DFDS Pets Information

The Pets that are permitted Onboard DFDS SeaWays Ferries are ::

Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Ferrets, Mice, Rats, Tortoises, Hamsters

On which routes can I take my pet?
At present, on the Newcastle - Amsterdam route only. We may offer the PETS travel scheme on other routes, in due course.

Is it Possible to take my pet on holiday with me?
On some of the DFDS self-catering holidays it is possible to take either a cat or dog – please ask for our Travel Sales staff for details on 0870 111 0634

Is it Possible to book pets be booked online?
No, Pets can ONLY be booked by telephone on 0870 111 0634

Can I book on the day of departure?
No

What is the cost involved to take my pet with me (each animal)?
The Cost for a single trip is £15, The cost of a return trip is £30.

What documentation / checks etc. does my pet need to have leaving the UK?
You will need a valid DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) approved veterinary certificate showing that the pet has been micro chipped, vaccinated and blood tested for antibodies to rabies. Please note there are validity regulations for vaccinations you must meet before you travel. For More information Please Visit the DEFRA Website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk

What are the rules for Cats and Dogs moving from the UK into other Member States?
The national authorities in Sweden and Malta should be contacted for details of entry requirements for those countries. There will continue to be free movement for pets travelling directly between the UK and the Republic of Ireland but if you have pets documents you are advised to take them with you.

To take an animal from the UK into a Member State (other than Ireland (see above) and Malta – which also requires a blood test), it must have been identified by a microchip (or certain countries may accept a tattoo), successfully vaccinated against rabies and issued with a passport. Sweden also requires your pet to have been treated against tapeworms using a product containing praziquantel no more than 10 days before entering the country.

What Tick and tapeworm treatment do I need for my pet?
Tick and fox tapeworm treatment must be administered by a vet between 24 and 48 hours before check-in from a foreign port. An official certificate is required from the country in which treatment is carried out. This must be signed, dated and include date and time of treatment. If the certificate does not comply with this, we regret that we will not be able to carry the animal under the Pet Travel Scheme. For that reason, when planning your return journey on any of our routes, please give careful consideration to the timing of the tick and tapeworm treatment.

Do quarantine regulations still apply?
Quarantine regulations still apply to animals being brought into the UK that are not travelling under the PETS passport scheme.

What documentation/checks etc. do I need to return to the UK?
In addition to a valid DEFRA approved veterinary certificate showing that the pet has been micro chipped, vaccinated and blood tested for antibodies to rabies, you will also need a valid DEFRA approved certificate showing the animal has been treated against ticks and tapeworm not less than 24 hours, and not more than 48 hours, prior check-in for your return to the UK.

I am a foot Passenger – can I take my Pet?
No, you must travel in your own vehicle.

How do I check-in with a pet?
Owners/escorts should arrive 90 minutes before departure to ensure there is sufficient time for the administration formalities to be completed. Arrival for check-in after this time may mean there is insufficient time to process an animal under the PETs scheme and boarding of the ship may not be possible.

Where are animals kept whilst on board?
For reasons of hygiene and the comfort of others passengers, animals must remain either in your vehicle, or in 1 of 5 pre-bookable kennels provided. Under no circumstances will any animals be allowed into any cabin accommodation or public areas of the ship including the weather decks. Any passenger who abuses the above condition may be refused travel on a return leg of their journey.

How often can I visit my pet during the crossing?
At the discretion of the crew and, conditions permitting, owners/escorts may visit their animal on the car deck or kennels at pre-arranged times during the course of the voyage. Normally, visit times are 1 hour after departure and 1 hour before arrival.

Will crew check pets during the night to see if any are distressed or sick - especially in rough weather?
The ships crew do routine car deck checks throughout the voyage and will report any distressed animals.

Will Bedding or Food be Provided for Pets onboard?
No. You may wish to bring adequate supplies of food, water and bedding material if you book an on-board kennel. If your pet will stay in your vehicle, there should be sufficient space for the animal to move freely, and you should make the animal as comfortable as possible, using absorbent bedding, equipment and toys with which the animal is familiar with.

Before leaving your vehicle you must ensure that the animal(s) will have enough ventilation and water/food. This will normally mean that one or more windows will need to be left partly open, but it is important also to ensure that the animal(s) cannot escape. Animals should be adequately restrained - cats should be carried in a suitable secure container.

Can Assistance dogs travel in cabins?
Assistance dogs are accepted on the strict understanding that they will not accompany their owners/escort's into cabin accommodation and will comply with the regulation for other same-species animals carried onboard.