April 4, 2022

Pet Policies: Everything You Need to Know

Travelling with your furry friends on the ferry? Here’s our guide!

For a lot of us, pets are family. So, it makes sense that we bring them along on our adventures. Whether you are in the planning process or are gearing up to set sail, there’s a lot to know. Luckily, we’re here to help you travel with your furry friends aboard MV Fundy Rose, Northumberland Ferries, and The CAT. Each of our ferry routes has different policies when it comes to pet travel, so it’s important to know what to expect before you arrive to set sail with us. Let this be your one-stop shop for all the information you need before departure. Happy travelling!

Pet Travel 101

Preparation is key to a purrrfect pet-friendly vacation. You may be a frequent traveller, but bringing a pet along is not always a walk in the park. Luckily, all three of our ferry services make it easy for your four-legged friend to journey with you. So while you sit back and relax during your crossing, you can rest assured that your furry family members will also be safe.

MV Fundy Rose Pet Policies

Cats and dogs are welcome at Bay Ferries and on board MV Fundy Rose.

Our terminals at Saint John and Digby have designated outdoor pet relief areas – look for the signs.

On the ship pets must remain comfortably in your vehicle or stay in an onboard kennel on the vehicle deck. Exception: Documented service animals on leash are permitted on the passenger deck. Please advise us at check-in if you require a kennel as they are limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

In preparation for the sailing:

• Please ensure your pet has had a visit to the relief area.
• Bring adequate food and water for the voyage.
• Ensure there is access to fresh air – roll down the windows!

Pets may not leave the vehicle decks. They are not permitted on inside or outside passenger decks.

For safety reasons, pet owners are not permitted to stay with, or visit pets during the voyage. Crew members monitor the vehicle deck, which is kept at a comfortable temperature. We will let you know if your pet appears uncomfortable, via an announcement.

Northumberland Ferries Policies

Cats and dogs are welcome at Northumberland Ferries and on board our vessels.

Our terminals at Wood Islands and Caribou have designated outdoor pet relief areas – look for the signs. Dogs can enjoy leash-free play and a chance to stretch their paws by visiting our grassy, fenced-in Dog Park, located at Wood Islands.

On the ship pets must be either placed in an onboard kennel on the vehicle deck or be kept on-leash on exterior passenger decks. Alternatively, provided the temperature is suitable, your pet may remain comfortably in your vehicle. Exception: Documented service animals on leash are permitted on the passenger deck. Please advise us at check-in if you require a kennel as they are limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

In preparation for the sailing:

• Please ensure your pet has had a visit to the relief area.
• Bring adequate food and water for the voyage.
• Ensure there is access to fresh air and suitable temperatures – roll down the windows!
• Pets are not permitted on inside passenger decks.

For safety reasons, pet owners are not permitted to stay with, or visit pets on the vehicle deck during the voyage. Crew members monitor the vehicle deck, which is kept at a comfortable temperature. We will let you know if your pet appears uncomfortable, via an announcement.

The CAT Pet Policies

Cats and dogs are welcome at Bay Ferries and on board The CAT.

Our terminals at Yarmouth and Bar Harbor have designated outdoor pet relief areas – look for the signs. Please note U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency require pet owners to clear customs before exiting their vehicle with a pet.

On the ship pets must remain comfortably in your vehicle or stay in an onboard kennel on the vehicle deck. Exception: Documented service animals on leash are permitted on the passenger deck. Please advise us at check-in if you require a kennel as they are limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

In preparation for the sailing:

• Please ensure your pet has had a visit to the relief area.
• Bring adequate food and water for the voyage.
• Ensure there is access to fresh air – roll down the windows!

Pets may not leave the vehicle decks. They are not permitted on inside or outside passenger decks.

For safety reasons, pet owners are not permitted to stay with, or visit pets during the voyage. Crew members monitor the vehicle deck, which is kept at a comfortable temperature. We will let you know if your pet appears uncomfortable, via an announcement.

Travelling from the United States to Canada

If you’re travelling from the United States to Canada with your dog, they must be healthy and have a valid rabies vaccination certificate. If your dog is less than three months old, you must provide proof of their age from your veterinarian. Service dogs must also meet these requirements.

Domestic cats require a valid rabies vaccination certificate and a veterinary certificate. Cats less than three months old require proof of their age. Non-domestic cats are not permitted entry into Canada. Learn more about travelling with your pet to Canada.

Travelling from Canada to the United States

Your dog must be healthy and have a valid rabies vaccine certificate. Puppies younger than four months cannot enter the United States. Service dogs must also meet these requirements.

Cats are permitted to enter the United States at any age without certificates, but must be examined by an inspector for any signs of disease communicable to humans. Learn more about travelling with your pet to the United States.

Ready to plan an amazing trip with your best friend? Book with MV Fundy Rose, Northumberland Ferries, and The CAT now. We’re certain you’ll have a paw-some time.

Have a question you didn’t find the answer to? No worries! Don’t hesitate to call our customer helpline at 1-877-762-7245 prior to setting sail.