Routes & Pet Policies

On all DFDS Ferries, you must make a reservation for your pet prior to departure. Animals accepted will vary by route.

Dover, England to/from Calais, France
Dover, England to/from Dunkirk, France

Charge: £15 per pet each way.
Pets must ride securely in vehicle: yes
Visitation: yes, with crewmember
Kennels Available: no
Foot Traffic Allowed: no

Amsterdam, Netherlands to/from Newcastle, England

Charge: £19 per pet, each way
Pets must ride securely in vehicle: yes
Visitation: yes, with crewmember
Kennels Available: yes, £6 each way
Pet Friendly Cabins Available: yes, £25 per dog - each cabin can accommodate up to 2 medium sized dogs.
Foot Traffic Allowed: Yes

Dieppe, France to/from New Haven, England

Cost: £18 per pet, each way.
Pets must ride securely inside vehicle: yes
Visitation: yes, with crewmember except 1st or last hour of crossing
Kennels Available: yes
Foot Traffic Allowed: yes, but pets must remain in kennels in the car deck.
Boarding: pets must be in pet carrier

Copenhagen, Denmark to/from Oslo, Norway

Pets: cats and dogs
Pets must ride securely inside vehicle: yes or cabin
Visitation: yes, owner can walk dog in designated area
Kennels Available: yes (From 1 June to 30 August, kennels will be on open deck)
Foot Traffic Allowed: yes, only if cabin is booked
Pet Friendly Cabins: yes

On Dover to Dunkirk/Calais routes, pets must remain in your vehicle for the duration of the trip unless they are assisting a disabled passenger as a service animal. Windows should be left slightly open for ventilation and water provided.

At the discretion of the crew and conditions permitting, owners may visit their animal on the car deck at pre-arranged times during the course of the voyage.

It is necessary to make a reservation for your pet in advance.

Pets must travel with their owners or a designated representative of the owner. Pet owners or representatives are responsible for the care and feeding of their pet during the trip.

Pets must be microchipped and adhere to the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme.

DFDS ferries charges for each pet traveling onboard with the exception of registered guide and hearing dogs, which are carried free of charge.

Documentation

It will be necessary that you have the proper documents to travel on DFDS Ferries with your pet. If you are not an EU resident and your dog or cat does not have an EU Pet Passport, you will need to provide an endorsed EU Health Certificate. If you are an EU resident, an EU Pet Passport is necessary.

Your cat or dog must have a rabies vaccination certificate or EU Pet Passport reflecting current vaccination which was administered after a microchip was implanted.

Dogs traveling to the United Kingdom must have a tapeworm treatment by a licensed veterinarian in France before boarding.

Pet Crates

Many of DFDS Ferries boats require that your pet travel in your vehicle. If your pet is accustomed to riding in a pet crate, it is recommended as it is a safe way to travel and may reduce the possibilities of damage to your vehicle.

Click here to learn about compliant pet crates

Click here to find the best size crate for your pet.

Cold Weather Restrictions

When the weather is very cold, DFDS Ferries may not be able to accommodate your pet in your vehicle. Know that temperatures in your car will be chilly and cold weather restrictions are made for the safety of your pet. Be sure and dress your pet accordingly and leave blankets for warmth.

Tips for Traveling on a Ferry with Your Pet

1. Make your reservations early. Pet friendly cabins and kennels, if available, are in great demand and book up quickly.
2. Arrive at the dock in plenty of time to check in your pet.
3. Walk and exercise your pet before boarding.
4. Bring portable water and food bowls as you will be responsible for the care of your pet.
5. Bring a muzzle and a sturdy leash as these things will be needed to walk your pet.
6. Never give your pet a medical (prescription) sedative prior to traveling on a ferry or cruise ship. If you have a hyper or nervous pet, then give it an all-natural calmer.
7. Always purchase your pet carrier well in advance of your trip and encourage your pet to use it so that your pet can get used to it.
8. Be sure to tell the cruise or ferry line you will be traveling with a pet as they impose restrictions on the number of pets on a specific sailing.
9. Do not try to sneak your pet to your cabin or any areas of the ferry where they are not allowed. Be a responsible pet owner and follow the pet policies of the ferry.
10. Even though sea travel may be stressful both you and your pet, both of you will be happier if your pet gets to travel with you on your trip.

CITES

If your pet is not a dog, cat or ferret, and especially if it is a turtle or parrot, and you are leaving your country on a ferry, you should verify that it is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case and most ferry companies will not transport animals covered by CITES regulationns. Over 180 countries participate and enforce CITES regulations.

Need More Assistance?

To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given ferry may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the ferry refusing to board your pet. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following the rules of the country you are visiting.

Further detail on import permits, costs, tests and procedures are available at minimal cost at PetTravelStore.com. We also stock all the equipment and accessories you will need for traveling with your pet. Same day shipping Monday through Friday until 4:00 PM EST.

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