How to Bring Your Pet from the UK to Europe – Stena Line Ferry

Bring your pet from the UK to Europe with ease.
This guide is updated in July 2025.
It shares my latest Stena Line ferry journey with Cookie.
Find new rules, travel tips, and real costs.
Plan a smooth adventure with your furry friend!

Why Bringing Your Pet from the UK to Europe is So Complicated 📍

I know how tough it feels to bring your pet from the UK to Europe—especially without a car. At first, it can seem overwhelming. But believe me, I’ve been there!

Without a car, things get tricky. For example, you have to:

• Search for rare pet-friendly ferries
• Deal with strict paperwork and health rules
• Find a route that actually allows dogs or cats onboard
• Manage with very few public transport options for foot passengers

🐾 But paws up—don’t let these hurdles scare you!
🚦 Step by step, things get easier.
🗺️ With this guide, you’ll soon be charting your route like a pro.
🎒 Grab your treats, pack your paperwork, and get ready—
✨ The journey is simpler than you think, and adventure awaits!

Before we jump in, let me share why this journey is so close to my heart:

My journey with Cookie started long before this guide. Here’s how we faced our biggest challenge together.

Want to know how Cookie and I first crossed borders together?
Read the full story of our road trip from Portugal to the UK—filled with emotional goodbyes, open roads, and the relief of reunion.
Read our journey here

Starting the Journey: Bringing My Pet from the UK to Europe🚀

Embarking on the journey from the UK to Portugal with Cookie was both exciting and challenging. Every detail needed careful planning to keep her comfortable.

First, I spent hours researching ways to cross from the UK to Europe without a car. Most ferry routes weren’t an option for foot passengers with pets.

After lots of searching, I finally discovered Stena Line. The only ferry at the time that let me travel with Cookie as a foot passenger.

This made our adventure possible. We would switch between trains, the overnight Stena Line ferry, and other European transport. Because of this, our journey became a true test of patience, determination, and love.

As we set off, Cookie’s excitement matched my own. Her tail wagged, nose twitched, and eyes sparkled at every new scent.

Although I had mapped out each step, traveling across borders with a dog meant I had to adapt to changes.

The UK-to-Europe route needed patience. Even so, seeing Cookie embrace every moment with joy made it all worthwhile.

Why I Chose Stena Line: My Personal Story 🚢

At a Glance: Your Main Options

🚢 Stena Line Ferry: Foot passengers with pets allowed.
🚗 Eurotunnel: Pets only with a car.
✈️ Plane: Small pets only only when flying out of the UK, strict rules.

Back in 2016, there weren’t as many travel options as there are today. So, when I discovered the Stena Line overnight ferry, it felt like the perfect solution for me and Cookie.

Here’s why Stena Line worked so well for us:

Location 🏡:

At the time, I was living in Birmingham.
Fortunately, Stena Line tickets included the train from Cambridge to Harwich.
So, I only needed to buy a ticket from Birmingham to Cambridge.
As a result, this helped me save money.
Even better, it also made planning much easier.

Overnight crossing 🌙:

The ferry left at night.
Because of this, I had plenty of time to travel from Birmingham.
Therefore, I didn’t have to rush or worry about missing connections.

Morning arrival🌅:

We arrived in Holland early.
As a result, I could reach Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam with no stress.
This gave me enough time for my afternoon flight to Portugal.

Stress-free scheduling 🕒:

I was traveling solo, and I’m dyslexic and neurodivergent.
For this reason, having extra time at each step made everything less stressful.
On the other hand, rigid schedules and tricky transfers can feel overwhelming.

First-time experience 🐾

This was my first time abroad with Cookie.
The simple Stena Line route made me feel much more confident.

If you also need flexibility and less stress, this route might suit you too.

As soon as we arrived at Harwich, I felt relieved.
There was plenty of outdoor space right by the port.
Because of this, Cookie could stretch her legs and sniff around before check-in.
It truly made a big difference for both of us!
(See my short video below.)

