Although there are not a lot of commercial options for pet travel over water, there are many ferries that sail between Europe and British Isles as well as in the Mediterranean.
Related: More options for cruising with your pet.
Pet Travel by Private Yacht
There are a number of challenges when taking a pet on a boat or private yacht to various countries. You need to make sure that your port of arrival is an authorized entry port and customs and/or veterinary officials will be available to inspect your pet and their documentation. More information on pet travel by private yacht.
Pet Travel by Cruise Ship
The Queen Mary 2 operated by Cunard Lines is an approved carrier in connection with the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) on Transatlantic Crossings. Passage in the kennels is subject to size restrictions, availability and the requirements of the Pet Scheme. Pets are accepted on all Transatlantic crossings, except the first and last crossings of the year. More information on the pet-friendly Queen Mary 2 cruise ship.
Pet Travel by Ferry
There are dozens of ferry lines with accommodations for both pets and their owners. Many of these are located in Europe, where you will be aboard ship with your pet for between several hours and several days. These are very large ships that make ports of call in several countries. Some of them accept automobiles on board as well. Other, smaller ferries are more local. They generally serve two ports of call with a journey of only a few hours. Ferries provide for convenient transportation to locations that would otherwise call for flying or longer drives. It is a great way to travel with your pet by your side.
Click on the ferry line for rules and information on taking your pet aboard.
Anek Lines accepts the carriage of pet animals and has a limited number of cabins and kennels in which the pet will be allowed. It is necessary to make a reservation for your pet in advance.
Brittany Ferries accepts the carriage of pet animals traveling in vehicles. Kennels and pet-friendly cabins are available on some ferries. Pets are not allowed in public areas or on decks.
Stena Line Ferries permit dogs and cats to travel in a vehicle, in a cabin (select routes), in a kennel or on foot. Reservations must be made in advance. Regulations of the Pet Travel Scheme must be met.
DFDS Seaways is a Danish shipping company that operates passenger and freight services across northern Europe. Depending on the route, pets can travel in a vehicle, in a kennel or a pet-friendly cabin.
The Hovercraft runs several times each day between Ryde (on the Isle of Wight) and Portsmouth. Pets can travel at owner’s feet in carriers or crate or leashed and collared or harnessed.
Find current Irish Ferries pet policy. Pets must be pre-booked and are permitted to travel in a vehicle or an onboard kennel. All animals must board the vessel in the vehicle.
Pet cats, dogs and ferrets are accepted on all P&O Ferries. They must be microchipped and vaccinated for rabies according to the Pet Travel Scheme. Ferries sail to and from the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands.
Other Pet Travel Information
Pet Travel by Ground
Pet Travel by Air
More Articles on Pet Travel
Pet Friendly Destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
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