When traveling by ferry with pets, there is a set of rules that need to be followed, so it’s essential to familiarize yourselves with these. Pets traveling with their owners need to have documents with valid health certifications, in addition to a pet passport in some situations. There is a special area on board the ferry for animals in the form of kennels, so the other areas on board remain inaccessible to them. All the information is provided for you in the next section.
Corsica Ferries: travel easily with your pet across the Mediterranean
Traveling with your pet by ferry is permitted aboard Corsica Ferries, provided that you take into consideration some rules for its convenience and the convenience of other passengers. The dog may accompany its owner inside the cabin and throughout the ferry.
In public spaces, the dog should be on a lead, wear a muzzle and have an owner with the ability to manage it. The owner should clean up after the dog, even in areas that are set aside.
The formalities vary with the destination. For the continent to Corsica crossings, an up to date European passport or a health card with vaccination is sufficient. There is no requirement for a rabies vaccine.
For trips from France to Italy or from France to Balearic Islands, the dog must be at least 15 weeks old, chipped with an electronic identification device or possess a readable tattoo, possess a completed European passport issued by a veterinarian and be rabies vaccinated (21 days after the first vaccination and up to the point of return to France).
The compliance with the rules and the presentation of the required documents allow to travel in full safety and serenity with your animal on Corsica Ferries.
Book your Corsica Ferries ticket with your petWhat to expect when traveling with a pet on GNV ferries?
When sailing on board the GNV ships, your pet is welcome on board with you. You could even travel in a "Pet Friendly cabin" cabin together with your pet for convenience. It is essential that your pet health card, food, bowls, leash, muzzle, together with something for their personal cleanliness, be with you on board the trip for their own safety as well.
Carefully consider bringing a recent photo for identification in case they get lost during your trip. Before departure, a veterinary visit is recommended to check the health status of your animal and its vaccinations, including rabies if necessary. On board, use the designated walking areas and respect other passengers by always keeping your companion on a lead and, if required, muzzling him/her.
In order for your pet to travel to Spain, it needs to be identified with a European passport with valid rabies vaccination, while from other countries outside the EU, it also requires blood antibody rabies titers. However, in any case, it has to be at least 15 weeks old since it is immunized for rabies and thus qualified to enter Spanish territory.
Book your GNV ferry nowBaleària’s pet-friendly travel options for a smooth crossing
Pets on board Baleària’s ferries and fast vessels travel in facilities tailored for their comfort and safety. There are different “pet friendly” solutions depending on the size of your pet.
The pet friendly cabins allow your pet to stay in the room with you, with a doggy bed, watering bowl, and special room cleaning treatment for health reasons. There are also outdoor footbridges for walking on some routes.
In the case of animals that need quiet surroundings, the small nursing homes provide a well-ventilated and secure area, which has been designed in collaboration with experts in animal behavior. Video monitoring enables the animal to be traced on some ships that have the Smart system.
For small animals weighing up to 8kg (including carrier), the pet-friendly wheelchair enables traveling with your pet in their transport box placed on your lap or under your seat.
With these different solutions, Baleària guarantees a safe, comfortable, and appropriate travel for all passengers, even for your four-legged companions.
Book your Baleària ferry with your petTraveling with your pet on Trasmed ferries to the Balearic Islands
On board Trasmed ships, pets travel in conditions of comfort and safety equivalent to those of passengers. The ships have specially adapted cabins, animal seats and kennels equipped with video surveillance, allowing owners to follow their companion during the entire crossing.
The pet cabins can accommodate up to two dogs or cats, without weight limit, and include a welcome kit with bedding, water bowl and hygiene bags. Each cabin is carefully cleaned after each voyage. For the pet seat option, the companion must stay in their cage, not exceed 8 kg (including carrier) and only one animal is allowed per passenger.
The air-conditioned and secure kennels are equipped with video surveillance accessible via Wi-Fi, with visiting hours organized to allow passengers to see their pet safely. On the reserved outdoor decks, animals can walk on a leash and, if necessary, with a muzzle.
Cats must stay in their cage and cannot access indoor areas. For dogs of breeds considered potentially dangerous, the muzzle is mandatory in common areas, and Trasmed recommends the use of a basket muzzle, comfortable and safe, which allows the dog to pant freely.
Book your Trasmed ferry nowMoby Lines allows pets on routes to Sardinia and Italy
On board Moby Lines ships, pets are welcome, provided you follow a few simple rules to ensure their safety and the comfort of all passengers. It is necessary to buy a ticket for each animal, to provide it with a leash, a muzzle, as well as a collar or harness bearing your phone number. A recent photo can also be useful in case of loss.
