Travelling with your pet
Travelling with your pet with DFDS
As part of the DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), we provide safe transportation for your pets onboard our ferries. You will have the opportunity to visit your pets on longer crossings, as arranged by the onboard staff. Our Newcastle-Amsterdam and Copenhagen-Oslo crossings even boast pet-friendly cabins.
Please note: from now on it is no longer allowed to bring birds on board on the route Newcastle to Amsterdam. This applies to all types of birds.
You are welcome to travel with your dog, cat, or other pet on our UK – France routes, however pets are not allowed in public areas and must remain in your vehicle. Please note on our Newhaven – Dieppe route, foot passengers can travel with a pet but must book a kennel for their dog. All pets must be at least 16 weeks when travelling with us.
Leaving pet in a vehicle
Your pets must remain in the vehicle throughout the sailing. As the car decks are closed during the crossing it is important for you to agree a time with our guest service centre onboard when you can visit your pet. We kindly remind you that you need to add pets to the booking with a pet ticket prior to arrival at the port to avoid any problems and the price for the pet ticket is €18.
As a rule, pets must travel with their owners; however, you may give written permission to another person to accompany your pet for you. Authorisation is a declaration completed and signed by the owner, confirming that the animal is legally accompanied. Your pet must travel no more than 5 days before or after you. You must ensure your pet meets all the relevant requirements to enter the EU & UK. More information can be found here.
Find more about bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain here.
From 1 January 2021, the UK will become a Part 2 listed third country in the EU Pet Travel Scheme. This means if you travel with your pet from the UK to Europe you will need a Health Certificate issued 10 days before travel if your pet(s) have an EU Pet Passport, issued in Great Britain. For pets travelling from the EU to the UK, the EU Pet Passport will still be accepted.
Detailed guidance from the Government on pet travel after the transition period ends can be found here.
Click here for our advice on travelling safely with your dog.
When travelling with your pet every owner is responsible to comply with the pet travel rules of the country they are travelling to.
When you are issued with a Pet Passport, the Veterinary Surgeon will also provide you with full details of the correct documentation and order of preparation to use the Pet Passport to re-enter the departure country. It is passenger’s responsibility to provide all necessary documents and make all arrangements, including where necessary quarantine, to satisfy all legal requirements. Failure to do so will prevent your pet from being permitted to travel.
Please note: movement of animals within the EU is limited to 5 per vehicle unless taking part in a competition or event.
Useful websites:
www.bringfido.com
www.canwetakethedog.com
www.gopetfriendly.com
www.pettravel.com
www.petfriendlytravel.com
www.dogfriendly.com
Parks near our ports
Should you or your pets wish to stretch your legs once you’ve finished your ferry crossings, or before you board, below is a list of dog-friendly parks or green areas near our ports.
Calais
Parc St Pierre, Boulevard Jacquard, 62100, Calais, France. Map
Dunkirk
Plage de Petit-Fort-Philipe, Digue de Mer, 59820 Gravelines, France. Map
Dieppe Forêt d’Arques-la-Bataille 76880 Arques-la-Bataille, France. Map
Leaving your pet in the vehicle:
- As your pet must remain in the vehicle, please make sure your pet is fed, has water in a spill safe container and some food.
- While travelling alone in the vehicle, for your pet to be more comfortable please bring their familiar toys.
- We recommend keeping your pet happy to leave adequate ventilation, space to move and absorbent bedding in the vehicle.
Assistance & Guide dogs
Onboard DFDS we accept assistance dogs who are recognised by the Assistance Dogs International, (ADI) and the International Guide Dogs Federation (IDGF) programmes.
The above programmes ensure assistance dogs are specifically trained to assist and support people with a disability.
If travelling with an assistance dog it is essential you notify DFDS and that the dog complies with the Pet Travel Scheme. You should also note that sea travel can be distressing for animals and the safety and comfort of all our guests should not be compromised. You will be responsible for the welfare of the dog at all times. There is no fee to bring your assistance dog onboard. You will be asked to provide documentation.