Stena Line Stands Against Illegal Puppy Trading

Another reason I trust Stena Line is because they take a strong stance against illegal puppy trading.
In fact, they work closely with government agencies to stop this cruel practice and protect animals.
If you want to learn more about spotting and stopping unethical breeding, you can check out my guides:

• Unethical Pet Breeding: How to Spot and Stop It

Stena Line Pet Travel: What’s New for 2025🐶

In May 2025, Cookie and I used the new pet-friendly cabin on the Stena Line ferry during our trip to Italy.

Here’s my real experience and what’s changed for travellers with pets:

Pet Kennel vs. Pet-Friendly Cabin 🛏️

• Pet-Friendly Cabin (2025):

We booked the new pet-friendly cabin with a view.
First of all, it was clean, private, and climate-controlled.
The space was about the size of a standard cabin.
Because of this, there was plenty of room for Cookie to walk around and rest.
Bedding and towels were included as well.
Most importantly, the big plus was that Cookie could stay with me for the whole journey.
There were no stressful separations at all!

Curious about the difference between a pet -friendly cabin and a standard one?
Although our pet-friendly cabin made this year’s journey so much smoother, my first crossing was in a standard inside cabin.

Because these aren’t designed for pets, Cookie had to stay in the onboard kennel.

However, there’s a clever feature: the standard cabin includes a TV with a special channel. While you relax in your comfortable bed, you can easily check on your pup. Since several cameras cover the kennels from different angles, you’re able to watch your dog at any time. As a result, even though you can’t have your pet with you, you can still feel connected.

Take a look at the gallery below.
You’ll see what a standard (not pet-friendly) inside cabin on Stena Line really looks like.
You can also check how the kennel camera setup works in practice!

• Standard Kennel:
  

The kennels are secure and come with bedding.
However, pets stay there without their humans.
Owners can visit during the crossing.
Even so, you can’t sleep together.

Some pets may feel anxious being left in the kennel area.

If your pet feels anxious or if you want to stay together, the cabin is the best option.
On the other hand, the kennel works well for short trips or for more independent dogs.

Onboard Pet Areas 🏞️

There are small, clean areas to walk your dog near the kennels.

Additionally, you can bring your pet to the open deck for fresh air.
You can also take bathroom breaks there.
This is possible when the weather allows.

Finally, with a pet-friendly cabin, you can skip late-night kennel visits altogether!

Onboard Amenities: What You’ll Find on the Stena Line Ferry 🛳️

When you travel on the Stena Line ferry, you get more than just transport. The ship has restaurants, lounges, and shops to keep you comfortable and entertained.
However, pets are not allowed in these areas—whether they stay in the pet-friendly cabin or in the kennel.
While your pet rests safely, you are free to explore and enjoy the ferry’s amenities during the crossing.

Main amenities include:

• Restaurant: First, enjoy hot meals, snacks, and drinks during your journey.

• Bar: Next, relax with a coffee, soft drink, or perhaps something stronger.

• Inside lounge: In addition, there are comfortable seats and quiet corners for reading or unwinding.

• Tax-free shop: If you want to shop, browse for gifts, snacks, or travel essentials at duty-free prices.

• Cinema: Moreover, you can watch a movie during your crossing—just check the schedule onboard.

• Casino games: Also, try your luck with casino-style games and slot machines, available in the entertainment area.

• Wi-Fi: Furthermore, stay connected with onboard Wi-Fi. For an extra fee ( £2), you can even access Wi-Fi in your cabin.

• Kids’ play area: Finally, families traveling with children will appreciate the dedicated play space.

Booking Process for How to Bring Your Pet from the UK to Europe in 2025 📝

• First, go to the Stena Line website and choose your route.
• Next, select the “Pet-Friendly Cabin” option during booking.
• After that, add your pet’s details and pay any extra fees.
• Finally, be sure to book as early as possible—pet cabins sell out fast!

Latest Prices (2025) 💷

Prices last checked July 2025. Prices may vary by season and route—always check Stena Line’s website for the latest info. Train ticket price is based on advance booking.

My First-Hand Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Would I book the pet-friendly cabin again? Absolutely!
In fact, it was worth the extra cost for peace of mind.
Because of the calm environment, Cookie was relaxed and happy.
We both slept well, so the whole trip felt much less stressful.
Most importantly, I really enjoyed the cabin with a view.
It made the journey special for both of us.

Quick Booking Tips ✨

• The day ferry is a cost–effective choice if you don’t mind daytime travel—great for pets who prefer avoiding night time.

