Of course! Don’t leave your four-legged friend behind, they’re part of the family! Bring them along so that they can share the adventures and enjoy the fun. On Stena Line, pets are welcome and you can book your companion into a kennel (we advise that you pre-book to secure a kennel), take them on onboard (there are some rules around this) or keep them inside the car.  Some of our ferries have pet friendly cabins that can be pre-booked too.

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What if I’m travelling with a guide, hearing or autism assistance dog?

Guide, hearing and autism assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of our ports and ships and are entitled to free travel.  They have full access to the passenger decks on all Stena Line routes and vessels. All guide, hearing or autism assistance dogs must have the necessary paperwork when checking in at the port and must wear the correct harnesses and jackets at all times while travelling.

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What vaccinations does my pet need?

If you’re travelling to Britain and Europe, pets need to have documentation showing that the essential vaccinations have been carried out. Please note that it is your responsibility to provide all necessary documents and to make all arrangements, including, where necessary, quarantine, to satisfy all legal requirements.

Dogs must undergo a tapeworm treatment by an authorised veterinarian not less than 1-5 days prior to check-in for travel to the UK and the Republic of Ireland from Continental Europe. The EU pet passport must be giving the time and date of treatment.  For residents of Northern Ireland please visit https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/travelling-pets for information although there will be no requirement for a pet passport or routine checks .for non-commercial movement of pets between Northern Ireland and Great Britain until further notice.

Pets must be vaccinated against rabies.  Firstly ensure your pet is microchipped or the vaccination will not count.  The dog must be at least 12 weeks old before vaccination and the vaccination must be in date at the time of travel.  You must wait 21 days from the date of the rabies vaccination before travelling.

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Does my pet need a pet passport?

Pet travel with dogs, cats and ferrets is bound by the conditions of the EU pet passport. The EU pet passport or an animal health certificate replaces all passports or other documents previously used for pet travel in Europe including the PETS document. The EU pet passport can be acquired at any authorized veterinarian after a microchip has been fitted and a successful blood test has been given.

From 1 January 2021, UK style EU Pet Passports issued in GB or NI up to 31 December 2020 are no longer valid. As an interim measure, NI pet owners can contact their private vet, who will update their pet passport appropriately to allow travel. A new style UK (NI) branded EU Pet Passport will be distributed to veterinary practices in due course.

Brexit Advice: As of the 1 January 2021, the rules for travelling with your dog, cat or ferret from Britain to the EU have changed. More details are available at GOV.UK.

Please note that it is your responsibility to provide all necessary documents and to make all arrangements, including, where necessary, quarantine, to satisfy all legal requirements.

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What papers will my pet need?

Under the EU pet movement system, all pet dogs, cats and ferrets moving between EU Member States must meet the same animal health rules. All pets travelling between the Republic of Ireland and the UK, the UK and Continental Europe and across Europe must be micro chipped and accompanied by a pet passport. You can find more information about the changes made to pet travel implemented on 29th December 2014 by clicking the following link - EU Pet Travel Scheme.

Please note that it is your responsibility to provide all necessary documents and to make all arrangements, including, where necessary, quarantine, to satisfy all legal requirements.

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Does my pet need to be micro-chipped?

All pets travelling between the Republic of Ireland and the UK or Continental Europe and between the UK and Continental Europe must be micro chipped and accompanied by a pet passport. Your pet must be fitted with an approved electronic transponder (microchip) for identification by an authorised veterinarian. Several organisations handle the registration of electronic pet identification numbers. This registration may also be useful when retrieving a runaway pet. 

Please note that it is your responsibility to provide all necessary documents and to make all arrangements, including, where necessary, quarantine, to satisfy all legal requirements.

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What are the rules for travelling with pets after Brexit?

From 1 January 2021, the rules for travelling with your dog, cat or ferret from Britain to the EU (including pets returning to the Republic of Ireland from Britain) have changed. For more details please visit the links below.

Travelling with Pets from Britain to the EU >>

Travelling with Pets between Britain and Northern Ireland >>

Travelling with Pets from Republic of Ireland to Britain >>

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If my pet remains in my vehicle can I check on it during the crossing?

This may be permitted but will vary by vessel and cannot be guaranteed.  Speak to our team at time of booking for further information.

