Travelling with your pet
Travelling with your pet onboard DFDS
Here at DFDS we know your furry friends are family, so why not bring them along for the adventure too?
With our dedicated pet travel page, we’re confident you and your pet will have a smooth and stress-free journey. Additionally, for that added peace of mind, DFDS are a part of the DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), so kick back, relax, and enjoy your journey with us.
DFDS accept Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dog 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 who require it.
Please notify our team if you are travelling with an Assistance Dog. You must ensure that the dog complies with the pet travel rules of the country they are travelling to. You will be asked to provide documentation.
There is no fee to bring your Assistance dog onboard and they are allowed in public areas on a harness/lead.
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, but they must follow the same rules as pets.
Here are some useful websites:
Assistance Dogs International
Home - International Guide Dog Federation (igdf.org.uk)
Information for assistance dog owners - ADUK (assistancedogs.org.uk)
On our Newcastle – Amsterdam, Newhaven – Dieppe, Oslo, Frederikshavn, Copenhagen & Baltic routes you can travel with your pet as a foot passenger, however where applicable, you must book a dog friendly kennel or a pet friendly cabin. Alternatively, on selected routes, your pet can stay in the vehicle.
On our Dover – France routes, we do not accept foot passengers.
Pet-friendly accommodation is only available on our Newhaven - Dieppe, Newcastle - Amsterdam, Dunkirk - Rosslare, Portsmouth - Jersey and Baltic Sea routes.
On selected routes, if you are travelling with a vehicle, you can book pet-friendly cabins or kennels online, alternatively your pets can stay in the vehicle. If you are travelling as foot passenger, please contact our customer care team, who will be able to assist you further. Contact us here.
If your pet is no longer travelling with you on your trip, you can remove them by logging into My Booking.
Unfortunately, pets are not permitted in public areas unless they are a registered Assistance Dog.
You can leave your pet in the vehicle on selected routes, however you cannot stay in the vehicle during the sailing due to health and safety regulations.
If you are travelling on a shorter sailing, our experience is that often pets relax and sleep during the crossing. This means that sometimes, it is better not to disturb your pet and excite them for the return of their owner, only to leave them again.
If you do wish to visit your pet during the sailing, please head to our Guest Service's where a member of our friendly team will be happy to assist you further. Please note, that this may be dependent on operational circumstances.
You as the owner, may give written permission to another person to accompany your pet for you, however your pet must travel no more than 5 days before or after you. More information can be found here for EU & here for UK.
If travelling with more than 5 pets per passenger for a show, competition or sporting event please see more info here for EU & here for UK.
We do not have vets onboard our ships, therefore you are you are responsible for ensuring that your pet is sufficiently fit & healthy for the crossing.
Should you require vet assistance here are a list of local companies near our ports.
| Port | Vet Address & Information |
|---|---|
| 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 Web: www.dedierenartskennemerlaan.nl |
| Dover | Burnham House Veterinary Surgery 33-35 Castle Street CT16 1PT Dover Tel: 01304 206989; Fax: 01304 225622 Email: Office@burnhamhousevets.com Web: www.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 |
| Rosslare | Arena Veterinary Hospital Rosslare Rd, Maudlintown, Wexford, Y35 DT96 Tel: 00535 (053) 914 2891 |
| 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 Tel: +33 (0) 2 35 84 27 35 |
| Copenhagen | Østerbrogades Dyrlæger ApS Østerbrogade 56A Kælderen 2100 København Ø CVR: 31623448 mail@abcdyr.dk Tel: 35 42 18 00 Web: Østerbrogades Dyrlæge |
| Oslo | Petrus Veterinærer St. Hanshaugen – dyreklinikk Akersbakken 39, 0172 Oslo Tel: 474 72 765 Web: https://www.petrus.no/ |
| Klaipeda | UAB Ricveta Baltijos str.. 113-105 Klaipeda 93221 Tel: +370 608 22831 Web: www.ricveta.lt |
| Kiel | Mobile vet Sabina Barprakt Kiel 24107 Tel: +49 431 314958 Web: www. tiernotdienst.sh |
| Paldiski | Keila loomakliinik Jaama 11, Keila 76605 Harju maakond Tel: + 372 6705 243 Web: www.loomaravi.ee |
| Kapellskar | AniCura Roslagens Smådjursklinik August Strindbergs gata 19, Norrtälje 761 46 Tel: +46 10 147 90 00 Web: www.anicura.se |
Newcastle – Amsterdam route
Before the arriving to the terminal, we recommend walking your dog in nearby parks, so they can stretch their legs & take a bathroom break that way they’re likely to be more settled. To ensure your pet is happy, please make sure you bring their favourite toys along with enough food and water for the journey.
We do not have any vets onboard; therefore, you are you are responsible for ensuring that your pet is fit & healthy to travel.
Mini Cruise Passengers - unfortunately, it is not possible to travel with your pet if you are travelling on our Mini Cruise to Amsterdam.
Please note: We do not accept the carriage of birds on our Newcastle - Amsterdam route. This applies to all types of birds.
Pet Travel Documents
This information is only guidance therefore, when travelling with your pet, every owner is responsible to comply with the pet travel rules of the country they are travelling to. Failure to do so may prevent your pet from being permitted to travel. All pets must be at least 16 weeks when travelling with us.
You can find the latest information on taking your pet to the EU here & UK here.