• The overnight cabin offers privacy and stays with your pet, making it worthwhile for anxious animals.

• Book early to secure the best prices and cabin availability.

Day Ferry vs. Overnight Ferry: What’s Best for You and Your Pet?🕑

Are you planning to bring your pet from the UK to Europe on a Stena Line ferry?
If so, you can choose a pet-friendly cabin for extra comfort.
That way, you and your furry friend can travel together and relax.
Below, you’ll find the main differences between day and overnight cabin options.
Because of this quick comparison, you can easily decide what’s best for your journey.

Stena Line Cabin Options: Bring Your Pet from the UK to Europe in Comfort

Looking for a way to bring your pet from the UK to Europe and stay together? Stena Line’s pet-friendly cabins make it possible.

The table below shows the key features of both day and overnight cabin options. See which journey is best for you and your furry travel buddy.

Prices last checked July 2025

Tip:
Choose what matches your pet’s needs and your own comfort. The pet-friendly cabin is great for reducing stress, while the day option can save money.

Stena Line Kennel Options: The Classic Way to Bring Your Pet from the UK to Europe

Maybe you want to bring your pet from the UK to Europe, but you prefer the kennel option.
With Stena Line, your pet can stay in a secure and comfy space onboard.
Next, take a look at the table below.
It compares day and overnight kennel journeys.
As a result, planning your pet-friendly trip becomes much easier.

Prices last checked July 2025

Tip:
Want a quiet space to rest on a day sailing?
You can book a standard cabin.
Your pet can still stay in the kennel.

Step-by-Step Journey: Bringing My Pet from the UK to Portugal 🚀

Are you ready to bring your pet from the UK to Portugal?
If so, keep reading.
Below, I’ll show you the exact route I took with Cookie.
Step by step, you’ll see how we used public transport.
Then, we took the Stena Line ferry.
Along the way, we also found other pet-friendly options.

Additionally, you’ll find both my original journey and the newest 2025 update.
This way, you can easily plan the best route for you and your furry friend.
With the right information, your trip can be smooth and stress-free.

Stay tuned! 🐾

After this UK to Portugal trip, we’re heading to Italy.
Soon, I’ll share our adventure through Germany and beyond.
Because every journey matters, I hope you’ll follow along for more pet-friendly routes across Europe!

Packing Checklist: Bring Your Pet from the UK to Europe 💼

🐾 Pet passport or Animal Health Certificate (check dates!)

💉 Vaccination proof (rabies, others if needed)

🏷️ Microchip details

✈️ Carrier or travel crate (airline/ferry approved)

🍖 Pet food and snacks

💧 Water bottle and bowl

🧸 Favourite toy or blanket

💊 Medications or calming aids

💩 Waste bags and cleaning wipes

🐕‍🦺 Leash and harness

📝 Tickets, booking confirmations, and travel documents

📱 Contact details for emergency vets along the route

🌧️ Towel or pee pad (just in case)

🐶 Photo of your pet (in case you get separated)

Tip:
Pack everything in a small, easy-to-carry bag.
Always double-check pet travel rules for each country and company before you go.

Don’t forget:
First, do you want extra peace of mind when you travel?
If so, consider dog insurance for health emergencies and other surprises.
For more details, check my guide: Dog Insurance Guide 2025: Find the Best Coverage for Your Pup.

Next, are you traveling solo with your dog?
If that’s the case, you’ll find simple and practical advice here: Solo Travel with Your Dog — My Top Tips for a Stress-Free Trip.

Essential Requirements to Bring Your Pet from the UK to Europe 📝

Before you travel, always check the pet travel requirements.
This is important for journeys from the UK to Europe.
It matters just as much when traveling from Europe to the UK.

At first, the process may seem overwhelming.
However, with good preparation, you can make it much easier.

To bring your pet from the UK to Europe, you need to follow these steps:

• 🛂 Microchip: First, your pet needs a microchip. It must be implanted before, or at the same time as, the rabies vaccination.

• 💉 Rabies Vaccination: Next, your pet must have a valid rabies jab. This vaccine needs to be given at least 21 days before travel, and entered in an official document.