Emotional Support Animals
In the UK, Emotional Support Animals are not legally recognised by the above organisations in the way that assistance & guide dogs currently are. Emotional Support Animals can travel with us however they will have to follow the same rules set out for our regular pets, such as:
- Stay in Vehicle during crossing (All UK – France routes only)
- Stay in Kennels during crossing (Newcastle - Amsterdam & Newhaven - Dieppe only)
- Stay in Pet friendly cabin (Newcastle – Amsterdam only)
- Payable pet ticket fee for adding pets to crossing on all routes
More information can be found here: Assistance Dogs International International Guide Dog Federation Information for assistance dog owners - ADUK
Veterinary hospitals near our ports
Dover
Burnham House Veterinary Surgery
33-35 Castle Street
CT16 1PT Dover
Tel: 01304 206989; Fax: 01304 225622
Email: Office@burnhamhousevets.com
Calais
Clinique Vétérinaire Dr Wuillot
Dr Lavielle & Dr Mottoul
139 Boulevard Curie
62100 Calais
Tel: +33 (0) 321 82 15 11
Web: www.centre-veterinaire-curie.fr
Dunkirk
127 Rue du Canton du Caillouti
59279 Loon-Plage
France
Tel: +33 (0) 328 21 31 51
Newhaven
Avenue Veterinary Practice
Saxonholme
Meeching Rd
Newhaven
East Sussex
BN9 9QX
Tel: +44 (0) 1273 515509
Dieppe
Clinique Vétérinaire
Dieppe R vertus
76550
SAINT AUBIN SUR SCIE
You are welcome to travel with your dog, cat or pet onboard our Newcastle-Amsterdam passenger ferry route whether you book as a foot traveller or with a vehicle. All pets must be at least 16 weeks when travelling with us.
- Foot passengers can travel with their pets if booked in a pet friendly cabin or in one of our (dog friendly) Kennels in our Pet Hotel onboard.
- It is possible to keep your cat or pet* in your vehicle during the crossing, but they must be properly secured inside your vehicle. *Please note: This option is not applicable for dogs.
- It costs €30 per pet each way. Assistance dogs recognised by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and International Guide Dogs Federation (IGDF) are free of charge.
- Our Pet friendly cabins and dog friendly kennels are bookable online if traveling with a vehicle, if traveling as a foot passenger or if you need any further assistance making your booking you can contact us, via phone: +44 0871 522 9976 or you can chat with us online here Contact us | DFDS
- Please note pet friendly cabins should only be booked if a pet is staying with you in the cabin.
Please see pet travel options bellow:
Pet-friendly cabins
Our pet friendly cabins mean your pet can stay in your cabin with you for the entire journey. All of these cabins are 4 berth with a sea view.
- 4 guests in the cabin
- 4 beds in the cabin
- En suite bathroom with shower & WC
- Clothes hooks & hangers, desk & mirror
- Bedding and towels
The cabins are suitable for a maximum 2 pets in the cabin. There is limited availability for pet cabins onboard, therefore we advise to prebook in advance to avoid disappointment.
Leaving your pet in a vehicle
Your cat or pet can stay in the vehicle during the crossing, unfortunately this is not possible for dogs. As car decks are closed during the crossing it is important for you to agree time when you would be able to visit or walk your pet with Guest Service Centre onboard.
Kennel dimensions
Please ensure your pet will have suitable space within the kennel dimensions described below on our Newcastle-Amsterdam ships. The correct size kennel will need to be selected at the time of booking.
Princess Seaways
| Kennel | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Large Kennel | 60cm (H) x 86cm (W) x 94cm (D) |
| Extra Large Kennel | 76cm (H) x 68cm (W) x 101cm (D) |
King Seaways
| Kennel | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Small Kennel | 54cm (H) x 56cm (W) x 60cm (D) |
| Medium Kennel | 51cm (H) x 58cm (W) x 64cm (D) |
| Large Kennel | 60cm (H) x 86cm (W) x 94cm (D) |
| Extra Large Kennel | 76cm (H) x 68cm (W) x 101cm (D) |
As a rule, pets must travel with their owners; however, you may give written permission to another person to accompany your pet for you. Authorisation is a declaration completed and signed by the owner, confirming that the animal is legally accompanied. Your pet must travel no more than 5 days before or after you. You must ensure your pet meets all the relevant requirements to enter the EU & UK. More information can be found here.
Find more about bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain here.