You must provide the following documents for your dog, cat, or ferret:
| A Microchip | Your pet must be microchipped before their rabies vaccination. The microchip number must be stated in your EU Animal Health Certificate / EU Pet Passport. |
| Rabies Vaccination | Your pet must be vaccinated before it can travel to the EU and must wait 21 days after the completion of the vaccination. Day 1 is the day after the rabies vaccination. EU Pet Passport issued after 29th December 2014: If a sticker is used to confirm the treatment, please ensure it is covered by a laminated strip or is accompanied by a written, stamped, and signed declaration from the vet. |
| Animal Health Certificate / Eu Pet passport | Animal Health Certificate should be valid and issued by an authorised veterinarian no more than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU. Or a valid EU issued pet passport that’s accepted in the country you’re travelling to. |
| Tapeworm Treatment for dogs (Entry into UK only) | The treatment must contain Praziquantel or an equivalent to be effective. It must have been given by an authorised vet, no less than 24 hours (1 day) and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you enter Great Britain. The date, time, name, and manufacturer of the product, along with the vet’s stamp and signature must be recorded on the travel document used. |
Travelling with Pets Other than Cats, Dogs and Ferrets
When traveling with pets other than cats, dogs, and ferrets, please contact our call centre to make a booking.
Our customer care team will help ensure your pet is approved for carriage by DFDS. You will also need to complete and sign a waiver confirming compliance with the pet travel rules of your destination country. This waiver must be emailed to us at least 24 hours before departure.
Please contact us here.
Travelling During the Summer & Winter Periods
During the Summer and Winter months you must take extra precautions to ensure the welfare of your pet is top priority when travelling. You can find the latest information on www.gov.uk
On our Newcastle – Amsterdam route you can travel with your pets as a vehicle or foot passenger, however you must ensure you book where applicable either a Pet-friendly cabin or Dog-friendly kennel. Alternatively, some pet types can stay within the vehicle for the duration of the journey.
Travelling as a Foot Passenger
| Dog | Cat & Other Pets | |
|---|---|---|
| Check-in Process | To check-in with your dog, you must do this inside the terminal. Please ensure your dog is well behaved as this area can sometimes become very busy and loud. During check-in your dog’s microchip will be scanned, and you will be asked to provide all the relevant pet documents required to travel. If you have booked a kennel, you will be provided with a key card in which you can use to visit your dog during the sailing. During the boarding process, you will pass through security and then onto an air bridge that will take you to the ship, where you will be greeted by a member of the ship’s crew who will assist you further. |
To check-in with your cat or other pets, you must do this inside the terminal. Please ensure they are always in a suitable carrier. Please note the terminal can sometimes become very busy and loud. During check-in your pet’s microchip (where applicable) will be scanned, and you will be asked to provide all the relevant pet documents required to travel. During the boarding process, you will pass through security and then onto an air bridge that will take you to the ship, where you will be greeted by a member of the ship’s crew who will assist you further. |
| Accommodation Type | Pet-friendly Cabin Dog-friendly Kennel |
Pet-friendly Cabin |
| Bus Transfer | Dogs are allowed to travel onboard the transfer buses however you must ensure they are well behaved and always kept on a lead. You can find more detailed information regarding Bus Transfers here. |
Pets are allowed to travel onboard the transfer buses however you must ensure they are well behaved and are in a suitable carrier. You can find more detailed information regarding Bus Transfers here. |
Travelling with a Vehicle
| Dog | Cat & Other Pets | |
|---|---|---|
| Check-in Process | To check-in with your dog, you must do this at the vehicle booths. During check-in your dog’s microchip will be scanned, and you will be asked to provide all the relevant pet documents required to travel. If you have booked a kennel, you will be provided with a key card in which you can use to visit your dog during the sailing. During the boarding process, you will pass through security and then onto the car deck. |
To check-in with your cat or other pets, you must do this inside the terminal. Please ensure they are always in a suitable carrier. Please note the terminal can sometimes become very busy and loud. During check-in your pet’s microchip (where applicable) will be scanned, and you will be asked to provide all the relevant pet documents required to travel. During the boarding process, you will pass through security and then onto the car deck. |
| Accommodation Type | Pet-friendly Cabin Dog-friendly Kennel |
Pet-friendly Cabin Stay in Vehicle |
We encourage you to bring; water bowls, food, water, treats and their favourite toys so your pet feels right at home.
Pets cannot be in public areas unless they are a registered Guide Dog.
You can find more details about Pet-friendly cabins and Dog-friendly kennels in the section ‘Where can my pet say onboard’ and you can see photos here.
When travelling with your pet onboard to Amsterdam we’ve got you covered with pet-friendly options. Below we have put together a handy overview of what where your pet can stay during your sailing.
Pet-friendly Cabins
Our pet-friendly cabins are limited, therefore if there are no pet-friendly cabins available, please do not book a different cabin type, these do not accommodate pets.
Our pet-friendly cabins are the perfect option if you would like your pet to stay with you. Our cabins are located on the following decks: Princess Seaway Deck 4 & King Seaways Deck 5, which have stair access to the dog-friendly outdoor area. Please note that Pet Friendly cabins are only accessible by stairs with no lift access.
All pet-friendly cabins are 4 berths with a sea view, which can accommodate up to a maximum of 2 pets and have the following features:
- En suite bathroom with shower & WC
- Clothes hooks & hangers, desk & mirror
- Fresh linen & towels
- Vinyl flooring
Please bring your own litter box for cats & ferrets.
