Sit, Stay, Sail – Your Guide to Travelling with Your Pets
As the summer quickly approaches, many of us are busy planning the perfect road trip for all our travel companions – including the ones with four paws. Travelling with your pet may mean your options are limited, but that’s not the case when travelling with Marine Atlantic. We’re proud to offer pet owners with flexible travel options to give them the opportunity to travel safely and efficiently with their furry friends.
Travelling with your pet for the first time can be nerve racking, the following information will tell you everything you need to know to give you and your pet the chance to sit, stay, and relax during your crossing.
I plan on travelling with my pet – what travel options do I have?
When travelling with Marine Atlantic, you’ll have three options of what to do with your pet for the duration of your crossing. You can either reserve a pet- friendly cabin, reserve kennel space, or leave your pet in your vehicle. With a pet-friendly cabin, you have the option to have your pet in a cabin with you for the duration of the sailing. Our kennel space provides pet owners with a reserved space for their pet and travel carrier. Pet owners are able to visit and tend to their pet throughout the crossing. If you leave your pet in a vehicle, it’s important to remember that once you leave your vehicle at the beginning of the crossing, you will not be permitted to go to the vehicle deck during the crossing. These three options allow pet owners to keep their pet comfortable during travel, whether that be in the comfort of a known vehicle or by their owners’ side.
We advise pet owners to book as far in advance as possible to ensure they can select the best travel option for themselves and their pet.
I have a pet-friendly cabin – what should I bring for my pet?
When you pack for your upcoming adventure, you should pack a small bag with essential items for yourself and your pet. Think about any items your pet will need during the crossing or any items that can make your pet comfortable. Items to pack can include:
Food and treats
Bowls for food and water
Leash and/or pet carrier (extendable leashes are not accepted)
Toys
Beds and/or blankets
Any medication they may need
It’s important to keep in mind that animals are not permitted to be left unaccompanied in pet-friendly cabins. If you and your pet are hitting the open roads as a duo, ensure you also pack the items you’ll need for the duration of your crossing.
What happens if I have changes to my travel plans?
In the event of a vessel switch, a delay or cancellation or a change to your reservation, the pet-friendly cabin or kennel space you originally booked may not be guaranteed. Kennel space may be offered if pet-friendly cabins are unavailable. If you are not comfortable leaving your pet in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing or if your pet is not kennel trained, you will have the option to select an alternate crossing time/date.
I’m travelling with a service animal – do I need to do anything ahead of my travels?
Passengers who require the assistance of a certified service animal are asked to notify us at least 96 hours ahead of your trip so we can make any necessary travel arrangements. Those with certified service animals must submit an identification card or other documents issued by an organization or person specializing in service dog training. Passengers travelling with emotional support animals must also submit electronic documentation. To ensure you follow the guidelines for service animal and emotional support animal travel, please click here.
What animals can stay in a pet-friendly cabin?
Dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents and small birds are welcome in our pet-friendly cabins. If you’re travelling with an animal other than a dog, we ask you to keep your pet crated at all times.
My dog is staying in the onboard kennel space, what do I need to bring?
Along with any essentials listed in what to bring for pets staying in pet-friendly cabins, all pets in our kennel space must have a hard plastic travel carrier. More information about carrier sizes can be found here.
Is there somewhere on board where my pet can relieve themselves?
Yes, there is a dedicated pet relief area onboard all of our vessels where you can take your pets for bathroom breaks. If your pet has an accident, please visit Reception on Deck 7 for cleaning supplies.
Are there any spaces I can take my pet before boarding?
While you wait to board one of our vessels, you and your dog can enjoy the dog parks located at all of our terminals. These fenced spaces give you and your dog the space you need to stretch your legs and go off-leash.
Have any other questions about pet-friendly travel?
Our team at Marine Atlantic would be more than happy to answer any additional questions you may have! Contact our Customer Relations team at 1-800-341-7981 or [email protected] for additional support.