From 1 January 2021, the UK will become a Part 2 listed third country in the EU Pet Travel Scheme. This means if you travel with your pet from the UK to Europe you will need a Health Certificate issued 10 days before travel if your pet(s) have an EU Pet Passport, issued in Great Britain. For pets travelling from the EU to the UK, the EU Pet Passport will still be accepted.
Detailed guidance from the Government on pet travel after the transition period ends can be found here.
Click here for our advice on travelling safely with your dog.
When travelling with your pet every owner is responsible to comply with the pet travel rules of the country they are travelling to.
When you are issued with a Pet Passport, the Veterinary Surgeon will also provide you with full details of the correct documentation and order of preparation to use the Pet Passport to re-enter the departure country. It is passenger’s responsibility to provide all necessary documents and make all arrangements, including where necessary quarantine, to satisfy all legal requirements. Failure to do so will prevent your pet from being permitted to travel.
Please note: movement of animals within the EU is limited to 5 per vehicle unless taking part in a competition or event.
Travelling with 5 or more pets
On our Amsterdam – Newcastle route, you are welcome to travel with your pets. However, it is limited to 5 per passenger. There are limitations to how your pets can travel, so you must be aware of the options available for the duration of the sailing.
You have 3 options:
- Pet friendly cabin (Max 2 pets)
- Pet friendly Kennels (Only applicable for dogs)
- Pet in vehicle (Not applicable for dogs)
If travelling with more than 5 pets per passenger for a show, competition or sporting event please see more info here:
- Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain: Bringing more than 5 pets.
- Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad: Travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland.
Useful websites:
www.bringfido.com
www.canwetakethedog.com
www.gopetfriendly.com
www.pettravel.com
www.petfriendlytravel.com
www.dogfriendly.com
Parks near our ports
Should you or your pets wish to stretch your legs once you’ve finished your ferry crossings, or before you board, below is a list of dog-friendly parks or green areas near our ports.
IJmuiden
Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerlandm, Zeeweg 12, 2051 EC Overveen, Netherlands. Map
Conditions for access
Pet in a cabin
- Make sure your pet is on the leash and with muzzle or in the travel kennel while taking your pet to the cabin from the vehicle or from the shuttle bus.
- Bring your pet only to designated areas on the deck as pets are not allowed into public areas/restaurants bars, cafes etc.
- Please use designated deck areas for walking your pet and using pet toilet.
- If your dog uses the toilet, please gather what’s left behind and use a dog waste pickup bag.
- If you are travelling in a standard cabin alone with your pet, you will be provided with bed cover for another bed.
- Pets are not allowed on the beds.
- For cats/ferrets please bring your own litter box.
Leaving your pet in the vehicle*:
*Please note: This option is not applicable for dogs.
- We always recommend taking your pet to the cabin so they can travel with you.
- When leaving your pet in the vehicle make sure your pet is fed, has water in a spill safe container and some food.
- While travelling alone in the vehicle, for your pet to be more comfortable please bring their familiar toys.
- You will need to agree on pet visiting times with Guest Service Centre as car decks are closed throughout the trip and you can only visit your pet with a crew member. Please agree on times when you enter the vessel.
- We recommend keeping your pet happy to leave adequate ventilation, space to move and absorbent bedding in the vehicle.
- Please use designated deck areas for walking your pet and using pet toilet.
- If your dog uses the toilet, please gather what’s left behind and use a dog waste pickup bag.
Kennels
- When leaving your pet in the kennel make sure they are fed, have water in a spill safe container and some food.
- While travelling alone in the kennel, for the pet to be more comfortable, please bring their familiar toys.
- You will need to agree on pet visiting times with Guest Service Centre as kennels are locked throughout the crossing.
- Please use designated deck areas for walking your pet and using pet toilet.
- If your dog uses the toilet, please gather what’s left behind and use a dog waste pickup bag.
Assistance & Guide dogs
Onboard DFDS we accept assistance dogs who are recognised by the Assistance Dogs International, (ADI) and the International Guide Dogs Federation (IDGF) programmes.
The above programmes ensure assistance dogs are specifically trained to assist and support people with a disability.