Dog-friendly Kennels
Our dog-friendly kennels should only be booked if you are travelling with a dog. Kennels are provided onboard however we do not supply bedding, so you must bring this with you.
We also encourage you to bring; water bowls, food, water, treats and their favourite toys so your dog feels right at home.
Below are the kennel dimensions onboard the Princess & King Seaways
| Princess Seaways | King Seaways | |
|---|---|---|
| Small Kennel | Not Available | 54cm (H) x 56cm (W) x 60cm (D) |
| Medium Kennel | Not Available | 51cm (H) x 58cm (W) x 64cm (D) |
| Large Kennel | 60cm (H) x 86cm (W) x 94cm (D) | 60cm (H) x 86cm (W) x 94cm (D) |
| Extra Large Kennel | 76cm (H) x 68cm (W) x 101cm (D) | 76cm (H) x 68cm (W) x 101cm (D) |
Our kennels have easy access to the dog-friendly outdoor area and are located on the following decks: Princess Seaways: Deck 4 & King Seaways: Deck 5
To visit your dog throughout the sailing please use the key card you are provided with at check-in.
Leaving Your Pet in a Vehicle (Dogs Not Allowed)
If you wish to leave your pet in the vehicle during the sailing, you can do this by booking online at the top of this page. This option should only be booked if you are travelling with a cat or other pet.
Your cat or other pet is welcome to stay in the vehicle during the sailing, however for their safety and welfare, we advise that they are inside a suitable secure carrier.
Please always make sure your pet is happy and ensure there is:
- Adequate ventilation
- Food, water & plenty of space
- Absorbent bedding
- Their favourite toys
Please ensure you always lock your vehicle and disable the alarm.
To visit your pets during the sailing, please head to our Guest Service Centre where our team will be happy to assist you further.
Outdoor areas
Onboard we provide a dog-friendly exercise deck, which is the perfect space for your furry friend to stretch their legs & take a bathroom break. There is also a seating area for the humans too. This is located close to the pet-friendly deck and the pet-friendly cabins and dog-friendly kennels, so it’s easy to access. Please always ensure to clean up after your dog.
Public areas
When walking to and from your vehicle, cabin, kennel, or dog-friendly exercise deck your dog must be kept close to you and on a lead. We advise cats, ferrets and other pets are always transported in a suitable carrier.
Only Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs are permitted in public areas.
| Pet-friendly cabins | Pet-friendly cabins prices will depend on the date of travel, please book this at the top of the page. To add your pet into the cabin, is an additional fee of £30 per pet, per way, which is in addition to the cabin price. |
| Leaving your pet in a vehicle | Travelling with a vehicle price will depend on the date of travel, please book this at the top of the page. To add your pet to stay in the vehicle, is an additional fee of £30 per pet, per way, which is in addition to the vehicle price. |
| Dog-friendly kennels | Dog-friendly kennels are £30 each per dog, per way. Please book this at the top of the page. |
DFDS accept Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dog 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 who require it.
Please notify our team if you are travelling with an Assistance Dog. You must ensure that the dog complies with the pet travel rules of the country they are travelling to. You will be asked to provide documentation.
There is no fee to bring your Assistance dog onboard and they are allowed in public areas on a harness/lead.
UK – France routes
Before the arriving to the terminal, we recommend walking your dog in nearby parks, so they can stretch their legs & take a bathroom break that way they’re likely to be more settled. To ensure your pet is happy, please make sure you bring their favourite toys along with enough food and water for the journey.
We do not have any vets onboard; therefore, you are you are responsible for ensuring that your pet is fit & healthy to travel.
Pet Travel Documents
This information is only guidance therefore, when travelling with your pet, every owner is responsible to comply with the pet travel rules of the country they are travelling to. Failure to do so may prevent your pet from being permitted to travel. All pets must be at least 16 weeks when travelling with us.
You can find the latest information on taking your pet to the EU here & UK here.
You must provide the following documents for your dog, cat, or ferret:
| A Microchip | Your pet must be microchipped before their rabies vaccination. The microchip number must be stated in your EU Animal Health Certificate / EU Pet Passport. |
| Rabies Vaccination | Your pet must be vaccinated before it can travel to the EU and must wait 21 days after the completion of the vaccination. Day 1 is the day after the rabies vaccination. EU Pet Passport issued after 29th December 2014: If a sticker is used to confirm the treatment, please ensure it is covered by a laminated strip or is accompanied by a written, stamped, and signed declaration from the vet. |
| Animal Health Certificate / Eu Pet Passport | Animal Health Certificate should be valid and issued by an authorised veterinarian no more than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU. Or a valid EU issued pet passport that’s accepted in the country you’re travelling to. |
| Tapeworm Treatment for dogs (Entry into UK only) | The treatment must contain Praziquantel or an equivalent to be effective. It must have been given by an authorised vet, no less than 24 hours (1 day) and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you enter Great Britain. The date, time, name, and manufacturer of the product, along with the vet’s stamp and signature must be recorded on the travel document used. |
Travelling with Pets Other than Cats, Dogs and Ferrets
When traveling with pets other than cats, dogs, and ferrets, please contact our call centre to make a booking.
Our customer care team will help ensure your pet is approved for carriage by DFDS. You will also need to complete and sign a waiver confirming compliance with the pet travel rules of your destination country. This waiver must be emailed to us at least 24 hours before departure.