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What if I am travelling with more than 5 pets?

From 29th December 2014 changes to the EU pet travel scheme require additional rules for vehicles carrying more than five pets. For more information please click on the following link, EU Pet Travel Scheme.

If you are travelling with 6 or more pets with the intention of attending a competition or show, you must complete an exemption from commercial movement declaration form. You should book via our 'Groups' department with evidence of the competition or show then provide the exemption declaration on check-in. 

If you are travelling with 6 or more pets and are not travelling for a competition or show, you must book via our Freight department and provide all necessary paperwork for the commercial movement of animals.

Please note: It is not possible to travel with 6 or more pets on the Harwich-Hook of Holland route.

Useful links (UK)

Exemption declaration forms

Travelling with pets from Northern Ireland

Commercial movement of pets from Northern Ireland 

UK Government advice on exporting live animals

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I am travelling with horses, can I book online?

Horseboxes up to 12m in length can be booked online on our Belfast - Cairnryan and Belfast - Liverpool routes. On these routes, vehicles over 12m in length must be booked via our freight department. For all other routes please book via Stena Line Freight.

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Travelling with your pet on Cairnryan - Belfast

By car

Kennels can be pre-booked at no extra charge or if you prefer, your pet can remain in the vehicle for the duration of the crossing. You can pre-book a kennel on the "Stena Plus & Onboard Extras" step of the booking process. Small pets are permitted onboard if they are secured for the duration of the crossing in a pet traveller case (max. size: 80cm x 52cm x 52cm, pets cannot be taken out of the container anywhere onboard including the outer decks) but must be pre-booked prior to travelling as a limited number of carrier cases are allowed onboard each sailing. Passengers may be required to place the pet traveller case on the car deck in the dedicated kennel area if the animals are not secured in the case at all times during the crossing.

Please note: Bags are not permitted as carrier cases and you will be unable to bring your pet onboard if you don't have an appropriate pet carrier case with you where access to the case is via a secure door/zip/lock mechanism and your pet is totally enclosed. 

By foot

Foot passengers may pre-book a kennel or bring small pets onboard at no additional cost if they are secured for the duration of the crossing at all times in their own pet carrier case (max. size: 80cm x 52cm x 52cm) - otherwise passengers will be asked to place the carrier case on the car deck in the dedicated kennel area for the duration of the crossing. All pets must be pre-booked as a limited number of carrier cases are allowed onboard each sailing. This can be done on the "Stena Plus & Onboard Extras" step of the booking process.

Please note: Bags are not permitted as carrier cases and you will be unable to bring your pet onboard if you don't have an appropriate pet carrier case with you where access to the case is via a secure door/zip/lock mechanism and your pet is totally enclosed.

Please note that pets, other than guide, hearing or assistance dogs are not permitted in our Superfast Suites.

Guide, hearing and autism assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the port and onboard our vessels. Please visit our Guest Services desk when you board in order to show the relevant documentation for your dog to allow access to all areas onboard.

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Travelling with your pet on Liverpool - Belfast

By car

It is recommended you pre-book a dog lodge for crossings on our Liverpool-Belfast route. There is an additional fee per dog lodge, per sailing and can be booked at the "Stena Plus & Onboard Extras" step of the booking process. Booking a dog lodge will allow you access to your pet throughout the crossing. Not only can you visit your dog but you can also exercise them under controlled conditions and free dog food is available.

For customers travelling with large dogs, please note the dog lodge sizes for this route: Depth: 100cm Height: 82.5cm Width: 75cm

Please note: Certain breeds of dogs are more sensitive to heat/poor air circulation in vehicles. We would advise owners to take extra precautions and use the dog lodge facilities where available.

By foot

Pets are not permitted in cabins or any other passenger areas onboard. You must pre-book a dog lodge which are available on the Promenade Deck and allow access to your pet throughout the crossing. Not only can you visit your dog but you can also exercise them under controlled conditions and free dog food is available. There is an additional fee per dog lodge, per sailing and can be booked on the "Stena Plus & Onboard Extras" step of the booking process.

For customers travelling with large dogs, please note the dog lodge sizes for this route: Depth: 100cm Height: 82.5cm Width: 75cm

Please note that guide, hearing and autism assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the port and onboard our vessels. Please visit our Guest Services desk when you board in order to show the relevant documentation for your dog to allow access to all areas onboard.

