Portsmouth to Caen en route to Mazarrón

Good Morning 

I do that route regularly with my large dog as he doesn't like the boat so I sedate him for the 5/6 hour crossing.

My experience is that most checks are done on the UK side and you tend to just drive through at Ouistreham.

I always have food stuffs on board and dog food water treats etc and have never had a problem. Plus they will know you have a dog on board when you arrive as it's on your ticket and car windscreen sticker.

Occasionally you see a vehicle pulled over but it's not regularly. 

If you do get stopped or don't want to run the risk there is a Supermarche in the town where you exit the port about 500 yards up the road that stocks everything for the long drive as well as dog food. 

It's off to the right as you exit the port area in easy too find

As for the border between Spain and France that is a toll checkpoint where occasionally the Police may stand but it's rare to be stopped there. 

Booking.com usually has dog friendly places just tick the pet option on the search menu. 

This time of year you shouldn't have a problem finding something decent. 

Hope that helps 

Many thanks for your response, it has been very helpful. I can stop worrying so much, had visions of all my worldly goods & car contents scattered all over the ground, and a starving dog at Border Control in France!! Here’s to blue  skies and warm temperatures in the near future. Thanks again, Jaz