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 January 2026.
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!

TLDR 🔍

If you want to bring your pet from the UK to Europe, Stena Line is a calm option.
It is also reliable.

However, the experience depends on the route, the time of travel, and how well you prepare.

In this guide, I explain how Stena Line pet travel works.
First, you will learn which documents your dog needs.
Then, you will understand the real costs and cabin options.
In addition, I share practical tips based on my own journey with Cookie.

Finally, you will find a clear comparison with other options, such as Eurotunnel and flying.
This helps you choose the best solution for you and your dog.

Why Bringing Your Pet from the UK to Europe Looks 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!

At first, the process feels overwhelming because:

• Brexit changed pet travel rules
• Paperwork and health requirements increased
• Timelines became strict
• Options for foot passengers are limited
• Not all ferries allow pets on board
• Public transport choices are few

Because of this, planning can feel confusing at first.

🐾 But paws up. Do not let these hurdles scare you.
🚦 Step by step, things get easier.

🗺️ With this guide, you will plan your route with confidence.
🎒 Pack your paperwork. Grab your treats. Get ready.

✨ The journey is simpler than it looks.
Adventure really does await.

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.

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

Embarking on the journey from the UK to Portugal with Cookie was exciting and challenging. At the time, every detail required careful planning to keep her comfortable.

First, I spent hours researching how to cross from the UK to Europe without a car.
Most ferry routes did not accept foot passengers travelling with pets.

After a lot of searching, I discovered Stena Line.
At that time, it was the only ferry that allowed me to travel with Cookie as a foot passenger.

Because of this, our journey became possible.
We combined trains, the overnight Stena Line ferry, and other European transport.

Looking back, the process is much clearer today.
But at the time, finding this solution was a huge relief.

As we set off, Cookie’s excitement matched my own.
Her tail wagged. Her nose twitched. Every new scent caught her attention.

Although I had planned each step, travelling across borders with a dog required flexibility.
Changes were part of the journey.

The UK to Europe route demanded patience.
Still, seeing Cookie enjoy every moment made the effort 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 guide:

• Unethical Pet Breeding: How to Spot and Stop It

Pet Travel in 2025 with Stena Line. My Real Experience🐶

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

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

Pet-Friendly Cabin ( 2025)

We booked a pet-friendly cabin with a sea view.
First of all, it was clean, private, and climate-controlled.

The space was similar to a standard cabin.
Because of this, Cookie had enough room to walk, stretch, and rest.

Bedding and towels were included.
This made settling in much easier.

Most importantly, Cookie stayed 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?

In a standard cabin, dogs cannot stay with you.
Because these cabins are not designed for pets, Cookie had to stay in the onboard kennel.

However, there is a clever feature.
Each standard cabin has a TV with a special kennel channel.

While you relax in bed, you can check on your pup at any time.
Several cameras cover the kennels from different angles.
As a result, you can watch your dog whenever you need.

Even though your pet is not with you, you still feel connected.

Take a look at the gallery below.
You will see what a standard inside cabin on Stena Line looks like.
You can also see how the kennel camera system works in real life.

Standard Kennel vs Pet-Friendly Cabin

A clear comparison to help you choose what suits your dog best.

Feature	Standard Kennel	Pet-Friendly Cabin
Where your dog stays	In the onboard kennel area	With you in the cabin
Sleeping together	Not possible	Yes
Owner access	You can visit during the crossing	Constant access
Stress level	Can be stressful for sensitive dogs	Calmer for anxious dogs
Best for	Short trips or independent dogs	Longer trips or dogs that need closeness

Onboard Pet Areas

There are small, clean areas near the kennels where you can walk your dog.

In addition, you can take your pet to the open deck for fresh air.
You can also use this space for quick bathroom breaks.

This is possible when the weather allows.

Finally, if you stay in 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 a Stena Line ferry, you get more than transport.
The ship offers restaurants, lounges, and shops to keep you comfortable.

However, pets are not allowed in these public areas.
This rule applies whether your dog stays in a pet-friendly cabin or in the kennel.

While your pet rests safely, you are free to explore and enjoy the ferry.

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, book as early as possible. Pet-friendly cabins are limited and sell out quickly.