Please contact us here.
Travelling During the Summer & Winter Periods
During the Summer and Winter months you must take extra precautions to ensure the welfare of your pet is top priority when travelling. You can find the latest information on www.gov.uk
If you're travelling to France with your pet, whether you're travelling on foot or by vehicle, we’ve put together a quick overview of the key steps to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Travelling as a Foot Passenger (Newhaven – Dieppe Only)
Dogs, Cats & Other Pets
| Check-in Process | To check-in with your pets, you must do this inside the terminal. Please ensure your pet is well behaved as this area can sometimes become very busy and loud. During check-in your pet’s microchip will be scanned where applicable, and you will be asked to provide all the relevant pet documents required to travel. If you have booked a kennel, you will be provided with a key card in which you can use to visit your pet during the sailing. During the boarding process, you will pass through security and then onto a shuttle bus that will take you to the ship, where you will be greeted by a member of the ship’s crew who will assist you further. |
| Accommodation Type | Pet-friendly Kennels |
| Bus Transfer | Dogs are allowed to travel onboard the transfer buses however you must ensure they are well behaved and always kept on a lead. Other pets must be in a suitable carrier. You can find more detailed information regarding Bus Transfers here. |
Travelling with a Vehicle (Newhaven – Dieppe & Dover to France)
Dogs, Cats & Other Pets
| Check-in Process | To check-in with your pet, you must do this at the vehicle booths. During check-in your pet’s microchip will be scanned where applicable, and you will be asked to provide all the relevant pet documents required to travel. You will be provided with a car mirror-hanger to identify you have a pet in the vehicle. If you have booked a kennel, you will be provided with a key card in which you can use to visit your pet during the sailing. During the boarding process, you will pass through security and then onto an air bridge that will take you to the ship. Please note: Priority boarding is not applicable when travelling with a pet, this is due to Health and Safety reasons regarding the loading process for vehicles. |
| Accommodation Type | Leave your Pet in a Vehicle or Pet-friendly Kennel (Newhaven – Dieppe only) |
We encourage you to bring; water bowls, food, water, treats and their favourite toys so your pet feels right at home.
Pets cannot be in public areas unless they are a registered Guide Dog.
When travelling with your pet onboard to France, we’ve got you covered with pet-friendly options. These will differ depending on the route you are travelling on.
Pet-friendly Kennels
Our pet-friendly kennels are only bookable when travelling on our Newhaven – Dieppe route. Kennels are provided onboard however we do not supply bedding, so you must bring this with you. For the safety and welfare of cats and other pets, we advise that they are inside a suitable secure carrier. Please note we only have 3 kennels onboard.
We also encourage you to bring; water bowls, food, water, treats and their favourite toys so your pet feels right at home.
Below are the kennel dimensions onboard
| Kennel Dimensions | Information |
|---|---|
| Kennel Dimensions | To visit your pet throughout the sailing please use the key card you are provided with at check-in. |
If you are travelling with a vehicle, you can book pet-friendly kennels online. If you are travelling as foot passenger, please contact our customer care team, who will be able to assist you further.
Leaving your Pet in a Vehicle
If you wish to leave your pet in the vehicle during the sailing, you can do this by booking online at the top of this page. Please note that you cannot stay in the vehicle during the sailing due to health and safety regulations.
Your dog, cat or other pet is welcome to stay in the vehicle during the sailing. However, for the safety and welfare of cats and other pets, we advise that they are inside a suitable secure carrier.
Please always make sure your pet is happy and ensure there is:
- Adequate ventilation
- Food, water & plenty of space
- Absorbent bedding
- Their favourite toys
Please ensure you always lock your vehicle and disable the alarm.
To visit your pets during the sailing, please head to our Guest Service Centre where our team will be happy to assist you further. Please note, that this may be dependent on operational circumstances.
Public Areas
When walking to and from your vehicle or kennel, your dog must be kept close to you and on a lead. We advise cats, ferrets and other pets are always transported in a suitable carrier.
Only Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs are permitted in public areas.
| Leaving your Pet in a Vehicle | Travelling with a vehicle price will depend on the date of travel, please book this at the top of the page. To add your pet to stay in the vehicle, is an additional fee of: Dover – France: £15 per pet, per way, which is in addition to the vehicle price Newhaven – Dieppe: £20 per pet, per way, which is in addition to the vehicle price |
| Pet-friendly Kennels | Pet-friendly kennels are £30 each per dog, per way. Please book this at the top of the page. |
DFDS accept Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dog 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 who require it.
Please notify our team if you are travelling with an Assistance Dog. You must ensure that the dog complies with the pet travel rules of the country they are travelling to. You will be asked to provide documentation.
There is no fee to bring your Assistance dog onboard and they are allowed in public areas on a harness/lead.
Jersey Routes
Before the arriving to the terminal, we recommend walking your dog in nearby parks, so they can stretch their legs & take a bathroom break that way they’re likely to be more settled. To ensure your pet is happy, please make sure you bring their favourite toys along with enough food and water for the journey.
We do not have any vets onboard; therefore, you are you are responsible for ensuring that your pet is fit & healthy to travel.
Please note: certain dogs are not allowed to travel to Jersey. More information can be found here.
Pet Travel Documents
This information is only guidance therefore, when travelling with your pet, every owner is responsible to comply with the pet travel rules of the country they are travelling to. Failure to do so may prevent your pet from being permitted to travel. All pets must be at least 15 weeks when travelling on the Jersey - St Malo routes.
