Travelling with your pet

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

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.

The relevant guidelines can be found as follows:

Jersey to UK
Jersey to France
UK to Jersey
France to Jersey

All pets must be at least 15 weeks when travelling on the Jersey - St Malo routes.

Travelling from/to the UK to Jersey

There are no official health requirements for pet dogs, cats or ferrets. Your pet doesn't need to have a pet passport or any other documentation to travel to Jersey from the UK (including Northern Ireland). However, it must have landed legally in the UK if originating from abroad.

When travelling to the UK for more than 30 days, your dog must be microchipped and registered on an approved database operating in the UK.

There are no vaccinations needed to travel. However, you should discuss your pet's health with your vet to make sure it's fit to travel and properly cared for.

Travelling from/to France to Jersey

You must provide the following documents for your dog, cat, or ferret when travelling from France to Jersey:

• A pet passport issued in an EU country or certain other countries.
• An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued in Great Britain, Channel Islands or Isle of Man in the last 4 months.
• A Great Britain pet health certificate
• A pet passport issued in Great Britain before 1 January 2021

Additionally, the following is required for your pet:

• Microchipped (unless your pet has a tattooed identification)
• Vaccinated against rabies.
• Vaccinated after it was microchipped.
• Was at least 12 weeks old at the time of its rabies vaccination.
• Was vaccinated at least 21 days before travelling.
• Has been treated for tapeworm 1 to 5 days before its scheduled arrival (dogs only, see dogs tapeworm treatment)

Special rules apply for pets travelling without their owner or that are moving permanently to Jersey. Please see the Jersey Government website for more information.

You must provide the following documents for your dog, cat, or ferret when travelling from Jersey to France:

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.

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 Assistance Dogs

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.

There is no fee to bring your Assistance dog onboard and they are allowed in public areas on a harness/lead.

You must email a copy of the pet passport or certificate to the States Veterinary Officer rva@gov.je before your arrival to Jersey or send by post and include a contact telephone number.

Travelling with more than 5 pets

If travelling between Jersey & St Malo with more than 5 pets per passenger (for example for a show, competition or sporting event) you may need to complete a declaration form, more information can be found here for UK, Jersey & EU.

To make a booking for more than 5 pets per vehicle please contact our team here. This cannot be done online.

Travelling during Summer & Winter period

During 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

Below is an overview of what to expect during check-in and boarding. Should you require any further assistance, please speak to a member of our team who will be happy to help you.

Vehicle Passengers

• Vehicle passengers travelling with pets are required to check-in at our vehicle booths.
• If travelling on the Jersey - St Malo route your pet’s microchip will be scanned at check-in and you will be asked to provide all the relevant pet documents required to travel.
• You will also be provided with a car mirror-hanger to identify you have a pet in the vehicle

Foot Passengers (Poole/Portsmouth - Jersey only)

• Passengers travelling on foot with pets are required to check-in inside the terminal.
• During check-in your pet’s microchip will be scanned and you will be asked to provide all the relevant pet documents required to travel.(FR-UK only)
• Dogs must be in a suitable crate when inside the Portsmouth terminal.
• If you have booked a dog-friendly cabin, once you are on board you will be greeted by a member of the ship’s crew who will assist you further.

Public areas

When walking to and from the cabins or outside areas, dogs must be kept close to you and on a lead. We recommend your dog is on a lead and wears a muzzle whilst transferring it between your vehicle the terminal and your cabin. Only Guide, Hearing and other officially recognised Assistance Dogs are permitted in public areas.

Leaving your pet in a vehicle

If you wish to leave your pet in the vehicle on our Jersey - Poole & Jersey - St Malo routes, you can do this by booking online or contacting our team here.

Alternatively if you are travelling on our Jersey - Portsmouth route please contact our team here.

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.

Cats and ferrets must be secured in an appropriate container. Dogs must be kept in a suitably sized crate with enough space to lie down comfortably, along with a designated feeding area. Please ensure that vehicle doors are locked, and the alarm is disabled, your car is well ventilated by leaving all windows open to a safe and suitable level, however you must ensure that your pet cannot escape.

Please always make sure your pet is happy and ensure there is:

• Adequate ventilation
• Food, water
• Plenty of space – it must be possible for your pet to lie down and eat and drink comfortably.
• Absorbent bedding
• Their favourite toys

Visits to the vehicle deck can be arranged at specific times during the crossing. To visit your pet(s) during the sailing, please visit our Guest Information desk where our team will be happy to assist you further. Please note that visits are at the discretion of the crew in view of weather conditions and health and safety considerations.

Foot passengers (St Malo - Jersey)

From 1 January 2026, we’re excited to welcome a foot passenger and their pet on board when travelling between Jersey and St Malo. This can only be booked through our Contact Centre.

Your pet must be secured in an RSPCA approved carrier.

They must remain in the designated pet area on the car deck for the duration of the crossing.

Foot passengers (Poole / Portsmouth - Jersey only)

On our services to and from Jersey and the UK we allow foot passengers to bring pets. This can only be booked through our contact centres.

Pets must always be in an RSPCA approved carrier.

On the Poole route, pets must be kept in the designated area.

On our Portsmouth service, pets may be taken to the Pet Lounge or to a Pet Friendly Cabin. Alternatively, crew will direct where onboard the pet should be stored during the crossing.

Pet-friendly Cabins (Portsmouth - Jersey only)

Our pet-friendly cabins should only be booked if you are travelling with a cat or dog. 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 dogs. 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.

Pet Lounge

We have a Pet-Friendly Lounge on the Portsmouth – Jersey service. Space is limited and must be pre-booked in advance.

Below is an overview of what to expect when disembarking the ship upon arrival to your destination. Should you require any further assistance, please speak to member of our team who will be happy to help you.

