided by DFDS in comparison to its predecessor, Condor Ferries.
Mrs Marett said that there are no sailings on Tuesdays and Sundays between January and March 2026, in comparison to Condor, where there was “only one day throughout the year where there was no boat at all”.
Existing bookings will be honoured up to and including March 2026, but islanders planning pet travel after that date will need to seek alternative arrangements.
