April 4, 2022

Ferries Pet Policy: Everything You Need to Know

Travelling with your furry friends on the ferry? Here’s our guide!

For a lot of us, pets are family. So, it makes sense that we bring them along on our adventures. Whether you are in the planning process or are gearing up to set sail, there’s a lot to know. Luckily, we’re here to help you travel with your furry friends aboard MV Fundy Rose, Northumberland Ferries, and The CAT. Each of our ferry routes has different policies when it comes to pet travel, so it’s important to know what to expect before you arrive to set sail with us. Let this be your one-stop shop for all the information you need before departure. Happy travelling!

Pet Travel 101

Preparation is key to a purrrfect pet-friendly vacation. You may be a frequent traveller, but bringing a pet along is not always a walk in the park. Luckily, all three of our ferry services make it easy for your four-legged friend to journey with you. So while you sit back and relax during your crossing, you can rest assured that your furry family members will also be safe.

MV Fundy Rose Pet Policies

Cats and dogs are welcome on MV Fundy Rose. Your pet can travel in the comfort of your vehicle or in an onboard kennel — we ask that you leave them with enough food and water to last the trip. Crew members monitor the vehicle deck — which is kept cool for humans and pets alike —  at all times and will let you know if your pet appears to be uncomfortable. If there is a need for you to check on your pet during the crossing, permission must be gained via the Purser’s office, which will arrange for you to be accompanied to your vehicle or kennel. Arrive early! Spaces in our kennels are limited and are given on a first-come, first-served basis!

Northumberland Ferries Policies

Aboard Northumberland Ferries, your pets can enjoy the memories with you. Your furry friend can stay on outside passenger decks as long as they are leashed. You may also leave your pet in the comfort of your vehicle. Please note that you may not visit your pet during the voyage due to safety reasons. Crew members will watch the vehicle deck and notify you if your companion appears to be unhappy. Alternatively, onboard kennels are available upon request.

Want your furry friends to enjoy leash-free play and a chance to stretch their paws before embarking on a ferry voyage? Visit our grassy, fenced-in Dog Park, conveniently located at our Wood Islands Ferry Terminal.

The CAT Pet Policies

With a name like The CAT, of course our high-speed ferry is pet friendly! Dogs and cats travelling with you can remain comfortably in your vehicle or in an onboard kennel located on the vehicle deck. Whichever option you choose, it’s important to remember that, for safety reasons, you won’t be able to visit your pet during the voyage. So be sure your furry friend has plenty of food, water, fresh air, and maybe even a favourite toy to pass the time. In addition, our crew members monitor the vehicle deck to ensure your pets are comfortable during the voyage. If any issues arise, they’ll be sure to notify you.

If you’re travelling from the United States to Canada with your dog, they must be healthy and have a valid rabies vaccination certificate. If your dog is less than three months old, you’ll need to provide proof of their age. You can get this information from your vet. Service dogs must also meet these requirements.

Domestic cats also require a valid rabies vaccination certificate and a veterinary certificate. Cats less than three months old require proof of their age. Non-domestic cats are not permitted entry into Canada. Learn more about travelling with your pet to Canada.

Travelling from Canada to the United States? Your dog must be healthy and have a valid rabies vaccine certificate. Puppies younger than four months cannot enter the United States. Service dogs must also meet these requirements.

Cats are permitted to enter the United States at any age without certificates, but must be examined by an inspector for any signs of disease communicable to humans. Learn more about travelling with your pet to the United States.

If you’re travelling with pets, remember to notify us so we can note it on your reservation. You’ll also need their appropriate veterinarian-issued certificates ready to show at check-in.

Pet-friendly Pointers

Yay! You don’t have to worry about securing a pet-sitter. But now you’re faced with the worry of whether or not your pet will be comfortable during the ferry ride. Here’s a list of our trips and tricks for your journey that are sure to keep every tail wagging:

1. Keep them comfortable: Whether your pooch travels in the car, or in a kennel, create a familiar ‘home away from home’ feeling by providing them with items of familiarity – a T-shirt with your scent on it, their favourite toy, comfortable bedding or a litter box. These will certainly help them relax.

2. Plan their mealtimes: Just like us, some animals are prone to motion sickness. Ease their stomach by feeding them well before you set sail (4-6 hours is ideal).

3. Tire them out: You know what they say, a tired dog is a happy dog. A pet that is all-exercised-out is way more likely to stay calm during the journey. Consider taking your companion for a pre-journey walk/run, or a long playtime session.

Ready to plan an amazing trip with your best friend? Book with MV Fundy Rose, Northumberland Ferries, and The CAT now. We’re certain you’ll have a paw-some time.

Have a question you didn’t find the answer to? No worries! Don’t hesitate to call our customer helpline at 1-877-762-7245 prior to setting sail.