Pet Travel Options

We offer three options for pets to travel on board our vessels because adventures are always more fun with your four-legged best friend. You will have to add your pet to your booking, whether leaving them in your vehicle, booking a kennel, or booking pet-friendly accommodations.

Option One: Reserve a Pet-Friendly Cabin

• Accommodations are limited and must be booked online in advance or through our Reservations Office at 1-800-341-7981.
• There is a dedicated pet relief area on board in the kennel space on Deck 7 of MV Blue Puttees & MV Highlanders and Deck 10 of MV Atlantic Vision. 
• You will be responsible for your pets at all times, including clean up.
• If your pet has an accident during the crossing, please visit Reception on Deck 7 for cleaning supplies.
• Pets must be on a leash or in a pet travel carrier whenever going to and from your cabin and are not permitted in the lounge or food service areas.
• For safety reasons, passengers travelling with dogs are encouraged to use the elevators when moving between decks. Staff will ensure only animals familiar with each other are in the elevator at the same time. 
• For hygiene purposes, we ask that pets refrain from getting on the beds. Please consider using a pet bed or blanket to make your pet comfortable.
• Animals are not permitted to be left unaccompanied in pet-friendly cabins. Animals other than dogs must remain crated at all times.
• Pets causing a disturbance for fellow passengers may be required to utilize kennel space, if available, or be returned to your vehicle. 
• A maximum number of two pets will be permitted per pet-friendly cabin. 
• We ask that you keep a copy of your itinerary with you at all times when on board – this will let our crew members know you are staying in a pet-friendly cabin. 

Option Two: In Vehicle

• You may leave your pet in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing. Many pet owners choose this option as dogs and cats tend to be more comfortable in a familiar environment. Of course, every pet is different and therefore we rely on the owner to choose the best option for their four legged companion.
• If you choose this option, we ask that you notify us upon check-in, and request a ‘Pet On Board’ card to display in your vehicle window. This card identifies that your vehicle contains a pet and assists us during the boarding process.
• Remember to leave vehicle windows partially open to maintain airflow for your pet(s).
• For the safety and security of passengers, no one is permitted on the vehicle deck during the crossing. Therefore, you will not be permitted to visit your pet until the vessel has arrived in port. 
• Please note: The Port aux Basques - North Sydney crossing is approximately 7 hours and the Argentia - North Sydney crossing is approximately 16.5 hours. Due to the length of the Argentia - North Sydney crossing, pet owners are strongly urged to cross on the Port aux Basques - North Sydney route. However, should you decide to travel on the Argentia - North Sydney route, you must determine if this is the best option for your pet.

Option Three: Reserve Onboard Kennel Space

• You may reserve a space for your pet’s travel carrier, which must be constructed of hard plastic (collapsible wire and soft-sided carriers are prohibited). You are responsible to bring your own lock for your pet travel carrier.
• The price for reserving a space is $16.75 + HST for all routes.
• The sizes and configuration of kennel storage space varies by vessel. In the event of a vessel switch, your space may not be guaranteed. If a vessel switch occurs and we are unable to provide kennel space, you will have the option to select an alternate sailing, or leave your pet in your vehicle.
• Space is limited and must be booked online in advance or through our Reservations Office at 1-800-341-7981.

Pet Travel Carrier Sizes

Pet travel carriers must fit within the dimensions outlined below. Please select the space that best accommodates your pet travel carrier, and ensure you bring a lock. If your pet travel carrier does not fit these requirements, your pet must remain in your vehicle. You will not have access to your vehicle during the crossing.

Extra Large

• Available only on MV Atlantic Vision
• Measures NO GREATER THAN 40” deep x 27” wide x 30” high
• Usually suitable for Afghan Hounds, Dobermans, large Labradors, Pointers, and German Shepherds

Large

• Measures NO GREATER THAN 35.5” deep x 25” wide x 27” high
• Usually suitable for small to medium Labradors, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Boxers, Dalmatians, and Airedale Terriers

Medium

• 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, and Springer Spaniels

Small

• 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, and Lhasa Apso

Rules and Regulations

To our dog friends, there are a few rules we ask that you follow for your safety and those around you at our dog-only park. If you decide to run, jump and fetch, please be mindful of small children and others nearby.

Remind your owners or human companion that they:

• are responsible (the lawyers say “liable”) for what you do at all times
• have to pick up after you
• must put you back on a leash when you leave
• need to supervise your every whim, need and interaction with others
• must not forget to watch out for their kids when paying attention to you
• are not to leave you alone and unsupervised to make new acquaintances on your own

If these rules are followed, everyone should have fun and stay safe with no need to growl about Marine Atlantic having to state that users of the dog park do so at their own risk, and that Marine Atlantic assumes no liability for any injuries, loss of or damage to property arising from the use of this park.