DFDS Ferries Pet Policy

DFDS Seaways is a Danish shipping company that operates passenger and freight services across northern Europe.

News: In March 2025, DFDS will allow dogs to travel in cars on routes to the United Kingdom. More information on DFDS changes to pet policies.

Routes

Dover to/from Calais
Dover to/from Dunkirk

Pets must ride securely in vehicle: yes
Visitation: yes, with crewmember
Kennels Available: no
Foot Traffic Allowed: no

On Dover to 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.

Newhaven to/from Dieppe

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 be pre-booked in kennels in the car deck.
Boarding: pets must be in pet carrier

New Castle to/from Amsterdam

Pets must ride securely in vehicle: yes – no dogs permitted to ride in vehicles
Visitation: yes, with crewmember
Dog-friendly kennels Available: yes
Pet Friendly Cabins Available: yes – each cabin can accommodate up to 2 medium sized dogs
Pet exercise area: yes – located nearby kennels and cabins
Foot Traffic Allowed: Yes

No pets are permitted on Mini Cruise routes. No birds are permitted. Dogs, cats and ferrets only. Cats and ferrets must be transported in secure carriers.

Kennel sizes:

• small – 54cm (H) x 56cm (W) x 60cm (D) – not available on Princess Seaways
• medium: 51cm (H) x 58cm (W) x 64cm (D)
• Large: 60cm (H) x 86cm (W) x 94cm (D)
• XL: 76cm (H) x 68cm (W) x 101cm (D)

Copenhagen to/from Oslo

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

DFDS Ferries Pet Policies

All pets must be microchipped and accompanied by either an EU Pet Passport (UK/EU arrivals and departures), Animal Health Certificate (UK departures) or GB Health Certificate (UK arrivals) with proof of current rabies vaccination administered more than 21 days prior to departure. Dogs sailing to the UK must have proof of tapeworm treatment administered by a licensed veterinarian between one and five days of departure.

All pets must be pre-booked and checked in upon arrival at the ferry serving the route. DFDS ferries charges for each pet traveling onboard with the exception of registered guide and hearing dogs, which are carried free of charge.

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.

Many of DFDS Ferries vessels require that your pet travel in a 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. 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.

Travel tips

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.

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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 DFDS Ferries pet policy.