If travelling with an assistance dog it is essential you notify DFDS and that the dog complies with the Pet Travel Scheme. You should also note that sea travel can be distressing for animals and the safety and comfort of all our guests should not be compromised. You will be responsible for the welfare of the dog at all times. There is no fee to bring your assistance dog onboard. You will be asked to provide documentation.
Emotional Support Animals
In the UK, Emotional Support Animals are not legally recognised by the above organisations in the way that assistance & guide dogs currently are. Emotional Support Animals can travel with us however they will have to follow the same rules set out for our regular pets, such as:
- Stay in Vehicle during crossing (all routes Great Britain - France only)
- Stay in Kennels during crossing (Newcastle - Amsterdam & Newhaven - Dieppe only)
- Stay in Pet friendly cabin (Newcastle – Amsterdam only)
- Payable pet ticket fee for adding pets to crossing on all routes
More information can be found here:
Assistance Dogs International
International Guide Dog Federation
Information for assistance dog owners - ADUK
Veterinary hospitals near our ports
- Newcastle (North Shields)
Ayres Terrace
North Shields
Tyne & Wear
NE29 0HL
Tel : +44 (0)191 258 6886
Web: www.ayresveterinaryhospital.co.uk
- Amsterdam (IJmuiden)
Veltmeijer en Kruithof
Kennemerlaan 57
1972 EH
Ijmuiden
Tel: +31 (0) 25 55 16 211
You are welcome to travel with your dog, cat or pet onboard our Dunkirk – Rosslare passenger ferry route.
- Passengers can only travel with their pets if booked in a pet friendly cabin.
- It costs €30 per pet each way. Assistance dogs recognised by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and International Guide Dogs Federation (IGDF) are free of charge.
- Our Pet friendly cabins are bookable online, however if you need any further assistance making your booking you can contact us, via phone: +44 0871 522 9976 or you can chat with us online here Contact us | DFDS
- Please note pet friendly cabins should only be booked if a pet is staying with you in the cabin.
Please see pet travel options below:
Pet-friendly cabins
Our pet friendly cabins mean your pet can stay in your cabin with you for the entire journey. All of these cabins are 4 berth.
- 4 guests in the cabin
- 4 beds in the cabin
- En suite bathroom with shower & WC
- Clothes hooks & hangers, desk & mirror
- Bedding and towels
The cabins are suitable for a maximum 2 pets in the cabin. There is limited availability for pet cabins onboard, therefore we advise to prebook in advance to avoid disappointment.
Leaving your pet in a vehicle
Unfortunately, it is not possible to leave your pets in the vehicle during the crossing.
When travelling with your pet every owner is responsible to comply with the pet travel rules of the country they are travelling to.
When you are issued with a Pet Passport, the Veterinary Surgeon will also provide you with full details of the correct documentation and order of preparation to use the Pet Passport to re-enter the departure country. It is passenger’s responsibility to provide all necessary documents and make all arrangements, including where necessary quarantine, to satisfy all legal requirements. Failure to do so will prevent your pet from being permitted to travel.
Useful websites:
- https://www.bringfido.com
- https://www.canwetakethedog.com
- https://www.gopetfriendly.com
- https://www.pettravel.com
- https://www.petfriendlytravel.com
- https://www.dogfriendly.com
.
Parks near our ports
Should you or your pets wish to stretch your legs once you’ve finished your ferry crossings, or before you board, below is a list of dog-friendly parks or green areas near our ports.
Dunkirk
Plage de Petit-Fort-Philipe, Digue de Mer, 59820 Gravelines, France. Map
Rosslare
The Min Ryan Park and Playground Loreto Secondary School, Pembroke Hill, Ballynagee, Wexford, Ireland Y35 WT28
We also boast a beautiful stretch of beach near to our port in Rosslare. This is accessible from the Port car park and is the perfect place for your dogs. Please note, dogs must be always kept on a lead.
Pet in a cabin
- Make sure your pet is on the leash and with muzzle or in the travel kennel while taking your pet to the cabin from the vehicle.
- Bring your pet only to designated areas on the deck as pets are not allowed into public areas/restaurants bars, cafes etc.
- Please use designated deck areas for walking your pet and using pet toilet.
- If your dog uses the toilet, please gather what’s left behind and use a dog waste pickup bag.
- Pets are not allowed on the beds.
