If you want to take your pets with you on your trip, we can now accommodate Dogs, Cats and ferrets on our Newcastle-Amsterdam cruise ferry service as part of the PETS travel scheme.
If you are travelling with pets, please read our special terms and conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What routes can I travel with pets on?
At present we only allow pets on our Newcastle - Amsterdam and Harwich - Esbjerg services.
Can I take my pet on holiday with me?
On some of our self-catering holidays it is possible to take either a cat or dog – please ask for our Travel Sales staff for details on 0871 882 0885
Can pets be booked online?
No, Pets can ONLY be added to a booking by telephone on 0871 882 0885, but your main booking can be made online.
Can I book on the day of departure?
Only for trips leaving the UK, for trips returning to the UK you must allow 48 hours or more.
How much does it cost to take my pet with me (each animal)?
£19 single, £38 return
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: 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 traveling 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.
Can I send my Pet unaccompanied?
No
I am a foot Passenger – can I take my Pet?
No, you must travel in your own vehicle.
I am a coach passenger – can I take my Pet?
No, coach passengers are classed as foot passengers
I am a freight Driver – can I take my Pet?
No, we do not accept PETS bookings from freight drivers
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 big are the kennels?
Extra large carrier to suit German Shepherds, Retrievers, Setters, Dobermanns, Rottweilers:
Extra Large Vari Kennel 5 - 100x68x75cm.
Giant carrier to suit Great Danes, Greyhounds, Newfoundlands, St Bernards, Bull Mastiffs:
Giant Vari Kennel 6 - 120x80x88cm
Both types are §Quality airline approved (IATA) pet carriers moulded in high impact durable plastic with wire grills and doors.. Safe and strong door locking system, one handle operation allows for easy opening and closing. All Vari Kennels have rear ventilation.
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.
Can I exercise my dog while on board?
It is not possible to exercise your dog onboard
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 through out the voyage and will report any distressed animals.
If the crossing is really rough can my pet still travel?
Yes, subject to the captain's decision. The animal's owner/escort are also responsible for ensuring that the animal is sufficiently fit and healthy to withstand the intended journey. You are recommended to seek the advice of your own vet about health and travel concerns.
Is it my responsibility to clean the kennel/clear up after my dog?
No
My dog needs regular medication - what happens?
The animal's owner/escort are also responsible for ensuring that the animal is sufficiently fit and healthy to withstand the intended journey. You are recommended to seek the advice of your own vet about health and travel concerns.
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.
Must the animal be vaccinated against kennel cough?
It is not a requirement but you are recommended to seek the advice of your own vet about health and travel concerns.
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.
Can I take Any other pets?
Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Mice, Rats, Gerbils and Chinchillas can currently move between EU countries (including UK) and into the EU from Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and Vatican with no requirement with regard to rabies. From these countries, these animals can enter the UK on any route at any port, subject to Transport Company’s agreement. Entry from other countries – there is a 6 months quarantine. EU may impose conditions at a later date.
DFDS Seaway can accept bookings for such animals on the Newcastle–Amsterdam (IJmuiden) route that are suitably secured and kept 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 and should be carried in a suitable secure container.
What are the rules for ferrets leaving the UK to go to other EU countries or travelling between other EU countries?
Ferrets will have to be identified by a microchip (or a tattoo may be accepted by certain countries), vaccinated and issued with a passport.
If a Ferret does not have a passport, they must have a valid Export Health/rabies vaccination certificate issued before that date which shows that the animal is microchipped and vaccinated. Ferrets may not travel with pets certificates.
Can I take either my Pet Birds, etc:
Birds may need an import licence – please check with your local Animal Health Office.
Can I arrange pet insurance:
We do not offer Pet Insurance, but recommend Dogsaway:
Website: http://www.dogsaway.co.uk
e-mail: sales@dogsaway.co.uk