P&O Ferries Pet Policy

Routes:

Dover to/from Calais
Hull to/from Rotterdam

Requirements

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. Pets must also be accompanied with either a current EU Pet Passport or an Animal Health Certificate (inbound/outbound) or EU Health Certificate (outbound). Check in a minimum of 90 minutes prior to departure at the Terminal.

Dover to/from Calais Route

Dogs must be pre-booked to travel in the Pet Lounge, otherwise they will travel in the owner’s vehicle. Exercise areas are available near the Pet Lounge. All dogs must travel in vehicles on all crossings.

Hull to/from Rotterdam Route

All documentation should be forwarded to hostess.hull@poferries.com as soon as available. No later than 24 hours prior to departure, documentation should be sent to europoort@poferries.com. Pets should be checked in at the terminal building between 16:00 and 18:00 local time.

Six dog friendly cabins are available on the vessel that serves this route. If cabins are not available, then pets (dogs/cats) of all foot or vehicle passengers must reserve an onboard kennel. All other pets will also travel in kennels on Deck 7. There will be no visitation until docking the next morning, although staff does check on their furry passengers. The kennels are air-conditioned to make sure that your pet won’t get too hot on the overnight crossing.

Kennel sizes:

• Small kennels are for small pets that weigh a maximum of 20kg.
• Large kennels are for medium sized pets that weigh a maximum of 35kg.
• Extra-large kennels are for large pets with a maximum weight of 45kg.

All food, water and bedding must be provided by the owner.

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 P&O Ferries pet policy.