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 a ship with your pet for several hours to 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.
Pet-friendly ferries that sail between the UK, Ireland, and the European Union
- Anek Lines Ferries
- Brittany Ferries
- DFDS Ferries
- Hovertravel Ferries
- Irish Ferries
- P&O Ferries
- Viking Line Ferries
Pet-Friendly Ferries in the United States
San Francisco Blue & Gold Fleet Ferry: Both small and medium to large dogs are allowed on the ferry. Pets must be leashed.
Hyannis Port – Hy-Line Cruises Ferry Service: Both small and large dogs are allowed on the ferry. This ferry service runs from Cape Cod to Nantucket Island (1 hour on the high speed ferry) or Martha’s Vineyard (1.5 hours). They also offer the only Inter-Island Ferry between Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard (2.25 hours). Pets are allowed on the ferries, but not in the first class lounge. Pets need to be leashed.
Hyannis Port – (Steamship Authority Ferry Service 508-447-8600, https://www.steamshipauthority.com: both small and large dogs are allowed on the ferry. This ferry services runs from Cape Cod to Nantucket Island (2.25 hours) or Martha’s Vineyard (1.5 hours). Pets are allowed on all ferries except for the M/V Flying Cloud fast ferry. Pets must be leashed or in a crate at all times. Pets are not allowed on the seats, tables, or in the concession areas.
New York, NY – Seastreak Ferry: Dogs of all sizes must stay on the outside portion of the ferry and they need to be on a short leash. Dogs are not allowed in the inside area, regardless of the weather, unless you have a small dog and he or she is in a carrier.
Anacortes – Washington State Ferries: Both small and large dogs are allowed on the ferries. On the newer ferries that have outside stairwells, dogs are allowed on the car deck and on the outdoor decks above the car deck. If the ferry has indoor stairwells, dogs are only allowed on the deck where they boarded the ferry. For example, if your dog comes onto the ferry in your car, he or she has to remain on the car deck. If you walk onto the ferry with your dog, your pooch is allowed on the outside deck where you boarded but cannot go onto other decks. In cases where your pet has to remain on the car deck, you can venture to the above decks without your pet to get food at the snack bars. However, the ferry system recommends, in general, that you stay with your pooch in the car. For any of the ferries, dogs are not allowed inside the ferry terminals. Pets must be leashed.
Pet-Friendly Ferries in Canada
Vancouver – Translink: Both small and large dogs are allowed on the ferry. If you walk onto the ferry with no car, your pet must be leashed. If your dog comes onto the ferry in your vehicle, he or she needs to stay in the car. This ferry is run by the Fraser River Marine Transportation Company.
Vancouver – BC Ferries: Both small and large dogs are allowed on the ferries. Dogs are only allowed on the open-air car deck and must stay in your car or tied in designated pet areas. Owners must stay with their pets.
BC Ferries has just opened up more pet friendly areas (about 2,000 square feet of space) on the decks of the Queen of Surrey and the Queen of Coquitlam ferries. Despite the new addition, dogs still are required to be kept on a one-meter leash and cats must stay in a travel carrier while on the outer decks.
More information on BC Ferries
Vancouver – SeaBus: Small dogs in hard-sided carriers are allowed. They must be carried in secure carriers and sit on your lap during transport.
Port Angeles and Victoria – M.V. CoHo Ferry: Both small and large dogs are allowed on the ferries. Pets must be leashed. The midship lounge and solarium are both pet-friendly areas. Dog kennels are located in the Solarium on the outer deck.
Vancouver – (AquaBus Ferries, 604-689-5858, https://www.aquabus.bc.ca): Well-behaved leashed dogs, both small and large, are welcome on the ferries.
Vancouver – (BC Ferries, 250-386-3431, https://bcferries.bc.ca): Both small and large dogs are allowed on the ferries. Dogs are only allowed on the open-air car deck and must stay in your car or tied in a designated pet area. Owners must stay with their pets.
Port Angeles (1 888 993 3779) and Victoria (1 800 264 6475) – M.V. CoHo Ferry, https://www.cohoferry.com/): Both small and large dogs are allowed on the ferries. Pets must be leashed. The midship lounge and solarium are both pet friendly areas. Dog kennels are located in the Solarium on the outer deck.
More information on the M.V. CoHo Ferry
Pet-Friendly Cruise Ships
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 requirements
of the Pet Scheme. Pets are accepted on all Transatlantic crossings, except the first and last crossings of the year.
More information on pet policies for the Queen Mary 2.
Princess Cruise Lines offers its Puppies in the Piazza Program to owners of professional sled dogs onboard the ship at Skagway, Alaska, and permits photos with the puppies as well as learning how they are trained for sled racing and the part they have played in Alaskan history. Although pet owners cannot bring personal pets on board; this is a great opportunity for children to interact with the puppies.
There are other cruises for cat owners and lovers of specific dog breeds where owners can share their knowledge and experience with their pets. Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on board; however, it is fun to share time with like-minded pet owners. Contact your travel agent for more details.
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