Foot & Vehicle Passengers

• Please listen for announcements to indicate when you should return to your vehicle/disembark.
  
  We advise you always keep your dog close and on a lead. Other pets, we advise that they are inside a suitable secure carrier.

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.

Tapeworm treatment for dogs

• 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 EU.
• 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 summer & winter periods

During 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

Where can my pet stay onboard?

When travelling with your pet onboard we’ve got you covered with pet-friendly accommodation. Below we have put together a handy overview of what where your pet can stay during your sailing. More detailed information can be found within our ‘Onboard Information’ section.

Pet-friendly cabins

Our pet-friendly cabins are bookable online and should only be booked if you are travelling with a cat or dog. If there are no pet-friendly cabins are available, please do not book a different cabin type, these do not accommodate pets. €30 per pet, per way, which is in addition to the cabin price. No fee for Guide, Hearing & Assistance Dogs.

Below is an overview of what to expect during check-in and boarding. Should you require any further assistance, please speak to member of our team who will be happy to help you.

Vehicle passengers

• Vehicle passengers travelling with pets are required to check-in at our vehicle booths.
• During check-in your pet’s microchip will be scanned and you will be asked to provide all the relevant pet documents required to travel.
• You will be provided with a pet car mirror hanger to identify you have a pet the vehicle.
  

We do not accept foot passengers on our Dunkirk – Rosslare route.

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 outside area is located near to the pet-friendly cabins, so it’s super convenient and easy to access. Please ensure to always 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

Our pet-friendly cabins are bookable online and 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. €30 per pet, per way, which is in addition to the cabin price. No fee for Guide, Hearing & Assistance Dogs.

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 Seaway Deck 6 & Athena Seaways 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.

Below is an overview of what to expect when disembarking the ship upon arrival to your destination. Should you require any further assistance, please speak to member of our team who will be happy to help you.

Pet in cabins

• Please listen for announcements to indicate when you should return to your vehicle.

We advise you always keep your dog close and on a lead. Other pets, we advise that they are inside a suitable secure carrier.

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 more likely to be 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 sufficiently fit & healthy to travel.

Pet travel documents

This information is only guidance therefore, when travelling with your pet, you are responsible to comply with the pet travel rules of the country you 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 summer & winter periods

During Summer & 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.

Where can my pet stay onboard?

When travelling with your pet onboard we’ve got you covered with pet-friendly accommodation. Below we have put together a handy overview of what where your pet can stay during your sailing. More detailed information can be found within our ‘Onboard Information’ section.

Pet-friendly cabins

Our pet-friendly cabins should only be booked if you are travelling with a cat or dog. If there are no pet-friendly cabins are available, please do not book a different cabin type, these do not accommodate pets. 40 EUR per pet, per way, which is in addition to the cabin price. No fee for Guide, Hearing & Assistance Dogs.

If you are travelling with a vehicle, you can book pet-friendly cabins online. If you are travelling as foot passenger, please contact our customer care team, who will be able to assist you further. Contact us here.

Below is an overview of what to expect during check-in and boarding. Should you require any further assistance, please speak to member of our team who will be happy to help you.

Foot passengers

(Klaipeda – Kiel & Klaipeda – Karlshamn)

• Passengers travelling on foot with pets are required to check-in inside the terminal.
  
• During check-in your pet’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 pet-friendly cabin or dog-friendly kennel, once you are on board you will be greeted by a member of the ship’s crew who will assist you further.

Vehicle passengers

(All routes)

• Vehicle passengers travelling with pets are required to check-in at our vehicle booths.
  
• During check-in your pet’s microchip will be scanned and you will be asked to provide all the relevant pet documents required to travel.
  
• You will be provided with a pet car mirror hanger to identify you have a pet the vehicle and a key card if you have booked a dog-friendly kennel.

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 outside area is located near to the pet-friendly cabins & dog-friendly kennels, so it’s super convenient and easy to access. Please ensure to always 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.

Cats, dogs, ferrets, or other pets are not permitted in public areas, unless they are a registered Guide, Hearing or Assistance Dog.

Pet-friendly cabins

Our pet-friendly 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. 40 EUR per pet, per way, which is in addition to the cabin price. No fee for Guide, Hearing & Assistance Dogs.

Our pet-friendly cabins are the perfect option if you would like your cat or dog 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

(Aura & Luna Seaways only)

Our dog-friendly kennels should only be booked if you are travelling with a dog. Kennels are provided onboard, and you do not need to bring your own. Kennels are heated but we do not supply bedding, so you must bring this with you. 40 EUR per dog, per way.

We also encourage you to bring; water bowls, food, treats and their favourite toys so your dog feels right at home.

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

To visit your dog throughout the sailing please head to Guest Service Centre onboard who will assist you further.

Below are the kennel dimensions onboard Aura & Luna Seaways:

Kennel Dimensions: 74cm (H) x 79cm (W) x 116cm (D)

If you are travelling with a vehicle, you can book dog-friendly kennels online. If you are travelling as foot passenger, please contact our customer care team, who will be able to assist you further. Contact us here.

Below is an overview of what to expect when disembarking the ship upon arrival to your destination. Should you require any further assistance, please speak to member of our team who will be happy to help you.

Foot passengers

Dog in kennels

• Just before arrival to your destination, please collect your dog from the kennels.

Pet in cabins

• Please listen for announcements to indicate when you should leave your cabin.

Vehicle passengers

Pet in cabins & dog in kennels

• Please listen for announcements to indicate when you should return to your vehicle.
  
• Once this has been announced you can collect your dog from the relevant area and return to your vehicle.
  
  We advise you always keep your dog close and on a lead. Other pets, we advise that they are inside a suitable secure carrier.