Ferry Travel with Pets: Can you take Dogs on Ferries?

Picture this: bobbing along the ocean, your tail-wagging bestie in tow and a week (or more) worth of memories just waiting to be made. Whether you’re planning to sail to Scotland or the Isles of Scilly, the good news is – you don’t need to leave your furry friend behind. After all, that has to be the worst part about going away.

With plenty of dog-friendly ferries in the UK, your cuddly companion can join you on your adventure too. And the best part is, it’s plain sailing. Here’s everything you need to know about travelling with dogs on ferries from the UK…

Can you take a dog on a ferry?

Yes, dogs are allowed on ferries. With a range of dog-friendly ferries to choose from, taking your dog on a ferry has never been easier. Some ferry operators allow your dog to travel for free whereas others charge a small fee. Although, it is worth noting that there are some operators that do not allow you to travel with dogs on ferries so it’s always best to check the operator’s individual pet policy before you book.

Travelling with a pet: Can I stay with my dog on a ferry?

Travelling can be stressful for dogs so it’s always nice to be able to comfort them onboard. The good news is, certain operators do allow you to stay with your dog on a ferry.

From dedicated pet waiting areas for plenty of sniffs and stretches beforehand to dog-friendly ferry lounges and cabins for stress-free sailing, many operators allow you to stay with your dog for the duration of the journey.

For example, Brittany Ferries dog-friendly cabins are available on 8 of their ships. P&O Ferries also offer pet-friendly cabins on their Hull to Rotterdam route, whilst pet lounges are available on routes such as Dover to Calais. The dog-friendly cabins on Brittany Ferries and the P&O ferry pet lounge mean you can snuggle up to your pet whilst sailing.

On some short-haul journeys, your pet may be required to stay in your vehicle though, so it’s still best to check each operator’s policy on ferry travel with pets.

Travelling with guide dogs and assistance dogs on a ferry

The rules for travelling on a ferry with guide dogs and assistance dogs are slightly different. Most operators, including P&O, Brittany Ferries, DFDS, Wightlink and Caledonian MacBrayne, allow you to travel on a ferry with your assistance or guide dog free of charge. With these operators, guide dogs and assistance dogs are also usually allowed on a lead in public areas and do not have to stay in a vehicle, cabin or pet lounge.

Make sure you notify the operator at the time of booking that you will be bringing an assistance or guide dog with you so that they are aware.

You may also be asked for documentation on board so make sure you bring all the necessary paperwork to show that your dog meets the correct requirements. Your assistance dog may also need to wear a working jacket so they can be easily identified. If you’re unsure, check the operator’s assistance policy for further information.

Dog-friendly ferries

So, now you know that you can take dogs on ferries, it’s time to find the best dog-friendly ferry to suit you!

Ferry operators that allow you to travel with a pet include:

• Stena
• Brittany Ferries
• P&O Ferries
• DFDS
• Wightlink
• Pentland Ferries
• Caledonian MacBrayne
• Northlink Ferries
• Condor Ferries

Discover more dog-friendly ferry operators here.

Dog-friendly ferries from the UK

Make the most of dog-friendly cabins on ferries to Jersey, Belfast and more. Need some inspiration? Here’s some dog-friendly ferries from the UK that you (and your pooch) will love...

• Dog-friendly ferry route: Liverpool Birkenhead to Belfast ferry 
  Operator: Stena Line
   
• Dog-friendly ferry route: Portsmouth to Jersey (St Helier) ferry
  Operator: Condor Ferries

• Dog-friendly ferry route: Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry 
  Operator: Northlink Ferries
   
• Dog-friendly ferry route: Poole to Guernsey ferry 
  Operator: Condor Ferries

• Dog-friendly ferry route: Belfast to Cairnryan ferry 
  Operator: Stena Line
   
• Dog-friendly ferry route: Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry
  Operator: Wightlink

Can you take dogs on the ferry to France?

Want to take your dog on the ferry to France? Just because your furry friend is coming too, doesn’t mean you have to stay close to home. In fact, it’s easy to take a ferry to France with a dog.

Popular dog-friendly ferries to France include:

• Dog-friendly ferry route: Dover to Calais ferry
  Operator: DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries & P&O Ferries
   
• Dog-friendly ferry route: Poole to Cherbourg ferry
  Operator: Brittany Ferries

All aboard: travelling with dogs on ferries

Ready to plan your trip? Here are our top tips for taking your dog on a ferry:

Check the operator’s pet policy

The policy for ferry travel with pets differs for each operator. It’s best to check the operator’s individual policy for travelling with pets to find out boarding information and what the rules are onboard.

Pre-book your dog

Add your dog to your booking in advance, especially if you’d like access to the ferry’s pet-friendly facilities when onboard.

Correct paperwork

Check to see if any documents are required for your dog to travel on the ferry. Depending on where you are travelling to, your dog may require a valid AHC or an EU Pet Passport.

Up-to-date vaccinations

Ensure that your dog is fully vaccinated before travelling.

Microchipped

Your dog will also need to be microchipped before travelling on the ferry.

Pooch-approved packing

Make sure you pack everything your furry friend needs for a comfortable journey including water bowls, absorbent bedding, food and poo bags. Some operators may also require your dog to wear a muzzle on the ferry.

Travelling with your dog on a ferry in summer? Discover our top tips for a safe and comfortable journey.

Ready for a paw-fect trip? Book a dog-friendly ferry adventure today!