Before departure, a veterinary visit is essential to check the health of the animal and its basic vaccinations, as well as the anti-rabies vaccination if required by the destination. Depending on the country of arrival, a European passport, an electronic chip and a certificate of good health may be mandatory. Certain breeds of dogs are subject to restrictions: first category dogs (attack dogs) are prohibited, while second category dogs (guard and defence dogs) require a permit to keep, certificates and insurance.
For the comfort of the animals, some cabins are specially equipped, able to accommodate up to three four-legged companions, with an easy-to-clean floor and a disinfecting mat. The outside decks remain accessible for walks, but pets cannot access indoor common areas such as restaurants and lounges. With the four-legged friends formula, it is possible to book a cabin to fully enjoy the crossing with the whole family, including the furry companions.
Book a Moby Lines ferry with your petGrimaldi Lines: a relaxing ferry trip for you and your pet
Pets are always welcome on board Grimaldi Lines ferries. The ships have specially adapted cabins and areas for animals weighing over 6 kg, while smaller animals (up to 6 kg) travel in their own cage or in a designated area. Larger animals have specific accommodation where they can rest during the crossing.
Animals may walk on a leash and, if necessary, with a muzzle on all outdoor decks, but they are not allowed in common areas, restaurants, or lounges. Cabins accessible to animals are equipped with linoleum flooring, odor-proof mats, and clean linens, and can accommodate up to three animals. Their number is limited, so it is recommended to check availability when booking.
For a peaceful journey, it is advisable to bring food, water and food bowls, a leash, a muzzle, hygiene bags, and your pet's favorite toy. Health documents are mandatory: European passport for international travel, certificate of good health, and identification by microchip or tattoo. For some destinations outside the EU, additional formalities, such as rabies antibody titration, may be required.
Book your Grimaldi Lines ferry ticketTaking your dog or cat on board a Corsica Linea ferry
Since 6 November 2018, pets are no longer allowed in the passenger accommodations of Corsica Linea ships. For reasons of hygiene and well-being, they must be accommodated in kennel spaces, available on all ships. It is mandatory to select this option when booking and to have a padlock to secure the cage of your pet.
Access to the kennels is done shortly before arrival at the port, and it is not possible to access them during the crossing. Animals cannot stay in vehicles. Only guide dogs or assistance dogs accompanying their master travel free of charge and can access the cabins and dining areas.
The kennels are secure and ventilated, equipped with a water point and comply with hygiene and safety standards. Animals travel in individual stalls, and small animals such as cats must be placed in suitable cages. The company declines all responsibility for animals brought on board without a kennel reservation.
It is imperative to present the European health booklet or passport with up-to-date vaccines and antiparasitic treatments, including for puppies and kittens. Before any trip, especially internationally or to the Maghreb, it is recommended to inquire with the veterinary authorities about the regulations in force. Dogs of the first category are not allowed to travel, while dogs of the second category must necessarily wear a muzzle and be placed at the kennel.
Book your Corsica Linea ferry ticketLa Méridionale: travel peacefully with your pet from Marseille to Corsica
On board La Méridionale ferries, pets are allowed, but they do not have access to the passenger areas. Depending on the ship and destination, they can be accommodated in an air-conditioned kennel or travel in your vehicle. For large animals, such as horses, it is recommended to contact the company in order to organize their transport.
Only assistance dogs remain with their master during the entire crossing and can access cabins, restaurants and boardwalks. Their transport is free.
To travel with your companion, it is necessary to select a pet-friendly ship when booking. On the crossings between Corsica and the mainland, the ships Piana and Girolata have an air-conditioned kennel. The transport of animals is prohibited on the Marseille-Tanger Med line.
It is also important to prepare your pet’s suitcase with water, food, a bowl, and, for small animals, a transport cage. The animal must be indicated on the reservation at the time of boarding.
Reserve your La Méridionale ferry crossingSuperfast Ferries
On board Superfast ferries, pets can travel on board in adapted cabins (pet cabins) or kennels (pet kennels). Pet cabins are reserved for passengers travelling with one or two maximum pets and must be booked, as the number is limited.
The rate is 50 € per animal and per journey for cabins and 20 € per animal and per journey for kennels. The cabins can accommodate from 1 to 4 people and are arranged to ensure comfort and hygiene for your companion.
When booking, it is mandatory to declare your pet in order for a ticket to be issued. The requested information includes the passport or health card number, the category of the animal (companion, assistance, therapy), its size and the chosen location (cabin, kennel or deck).