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Travelling with your pet on Holyhead – Dublin

By car

Kennels can be pre-booked at no extra charge or if you prefer, your pet can remain in the vehicle for the duration of the crossing. You can pre-book a kennel on the "Stena Plus & Onboard Extras" step of the booking process. Please note that we have a limited number of kennels available. You must advise us that you intend to bring a pet in advance of travel when you book.

By foot

Kennels can be pre-booked at no extra charge. You can pre-book a kennel on the "Stena Plus & Onboard Extras" step of the booking process. Please note that we have a limited number of kennels available. You must advise us that you intend to bring a pet in advance of travel when you book.

Stena Estrid kennel dimensions:

Width: 110cm Height: 80cm Depth: 90cm
Width: 100cm Height: 80cm Depth: 100cm
Width: 210cm Height: 80cm Depth: 100cm

Stena Adventurer kennel dimensions:

Width: 65cm Height 72cm Depth 100cm

Guide, hearing and autism assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the port and onboard our vessels. Please visit our Guest Services desk when you board in order to show the relevant documentation for your dog to allow access to all areas onboard.

Please note that pets cannot be taken onboard in a pet carrier on this route.

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Travelling with your pet on Fishguard – Rosslare

By car

Kennels can be pre-booked at no extra charge or if you prefer, your pet can remain in the vehicle for the duration of the crossing. You can pre-book a kennel on the "Stena Plus & Onboard Extras" step of the booking process. Please note that we have a limited number of kennels available. You must advise us that you intend to bring a pet in advance of travel when you book.

By foot

Kennels can be pre-booked at no extra charge. You can pre-book a kennel on the "Stena Plus & Onboard Extras" step of the booking process. Please note that we have a limited number of kennels available. You must advise us that you intend to bring a pet in advance of travel when you book.

Guide, hearing and autism assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the port and onboard our vessels. Please visit our Guest Services desk when you board in order to show the relevant documentation for your dog to allow access to all areas onboard.

Please note that pets cannot be taken onboard in a pet carrier on this route.

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Travelling with your pet on Cherbourg – Rosslare

By car

Cats and dogs may travel in your vehicle free of charge, in one of our heated onboard dog lodges for an additional fee each way. Dog lodges are subject to availability and must be pre-booked. If no dog lodges are available, you must leave your pet in your vehicle. Pets are NOT permitted in cabins. You must advise us that you intend to bring a pet in advance of travel when you book. You can pre-book a dog lodge on the "Meals & Onboard Extras" step of the booking process. There is a maximum of 5 pets per booking.

Passengers who choose to pre-book a dog lodge will be given an entry code at the Guest Services Desk onboard. Dog lodges are situated on the Promenade Deck. Not only will the dog lodge allow access to your pet throughout the crossing but you can also exercise them under controlled conditions. Pets, other than guide, hearing or assistance dogs, are not permitted onboard in the passengers areas.

Please note: Certain breeds of dogs are more sensitive to heat/poor air circulation in vehicles. Due to the length of this crossing, we would advise owners to take extra precautions and use the kennel facilities where available. We must stress that pets are not permitted in cabins. It is also important to ensure that you are familiar with the EU and PETS rules before travelling. 

Visiting times for pets in vehicles: You can visit your pet at 10.00 and 22.00 during Tuesday-Friday crossings, 10.00 and 19.00 during Saturday crossings and 07.00 and 19.00 during Sunday and Monday crossings. Visits to the car deck are for a maximum of 10 minutes and are weather permitting.

Stena Horizon dog lodge dimensions:

Width: 73cm Height: 80cm Depth: 95cm

Guide, hearing and autism assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the port and onboard our vessels. Please visit our Guest Services desk when you board in order to show the relevant documentation for your dog to allow access to all areas onboard.

 By foot

Cats and dogs are not permitted in cabins or any other passenger areas onboard. Pets may travel in one of our heated onboard dog lodges for and additional fee each way. Dog lodges are subject to availability and must be pre-booked. Pets are NOT permitted in cabins. You must advise us that you intend to bring a pet in advance of travel when you book. You can pre-book a dog lodge on the "Meals & Onboard Extras" step of the booking process. There is a maximum of 5 pets per booking.