You can find the latest information on taking your pet to Jersey & France below:
Travelling with Cats, Dogs and Ferrets
UK ⇄ Jersey
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Requirements | No official health requirements for dogs, cats, or ferrets. No pet passport or documentation needed if travelling from the UK. Pet must have entered the UK legally if originally from abroad. |
| Microchipping | Required if staying in the UK for more than 30 days. Must be registered on an approved UK database. |
| Vaccinations | None required but consult a vet to ensure your pet is fit to travel. |
France → Jersey
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Travel Documentation | You must provide the following: - EU-issued pet passport or certain other countries - Animal Health Certificate issued in Great Britain, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man (within the last 4 months) - Great Britain pet health certificate - GB-issued pet passport (before 1 January 2021) |
| Microchipping | Microchip (or tattooed ID if applicable) |
| Rabies Vaccination | Must be: - Given after microchipping - Administered when pet is at least 12 weeks old and at least 21 days before travel |
| Tapeworm Treatment (Dogs only) | Must be treated 1–5 days before arrival. More information can be found here. |
Special rules apply for pets travelling without their owner or that are moving permanently to Jersey. More information can be found on the Jersey Government website.
Jersey → France
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Travel Documentation | You must provide the following: - Animal Health Certificate must be issued by an authorised vet within 10 days of arrival in the EU. OR - A valid EU-issued pet passport that is accepted in the country you are travelling to. |
| Microchipping | Must be implanted before or at the same time as their rabies vaccination. Microchip number must be recorded in AHC or EU Pet Passport. |
| Rabies Vaccination | Must be: - Given after microchipping - Administered when pet is at least 12 weeks old and at least 21 days before travel |
Travelling with Pets Other than Cats, Dogs and Ferrets:
When travelling with pets other than cats, dogs, and ferrets, please contact our call centre to make a booking.
Our customer care team will help ensure your pet is approved for carriage by DFDS. You will also need to complete and sign a waiver confirming compliance with the pet travel rules of your destination country. This waiver must be emailed to us at least 24 hours before departure.
Travelling During the Summer & Winter Periods
During the Summer and Winter months you must take extra precautions to ensure the welfare of your pet is top priority when travelling. You can find the latest information here.
If you're travelling to Jersey or France with your pet, whether you're travelling on foot or by vehicle, we’ve put together a quick overview of the key steps to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Travelling as a Foot Passenger
Dogs, Cats & Other Pets
Please note: Travelling as a foot passenger with a pet is only permitted on the Poole and Portsmouth to Jersey routes.
| Check-in Process | To check-in with your pets, you must do this inside the terminal. Please ensure your pet is well behaved and inside a suitable RSPCA approved carrier, as this area can sometimes become very busy and loud. During check-in your pet’s microchip will be scanned where applicable, and you will be asked to provide all the relevant pet documents required to travel. If you have booked the Dog-friendly lounge, you will be provided with seat number on your ticket. During the boarding process, you will pass through security and then onto an air bridge or a shuttle bus that will take you to the ship, where you will be greeted by a member of the ship’s crew who will assist you further. |
| Accommodation Type | Poole: All pets must be in a RSPCA approved carrier and will be placed within a dedicated area onboard. Portsmouth: Dog-friendly Lounge & Pet friendly Cabin |
Travelling with a Vehicle
Dogs, Cats & Other Pets
Please note: Travelling with a vehicle is permitted on the Poole/Portsmouth – Jersey & Jersey St Malo routes
| Check-in Process | To check-in with your pets, you must do this at the vehicle booths. During check-in your pet’s microchip will be scanned where applicable, and you will be asked to provide all the relevant pet documents required to travel. You will be provided with a car mirror-hanger to identify you have a pet in the vehicle. If you have booked the Dog-friendly lounge, you will be provided with seat number on your ticket. During the boarding process, you will pass through security and then onto the vehicle lanes that will take you to the ship. |
| Accommodation Type | Jersey – St Malo: Leave your Pet in a Vehicle Poole: Leave your Pet in a Vehicle Portsmouth: Dog-friendly Lounge, Pet friendly Cabin or Leave your Pet in a Vehicle |
We encourage you to bring; water bowls, food, water, treats and their favourite toys so your pet feels right at home.
Pets cannot be in public areas unless they are a registered Guide Dog.
You can find more details about Pet-friendly cabins and Dog-friendly kennels in the section ‘Where can my pet say onboard’ and you can see photos here.
When travelling with your pet onboard to Jersey and France, we’ve got you covered with pet-friendly options. These will differ depending on the route you are travelling on.
Leaving your Pet in a Vehicle
If you wish to leave your pet in the vehicle during the sailing on our Poole/Portsmouth – Jersey & Jersey - St Malo routes, you can do this by booking online at the top of this page. Please note that you cannot stay in the vehicle during the sailing due to health and safety regulations.
Your dog, cat or other pet is welcome to stay in the vehicle during the sailing. However, for the safety and welfare of cats and other pets, we advise that they are inside a suitable RSPCA secure carrier.
If you are travelling on a Bike/Motorbike, your pet must be in an RSPCA suitable carrier and will be placed in a dedicated area onboard.
Please always make sure your pet is happy and ensure there is:
- Adequate ventilation
- Food, water & plenty of space
- Absorbent bedding
- Their favourite toys
Please ensure you always lock your vehicle and disable the alarm. To visit your pets during the sailing, please head to our Guest Service Centre where our team will be happy to assist you further. Please note, that this may be dependent on operational circumstances.