- For cats/ferrets please bring your own litter box.
- Please use designated deck areas for walking your pet and using pet toilet.
- If your dog uses the toilet, please gather what’s left behind and use a dog waste pickup bag.
Onboard DFDS we accept assistance dogs who are recognised by the Assistance Dogs International, (ADI) and the International Guide Dogs Federation (IDGF) programmes.
The above programmes ensure assistance dogs are specifically trained to assist and support people with a disability.
If travelling with an assistance dog it is essential you notify DFDS and that the dog complies with the Pet Travel Scheme. You should also note that sea travel can be distressing for animals and the safety and comfort of all our guests should not be compromised. You will be responsible for the welfare of the dog at all times. There is no fee to bring your assistance dog onboard. You will be asked to provide documentation.
More information can be found here: Assistance Dogs International International Guide Dog Federation
Veterinary hospitals near our ports
Dunkirk
127 Rue du Canton du Caillouti 59279 Loon-Plage France Tel: +33 (0) 328 21 31 51
Rosslare
Arena Veterinary Hospital, Rosslare Rd, Maudlintown, Wexford, Y35 DT96 Telephone 00535 (053) 914 2891.
You are welcome to travel with your dog, cat or other pet onboard all Baltic passenger ferry routes whether you book as a foot passenger (only Klaipeda-Kiel and Klaipeda - Karlshamn route) or with a vehicle (all Baltic routes).
- Passengers can only bring pets if they book a pet friendly cabin. You can also leave your pet in a kennel (only available for dogs in Aura Seaways and Luna Seaways ferries).
- Pet ticket fee is 30eur per pet and it needs to be added regardless of where your pet is travelling (kennel or cabin)
Please see pet travel options bellow:
Pet friendly cabins
Our pet friendly cabins mean your pet can stay in your cabin with you for the entire journey and the vinyl flooring makes them especially pet friendly. You can travel with your pet in our 2 - 4 berth sea view or inside pet friendly cabins.
- 2-4 guests in the cabin
- 2-4 beds in the cabin
- En suite bathroom with shower & WC
- Clothes hooks & hangers, desk & mirror
- Bedding and towels
The cabins are suitable for a maximum 2 pets in the cabin. We kindly remind you that you need to add pet ticket of 30eur regardless where your pet is travelling.
Standard cabin + cleaning fee
The option of travelling in standard cabin with 80EUR cleaning fee is removed from 01.09.23. If you can’t see the pet-friendly cabin available on your requested date of travel – it means they are fully booked, and you need to choose another date where pet-friendly cabin will be available to book. If you book the standard cabin, you will not be able to travel with the pet. If you have any further questions, please contact customer service team.
Leaving your pet in the vehicle
From 1st of March 2023 it is not allowed to leave your pets in a car.
Kennels
We offer kennels on Aura Seaways and Luna Seaways ferries.
Only dogs can travel in kennels.
Passengers who booked a kennel have to visit guest service onboard the ferry, where they will be escorted to the kennel area.
Passengers are allowed to visit pets in the kennel area on a set times: 22:00, 00:00, 07:00 and 09:00. If passengers would like to visit pets on a different time, they must see guest service.
Passengers will be allowed to leave blankets and toys in the kennel. All pets will be provided with fresh water. Kennel area is heated.
Kennel dimensions: 116 (D) x 79 (W) x 74 (H).
When travelling with your pet every owner is responsible to comply with the pet travel rules of the country the customer is travelling to.
When you are issued with a Pet Passport, the Veterinary Surgeon will also provide you with full details of the correct documentation and order of preparation to use the Pet Passport to re-enter the departure country. It is passenger’s responsibility to provide all necessary documents and make all arrangements, including where necessary quarantine, to satisfy all legal requirements. Failure to do so will prevent your pet from being permitted to travel.
More information of the pet travel requirements you can find on that countries authority websites:
Pet in a cabin
Bring your pet to the cabin:
- Make sure your pet is on the leash and with muzzle or in the travel kennel while taking your pet to the cabin from the vehicle or from the shuttle bus.
- Bring your pet only to designated areas on the deck as pets are not allowed into public areas/restaurants bars, cafes etc.
- Please use designated deck areas for walking your pet and using pet toilet.
