Kennels On Board
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Company Section

Traveling with Pets

Marine Atlantic recognizes that the transportation of family pets is important to our clients.  In consultation with ferry services across the globe, the Canadian Kennel Club, and experts in animal behaviour we have updated our pet protocols to meet or exceed the standard of excellence for ferry services world-wide, while respecting Transport Canada regulations.  Not only have we improved our ship-board pet services, we have also provided pet-related information and traveling suggestions in our new Frequently Asked Pet Questions (FAQ) section on the website.

This new policy would not apply to certified service animals because they are permitted on our passenger decks to assist Persons With  Disabilities.

These protocols will be strictly enforced.   To ensure a smooth sail with us, please print a copy of these protocols and review them before you leave home to ensure you are able to comply.  These protocols are derived from our responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy experience for all who travel with us. 

Option 1:  At no charge, you may leave your pet in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing.  For a standard 6-7 hour crossing, this is the recommended option for most dogs (please visit the FAQ section for why/why not to use this option).  Please note:  Due to Canadian regulations for Health and Safety, passengers are not allowed on the vehicle decks during sailing. 

If you choose to leave your pet in your vehicle, Marine Atlantic is not responsible for your pet.

It should be noted that our Argentia service has a 14-17 hour transit time. Pet owners are responsible for judging whether choosing option #1 is suitable for their pet.

Option 2:  For your convenience we have provided a secure room where you can place your own Kennel that you must provide.  The Kennel service area is intended for longer crossings or for dogs that have special needs (please visit our FAQ section for advice on whether your dog might benefit from traveling in the Kennel).  Due to insurance and Health and Safety requirements, all pets must be transported to the secure Kennel area inside a crate unless your dog is too large to be carried while crated. If not in the Kennel, he or she must be muzzled and on-leash while traveling to and from the Kennel storage area on our vessels.  Please visit our FAQ section for more information.

  • All passengers traveling with pets and have reserved space onboard for their kennels, are required to check in 1 ½ hours prior to boarding. Marine Atlantic asks when checking in please make staff aware that a space has been reserved for your pet.

 

  Each kennel storage area includes a Toileting Station where your dog may relieve themselves.  We ask that owners clean up all waste produced by their pet.  The area will contain disposable plastic bags and a shovel-type tool for solid and liquid waste (please scoop all moistened waste) along with a trash receptacle.  The Toileting Station is disinfected after each sailing.

  • The price for reserving space for your kennel is $15.00 + Tax for all routes.
  • In the event that there is a vessel switch, your kennel space is not guaranteed as each vessel has different amounts of space available.

 

Space is limited and must be booked in advance through Reservations at 1-800-341-7981.  Crates must be airline-approved and comply with the following measurements (please measure your crate’s height, width and depth prior to calling Reservations).  Please find which crate size matches most closely with your crate, and be ready to tell Reservations not only the size of your crate (Large, Medium, etc) but also the actual measurements of your crate.   It is your responsibility to provide a lock for your kennel.

    • X-large/500—measures NO GREATER THAN 40” deep x 27” wide x 30” high.  Usually suitable for Afgan Hounds, Dobermans, large Labradors, Pointers, German Shepherds.
    • Large/400—measures NO GREATER THAN 35.5” deep x 25”wide x 27” high.  Usually suitable for medium to small Labradors, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Boxers, Dalmations, Airedale Terriers.
    • Medium/300—measures NO GREATER THAN 31.5” deep x 22” wide x 25” high.  Usually suitable for Beagles, larger Shetland Sheepdogs, small Border Collies, English Bulldogs, Springer Spaniels.
    • Small/200—measures NO GREATER THAN 27.5” deep x 21.5” wide x 21” tall.  Usually suitable for medium to small Shetland Sheepdogs, Miniature Poodles, Shi-Tzu, Lhasa Apso.
    • X-small—smaller than the Small crate listed above.  Suitable for very small dogs and cats.
    • Please note—wire crates are absolutely not permitted.
    • If your kennel does not match our requirements, you must choose option #1.

Kennels