Passengers must always carry with them the health record and, for EU residents, the European passport. Vaccination against rabies is mandatory for dogs, cats and ferrets. Each passenger may travel with a maximum of five animals, all fully vaccinated and with their own health record.
According to the legislation, domestic dogs and cats are considered pets, as well as service dogs, work dogs and therapy animals. Wild or stray animals cannot travel as pets.
Book your Superfast Ferries ticketTirrenia
On board Tirrenia ships, pets are accepted, provided that a specific ticket has been purchased and the health record book and rabies vaccination certificate are up to date. Small animals such as rabbits, hamsters, birds or fish must travel in a suitable transport box.
Animals can access the outdoor decks, but access to passenger areas is prohibited. For those who wish to stay with their companion during the crossing, Tirrenia offers special pet cabins, hygienically furnished with linoleum flooring and an anti-odour mattress. Each cabin can accommodate up to three pets and their reservation depends on availability at the time of booking.
To ensure a comfortable journey and respectful of other passengers, it is recommended to prepare your pet’s suitcase with the vaccination certificate, food and water, bowls, muzzle and leash, as well as bags and shovel for its needs.
During the crossing, the animal must never be left alone, its excrement must be collected, and it must remain on a leash and, if necessary, wear a muzzle. If your companion is agitated or barks, it is advisable to reassure them to convey calm and safety.
Book with TirreniaStena Line
Stena Line welcomes pets on board, allowing dogs, cats and ferrets to travel in your vehicle, in a pre-booked kennel or in some adapted cabins. Advance reservation is essential to ensure the availability of a kennel or cabin. Kennels are free on some lines, but a surcharge may apply on others.
All animals must be registered and remain in their kennel or transport cage in accordance with safety rules. On some crossings, pet lounges are available but pets must stay in their crate and cannot be left unattended.
Assistance dogs for the visually impaired, blind, hearing impaired or autistic travel free of charge and may be used in all public areas of the ship and ports. They must wear a harness or jacket and be accompanied by the documents required for registration.
Emotional support dogs travel only in a suitable cage or kennel, with a certificate provided by a mental health professional.
All animals must have a valid European passport or health certificate, be identified by electronic microchip and have their vaccinations up to date, including rabies vaccination carried out at least 21 days before departure. Dogs must also receive treatment against the tapeworm if crossing requires it.
For travel to Sweden, it is necessary to inform customs and present a valid passport and rabies vaccine. Since Brexit, specific rules apply for travel between the UK, Northern Ireland and continental Europe.
The maximum number of animals per reservation is generally limited to five, except for participation in competitions, exhibitions or commercial trips requiring a special reservation.
Dangerous or exotic animals require additional permissions. For the comfort of your companion, it is advisable to bring a blanket or a bed as well as a bowl of water for the entire crossing.
Book your ferry ticket with Stena LineLiberty Lines
With Liberty Lines, small animals must stay in transport cages during the entire crossing. Medium and large dogs must be kept on a lead, muzzled, and accompanied by a health certificate, which the company can check before boarding. It is essential to comply with all the conditions specified in the Pet transport conditions.
Unless otherwise provided by law, dogs, cats and other small live animals may travel with their owners. Dogs must be kept on a leash and muzzled, while other animals must be placed in a cage or basket under the supervision of the passenger.
Animals must remain in the designated areas or, if available on board, in kennels. Exceptions are provided for guide dogs for the blind.
Owners are responsible for the well-being, safety and compliance with health regulations of their animals. The company declines all responsibility in case of injury or damage occurring to animals, unless it is directly responsible for it.
The transport of other types of animals is only possible on ferries equipped with specific vehicles, according to routes and schedules agreed in advance with the company.
Book your Liberty Lines ferry ticketTraveling by ferry with your pet is quite possible, provided you prepare the journey well and follow the rules established by each company. Dogs, cats, ferrets and other small animals must have the necessary health documents, be properly identified, and travel in suitable spaces, whether in special cabins, kennels or in the owner’s vehicle.
It is essential to ensure the comfort and safety of your companion by bringing water, food, bedding, toys and hygiene equipment, as well as respecting leash and muzzle instructions when required. Guide dogs and service animals generally benefit from special arrangements and can accompany their owner in passenger spaces.
By following these recommendations and anticipating the reservation of cabins or kennels, you ensure your pet a safe journey, pleasant and respectful of other passengers. Each crossing becomes a serene and friendly experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the ferry without ever leaving your companion behind.