Pet-friendly Cabins
Onboard our Portsmouth – Jersey route, sail away in comfort with your four-legged company by your side in a comfortable pet-friendly cabin. These cabins should only be booked if you are travelling with a pet. If there are no pet-friendly cabins are available, please do not book a different cabin type, these do not accommodate pets, and we may reject your booking.
All pet-friendly cabins are 2 berths with a sea view. These can accommodate up to a maximum of 2 pets. Customers may wish to consider the amount of space available if travelling with larger dogs.
Every cabin provides the following features:
- En suite bathroom with shower & WC
- Clothes hooks & hangers, desk & mirror
- Fresh linen & towels
- Vinyl flooring
Please bring your own litterbox for cats and ferrets. These must not be emptied into toilets.
Dog-friendly Lounge
Onboard our Portsmouth – Jersey route travel in comfort with your furry companion in our Pet Lounge. Relax in a spacious reclining seat while your pet enjoys a calm and pet-friendly environment. A stress-free setting, you can both unwind and enjoy the journey together.
Within this area there is a dedicated outdoor area for your dog to stretch their legs and take a bathroom break.
Please note space limited and must be prebooked in advance.
Public Areas
When walking to and from your vehicle, cabin, kennel, or Pet lounge dog-friendly exercise deck your dog must be kept close to you and on a lead. We advise cats, ferrets and other pets are always transported in a suitable RSPCA carrier.
Only Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs are permitted in public areas.
| Travelling with a Pet as a Foot Passenger | If you are travelling with a pet as foot passenger onboard, the price will depend on the date of travel, please book this at the top if the page. Portsmouth – Jersey: Free of charge, which is in addition to the transportation price. Poole – Jersey: €13 per pet, per way, which is in addition to the transportation price. |
| Leaving your Pet in a Vehicle | If you are travelling with a vehicle, the price will depend on the date of travel, please book this at the top of the page. To add your pet to stay in the vehicle, it is an additional fee of: Jersey – St Malo: €23 per pet, per way, which is in addition to the vehicle price. Poole – Jersey: Free of charge, however you must ensure you add your pet to stay within the vehicle. Portsmouth – Jersey: Free of charge, however you must ensure you add your pet to stay within the vehicle. |
| Pet-friendly Cabins | Portsmouth – Jersey: Free of charge, however you must ensure you add your pet to stay within cabin. |
| Dog-friendly Lounge | Portsmouth – Jersey: Free of charge, however you must ensure you add your pet to stay within cabin. |
DFDS accept Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dog 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 who require it.
Please notify our team if you are travelling with an Assistance Dog. You must ensure that the dog complies with the pet travel rules of the country they are travelling to. You will be asked to provide documentation.
There is no fee to bring your Assistance dog onboard and they are allowed in public areas on a harness/lead.
Rosslare - Dunkirk route
Before the arriving to the terminal, we recommend walking your dog in nearby parks, so they can stretch their legs & take a bathroom break that way they’re likely to be more settled. To ensure your pet is happy, please make sure you bring their favourite toys along with enough food and water for the journey.
We do not have any vets onboard; therefore, you are you are responsible for ensuring that your pet is fit & healthy to travel.
Pet Travel Documents
This information is only guidance therefore, when travelling with your pet, every owner is responsible to comply with the pet travel rules of the country they are travelling to. Failure to do so may prevent your pet from being permitted to travel. All pets must be at least 15 weeks when travelling with us.
You can find the latest information on taking your pet to the EU here.
You must provide the following documents for your dog, cat, or ferret:
| A Microchip | Your pet must be microchipped before their rabies vaccination. The microchip number must be stated in your EU Animal Health Certificate / EU Pet Passport. |
| Rabies Vaccination | Your pet must be vaccinated before it can travel to the EU and must wait 21 days after the completion of the vaccination. Day 1 is the day after the rabies vaccination. EU Pet Passport issued after 29th December 2014: If a sticker is used to confirm the treatment, please ensure it is covered by a laminated strip or is accompanied by a written, stamped, and signed declaration from the vet. |
| Animal Health Certificate / Eu Pet Passport | If you are travelling from a non-EU country, your Animal Health Certificate should be valid and issued by an authorised veterinarian no more than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU. If you are travelling from / between an EU country a valid EU issued pet passport is accepted, as long as it’s recognised in the country you’re travelling to. |
| Tapeworm Treatment for dogs (Entry into UK only) | If you are travelling to Ireland must have been given by an authorised vet, no less than 24 hours (1 day) and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you travel. The date, time, name, and manufacturer of the product, along with the vet’s stamp and signature must be recorded on the travel document used. |
Travelling with Pets Other than Cats, Dogs and Ferrets
When traveling with pets other than cats, dogs, and ferrets, please contact our call centre to make a booking.
Our customer care team will help ensure your pet is approved for carriage by DFDS. You will also need to complete and sign a waiver confirming compliance with the pet travel rules of your destination country. This waiver must be emailed to us at least 24 hours before departure. Please contact us here.
Travelling During the Summer & Winter Periods
During the Summer and Winter months you must take extra precautions to ensure the welfare of your pet is top priority when travelling. You can find the latest information here.
