{"id":2171,"date":"2026-01-14T16:35:57","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T15:35:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/taking-a-dog-on-a-ferry\/"},"modified":"2026-03-22T19:51:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T18:51:51","slug":"taking-a-dog-on-a-ferry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/taking-a-dog-on-a-ferry\/","title":{"rendered":"Taking your dog on a ferry"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Ferry travel can be very practical when you\u2019re on the move with a dog, but it\u2019s also one of the least intuitive modes of transport. A ferry isn\u2019t just a boat instead of a bridge. For a dog, it\u2019s often a mix of noise, vibration, unfamiliar spaces and limited movement. Differences between routes and operators are often significant.<\/p>\n\n<p>It\u2019s crucial to distinguish between short crossings that last a matter of minutes to a few hours, and long crossings linking distant destinations, where you may be on board for many hours or even days. Rules, comfort and the overall challenge of travelling with a dog differ dramatically between the two.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-white ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/taking-a-dog-on-a-ferry\/#Short_crossings_vs_long_crossings\" >Short crossings vs long crossings<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/taking-a-dog-on-a-ferry\/#Short_crossings\" >Short crossings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/taking-a-dog-on-a-ferry\/#Long_crossings\" >Long crossings<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/taking-a-dog-on-a-ferry\/#Are_dogs_allowed_on_ferries_at_all\" >Are dogs allowed on ferries at all?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/taking-a-dog-on-a-ferry\/#Where_and_how_your_dog_is_accommodated_on_board\" >Where and how your dog is accommodated on board<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/taking-a-dog-on-a-ferry\/#Handy_things_to_have_with_you_on_board\" >Handy things to have with you on board<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/taking-a-dog-on-a-ferry\/#Pet%E2%80%91friendly_cabins_comfort_that_takes_planning\" >Pet\u2011friendly cabins: comfort that takes planning<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/taking-a-dog-on-a-ferry\/#A_long_crossing_without_a_cabin\" >A long crossing without a cabin<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/taking-a-dog-on-a-ferry\/#Noise_vibration_and_stress\" >Noise, vibration and stress<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/taking-a-dog-on-a-ferry\/#How_to_prepare_your_dog_for_a_ferry\" >How to prepare your dog for a ferry<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/taking-a-dog-on-a-ferry\/#Pet%E2%80%91friendly_facilities_on_ferries\" >Pet\u2011friendly facilities on ferries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/taking-a-dog-on-a-ferry\/#Cost_of_taking_a_dog\" >Cost of taking a dog<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/taking-a-dog-on-a-ferry\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Short_crossings_vs_long_crossings\"><\/span>Short crossings vs long crossings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Short_crossings\"><\/span>Short crossings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2553-EDIT-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-519\" style=\"width:480px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2553-EDIT-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2553-EDIT-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2553-EDIT-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2553-EDIT-scaled.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2553-EDIT-45x60.jpg 45w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Short ferries, typically between the coast and nearby islands, are the simplest way to travel with a dog on the water. Sailings are frequent, quick, and the logistics are usually straightforward.<\/p>\n\n<p>On these routes, dogs often stay in the car, or they may be allowed in certain outdoor or shared areas. The charge for a dog is often free or just a token fee. These crossings are ideal for introducing your dog to ferries and the onboard environment.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Long_crossings\"><\/span>Long crossings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>Long-distance ferries are a different story. Sailings can take several hours, an overnight crossing, or even multiple days. At that point it\u2019s no longer just a transfer, it\u2019s a stay on board.<\/p>\n\n<p>This raises questions about where the dog sleeps, where it can move, how to handle toileting, and how it copes with noise and vibration. Long ferries are often the most demanding for a dog.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_dogs_allowed_on_ferries_at_all\"><\/span>Are dogs allowed on ferries at all?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>The first thing to check, before you plan anything, is whether dogs are allowed at all. There\u2019s no universal rule \u2013 each operator sets its own conditions.<\/p>\n\n<p>Differences can include:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>foot passengers and travelling with a car,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the size or number of dogs,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>domestic and international routes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Some ferries ban dogs entirely; elsewhere they\u2019re allowed only under strict, specific conditions. Checking this in advance is essential.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2446-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-520\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2446-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2446-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2446-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2446-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2446-scaled.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2446-80x60.jpg 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_and_how_your_dog_is_accommodated_on_board\"><\/span>Where and how your dog is accommodated on board<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Conditions vary not only between operators, but often even between individual routes run by the same company.<\/p>\n\n<p>The most common arrangements include:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the dog must stay in the car for the entire crossing,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the dog must be placed in its own or an assigned crate,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the dog may be in a pet\u2011friendly cabin with the owner,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the dog may move only within designated zones on deck.