Latest Stena Line Prices (2026) 💷

Realistic one-way “from” prices for foot passengers travelling with pets.

Option	Price (One-Way, from)
Day ferry ticket (adult, foot passenger)	~£70–£110
Pet kennel (add-on)	~£23–£35
Pet-friendly cabin (add-on)	~£120–£170
Overnight ferry + kennel (pet cost only)	~£23–£35
Overnight ferry + pet-friendly cabin (add-on)	~£130–£190
Train: London Liverpool Street → Harwich	~£8–£25 (advance fares)

Prices last checked January 2026. These are realistic “from” values based on early bookings and off-peak travel. Rates vary by season, route, and availability. Always confirm on Stena Line’s website before booking.

My First-Hand Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Would I book the pet-friendly cabin again? Absolutely.

It was worth the extra cost for peace of mind.
Because of the calm environment, Cookie stayed relaxed and happy.

We both slept well.
As a result, the whole trip felt far less stressful.

Most importantly, I loved the cabin with a sea view.
It made the journey special for both of us.

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 and travel together in comfort.

Below, you will find the main differences between the day and overnight options.
This quick comparison will help you decide what suits your journey best.

Stena Line Cabin Options. Travel Together 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 journeys.
See which option fits you and your furry travel buddy.

🕑 Day Ferry vs. Overnight Ferry

Compare day and overnight pet-friendly cabin options on Stena Line.

Feature	☀️ Day Ferry + Cabin	🌙 Overnight Ferry + Cabin
Cabin price (one-way, from)	~£120–£160 (plus ferry ticket)	~£130–£190 (plus ferry ticket)
Where your pet stays	In the cabin with you	In the cabin with you
Privacy	Private cabin	Private cabin
Best for	Flexible daytime travel and comfort	Anxious pets and overnight rest
Arrival time	Afternoon or evening	Early morning
Sleep	Rest in the cabin	Sleep overnight in the cabin
Views	Daylight and open deck access	Night crossing and sunrise on arrival
Continue travel	Same-day onward travel possible	Ready early for the next step

Prices last checked January 2026. These are realistic “from” values based on early bookings and off-peak travel. Rates vary by season, route, and availability. Always confirm on Stena Line’s website before booking.

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.

🐾 Stena Line Kennel Options

Compare day and overnight kennel journeys on Stena Line.

Feature	☀️ Day Ferry + Kennel	🌙 Overnight Ferry + Kennel & Standard Cabin
Pet location	Kennel (you can visit)	Kennel (you can visit)
Where you stay	Seat or lounge area	Standard cabin (pets not allowed inside)
Sleep	No (daytime trip)	Yes, in a private cabin
Cabin type	Optional	Required (standard cabin)
Price (kennel)	~£23–£35	~£23–£35
Best for	Budget travel and independent pets	Budget overnight travel with independent pets

Prices last checked January 2026. Rates vary by season, route, and availability. Always confirm on Stena Line’s website before booking.

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

Are you ready to bring your pet from the UK to Europe?
If so, keep reading.

Below, I share the exact route I took with Cookie when travelling to Portugal.
This is a real journey you can adapt to many destinations, such as France, Spain, Italy, or beyond.

Step by step, you will see how we used public transport.
Then, we crossed to mainland Europe with the Stena Line ferry.
Along the way, we discovered several pet-friendly options.

You will also find both my original route and the latest 2025 update.
This way, you can plan the best journey for you and your furry friend.
With the right information, your trip can be smooth and far less stressful.

After this UK to Portugal journey, we are heading to Italy.
Soon, I will share our adventure through Germany and beyond.

Because every journey matters, I hope you will follow along for more pet-friendly routes across Europe. 🐾

