Pet Areas
Pets travel for free.
For passengers travelling up until Sunday 17 October 2021:
If you plan to take your pet into a designate pet lounge, a zero-value pet ticket is required for the following routes in advance of travel:
Arran: Ardrossan - Brodick
Barra: Oban - Castlebay
Coll & Tiree: Oban - Coll - Tiree
Colonsay: Oban - Colonsay - Port Askaig
Harris: Uig - Tarbert
Islay: Kennacraig - Port Ellen/Port Askaig
Kintyre: Ardrossan - Campbeltown
Lewis: Ullapool - Stornoway
Mull: Oban - Craignure
North Uist: Uig - Lochmaddy
Skye: Mallaig - Armadale
Small Isles: Mallaig - Eigg - Muck - Rum - Canna
South Uist: Mallaig/Oban - Lochboisdale
If your route is not listed above, a pet ticket is not required. Pet tickets will be issued on the day of travel for Turn Up and Go Routes.
Pet bookings will be paused for Winter 2021/22 timetable commencing from 18 October 2021, to 24 March 2022
Pet tickets are not required during our quieter Winter season commencing from 18 October 2021 -24 March 2022. We will be taking advantage of this quieter time to pause bookings and improve our processes and procedures. Pet tickets aim to be back up and running for the Summer 2022 bookings opening in November.
If you have submitted a pet request, or already have a pet booking for the period of 18 October 2021 to 24 March 2022, your pet booking is no longer required. We're still taking pet bookings for the current period, up until 17 October 2021. We aim to reopen pet bookings when the Summer 2022 bookings open in November. You do not need to call and cancel your pet booking - we will do this for you. No refunds will be due as all pet tickets have a zero-value.
Foot passengers travelling with pets up until Sunday 17 October 2021
If you are travelling on foot and wish to bring your pet, you must request a zero-value ticket for each pet prior to travel.
Please submit an Online Pet Form after you've made your own travel booking and at least 24 hours prior to your departure.
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 up until Sunday 17 October 2021
If you are travelling with a vehicle and wish to bring your pet, we request that given current capacity constraints, your pet stays in your vehicle during the crossing.
This will free up space for those pets who are travelling with foot passengers.
You will not require a pet ticket if your cat or dog stays in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing and is not taken into a pet designated areas on the vessel.
Where you cannot leave your pet in your vehicle, please complete our Online Pet Form to request a zero-value ticket. This should be completed after you've made your own travel booking and at least 24 hours prior to your departure.
What happens after customers have requested a pet ticket
Pet request tickets are subject to availability.
If you cannot keep your pet in a vehicle and require a pet ticket - please submit the Online Pet Form .
Once we receive your request, and where we have capacity, you will receive an updated booking confirmation prior to your date of travel to confirm your pet ticket has been added to your booking.
If there is no capacity available, a member of our team will contact you directly.
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 where they can, 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.