Passengers who choose to pre-book a dog lodge will be given an entry code at the Guest Services Desk onboard. Dog lodges are situated on the Promenade Deck. Not only will the dog lodge allow access to your pet throughout the crossing but you can also exercise them under controlled conditions. Pets, other than guide, hearing or assistance dogs, are not permitted onboard in the passengers areas.

Stena Horizon dog lodge dimensions:

Width: 73cm Height: 80cm Depth: 95cm

Guide, hearing and autism assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the port and onboard our vessels. Please visit our Guest Services desk when you board in order to show the relevant documentation for your dog to allow access to all areas onboard.

Please note: It is important to ensure that you are familiar with the EU and PETS rules before travelling. 

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Travelling with your pet on Harwich to Hook of Holland

Travelling by Car (max 5 pets)

At check in you will receive a coloured hanger to identify that you are carrying a pet. This should be placed on your windscreen rear-view mirror and must remain there until you have cleared customs in each port.

When boarding the ship, we ask you to follow the directions from our staff closely. After boarding please report to the information desk on deck 9, there we will give you more information about taking your pet onboard Stena Line Ferries.

Travelling by foot (max 3 pets)

If you are travelling on foot you must book an onboard kennel for your pet or a pet cabin; your pet may otherwise not be permitted to travel.

After boarding please report to the information desk on deck 9, our staff will then assist you with your pet.

Onboard Kennels

There are a limited number of places available in our kennels and a limited number of pet cabins both of which must be booked before travel, online or by calling us. Pets can also travel inside your vehicle however; we recommend that dogs should be placed in a kennel or stay in a pet cabin. 

Our onboards kennels are available in three sizes:

·        Large kennels: 97cm x 94cm x 100cm (H x W x D)

·        Medium Kennels: 64cm x 108cm x 100cm (H x W x D)

·        Small kennels: 65cm x 50cm x 100cm (H x W x D)

Please note, kennels are located below car decks, accessed by stairs. Large pets weighing < 25kg, will need to walk down stairs, over a high doorstop and may need to be lifted up into small and medium kennels not on floor level.

After the crossing

When you disembark in Harwich International Port, your pet may be subject to an inspection by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs).

It is advised that you keep all relevant paperwork relating to your pet close at hand. This is standard procedure when arriving into UK ports. If you would like to find out more information about DEFRA and bringing your pet to the UK, please browse the DEFRA link.

Brexit Advice: As of the 1 January 2021, the rules for travelling with your dog, cat or ferret from Britain to the EU have changed. More details are available at GOV.UK.

Alternatively, you can call a member of our team in the Stena Line Call Centre.

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Travelling with your pet on Gothenburg – Frederikshavn

We have a limited number of pet places available and all pets must be pre-booked prior to travel.  At the port you must advise our check-in team that you are travelling with a pet. Cats must travel in a cage/carrier case. 

On all vessels the car deck is closed for the duration of the crossing and access to passengers is not permitted.

Stena Jutlandica

Pets are allowed to stay on the open car deck in the car or in a pet kennel on Deck 7 all year round.

Stena Danica

Pets are allowed to stay in your vehicle (except in the months of May, June, July and August) or in a pet kennel on Deck 8 and 9.

Stena Vinga
Pets are allowed to stay in your vehicle (except in the months of May, June, July and August) or in a kennel (15 kennels available). There is also a small run-out area for your pet.

Please note:  in Denmark it is mandatory that you take out liability insurance for your dog. Liability insurance does not cover the costs of a veterinarian.  Check if the insurances also apply in the country you are going to - and how long they apply for. Please ask your insurer how best to insure your animal when travelling.

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Travelling with your pet on Grenaa – Halmstad

Your pet can remain in your vehicle on the car deck (all year round) or it can stay with you on Deck 7 in a separate area. The car deck is closed during the crossing and passengers access is not permitted.

Please note:  in Denmark it is mandatory that you take out liability insurance for your dog. Liability insurance does not cover the costs of a veterinarian.  Check if the insurances also apply in the country you are going to - and how long they apply for. Please ask your insurer how best to insure your animal when travelling.

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Travelling with your pet on Rostock – Trelleborg

You must pre-book your pet and also advise our check-in team when you arrive at the port.

