Routes & Pet Policies

On all Stena Line Ferries, you must make a reservation for your pet prior to departure.

Cairnryan to/from Belfast

Charge: Free when riding in a carrier, kennel or vehicle
Pets must stay in the Pet Friendly Area on Deck 8
Pets must ride securely in vehicle: yes or on-board kennel
Small pets can ride in carriers*: yes
*Max size carrier: 82cm x 52cm x 52cm
Visitation: yes
Kennels Available: yes
Foot Traffic Allowed: yes
All pets must be pre-booked.

Liverpool to/from Belfast

Charge: £15 per pet, each way for dog lodge* - free in vehicle
*Maximum lodge size available: Depth-100cm Height-82.5cm Width-75cm Pets must ride securely in vehicle: yes or pre-book pet lodge
Visitation: yes, with crewmember
Pet Friendly Cabins Available: no
Foot Traffic Allowed: Yes with pre-booked pet lodge

Holyhead to/from Dublin

Cost: free
Pets must ride securely inside vehicle or pre-booked kennel: yes
Visitation: yes, with crewmember
Pet Carriers Allowed: no
Kennels Available: yes
Foot Traffic Allowed: yes, with pre-booked kennel

Fishguard to/from Rosslare

Cost: free
Pets must ride securely inside vehicle or pre-booked kennel: yes
Visitation: yes, with crewmember
Pet Carriers Allowed: no
Kennels Available: yes
Foot Traffic Allowed: yes, with pre-booked kennel

Rosslare to/from Cherbourg

Cost: free in vehicle or kennel - £30 each way in heated dog kennel*
*Maximum kennel size available: Depth-95cm Height-80cm Width-73cm
Pets must ride securely inside vehicle or pre-booked kennel: yes
Visitation: yes, with crewmember
Pet Carriers Allowed: no
Kennels Available: yes
Foot Traffic Allowed: yes, with pre-booked free kennel or heated kennel

Harwich to/from Hook of Holland

Cost: £17 per pet each way
Pets must ride securely inside vehicle or pre-booked kennel: yes
Visitation: yes, with crewmember
Pet Carriers Allowed: no
Kennels Available: yes
Foot Traffic Allowed: yes, with pre-booked kennel

All pets must either travel in your vehicle or in the onboard kennel except on the Liverpool to Belfast and Rosslare to Cherbourg routes where dog lodges are available. Pets are not allowed in the public areas or cabins onboard our ships for hygiene reasons.

Onboard kennel - There are a limited number of places available in the onboard kennel that must be booked in advance of travel by calling the Stena Line call centre on 08447 70 70 70. Pets can travel inside your vehicle; however, it is recommended that dogs should be placed in the kennel.

Traveling by car - At check in you will receive a colored hanger to identify that you are carrying a pet. This should be placed on your windscreen rear-view mirror and must remain there until you have cleared customs in each port. When boarding the ship we ask you to follow the directions from our staff closely. After boarding please report to the information desk on deck 8. If your pet is traveling inside your vehicle you must ensure that your pet at all times remains inside your vehicle at all times and the ventilation inside your vehicle is good and your pet's welfare is well catered for.

Traveling on foot - If you are traveling on foot you must book the onboard kennel for your pet, your pet may otherwise not be permitted to travel. After boarding please report to the information desk on deck 8, our staff will then help you to place your pet in the kennel.

Visits during the crossing: It is recommended that you make a short visit to your pet during the crossing to ensure its well being. This can be arranged at the information desk on deck 8 where a member of staff will advise you when the visit can take place. Your pet may however at no time leave the vehicle or kennel.

Guide dogs are allowed to travel on the passenger decks with their owners. Please contact Stena Line a few days before you travel on 08447 70 70 70 so that we can alert staff onboard the ship.

It is necessary to make a reservation for your pet in advance as onboard kennels are limited.

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.

Documentation

It will be necessary that you have the proper documents to travel on Stena Line 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 Stena Line 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, Stena Line 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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