Q: What is the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS for short)?A: The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) was introduced by the Government in 2000 and allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets to travel between the UK and certain countries, mainly in the EU, without quarantine.
For ferry routes the eligible countries are Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Spain.
As of the 1st January 2012: All pets travelling from the Republic of Ireland to the UK should be microchipped,
vaccinated against rabies and accompanied by a pet passport. As both the Republic
of Ireland and the UK have had no indigenous rabies for many decades, compliance
checks on pets travelling between the two countries will not be applied.
Pet dogs, including guide and hearing dogs, and cats resident in the UK or one of other qualifying countries can enter or re-enter the country without quarantine, provided they meet the scheme’s rules. That includes obtaining a pet passport if travelling from an EU country. The passports are issued by government-authorised vets known as Local Veterinary Inspectors, or LVIs. If an owner’s local veterinary practice does not have a resident LVI they should be able to advise where the nearest one works. Owners can also find out from their local Animal Health Divisional Office. For contact details, please
Click here.
For more information, please call the PETS Helpline on 0870 241 1710.
The relaxation of the UK’s strict quarantine laws in recent years has allowed some pets to travel with their owners.
Q: How do I make a booking including a pet?
A: You will need to make a booking by telephone to be sure that:
A) The route you have chosen accepts Pets.
B) There is sufficient availability for pets.
Please contact us on for more details.
Q: Can I take my pet if I am travelling as a footpassenger?
A: No.
Q: Where will my pet be kept during the crossing?
A: This varies from ship to ship but in general your pet will have to stay in your vehicle.
With some ferry companies kennels or cabins where your pet can accompany you can be booked (subject to availability).
Please contact us or refer to other questions in the Pets and Animals section for more advice.
Q: Can I visit my pet during the crossing?
A: At the discretion of the crew and conditions permitting, owners may visit their animal on the car deck at pre-arranged times during the course of the voyage.
For more information, please enquire during check-in.
Q: On which routes can I take my pet?
A: In general, most routes permit the transportation of Pets.
With the Pet Travel Scheme, eligible countries are Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Spain. No paperwork is needed for Ireland.
Please contact us on for more details.
Q: How do I check in with a pet?
A: Passengers travelling with guide dogs or pets must arrive earlier than the published check in time. Please notify the check in staff on arrival at the port that you are carrying a pet for more details.
Q: How much does it cost to take my pet with me?
A: This varies from route to route and can range from 0 - £40 each way depending on the ferry company.
We will inform you of any additional costs before confirming your booking.
Please note, bookings with pets must be made by telephone.
Q: Can I take my guide dog onboard with me?
A: Yes, however the guide dog must adhere to the same regulations as that of a pet (see related question regarding the Pet Travel Scheme) and for safety reasons, (in the unlikely event of an emergency) the passenger must be accompanied by a carer.
Q: Can my pet travel on the ferry?
A: Ferry companies are not only well-geared towards pet transportation, they also make a less stressful environment for travel than airlines.
Ferries generally have onboard kennels which can be booked in advance.
As of January the 1st 2012: All pets travelling from the Republic of Ireland to the UK should be microchipped,
vaccinated against rabies and accompanied by a pet passport. As both the Republic
of Ireland and the UK have had no indigenous rabies for many decades, compliance
checks on pets travelling between the two countries will not be applied.
For more information or to make a booking please call us on .
Q: Do pet quarantine regulations still apply?A: Yes although they have been relaxed in recent years since the inception of the Pet Travel Scheme.
Pet dogs and cats (including guide and hearing dogs) that are resident in either the United Kingdom or one of the other qualifying countries can enter or re-enter the UK without quarantine provided they meet the rules of the Scheme.
For more information, please call the PETS Helpline on 0870 241 1710 or
Click here for information online.