On our Rosslare - Dunkirk route, you can travel with your pets as a vehicle passenger, however you must ensure you book a Pet-friendly cabin. We’ve put together a quick overview of the key steps to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Travelling with a Vehicle
Dogs, Cats & Other Pets
| Check-in Process | To check-in with your pet, you must do this at the vehicle booths. During check-in your pet’s microchip will be scanned where applicable, and you will be asked to provide all the relevant pet documents required to travel. You will be provided with a car mirror-hanger to identify you have a pet in the vehicle. During the boarding process, you will pass through security and then onto the vehicle lanes that will take you to the ship. |
| Accommodation Type | Pet-friendly Cabin |
We encourage you to bring; water bowls, food, water, treats and their favourite toys so your pet feels right at home.
Pets cannot be in public areas unless they are a registered Guide Dog.
You can find more details about Pet-friendly cabins in the section ‘Where can my pet say onboard’.
When travelling with your pet onboard our Rosslare – Dunkirk route, we’ve got you covered with pet-friendly options.
Pet-friendly cabins
Our pet-friendly cabins are limited, therefore if there are no pet-friendly cabins available, please do not book a different cabin type, these do not accommodate pets.
Our pet-friendly cabins are the perfect option if you would like your pet to stay with you. Our cabins are located on the following decks: Optima and Athena deck 6, which has easy access to the dog-friendly outdoor area.
All pet-friendly cabins are 4 berths with a sea view, which can accommodate up to a maximum of 2 pets and have the following features:
- En suite bathroom with shower & WC
- Clothes hooks & hangers, desk & mirror
- Fresh linen & towels
- Vinyl flooring
Please bring your own litter box for cats & ferrets.
Outdoor Areas
Onboard we provide a dog-friendly exercise deck, which is the perfect space for your furry friend to stretch their legs & take a bathroom break. There is also a seating area for the humans too. This is located close to the pet-friendly cabins and dog-friendly kennels, so it’s easy to access. Please always ensure to clean up after your dog.
Public Areas
When walking to and from your vehicle, cabin, or dog-friendly exercise deck your dog must be kept close to you and on a lead. We advise cats, ferrets and other pets are always transported in a suitable carrier.
Only Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs are permitted in public areas.
| Pet-friendly Cabins | Pet-friendly cabins prices will depend on the date of travel, please book this at the top of the page. To add your pet into the cabin, is an additional fee of __€30 per pet, per way, which is in addition to the cabin price. __ |
DFDS accept Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dog 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 who require it.
Please notify our team if you are travelling with an Assistance Dog. You must ensure that the dog complies with the pet travel rules of the country they are travelling to. You will be asked to provide documentation.
There is no fee to bring your Assistance dog onboard and they are allowed in public areas on a harness/lead.
Baltic Sea routes
Before the arriving to the terminal, we recommend walking your dog in nearby parks, so they can stretch their legs & take a bathroom break that way they’re likely to be more settled. To ensure your pet is happy, please make sure you bring their favourite toys along with enough food and water for the journey.
We do not have any vets onboard; therefore, you are you are responsible for ensuring that your pet is fit & healthy to travel.
Pet Travel Documents
This information is only guidance therefore, when travelling with your pet, every owner is responsible to comply with the pet travel rules of the country they are travelling to. Failure to do so may prevent your pet from being permitted to travel. All pets must be at least 15 weeks when travelling with us.
You can find the latest information on taking your pet to the EU here.
You must provide the following documents for your dog, cat, or ferret:
| A Microchip | Your pet must be microchipped before their rabies vaccination. The microchip number must be stated in your EU Animal Health Certificate / EU Pet Passport. |
| Rabies Vaccination | Your pet must be vaccinated before it can travel to the EU and must wait 21 days after the completion of the vaccination. Day 1 is the day after the rabies vaccination. |
| Animal Health Certificate / Eu Pet Passport | Animal Health Certificate should be valid and issued by an authorised veterinarian no more than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU. Or a valid EU issued pet passport that’s accepted in the country you’re travelling to. |
Travelling with Pets Other than Cats, Dogs and Ferrets
When traveling with pets other than cats, dogs, and ferrets, please contact our call centre to make a booking.
Our customer care team will help ensure your pet is approved for carriage by DFDS. You will also need to complete and sign a waiver confirming compliance with the pet travel rules of your destination country. This waiver must be emailed to us at least 24 hours before departure.
Please contact us here.
