Pet Areas
Pets travel free of charge. Whilst pets can come on board with you when you travel, owners should take into consideration the length of the crossing as pet areas vary from ship to ship.
From 1 July when making a booking please let our team know if you are travelling with a pet and we will issue a zero-value ticket to help manage capacity in our designated onboard pet areas. Please call: 0800 066 5000 to add your pet to a booking.
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.
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).*Assistance 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.
Download our Pet Policy and Pet Leaflet, email enquiries@calmac.co.uk, or speak with any member of staff or crew.
Designated Pet Areas
On most of our ships pets are allowed access to all outside passenger areas. Many of our larger ships have internal pet areas with seating provided for owners. When inside, passengers travelling with pets should remain in these areas. On some ships pets are not permitted inside.
For health, hygiene and safety reasons, pets must not be allowed to sit on seats; they are not permitted in certain lounges within the ship or areas where food and/or drinks are served.
Support Dogs
Support dogs are allowed to access all public areas on our ferries, except designated children's play areas.
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.