TRAVELLING WITH A PET

From 1 January 2021 you will not be able to use the existing pet passport scheme when travelling to Europe or Northern Ireland with your pet. Instead you’ll need to follow a different process in advance of travel. For more information on the new animal health certificate (AHC) process and guidance about pet travel to Europe and Northern Ireland from 1st January 2021, visit the gov.uk site or our dedicated Brexit pet page.

We’ve also put together a list of handy travel tips of everything you’ll need to know, so that you can be fully prepared for all your future journeys to Europe and back.

When travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, owners should visit their vet at least one month before travel and make sure their pet has:

• A microchip for identification.

• A valid rabies vaccination - there are different requirements for pets entering from certain third countries, such as a rabies blood test.

• An animal health certificate unless you have a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland.

• Tapeworm treatment for dogs. A vet must treat your dog for tapeworm and record it in the animal health certificate if you’re travelling directly to: Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland, Norway. Note: Your dog must be treated for tapeworm to enter or return to the UK from an EU country - unless travelling from the above mentioned countries. This must be done no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before entering GB.

These requirements also apply to assistance and guide dogs.

Check the rules of the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.

More details can be found on our Pet Brexit page or visit the government pet travel advice page for more information.

Dogs, cats or ferrets are allowed on our ships, as long as they meet all the EU entry requirements and have a valid AHC or EU Pet Passport. For more details visit the gov.uk site. 

There are three dog friendly cabins on each vessel available for use by either foot passengers or vehicle passengers, and these are booked on a first come first served basis. If a dog friendly cabin is unavailable, then your pet must be booked in to one of our kennels.

Any other pets (dogs / cats) must go in the kennels located on Deck 7 for the duration of the crossing. Once the vessel is ready for sea, the passenger(s) cannot visit the animal until Deck 7 is opened up on arrival in port the following morning. Kennel sizes can be viewed below.

We’ve put together a few tips on how to make the journey as comfortable and hassle-free as possible for both you and your pet. 

When travelling with a pet to Holland there are two options available for you to use.

We have our dog friendly cabins which can be booked should you wish to stay closer to your pet during the crossing - please note pets must remain in the cabin at all times during the crossing. There are three dog friendly cabins on each vessel available for use by either foot passengers or vehicle passengers, and these are booked on a first come first served basis. Or we have our kennels located on deck 7 (details and sizes can be viewed below). Our staff regularly check on pets in their kennels throughout the entire overnight crossing.

Unfortunately pets cannot remain in your vehicle when sailing from Hull to Rotterdam.

Passengers travelling with pets need to check-in at least 90 minutes before departure, where you will be asked to fill in a pet manifest before boarding the ship.  

We are unable to offer Priority Boarding to passengers with pets, as your car will be parked near the kennels.

We do not allow people travelling on coaches to bring their pets, with the exception of registered Guide and Hearing Dogs.

We provide pet kennels in three different sizes for your furry friends big and small. Please note that the dimensions may change slightly depending on the ship you are travelling on.

Small kennels are for small pets that weigh a maximum of 20kg.

Large kennels are for medium sized pets that weigh a maximum of 35kg.

Extra-large kennels are for large pets with a maximum weight of 45kg.

Make sure to feed your pet at least a few hours before boarding the ship – if you do it later then they may get travel sick.

You can leave them with enough of their own food and water in our on board kennels to cover the crossing.

Always allow time for your pet to go to the toilet before boarding.

Give your pet plenty of exercise before they travel – that way, they’re likely to be less restless on the car journey.

It’s also a good idea to give them some toys to amuse them during the voyage.

Our on board kennels are air-conditioned to make sure that your pet won’t get too hot on the overnight crossing.

They’re more likely to sleep comfortably if they have familiar bedding with them, so it’s a good idea to consider leaving some in their kennel so they can feel as at home as possible.

We know how much your furry friends matter to you, which is why we're pleased to let you know that both our Hull and Rotterdam Ferry Terminals now have two dedicated pet areas for your much-loved pets to stretch their paws and enjoy some playtime in the open-air!

Not only that, for the Crufts wannabes among your beloved companions, we also have a few obstacle tasks within the exercise areas to get them energised and exercised, as well as a seating area for you to relax.

Our staff will be happy to direct you to these dedicated pet areas once you've checked in, just ask them for directions.

If your pet is poorly on the way to the ferry, you’ll find the nearest vet information for Hull and Rotterdam ports below.

As your pet will stay in our on board kennels during the voyage, it’s important to make sure they’re fit and well before boarding the ship.

Kingston Vets Clinic & Veterinary Hospital
1-2 Park Street Anlaby Road, Hull, HU3 2JF1
Monday to Friday: 9am - 11am and 2pm - 7pm
Saturday: 9am - 12noon
Tel: 01482 223688
Web: www.kingstonvets.com