DFDS ferry leaving Dover Port
Sea travel dog guide · 2026

DFDS Seaways

UK ↔ France (Dover-Calais, Dover-Dunkirk, Newhaven-Dieppe, Portsmouth-Le Havre) · UK ↔ Netherlands (Newcastle-Amsterdam) · Scandinavia & Baltic routes

Photo: Ian S / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0

About this route

DFDS is one of northern Europe's largest ferry companies with multiple passenger routes. Pet-friendly cabins are available on the Newcastle-Amsterdam route, including sea-view cabins for people travelling with pets. On short UK-France crossings, dogs usually travel in vehicles or kennels. The Newhaven-Dieppe route is especially important because it is one of the few UK-France ferry options where foot passengers can bring pets in suitable carriers.

Dog travel details

Pet fee£15-30 per pet each way depending on route

Dog notesFor dogs, route choice matters. Dover routes are quick but usually vehicle-based; Newcastle-Amsterdam is better for dogs that need a cabin. Newhaven-Dieppe can help owners without a car, but large dogs may be harder to accommodate as foot-passenger pets.

BookingRegister dogs in advance at booking. Pet cabins and kennels are limited. For short Channel crossings, pets in vehicles still need to be declared.

Pro tipThe Newcastle-Amsterdam overnight crossing with a pet cabin is far calmer than a short Channel dash if your dog struggles with waiting in a parked vehicle. On Channel routes, plan ventilation, water and timing carefully in hot weather.

RestrictionsOn many UK-France routes dogs cannot enter public areas and must remain in vehicles or kennels. Pet cabins are route-specific, not universal.