Pet Areas
Our capacity is restricted due to the implementation of the latest official physical distancing guidelines and these also apply to our designated pet area, so it's very important that we manage the number of pets on board our vessels.
Pet ticket requests are required for the following routes in advance of travel:
Arran: Ardrossan - Brodick
Barra & Eriskay: Barra - Eriskay (Sound of Barra)
Barra: Oban - Castlebay
Coll & Tiree: Oban - Coll - Tiree
Colonsay: Oban - Colonsay - Port Askaig
Harris: Uig - Tarbert
Islay: Kennacraig - Port Ellen/Port Askaig
Lewis: Ullapool - Stornoway
Lismore: Oban - Lismore
Mull: Oban - Craignure
North Uist and Harris: Berneray - Leverburgh (Sound of Harris)
North Uist: Uig - Lochmaddy
Skye: Mallaig - Armadale
Small Isles: Mallaig - Eigg - Muck - Rum - Canna
South Uist: Mallaig/Oban - Lochboisdale
Pet tickets will be issued on the day of travel for turn up and go routes.
Foot passengers travelling with pets
Pets travelling with passengers on foot can access all outside passenger areas on most of our ships - but they must have a zero-value pet ticket. If you have made your booking online, please complete our online pet ticket form to add a pet to your booking. Pet request tickets are subject to availability.
Many of our larger ships have internal pet areas with seating provided for owners. When inside, passengers travelling with pets with a zero value pet ticket should remain in these areas.
Vehicle passengers travelling with pets
If you are a vehicle passenger and wish to bring your pet, we request that your pet stays in your vehicle during the crossing. This will free up space for those pets who are travelling with foot passengers.
Where you cannot leave your pet in your vehicle, please complete our online pet ticket form to request a zero-value ticket for your dog. This should be completed after you've made your own travel booking. Pet request tickets are subject to availability.
The capacity of our vessels, and in our pet areas has been reduced due to social distancing guidelines. Therefore we ask customers, if they can, to leave pets in their vehicle during the crossing.
Support dogs
*Support dogs do not require a zero-value ticket prior to travel. Support dogs are allowed to access all public areas on our ferries, except designated children's play areas.
The welfare of our passengers is very important, and we ask that you read the following information before you travel with your pet. These points are applicable to both foot and vehicle passengers travelling with pets. It is our aim to make journeys as safe and comfortable as possible for all our passengers. Please take due care and show consideration for everyone on board.
Travelling in a vehicle
Ferries can be an unfamiliar place for pets. Space can be limited and noisy, so when you are travelling with a vehicle it is recommended that, where possible, pets remain inside vehicles for the duration of your journey. If you are on a longer journey and wish to visit your pet, please contact a member of staff who will be happy to help. However, please be aware that visits are not guaranteed and may be subject to operational restrictions.
Pet travel checklist
Always leave enough food and water in your vehicle for your pet.
Supply absorbent bedding or mats where possible.
You must make sure the ventilation inside your vehicle is good and the pet's welfare is well catered for.
Deactivate the interior motion sensor of your vehicle alarm.
Remember to leave them with their favourite toy.
Don't forget spare pet/doggy bags.
Behaviour on board
Always use designated pet areas and follow our signage.
Pets must be kept off seats and not obstruct emergency exits.
Pets are not allowed in any food, beverage, or carpeted areas (for hygiene reasons).*Support dogs are permitted to all passenger areas
Please stay with your pet at all times, other than when they are left in a vehicle.
Pets must be kept on a lead whilst on board.
If your dog is unsociable or nervous when in an unfamiliar or busy environment, we strongly advise that owners fit a muzzle whilst around other passengers.
Pets are welcome on all outside passenger decks.
Please note that if any damage is made to a vessel or premises i.e. furnishings, flooring, or equipment, or the property of other passengers, crew, or staff that you will be liable for any losses, costs, or expenses incurred.
Calls of Nature
We know that most pet owners are very responsible, and always carefully clear up after their pets. We ask that this approach extends to travelling on our ferries.
Special Arrangements
Where special arrangements would be helpful to owners i.e. storing a pet in an RSPCA approved pet carrier or similar apparatus, provided by the owner, a location may be identified on the ship by prior arrangement with the port of departure. Owners should contact the port of departure at least seven days in advance of travel.