- If your dog uses the toilet, please gather what’s left behind and use a dog waste pickup bag.
- If you are travelling in a standard cabin alone with your pet, you will be provided with bed cover for another bed.
- Pets are not allowed on the beds.
- For cats/ferrets please bring your own litter box.
Pet in a vehicle
From 1st of March 2023 it is not allowed to leave your pets in a car.
Pet in a kennel
- Only dogs can travel in kennels.
- Passengers who booked a kennel have to visit guest service onboard the ferry, where they will be escorted to the kennel area.
- Passengers are allowed to visit pets in the kennel area on a set times: 22:00, 00:00, 07:00 and 09:00. If passengers would like to visit pets on a different time, they must see guest service.
- Passengers will be allowed to leave blankets and toys in the kennel. All pets will be provided with fresh water. Kennel area is heated.
Assistance dog
If travelling with an assistance dog it is essential you notify DFDS and that the dog complies with the Pet Travel Scheme. You should also note that sea travel can be distressing for animals and the safety and comfort of all our guests should not be compromised. You will be responsible for the welfare of the dog at all times.
You are welcome to travel with your dog, cat or other pet onboard Oslo -Frederikshavn-Copenhagen passenger ferry routes whether you book as a foot passenger or with a vehicle.
- Passengers can only stay with their pet in a cabin if a ‘Pet Friendly cabin is booked’ no other cabin types are allowed.
- Pet ticket fee is 425 DKK per pet.
- Bookings with pet must be done via the Contact Centre.
Please contact us to book pet friendly cabins. Phone: +448715229977 or email: travel.sales@dfds.com
Pet friendly cabins
Our pet friendly cabins mean your pet can stay in your cabin with you for the entire journey and the vinyl flooring makes them especially pet friendly. You can travel with your pet in one of our 4 berth sea view pet friendly cabins.
- 4 guests in the cabin
- 4 beds in the cabin
- En suite bathroom with shower & WC
- Clothes hooks & hangers, desk & mirror
- Bedding and towels
- Only 2 dogs per cabin
- This cabin is only bookable if you're travelling with a pet
- The fare for your pet will be charged in addition to the cabin price
The cabins are suitable for a maximum of 2 pets in the cabin. We kindly remind you that you need to add a pet ticket. There is limited availability for pet cabins onboard. We advise to prebook in advance to avoid disappointment.
EU rules make it easy to travel to another EU country (in this case the 27 EU countries + Norway and Northern Ireland) with your dog, cat or ferret. These rules also cover travel to the EU from a country or territory outside the EU.
More information on bringing your pets to Norway from EU countries.
More information on bringing your pets to Norway from Non EU countries.
More information on bringing your pets to Denmark.
Pet in a cabin
- Make sure your pet is on the leash and with muzzle or in the travel kennel while taking your pet to the cabin.
- Bring your pet only to designated areas on the deck as pets are not allowed into public areas/restaurants bars, cafes etc.
- Please use designated deck areas for walking your pet and using pet toilet.
- If your dog uses the toilet, please gather what’s left behind and use a dog waste pickup bag.
- If you are travelling in a standard cabin alone with your pet, you will be provided with bed cover for another bed.
- Pets are not allowed on the beds.
- For cats/ferrets please bring your own litter box.
Assistance dog
If travelling with an assistance dog it is essential you notify DFDS and that the dog complies with the Pet Travel Scheme. You should also note that sea travel can be distressing for animals and the safety and comfort of all our guests should not be compromised. You will be responsible for the welfare of the dog at all times. There is no fee to bring your assistance dog onboard. You will be asked to provide documentation.
If the pet owner is not travelling with their animal, please provide a signed declaration from the owner. Movement of animals within the EU is limited to 5 per vehicle unless taking part in a competition or event. These animals will require a signed declaration and a specific health certificate issued by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency. Your pet must travel no more than 5 days before or after you.
DFDS ferry mobile app
The DFDS app is your ideal travel companion.
- View live departures and arrival times
- Access your booking pass
- Keep up to date with the latest travel announcements
- Follow your journey with your personalised itinerary
- Find information about onboard facilities
- Find directions to your DFDS terminals
Simply log into the app using your booking number to access these great features.
