To accommodate as many of our guests as we can, we welcome assistance dogs on board our Southampton-to-Southampton sailings. This article highlights all the important information for those travelling with assistance dogs.

Can I travel with an assistance dog?

<p><b>Please note:</b> if you need assistance, we kindly ask that you fill out an <a href="/accessibility/accessibility-and-medical-questionnaire">On-Board Needs Questionnaire</a> via My P&amp;O Cruises as soon as possible, and no later than two weeks before departure. This gives us time to accommodate your needs and follow up with any questions we may have.&nbsp;</p>


Important information

<h2>Important information</h2><p>If you tell us on the On-Board Needs Questionnaire that you’re taking an assistance dog with you, we’ll send you the relevant paperwork to complete; please return it to us with any additional information that’s required.&nbsp;</p><p>We’ll send you a confirmation letter after:</p><ul><li><p>all the paperwork has been checked</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>the Department for Environment, <a href="https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad#:~:text=You%20must%20take%20your%20pet,can%20issue%20animal%20health%20certificates.">Food &amp; Rural Affairs (DEFRA) conditions</a> have been met</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>you’ve completed and signed a copy of P&amp;O Cruises terms and conditions; unfortunately, we can’t allow your dog to travel if we don’t receive this.</p></li></ul><p>Please remember that:</p><ul><li><p>you’ll need to produce the confirmation letter at check-in, together with all paperwork for your dog, otherwise your assistance dog might be denied boarding&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>we advise you to carry your dog’s identification card, or similar, at all times in case local authorities require proof.</p></li></ul><p>For more information, please see our ‘<a href="/accessibility/life-onboard/assistance-dogs">Assistance dogs</a>’ page.</p>


Restrictions

<h3>Emotional support and other assistance animals</h3><p>Our licence requirements for the carriage of assistance dogs means we can’t accept dogs that solely provide emotional support, or any other assistance animal.</p><h3>Ports of call</h3><p>Assistance dogs may not be permitted ashore in certain ports of call, in line with the current DEFRA regulations that apply in the UK.</p><h3>Fly-cruise holidays and sections of the World Cruise</h3><p>We can’t accept assistance dogs on any fly-cruise or any section of the World Cruise.</p><h3>United States of America requirements</h3><p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the USA updated their guidance and regulations from 1 August 2024. To find out which rules apply to your dog (based on your dates of travel and where your dog is travelling from), please check the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs.html">CDC regulations.</a></p>


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Can I travel with an assistance dog? 

OFFER ENDS 26 AUGUST 2025

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Life on board

<h2>Life on board</h2><p>Due to the nature of cruising, there are a number of rules and regulations in place for your assistance dog while you’re on board. Head over to our&nbsp;<a href="/accessibility/life-onboard/assistance-dogs">Assistance dogs</a> page to learn more.</p><p><b>We don’t have vets on board</b></p><p>To ensure your dog is fit to travel, please consult your vet for advice before sailing.</p>


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<p>To accommodate as many of our guests as we can, we welcome assistance dogs on board our Southampton-to-Southampton sailings. This article highlights all the important information for those travelling with assistance dogs.</p>


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