The rules regarding pets vary among different shipping companies, depending on factors such as the duration of the trip (overnight or not), whether you are traveling by car or on foot, the size of the pet (usually with an 8 kg weight limit separating small and big ones), and the number of pets accompanying you.

 

It is always necessary to inform the shipping company about transporting your pet when making a reservation, and there is usually a separate fee for pet transportation.

 

On longer voyages, there is a limited number of pet cabins, so it is advisable to book them in advance, especially during peak holiday seasons. Depending on the shipping company, a maximum of 2-3 animals of certain sizes may be allowed in one cabin. On overnight trips, a pet cabin is often the only option for transporting a pet.

 

Some shipping companies offer pet cages as an alternative, where the pet is left alone overnight to travel with other pets (in separate cages). This is usually a more affordable option than a cabin, but it can be more stressful for a pet that is not accustomed to traveling alone. For large dogs, this may be the only option for transportation.

 

If you are traveling by car ferry, leaving the pet in the car during the journey is generally not allowed. Passengers are usually not allowed on the car deck during the journey, so keeping the pet in the car for the entire trip would not be practically possible on long journeys.

 

However, some shipping companies allow pets to be left in the car during the journey on certain short routes.

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During the day, apart from the cabin/kennel, pets are usually only allowed on one or two designated decks where they have their own marked toilet facilities. The toilet facilities may be litter boxes or simply the ship's outer deck, where owners are responsible for mopping up urine and feces.

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There may be no opportunity for outdoor walks on shorter routes!

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Pets are generally not welcome in the ship's shops and restaurants — an exception being some ferry companies, where small pets are allowed in shops if carried on a lap or in a carrier.

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Pets may feel seasick on a ship in a different way than during a car journey! Be prepared with motion sickness medication to ensure that especially on longer trips your pet does not stop eating and drinking due to nausea.