Travelling During the Summer & Winter Periods
During the Summer and Winter months you must take extra precautions to ensure the welfare of your pet is top priority when travelling. You can find the latest information on www.gov.uk
On our Baltic Sea route, you can travel with your pets as vehicle or foot passenger, however you must ensure you book where applicable either a Pet-friendly cabin or Dog-friendly kennel. We’ve put together a quick overview of the key steps to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Travelling as a Foot Passenger
| Dog | Cats & Other Pets | |
|---|---|---|
| Check-in Process | To check-in with your dog, you must do this inside the terminal. Please ensure your pet is well behaved as this area can sometimes become very busy and loud. During check-in your pet’s microchip will be scanned where applicable, and you will be asked to provide all the relevant pet documents required to travel. If you have booked a dog-friendly kennel, you will be provided with a key card in which you can use to visit your pet during the sailing. During the boarding process, you will pass through security and then onto a shuttle bus that will take you to the ship, where you will be greeted by a member of the ship’s crew who will assist you further. |
To check-in with your cat or other pets, you must do this inside the terminal. Please ensure they are always in a suitable carrier. Please note the terminal can sometimes become very busy and loud. During check-in your pet’s microchip (where applicable) will be scanned, and you will be asked to provide all the relevant pet documents required to travel. Pet-friendly Cabin Dog-friendly Kennels (Only on Luna & Aura Seaways) During the boarding process, you will pass through security and then onto a shuttle bus that will take you to the ship, where you will be greeted by a member of the ship’s crew who will assist you further. |
| Accommodation Type | Pet-friendly Cabin Dog-friendly Kennels (Only on Luna & Aura Seaways) |
Pet-friendly Cabin |
| Bus Transfer | Dogs are allowed to travel onboard the transfer buses however you must ensure they are well behaved and always kept on a lead. Other pets must be in a suitable carrier. You can find more detailed information regarding bus transfers here. |
Pets are allowed to travel onboard the transfer buses however you must ensure they are well behaved and are in a suitable carrier. You can find more detailed information regarding bus transfers here. |
Travelling with a Vehicle
| Dog | Cats & Other Pets | |
|---|---|---|
| Check-in Process | To check-in with your dog, you must do this inside the terminal. Please ensure your pet is well behaved as this area can sometimes become very busy and loud. During check-in your pet’s microchip will be scanned where applicable, and you will be asked to provide all the relevant pet documents required to travel. You will be provided with a car mirror-hanger to identify you have a pet in the vehicle. If you have booked a dog-friendly kennel, you will be provided with a key card in which you can use to visit your pet during the sailing. During the boarding process, you will pass through security and then onto the vehicle lanes that will take you to the ship. |
To check-in with your cat or other pets, you must do this inside the terminal. Please ensure they are always in a suitable carrier. Please note the terminal can sometimes become very busy and loud. During check-in your pet’s microchip will be scanned where applicable, and you will be asked to provide all the relevant pet documents required to travel. You will be provided with a car mirror-hanger to identify you have a pet in the vehicle. During the boarding process, you will pass through security and then onto the vehicle lanes that will take you to the ship. |
| Accommodation Type | Pet-friendly Cabin Dog-friendly Kennel (Only on Luna & Aura Seaways) |
Pet-friendly Cabin |
We encourage you to bring; water bowls, food, water, treats and their favourite toys so your pet feels right at home.
Pets cannot be in public areas unless they are a registered Guide Dog.
You can find more details about Pet-friendly cabins and Dog-friendly kennels in the section ‘Where can my pet say onboard’.
When travelling with your pet onboard our Baltic Sea routes, we’ve got you covered with pet-friendly options. These will differ depending on the route you are travelling on.
Pet-friendly Cabins
Our pet-friendly cabins are limited, therefore if there are no pet-friendly cabins available, please do not book a different cabin type, these do not accommodate pets.
Our pet-friendly cabins are the perfect option if you would like your pet to stay with you. Our cabins are located on the following decks: Luna and Aura deck 10 & Victoria, Regina, and Sirena deck 6, which has easy access to the dog-friendly outdoor area.
All pet-friendly cabins are 4 berths with a sea view, which can accommodate up to a maximum of 2 pets and have the following features:
- En suite bathroom with shower & WC
- Clothes hooks & hangers, desk & mirror
- Fresh linen & towels
- Vinyl flooring
Please bring your own litter box for cats & ferrets.
Dog-friendly Kennels
Our dog-friendly kennels are only bookable when travelling onboard Luna & Aura Seaways on the Klaipeda – Karlshamn/Kiel route. Kennels are provided onboard and heated however we do not supply bedding, so you must bring this with you.
We also encourage you to bring; water bowls, food, water, treats and their favourite toys so your pet feels right at home.
Below are the kennel dimensions onboard Aura & Luna Seaways:
| Kennel Dimensions | Information |
|---|---|
| 74cm (H) x 79cm (W) x 116cm (D) | To visit your pet throughout the sailing please use the key card you are provided with at check-in. |
If you are travelling with a vehicle, you can book pet-friendly kennels online. If you are travelling as foot passenger, please contact our customer care team, who will be able to assist you further.
Our kennels have easy access to the dog-friendly outdoor area and are located on the following decks: Aura Seaways: Deck 10 & Luna Seaways: Deck 10
Outdoor Areas
Onboard we provide a dog-friendly exercise deck, which is the perfect space for your furry friend to stretch their legs & take a bathroom break. There is also a seating area for the humans too. This is located close to the pet-friendly cabins and dog-friendly kennels, so it’s easy to access. Please always ensure to clean up after your dog.
Public Areas
When walking to and from your vehicle, cabin, kennel, or dog-friendly exercise deck your dog must be kept close to you and on a lead. We advise cats, ferrets and other pets are always transported in a suitable carrier.
Only Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs are permitted in public areas.
| Pet-friendly Cabins | Pet-friendly cabins prices will depend on the date of travel, please book this at the top of the page. To add your pet into the cabin, is an additional fee of £35 per pet, per way, which is in addition to the cabin price. |
| Dog-friendly Kennels | Pet-friendly kennels are £35 each per dog, per way. Please book this at the top of the page. |
DFDS accept Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dog 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 who require it.
Please notify our team if you are travelling with an Assistance Dog. You must ensure that the dog complies with the pet travel rules of the country they are travelling to. You will be asked to provide documentation.
There is no fee to bring your Assistance dog onboard and they are allowed in public areas on a harness/lead.
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