• 🦴 Tapeworm Treatment: In some countries, your dog will need tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before arrival.

• 📑 Pet Passport or Health Certificate: If you’re travelling within the EU, you need an EU Pet Passport. Otherwise, a Health Certificate is required when leaving from outside the EU.

Above all, keeping documents up to date will help you avoid travel problems.
Because you stay informed, your journey becomes much easier and less stressful!

For even more details, check out my guide:
Pet Travel to the UK and Europe: The Guide I Wish I Had

Also, if you’ll use trains or buses, see:
Dog on Public Transport: What You Need to Know

Other Pets: Can Cats, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs (and Even Horses!) Travel? 🐾

Traveling with non-dog pets aboard Stena Line?

Here’s what you need to know:

Stena Line: What Pets Are Allowed? 🙀

• Accepted in cabins and kennels:
  Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and ferrets are permitted in both pet cabins and kennels across many routes

• Cabin rules:
  Only dogs and cats may stay with you inside pet-friendly cabins. Other pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters must remain secured in their carrier—either in a kennel or at reception during the crossing

• Kennel rules:
  All small pets must stay in their transport carrier when housed in onboard kennels

Special Services: Pet Lounge & Non-Dog Animals 🐰

On the Belfast–Cairnryan route, Stena Superfast ferries offer a Pet Lounge (Deck 7) where dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and ferrets can stay in enclosed carriers during the voyage

• Can be prebooked for approximately €20–€24 per pet.

• Includes water and pet-friendly amenities.

• Animals must remain in carriers and leashed when outside.

What About Larger Animals Like Horses? 🐴

• Stena Line handles livestock or larger pets, such as horses or donkeys, on a route-by-route basis.

• You must contact Stena Line in advance to check if kennels or vehicle transport options are suitable

✏️ Quick Overview Table

* Only on Belfast–Cairnryan route.

Final Tips ✅

• Always pre-book if traveling with any pet.
• Carrier requirement: All non-dog pets must remain in secure carriers at all times.
• Check in advance for livestock or service animals.
• Confirm details before your trip—policies may differ by route and vessel.

The True Cost to Bring Your Pet from the UK to Europe 💰

Many people wonder, “How much does it cost to bring your pet from the UK to Europe?”
At first, it might seem simple.
For example, a flight from the UK to Lisbon only takes 2.5 hours.
It’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly for humans.

However, when you bring a pet from the UK to Europe, things get more complex.
Suddenly, there’s more to think about.
For instance, my journey with Cookie took nearly a day and a half.
We used trains, ferries, and needed lots of extra planning to keep her safe and happy.

Beyond the time commitment, the price difference is huge.
While standard flights can be as cheap as £25 one way or £50 round trip, pet travel costs much more.
A few years ago, my total expenses were around £500.
Now, it’s usually between £500 and £700 for the same route.
Of course, the final price always depends on how early I book and which services I choose.

Next, many people ask why I don’t leave Cookie in a pet hotel.
For us, that’s never an option.
Our bond goes far beyond simple companionship.

If you understand this connection, you’ll love my article:

Emigrating with Your Pet: Offering Emotional Support and Security.

For more about pet parenting, check out my story:

How Becoming a Pet Parent Changed My Life.

If you want to see what’s new in pet care, read:

Top Pet Ownership Trends: How We Care for Pets Today.

Below, you’ll find an up-to-date cost breakdown.
First, I’ll compare different ways to bring your pet from the UK to Europe.
You can choose to travel by car, as a foot passenger, or by air.
Because of this, you can plan ahead and budget with confidence.

Which Route Should You Choose? Cost Comparison (2025)🛳️

Below, you’ll see an at-a-glance cost breakdown for each way to bring your pet from the UK to Europe.
Prices are estimates and may change—always check before you book.

Prices last checked July 2025

Looking for even more pet-friendly travel options?
Then, check out my in-depth review of DFDS Pet-Friendly Ferries: Routes to Europe from the UK.
This way, you can find the route that fits your next adventure.

Coming soon:

I’ll share my first-hand article about our journey with Le Pet Express (I paid £170 for my crossing in 2025). Stay tuned!

Why I Always Travel with Cookie 🐶

Some dogs adapt well to pet hotels or sitters.
However, Cookie doesn’t.
When I first moved to the UK, she stayed with my parents for two months.
As a result, she has struggled with separation anxiety ever since.

