Travelling with pets

NorthLink Ferries are happy to accommodate your pet on the ferry to Orkney and Shetland.

Although only support dogs are permitted in the ship’s internal public areas, there are many other options travelling with a pet on NorthLink Ferries ships. These include pet-friendly cabins, kennels and a dog lounge on MV Hamnavoe. Find out more below:

Please note: when on NorthLink Ferries property, pets should be kept on a lead, and must not be left unattended while on the outside deck.

Pet-friendly cabins retain the same high standards of comfort as NorthLink’s suite of other cabin types, having:

• Side-by-side lower twin beds.
• An en-suite toilet and shower.
• Tea and coffee making facilities.
• Vinyl floor coverings instead of carpet.
• A NorthLink dog treat from ‘Wow Dog’.
• Water bowls are available at reception if you need one.

The new dog lounge on MV Hamnavoe is an indoor area, located on Deck 6 next to Brinkie’s Bar, on the ferry from Scrabster to Stromness.

Passengers and their pets can enjoy a splendid sea view from within the lounge, which is also equipped with modern seating, tables, bowls, dog biscuits, and power sockets to charge your mobile devices.

The dog lounge on MV Hamnavoe has space to accommodate up to eight dogs at a time. Passengers are encouraged to reserve a free place in the dog lounge as priority will be given to those with a booking.

Please ensure that your dog is kept on a lead in the dog lounge, that it is not left unattended, that there is one person for every two dogs, and please clean up after your pet. There is no dog lounge on MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey, the ships which sail between Aberdeen, Hatston and Lerwick.

Kennel facilities are available on all NorthLink passenger vessels and should be booked in advance. Located off the car deck, kennels are heated and ventilated and water is provided for your pet to have a drink during the journey. If you have more than one pet, your animals can share a kennel. Please ensure you bring:

• Bowls to allow your pet to drink/eat.
• A blanket/basket for your pet to sleep in, something familiar for them.
• Any toys you think are suitable.

It is your responsibility to deliver and collect your pets from the kennel and to clean up after your pet (you may need to bring some cleaning utensils).

Kennels come in the following sizes:

• Large (800mm wide x 1400mm depth x 1000mm height)
• Small (500mm width x 700mm depth x 600mm height)

Foot passengers wishing to put their furry friend in the kennel facilities should report to the reception desk on Deck 5. From there you will be escorted to the kennels by a member of staff. Vehicle passengers using the kennel facilities should take their pet to the kennel upon boarding. Please ask a crew member on the car deck for directions.

On all ships, pets may stay in your vehicle if it is suitably ventilated. This has the benefit of being a familiar place for your pet. We do request that passengers leaving pets in their vehicle consider the length of the journey – unaccompanied access to the car deck during the voyage is forbidden.

On MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey, access to the kennels and car deck is restricted. Passengers must be accompanied by a member of crew. Contact the reception desk on Deck 5 should you wish to see or exercise your pet on the outside deck. Please be aware that crew may not always be available.

During the 90-minute journey on MV Hamnavoe there is no access to the kennels or car deck.