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, Copenhagen-Oslo and Baltic Sea crossings even have pet-friendly cabins.
Please note: it is no longer permitted to bring birds onboard the Newcastle – Amsterdam crossing. This applies to all types of birds.
Travelling with a pet on the UK-France Routes
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.
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 or walk 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.
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.
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)
- 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
Travelling with a pet on Amsterdam-Newcastle route
You are welcome to travel with your dog, cat or other pet onboard our Newcastle-Amsterdam passenger ferry route whether you book as a foot travellers or with a vehicle.
- Foot passengers can only bring pets if they book a pet friendly cabin.
- There are kennels onboard the ship. These are for dogs only and are bookable via the contact centre.
- It is also possible to keep your pet* in the vehicle during the crossing, but it must be properly secured inside the vehicle. *Please note: This option is not applicable for dogs.
- Pet ticket fee is £30 per pet and it needs to be added regardless where your pet is travelling (vehicle or cabin)
Please contact us to book pet travel. Phone: +448715229977 or email: travel.sales@dfds.com
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 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
The cabins are suitable for a maximum 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.
Leaving a pet in a vehicle
You can leave your pet in a vehicle. 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. We kindly remind you that you need to add a pet ticket of £30 regardless of where your pet is travelling.
*Please note: This option is not applicable for dogs.
Kennel dimensions and pet sizes
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) |
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.
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
Travelling with a pet on the Baltic Sea routes
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).
- Foot passengers can only bring pets if they book a pet friendly cabin or standard cabin plus cleaning fee (Only Klaipeda-Kiel and Klaipeda - Karlshamn route). 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 30€ regardless where your pet is travelling.
Standard cabin + cleaning fee
To accommodate additional requests for pet cabins we also welcome your pet in a standard cabin but with an extra cleaning fee of 75€ (pets are not allowed to travel in reclining seats area or shared cabins/commodore cabins). We kindly remind you that you need to add pet ticket of 30€ regardless of where your pet is travelling (limited availability).
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.
Travelling with a pet on Copenhagen-Frederikshavn-Oslo route
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 bring pets if they book a pet friendly cabin. It is currently not possible to book any other cabin with a pet.
- 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: +4533423000 or email: dkinfo@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
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 dissapointment.
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.