A limited number of pre-bookable pet cabins are available on board the Mecklenburg-Verpommen and Skåne.  If you are booking without a pet cabin, you must book your pet when completing your booking under the heading “Extras”. If there are no pet places presented under “Extras”, it will not be possible to take your pet with you on the departure you had selected. If this occurs, please choose an alternative departure. Pets are not allowed in the restaurants, bars and shops. It is possible to stay on deck in the designated areas.

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Travelling with your pet on Kiel - Gothenburg

You can travel with your pet on Kiel - Gothenburg however you must pre-book a pet cabin in order to do so. A limited number of pet cabins are available on each sailing. No more than two pets are allowed per cabin.  Please note you cannot travel with your pet if there are no pet cabins available.   Your pet is not allowed to stay in your vehicle during the crossing. Your pet must be registered at check-in and you will then be taken to the special pet cabin by the shortest route. Apart from the cabin and the exercise area, your pet is not allowed access to the general passenger areas.

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Travelling with your pet on Gdynia - Karlskrona

Pets can only travel on the Stena Spirit and Stena Vision ferries in special pet cabins. A limited number of special pet cabins are available on each sailing. Pets cannot travel if the pet cabins are fully booked.

The pet must be registered at check-in and will then be taken to the special pet cabin via the shortest route. Apart from the exercise area on the outside deck, pets are not allowed in the public areas. Dogs must wear a muzzle outside the cabin and must be kept on a leash. Cats must travel in a cage/carrier case.

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Traveling with your pet on Travemünde - Liepāja

On our Travemünde - Liepāja route you can travel with your pet on the Stena Flavia and Stena Livia. However you must pre-book a special pet cabin.  There are two pet cabins available. Pets cannot travel if these pet cabins are fully booked. The animals are not allowed to stay in the vehicle during the crossing. Pets are not permitted access to the general passenger areas. Dogs must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle.

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Traveling with your pet on Nynäshamn - Ventspils

The Stena Baltica and Stena Scandica have cabins where pets are allowed. When choosing a cabin for the transportation of pets, there is no charge for the pet, but the reservation should indicate how many pets will travel (max. 5 pets per cabin). During the summer season (from May 1 to September 30) pets are allowed to stay in the car. You can visit your pets at certain times accompanied by a crew member. There is an additional charge per pet staying in the car. Kennels are also available during the summer season for an additional charge.

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What responsibilities do I have for my pet whilst travelling by ferry?

• You are responsible for ensuring the animal's welfare.
• If pets travel inside a vehicle or in the onboard kennel they must remain there for the duration of the crossing.
• We recommend that dogs should travel in the provided onboard kennel and Stena Line cannot be held responsible for any material or immaterial damage that may arise from not using our kennel facilities
• It is your obligation to ensure that all conditions for EU pet travel and the UK Pet Travel scheme (PETS) are met.
• Stena Line cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information given.
• Should your pet not meet the conditions of the EU pet travel and the UK Pet Travel scheme (PETS) the animal is liable to be held in UK quarantine for a period of up to 6 months or be re-exported.
• Stena Line is obliged as an accredited PETS carrier to verify your documentation and will refuse the carriage of your pet if the documentation is in breach of the PETS rules.
• If you are planning to quarantine your pet you will be fully responsible for all arrangements and cost associated with this procedure. You will need to produce the relevant documentation to Stena Line prior to carriage.
• Stena Line cannot be held liable for any cost - material or immaterial in connection with non-compliance with EU pet travel and PETS rules.

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Illicit Puppy Trading
Stena Line condemns the illicit puppy trade and tries to stop this practice. In cooperation with DAERA and DEFRA , Stena Line is actively taking action against the transport of dogs and puppies from puppy farms between Ireland and Great Britain. Investigators are authorized to stop and search vehicles belonging to people suspected of illegally dealing in dogs and puppies. All passengers who are guilty of illegally transporting dogs will be prevented from continuing their journey. The result is criminal prosecution and the confiscation of the puppies.

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Pets Liability Disclaimer

Stena Line cannot accept responsibility for any of the links from this web site, nor the content thereof. The links are provided purely for your benefit and Stena Line is not responsible for inaccuracies in the information provided.

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