Policies and Procedures
Travellers Section
Travellers Section

TraveLling with Pets

Marine Atlantic is responsible for providing a safe and healthy experience for all passengers onboard our vessels, including your pets.  To ensure a worry free experience, please review this policy prior to leaving home as these procedures will be strictly enforced.  

We have consulted with ferry services across the globe, the Canadian Kennel Club and animal behavior experts and updated our pet procedures to meet or exceed standards of excellence for ferry services world-wide, while respecting Transport Canada regulations. 

Please note this procedure does not apply to certified service animals as they are permitted on our passenger decks to assist Persons with Disabilities.

Pet-related information and traveling suggestions are available in our Frequently Asked Pet Questions (FAQ) section of this website. You can also view our Customer Information Card: Pet Owners which is available at all Marine Atlantic terminals.

Option 1: 

At no charge, you may leave your dog or cat in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing.  This is the recommended option for most dogs and cats.  (Please visit the FAQ section to determine if this option is best for you and your pet).

For the safety and security of our passengers, no one is permitted on the vehicle decks during sailing, so you are not permitted to visit your pet until the vessel arrives in port. 

The Port aux Basques/North Sydney ferry service has a 6 to 8 hour transit time, while the Argentia/North Sydney route is 14 to 17 hours. Due to the length of crossing, pet owners are strongly urged to cross on the Port aux Basques/North Sydney ferry service.  However, should you decide to cross through the Argentia/North Sydney route, pet owners are responsible for judging if option #1 is suitable for their pet.

Option 2: 

Reserve a kennel space for your own travel kennel.   

  • The price for reserving a kennel space is $15 + tax for all routes.
  • In the event there is a vessel switch, your space is not guaranteed as each vessel has different amounts of kennel space available.  If a vessel switch occurs, and we are unable to provide the kennel space, then you will have the option to select an alternate sailing or leave your pet in your vehicle
  • Reserved Kennel Space is limited and must be booked in advance through our Reservations Office at 1-800-341-7981.  

 

The kennel service area is intended for longer crossings or for dogs and cats that have special needs (please visit our FAQ sectionfor advice on whether your dog or cat might benefit from traveling in the kennel service area). 

For the safety of our passengers and crew all pets must be transported to the kennel service area inside a travel kennel. Dogs also have the option to be muzzled and put on-leash. It is your responsibility to transport your pet from your vehicle to the kennel service area.  Vessel staff will provide directions to the kennel service area once onboard the vessel. 

Failure to muzzle and leash your pet while outside of your vehicle may result in your reservation being cancelled.  If you have arrived for travel without a muzzle, they are available for purchase inside the terminal.

  • All passengers traveling with pets and have a reserved kennel space onboard, are required to check in one and a half hours prior to sailing time. Please inform our staff at check-in that you have reserved a kennel space for your pet.  Your vehicle will be placed accordingly during the loading process.

 

Each kennel service area includes a relief center where your dog may relieve themselves.  Pet owners are responsible to clean up all waste produced by their pet.  The area contains disposable plastic bags and a shovel-type tool for solid and liquid waste (please scoop all moistened waste) along with a trash receptacle.

Travel kennels must be airline-approved and comply with the following measurements (please measure your travel kennel height, width and depth prior to calling to make your reservation).  Please find which kennel size matches most closely with your kennel, and be ready to provide the Reservation Agent the actual measurements.   It is your responsibility to provide a lock for your kennel.

Kennel Sizes
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

Please note, for the safety of your pet, wire and collapsible kennels are not permitted.

If your kennel does not meet our requirements, you must choose option #1.

Kennels