When travelling by ferry your holiday starts as soon as you board and we want all members of the family to have a great experience, including your pets. Dogs, cats and ferrets can all travel by ferry. Facilities will vary per route and vessel, so we advise you to research which facilities are available before booking. Of course, guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free-of-charge and have access to all areas of the vessel.
Pet-friendly Cabins
Pet-friendly cabins have laminate flooring and are usually situated next to an outside deck space where you can exercise your dog. Cabins usually accommodate up to two pets. Pets need to be carried from the car in a travel carrier through the public areas of the ship to get to the cabin. Dogs can be led to the cabin on a leash and may also need to be muzzled when travelling from the car deck to the cabin.
Route (from UK) | Ferry operator |
Channel Islands | Condor Ferries |
France | Brittany Ferries |
Ireland | Stena Line |
Isle of Man | Isle of Man Steam Packet Company |
Netherlands | DFDS, P&O Ferries, Stena Line |
Spain | Brittany Ferries |
Route (from Ireland) | Ferry operator |
France | Brittany Ferries, DFDS, Stena Line |
Spain | Brittany Ferries |
Pet Lounges
Pet lounges / pet zones are dedicated spaces on board where you can enjoy the journey in comfort together with your pet. These are often connected to outside deck space where you can exercise your dog. Depending on the operator and vessel the pet lounge may be restricted to dogs only and your pet may need to be in an pet travel carrier or crate, or on a lead.
Route | Ferry Operator |
France | P&O Ferries |
Isle of Man | Isle of Man Steam Packet Company |
Isle fo Wight | Red Funnel, Wightlink |
Route | Ferry Opererator |
Scotland | Caledonian MacBrayne |
Scotland-Northern Ireland | Stena Line |
Passenger Services
On passenger only services well behaved pets and their owners are welcome on board. Pets can remain in a pet travel carrier under or next to your seat or can remain on a lead. Where there is an outside deck dogs are welcome outside on a leash.
Route | Ferry Operator |
Isle of Wight | Hovertravel, Red Funnel |
Isles of Scilly | Isles of Scilly Travel |
London | Uber Boat by Thames Clippers |
Onboard Kennels
Kennels are available in different sizes and should be booked in advance. Kennels may not be accessible during the journey, unless there is a visiting schedule or you are accompanied by a member of crew. Some kennels are air-conditioned and may have a web cam facility so you can check in on your pet.
Route (from UK) | Ferry operator |
France | Brittany Ferries, DFDS, |
Ireland | Irish Ferries, Stena Line |
Isle of Man | Isle of Man Steam Packet Company |
Netherlands | DFDS, P&O Ferries, Stena Line |
Route (from Ireland) | Ferry Operator |
France | Brittany Ferries, Irish Ferries, Stena Line |
Spain | Brittany Ferries |
Stay-in vehicle
The most popular option if you are bringing your vehicle on a short crossing. Your pet stays in the familiar surroundings of your own vehicle for the duration of the journey. You’ll need to leave the window open for fresh air, have a spill-safe water container accessible for your pet to drink and absorbent bedding.
Route | Ferry operator |
Channel Islands | Condor Ferries |
France | Brittany Ferries, DFDS, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries |
Island of Ireland | Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries, Stena Line |
Isle of Man | Isle of Man Steam Packet Company |
Route | Ferry operator |
Isle of Wight | Red Funnel, Wightlink |
Netherlands* | DFDS, Stena Line |
Scotland | Caledonian MacBrayne |