Guide
Taking your dog on the ferry to Sardinia
Where your pet stays during the crossing, what paperwork you need, and how to book correctly
- All Sardinia operators take dogs and cats
- Pet cabins and kennel spaces are limited, register at booking
- Your pet may not stay in the vehicle during the crossing
Entry requirements
What your dog needs for Sardinia
Sardinia (Italy) follows the standard EU rules. Note: leishmaniasis risk area!
EU pet passport
ISO microchip
Rabies vaccination
Leishmaniasis risk!
Taking dogs and cats on the ferry
Table of Contents
Dogs and cats are welcome on every ferry to Sardinia. The real question isn't whether your pet comes along, but where it spends the crossing, and that's a decision you make when booking, not at the port.
Where your pet stays
Depending on operator and ship, there are three or four options:
- Pet-friendly cabin, your pet stays with you. GNV and Grimaldi Lines fit these cabins with linoleum flooring and a hygiene mat and clean them separately; Moby Lines uses inside double cabins with no porthole, for up to three animals.
- Onboard kennel, fixed pens near the vehicle deck or on deck, looked after by crew.
- Open decks, on a lead and with a muzzle, you can walk your dog on any open deck.
- Carrier, for small pets; Grimaldi Lines draws the line at six kilograms, above which separate onboard accommodation is required.
What you won't find on any ship: pets in bars, restaurants or seating lounges. And your dog can't stay in the vehicle either, since the vehicle deck is closed during the crossing.
Register at booking
Pet cabins and kennel spaces are scarce on every ship, and you can't add them later once they're gone. Register your pet at the time of booking, whether online or through a travel agent. On overnight crossings, which cover almost every Sardinia route, a pet cabin is the difference between a quiet night and a long one.
Paperwork
An EU pet passport showing the microchip number and a valid rabies vaccination is required. For crossings between countries, for example on to Corsica, the vaccination must be at least 21 days old. Operators also ask for the passport and vaccination record on routes that stay entirely within Italy, so bring both with you, not left at home as a copy.
What belongs in your hand luggage
Since you can't reach the vehicle again once underway, everything your pet needs has to come up with you: lead and muzzle, water and a bowl, food, waste bags, a blanket and the paperwork. In summer heat, water is the most important item, vehicle decks heat up considerably, and that's exactly where the kennels sit on some ships.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions on this topic.
Can my dog come on the ferry to Sardinia?+
Yes, every operator on the Sardinia routes takes dogs and cats, Moby Lines, GNV, Grimaldi Lines, Tirrenia and Corsica Ferries. You do, however, need to register your pet when booking.
Where does my dog stay during the crossing?+
Depending on operator and ship, in the onboard kennel, on the open decks on a lead and with a muzzle, or in a pet-friendly cabin. Small pets travel in a carrier. Pets aren't allowed in bars, restaurants or seating lounges, and they can't stay in the vehicle either, as the vehicle deck is closed.
What is a pet-friendly cabin?+
A cabin where your pet can stay with you. GNV and Grimaldi Lines fit theirs with linoleum flooring and a hygiene mat and clean them separately; Moby Lines uses inside double cabins with no porthole. Numbers are small on every ship, so early booking pays off especially on an overnight crossing.
What paperwork does my pet need?+
An EU pet passport showing the microchip number and a valid rabies vaccination. For crossings between countries, for example from Italy to Corsica, the rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old. Operators ask for the passport and vaccination record on the Italy-only Sardinia routes too.
Does my dog need to wear a muzzle?+
Yes, in communal areas and on the open decks, along with a lead. Bring both even if your dog normally doesn't need them, operators enforce it on board. A bowl, water and food also belong in your hand luggage, since you can't reach the vehicle again once underway.
What changes if I'm travelling by motorhome?+
Nothing for the pet, it still can't stay in the vehicle during the crossing. For what applies to the vehicle itself, see Motorhomes on the ferry.