🧭 Step-by-Step Route Example

Step	Transport	Route	Duration	🐶 Pet-Friendly Tip
1. First leg	🚌 Bus	Home → Stratford Station	~30 min	A short walk before leaving helps your pet settle.
2. Train ride	🚆 Train	Stratford → Harwich	1h 15m	Carry treats and water. Some trains have limited services.
3. Ferry crossing	⛴️ Stena Line	Harwich → Hook of Holland	6h 45m	Pet cabins and kennels sell out fast. Book early.
4. Coach transfer	🚌 Coach	Hook of Holland → Schiedam Centrum	~30 min	Always check bus pet policies in advance.
4a. Update (2025)	🚇 Metro	Port → Schiedam Centrum	~30 min	Metro now stops outside the port. Small pets travel free in carriers.
5. Train ride	🚆 Train	Schiedam → Amsterdam Schiphol	1h 30m	Dutch trains are pet-friendly. Small pets travel free.
6. Airport wait	⏳ Layover	Amsterdam Schiphol	~7 hours	Find a calm corner. Airports can overwhelm pets.
7. Flight	✈️ Flight	Amsterdam → Lisbon	3 hours	Transavia allows pets in cabin up to 8 kg.
8. Arrival	🎉 Destination	Portugal	—	Fresh water and a short walk help your pet settle.

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

Below is a quick checklist with the essentials you should always have when travelling across borders with your pet:

🐾 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)

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

Before you travel, always check the pet travel rules.
This is essential when going from the UK to Europe.
It matters just as much when traveling from Europe back 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!

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

Travelling with a pet that is not a dog?
Stena Line also allows several other animals on board, but the rules change depending on the species and route.

Below is a clear overview to help you plan.

What Pets Are Allowed on Stena Line?🙀

• Dogs and cats
• Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and ferrets
• In special cases, larger animals such as horses or livestock

However, not all pets follow the same rules.

• Only dogs and cats can stay with you inside a pet-friendly cabin
• Small animals must always remain inside a secure carrier
• Some routes offer a Pet Lounge instead of standard kennels

On the Belfast–Cairnryan route, Stena Superfast ferries provide a Pet Lounge where small animals travel in enclosed carriers.
This service can be pre-booked and includes water and basic pet facilities.

✏️ Quick Overview Table

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

Many people ask, “How much does it really cost to bring a pet from the UK to Europe?”

At first, it may seem simple.
For example, a flight from the UK to Lisbon takes just a few hours.
It is fast, easy, and often very cheap for humans.

However, when you travel with a pet, everything changes.

Suddenly, there is more to plan.
Routes become longer.
Moreover, you must think about safety, comfort, documents, and rest.

For us, the journey took almost a day and a half.
In fact, we used trains and ferries, and needed careful planning to keep Cookie calm and safe.

The cost changes too.

While a standard flight can cost as little as £25 one way, travelling with a pet is far more expensive.
A few years ago, my total cost was around £500.
Today, however, it is usually between £500 and £700 for the same route.

Of course, the final price always depends on how early you book and which services you choose.

Many people also ask why I do not leave Cookie in a pet hotel.
For us, that is never an option.
After all, our bond goes far beyond simple companionship.If you feel the same, you may enjoy these stories:

• Emigrating with Your Pet. Offering Emotional Support and Security
• How Becoming a Pet Parent Changed My Life
• Top Pet Ownership Trends. How We Care for Pets Today

Real Costs: What You Actually Pay in 2026

Below, you will find an up-to-date cost breakdown.
First, I compare the main ways to bring your pet from the UK to Europe.
You can travel by car, as a foot passenger, or by air.

As a result, you can plan ahead and budget with confidence.

Which Route Should You Choose? Cost Comparison (2026)

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.

Pet travel prices can vary a lot. In fact, two people planning the same route may pay very different amounts.

• First, prices change by season. Summer and school holidays are always more expensive.
• Second, booking early makes a huge difference. Advance fares can cut costs in half.
• In addition, cabins and pet spaces are limited. When they sell out, only higher options remain.
• Finally, your choices matter. Kennel or cabin, day or overnight, train or car. Each decision affects the total.

For this reason, the figures below are shown as realistic “from” prices. They reflect what a prepared traveller can expect, not miracle deals or peak-season extremes.

Looking for even more pet-friendly ways to travel from the UK to Europe?

First, explore my in-depth review of DFDS Pet-Friendly Ferries: Routes to Europe from the UK.
This option is ideal if you prefer overnight travel from the North of England.

Then, discover how we crossed borders on land with How to Cross from France to the UK with Your Pet: Le Pet Express Review

This way, you can compare ferry, train, and tunnel options.
As a result, you’ll find the route that truly fits your journey, and your pet’s needs.

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. 🐾
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