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

Picture this: bobbing along the ocean, your tail-wagging bestie in tow and a week (or more) worth of memories just waiting to be made.  

Whether you’re planning to sail to Scotland or the Isles of Scilly, the good news is – you don’t need to leave your furry friend behind. After all, that has to be the worst part about going away.

With plenty of dog-friendly ferries in the UK, your cuddly companion can join you on your adventure too. And the best part is, it’s plain sailing.  

Here’s everything you need to know about travelling with dogs on ferries from the UK… 

Can you take dogs on ferries?

Yes, you can take a dog on a ferry. With many dog-friendly ferries to choose from, ferry travel with pets has never been easier.  

Some ferry operators allow your dog to travel for free whereas others charge a small fee.  

Although, it is worth noting that there are some operators that do not allow you to travel with dogs on ferries. It’s always best to check the operator’s individual pet policy before you book.  

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

Travelling can be stressful for dogs so it’s always nice to be able to comfort them onboard. So, if you’re wondering if you can stay with your dog on a ferry, the answer is yes you can stay with your dog on a ferry with certain operators.  

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

For example, you can book dog-friendly cabins on Brittany Ferries. P&O also has a P&O Ferries pet lounge for you and your dog to relax in. The pet-friendly cabins on Brittany Ferries and the P&O ferry pet lounge mean you can snuggle up to your pet whilst sailing.

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

Travelling with guide dogs and assistance dogs on a ferry

The rules for travelling on a ferry with guide dogs and assistance dogs are slightly different.  

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

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

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

Dog-friendly ferries  

So, now you know that you can take dogs on ferries, it’s time to find a ferry to suit you! There are a range of dog-friendly ferries to choose from.  

Operators that you can travel with a pet on include:  

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

Discover more dog-friendly ferries from the UK here. 

Dog-friendly ferries from the UK

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

Liverpool Birkenhead to Belfast ferry 
Operator: Stena Line

Portsmouth to Jersey (St Helier) ferry 
Operator: Condor Ferries 

Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry 
Operator: Northlink Ferries

Poole to Guernsey ferry 
Operator: Condor Ferries 

Belfast to Cairnryan ferry 
Operator: Stena Line  

Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry 
Operator: Wightlink

Can you take dogs on the ferry to France?

Thinking of travelling to France with a dog? Just because your furry friend is coming too, doesn’t mean you have to stay close to home. In fact, it’s easy to get a ferry to France with a dog.  

Popular dog-friendly ferries to France include:

Dover to Calais ferry  
Operator: DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries & P&O Ferries

Poole to Cherbourg ferry 
Operator: Brittany Ferries 

All aboard: ferry travel with pets  

Our top tips for a hassle-free journey:

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

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

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

Up-to-date vaccinations  
Ensure that your dog is fully vaccinated before travelling.  

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

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

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