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to find out whether you\u2019ll have access to the car deck during the crossing. On many ferries this area is off-limits while sailing, which can be a problem on longer routes. It limits access to your luggage, including your dog\u2019s gear. And if your dog has to remain there, you may not see each other for several hours, which can be stressful for your dog.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Handy_things_to_have_with_you_on_board\"><\/span>Handy things to have with you on board<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>Wherever your dog is accommodated, it pays to keep a few basics within easy reach.<\/p>\n\n<p>Specifically:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>food and water for the dog,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>waste bags,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>paper towels or wet wipes,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a travel bowl.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>These small items are the bare essentials. They won\u2019t be needed on every sailing, but they can come in handy during embarkation, while waiting on board, or right after disembarking when your dog finally gets to stretch its legs.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pet%E2%80%91friendly_cabins_comfort_that_takes_planning\"><\/span>Pet\u2011friendly cabins: comfort that takes planning<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>On longer sailings, a pet\u2011friendly cabin is the most comfortable solution. Your dog has a quiet, enclosed space, and you don\u2019t have to spend the night in public areas.<\/p>\n\n<p>Bear in mind that:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>cabins designated for travelling with a dog are noticeably more expensive,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>there are very few of them,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>they need to be booked well in advance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>If these cabins are sold out, the alternatives are far less comfortable. On some routes, cabin availability can determine whether the trip with a dog is feasible at all.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_long_crossing_without_a_cabin\"><\/span>A long crossing without a cabin<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>As mentioned, a cabin isn\u2019t always available. In that case, expect to spend most of your time in the ferry\u2019s public areas.<\/p>\n\n<p>Your dog\u2019s movement may be restricted, and many parts of the ship are usually off-limits, especially restaurants, bars and play areas. Sleeping in public spaces is a chapter of its own. There\u2019s a higher risk of contact with other passengers, children, and even other dogs on board just as yours is trying to rest. This often leads to barking, reactive behaviour and general nervousness.<\/p>\n\n<p>In such an environment, the dog must be under constant control, and you should be prepared for a noticeable drop in comfort and possibly a sleepless night.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Noise_vibration_and_stress\"><\/span>Noise, vibration and stress<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Most ferries are noisy and constantly vibrating. These vibrations travel through the ship\u2019s structure and are often far more intense for dogs than for humans.<\/p>\n\n<p>Stress may show up as restlessness, trembling, reluctance to move, or complete withdrawal. Not every dog can cope with this environment, especially on longer sailings.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_prepare_your_dog_for_a_ferry\"><\/span>How to prepare your dog for a ferry<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>The biggest mistake is starting with a multi\u2011day trip. Gradual acclimatisation is far wiser.<\/p>\n\n<p>We recommend:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>taking several short crossings,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>observing how your dog reacts to noise, vibration and the ship\u2019s motion,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>increasing the duration gradually.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>If your dog struggles on short ferries, long sailings are unlikely to be suitable.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pet%E2%80%91friendly_facilities_on_ferries\"><\/span>Pet\u2011friendly facilities on ferries<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>The level of dog\u2011friendly facilities varies widely. Some ferries offer no special amenities; others provide designated outdoor areas or even dedicated dog rooms, something we\u2019ve seen in the Nordic countries.<\/p>\n\n<p>Don\u2019t rely on that kind of comfort \u2013 always check what a specific ferry actually offers.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cost_of_taking_a_dog\"><\/span>Cost of taking a dog<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>On short routes, carriage for dogs is often free or charged at a token rate. On longer sailings, costs rise, especially if the dog is accommodated in a cabin.<\/p>\n\n<p>In many cases you\u2019re not just paying for the dog, but for a specific cabin type or carriage arrangement. This can significantly affect your overall travel budget.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Ferry travel with a dog can be practical and comfortable, but only when it\u2019s well planned. Short crossings are ideal for getting your dog used to the onboard environment. Long sailings require thorough preparation, early bookings and realistic expectations.<\/p>\n\n<p>A ferry trip with a dog isn\u2019t an adventure in itself. It\u2019s a logistical test you\u2019ll pass only if you prepare both yourself and your dog.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ferry travel can be very practical when you\u2019re on the move with a dog, but it\u2019s also one of the least intuitive modes of transport. A ferry isn\u2019t just a boat instead of a bridge. For a dog, it\u2019s often &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2172,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Taking your dog on a ferry \u2022 travelling with a dog on boats and ferries \u2022 IBO Guide","_seopress_titles_desc":"Taking your dog on a ferry \u2013 a complete guide to travelling with a dog on ferries and boats: rules, bookings, safety, documents, and practical tips for a smooth crossing together.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[131,135,132],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2171","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-know-how","category-on-water","category-with-a-dog","latest_post"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2171","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2171"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2171\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3085,"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2171\/revisions\/3085"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2171"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2171"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2171"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}