Because of this, I can’t relax if she’s sad or stressed in a new place.
For me, travel is about more than the destination.
It’s about who you share it with.
That’s why Cookie and I always stick together.

If you enjoy sharing adventures with your pup the way Cookie and I do,
you might like these guides to our favourite spots:

• What to Do in Hastings with Your Dog: A Pet-Friendly Guide
• Dog-Friendly Isle of Wight: 4 Days of Pawsome Adventure
• Best Dog-Friendly Spots in Hawley Wharf for a Fun Day Out

A Journey of Love and Dedication💖

To bring your pet from the UK to Europe isn’t just about travel.
It’s about love, trust, and an unbreakable bond.
While some may see it as an inconvenience, I see it as a privilege.
Cookie isn’t just my travel companion—she’s my heart, my family, and my greatest adventure.

If you want to read more about how travel can heal, take a look at my story:
Healing Retreat with My Dog on the Isle of Wight

Moreover, the moments we share are truly special.
For example, we watch the sea from a ferry.
Then, we curl up together on long journeys.
After that, we step onto new lands side by side.
Because of this, each memory is worth every extra mile and every extra pound spent.

Ultimately, travel isn’t just about places.
Instead, it’s about who walks beside you.
For me, that will always be Cookie. 🐶💙

Real Stories: Bring Your Pet from the UK to Europe—Reader Experiences 🐾

Over the years, I have travel ed with Stena Line seven times.
During each journey, I met people from many different countries.
However, we all came from different backgrounds.
Even so, we shared one important thing.
We love our furbabies.
We would do anything to keep them close.

From Norway to Scotland: A Determined Pet Parent 🚂

For example, once I met a young woman with a big brown dog.
She was traveling all the way from Norway.
Like me, she had emigrated to the UK and left her dog behind at first.
First, she took several trains across the Netherlands.
Then, after arriving at Harwich, she and her dog still had to reach Scotland.
Her determination truly inspired me.

Two Golden Retrievers: Returning from Turkey to the UK ✈️

Next, I met a British man on his way back from Turkey.
He was traveling with two beautiful golden retrievers, each inside a huge carrier.
Because the dogs had flown in cargo from Turkey to Holland, he had to carry both crates by himself.
Even though the trip was difficult, he never gave up.

Three Dogs to Iceland: Solo but Never Alone 🚗

On a different trip, I met a woman traveling solo with three dogs.
Interestingly, she told me she was already used to these long journeys.
This time, she was headed all the way to Iceland.
Because of her confidence and love for her dogs, she made a strong impression on me.

Final Thoughts on How to Bring Your Pet from the UK to Europe 🌟

Bringing your pet from the UK to Europe is a real adventure.
It may seem complicated at first.
However, with the right information and a bit of planning, it becomes much easier.

Each journey brings its own challenges and rewards.
Yet, every step is worth it when you see your pet happy and safe by your side.

If you’re about to take this journey, remember that you are not alone.
In fact, there are many of us who truly understand the ups and downs.
Together, we can make travel easier—and even better—for all our furry friends.

Finally, Cookie and I wish you safe travels, wonderful new memories, and plenty of wagging tails along the way! 🐾💙

FAQs About How to Bring Your Pet from the UK to Europe ❓

Planning How to Bring Your Pet from the UK to Europe? Start Your Adventure Today! 🚀

So, don’t just read—take action now!
Then, start planning your pet-friendly adventure from the UK to Europe today.

👇 Next, drop your stories, moments, or questions in the comments below.
Because I read every single one, I can promise they always warm my heart.
Together, let’s inspire each other and honour the pups who make our lives brighter.

And who knows? Perhaps your story will even be added here as a shining example of love and adventure. 🐾
If you enjoyed exploring solo travel with your dog, then subscribe now for more pawsome tips, heartfelt stories, and new journeys.
After all, let’s keep the adventure going—your next chapter starts right here!

Want to know who’s behind these paws-on-the-road stories? ✈️

Discover our journey and what led us here.

Ready for the next pawstop? Follow our trail to more dog-friendly places and unforgettable moments on the road. 🚉

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