Queen Mary 2 Pet Policy

For forms, instructions and information for taking a pet aboard a Queen Mary 2 (QM2)
Queen Mary 2 Pet Policy.

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. Cats and dogs are accepted according to their pet policies on all Transatlantic crossings, except the first and last crossings of the year.

Availability is limited, so plan to book your cruise well in advance. The cost of transportation will be given to you at the time you make your own booking but will likely range between $800 and $1,000 USD.

Cunard’s “Pets on Deck” program, includes adding a range of pet-friendly services and amenities such as fresh-baked biscuits at turn-down, a choice of beds and blankets, and even a coat with a QM2 logo. As part of the enhanced program, traveling dogs and cats also receive a complimentary gift pack featuring a frisbee, name tag, food dish and scoop, a complimentary portrait with pet owners, a crossing certificate and personalized cruise card.

Kennel Information

The ship provides 12 deluxe kennels (they are adding more during their renovation) and a full time “pet master” to provide care for your pet. Be sure to book early as kennel space is limited.

Pets must remain in the kennels or in the adjacent exercise area. Frequent times are available for owners to visit their pet.

Cunard’s “Pets on Deck” program, including adding a range of pet-friendly services and amenities such as fresh-baked biscuits at turn-down; a choice of beds and blankets; and even a QM2-logoed coat. As part of the enhanced program, traveling dogs and cats also receive a complimentary gift pack featuring a QM2-logoed coat, Frisbee, name tag, food dish and scoop; a complimentary portrait with pet owners; a crossing certificate and personalized cruise card.

Kennels are located on Sun Deck, midships There are 12 kennels (2 levels of 6)
Top level – Small – 33″ X 33″ X 27 ” high
Floor level – Large – 33″ X 33″ X 39″ high
The pet’s measurements from tip of tail to tip of nose, or feet to head cannot exceed the sizes listed above.

Kennels can be used for cats and dogs. It is not normal procedure to put more than one pet in a kennel, but this can be done if the guest requests it. Guests may provide own bed/bedding for their pets.

Kennel sizing your pet

Pet Size Guide:
Small breeds: poodle, terrier, bulldog, etc.
Large breeds: Labradors, Alaskans require multi kennel accommodations

Measuring your pet:
From the tip of nose to end of tail
Floor to chest
Twice the width of the dog shoulder to shoulder
Floor to top of head for height

Food

Food is provided and any special requirements can be prepared by the kennel attendant upon your request.

Exercise

The shielded, open-deck area, fitted with a lamppost and fire hydrant is available to exercise pets. Animals are not permitted on any other open deck, public area or staterooms.

Visiting Hours

The visiting hours are as follows, however with prior arrangement, it is possible for the attendant to be in the kennels outside of these hours to open the cage:
7:30am – 9:30am
11:00am – 12:00pm
3:30pm – 6:30pm

Documentation

Prior to sailing, necessary documentation must be presented to the ship before your pet can travel. Please note that pets cannot travel unaccompanied on the QM2. Our packages include forms and instructions for importing your pet to the United Kingdom if heading eastbound and for the United States if heading westbound.

Eastbound sailings to Great Britain

Pets entering the United Kingdom must have clearance prior to arrival through the following government agency:

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Pets and Quarantine Branch
Area 211
1A Page Street
London SW1P 4PQ
Click here for requirements to enter the United Kingdom with a pet.

When making an eastbound QM2 crossing where pets whose final destination is Le Havre, passengers must complete form ID – 7, which is an application for a license to land a dog or cat for transit through Great Britain.

No animal will be permitted to board the QM2 without the necessary transit license.

It is best to contact a government-authorized carrying agent who can transport the pet within the United Kingdom. The carrying agent will be able to expedite the paperwork required before a transit license is granted. A list of government authorized carrying agents is available on the DEFRA website and it is updated regularly with any changes in relevant legislation. For additional information, call 1 800 7-Cunard.

Pets entering the UK must comply with the rules of the Pet Scheme. If you are traveling on to Le Havre then different rules apply.

Westbound sailing to the United States

All dogs must be healthy, at least 6 months of age and microchipped prior to entering the United States. Owners must also have proof of application of a Dog Import Form from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Proof of rabies vaccination is not required for dogs and cats entering the United States from Great Britain. Queen Mary 2 pet policy requires a current health certificate issued by a private veterinarian shortly prior to departure.

Service Animals

Only trained service dogs such as guide or seeing eye dogs can sail on the Queen Mary 2. Requests must be reviewed and approved by Cunard at least 60 days prior to sailing. Emotional support animals are not recognized.

Banned Breeds:

Cunard does limit the size of dogs they can accept; however, they must be able to fit into their kennels comfortably. Dog breeds that will be denied travel due to size include Afghan, Curly Coated Retriever, Bloodhound, Gordon Setter, Borzoi (Russian Wolfhound), Great Dane, Briard, Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Setter, Mastiff, Deerhound, New Foundland, Doberman, Pyrenees, St. Bernard, Saluki, Weimaraner, Bull Mastiff and Malamute.

Also banned are breeds and their crosses that are not permitted to enter the UK such as Pit Bull Terrier, XL Bully, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliero.

Helpful Tips -Traveling with a pet on a cruise ship

A certificate of good health is required indicating that your pet is healthy enough for travel, is free of diseases communicable to humans, and has been properly microchipped and vaccinated*. We have helpful forms, instructions and information for taking your pet aboard the Queen Mary 2.

*Note: Cats are exempt from microchip requirements when sailing to the United States; however, microchipping is required in the United Kingdom.

International Travel

You must have all documentation necessary for entering the United Kingdom when boarding the QM2 in New York. This includes an Annex IV form, proof of microchip and rabies vaccination, Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport and Tapeworm Certificate (dogs only).

More Tips for Cruise Line Travel

• A certificate of good health is required indicating that your pet is healthy enough for travel, is free of diseases communicable to humans, and has been properly microchipped and vaccinated*. We have helpful forms, instructions and information for taking your pet aboard the Queen Mary 2.
  *Note: Cats are exempt from microchip requirements when sailing to the United States; however, microchipping is required in the United Kingdom.
• Never give your pet a medical (prescription) sedative prior to traveling on the QM2. If you have a hyper or nervous pet, then give it a natural pet calmer.
• Always purchase your pet carrier well in advance of your trip so that the pet can get used to it.
• Be sure to tell the cruise line you will be traveling with a pet as they impose restrictions on the number of pets on a specific sailing.
• 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.

Don’t forget to get your forms, instructions and information for taking a pet aboard Queen Mary 2

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