Can I travel with an assistance dog?
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.
Accessibility
Last updated: 27/05/2025
Please note: if you need assistance, we kindly ask that you fill out an On-Board Needs Questionnaire via My P&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.
Important information
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.
We’ll send you a confirmation letter after:
all the paperwork has been checked
the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) conditions have been met
you’ve completed and signed a copy of P&O Cruises terms and conditions; unfortunately, we can’t allow your dog to travel if we don’t receive this.
Please remember that:
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
we advise you to carry your dog’s identification card, or similar, at all times in case local authorities require proof.
For more information, please see our ‘Assistance dogs’ page.
Restrictions
Emotional support and other assistance animals
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.
Ports of call
Assistance dogs may not be permitted ashore in certain ports of call, in line with the current DEFRA regulations that apply in the UK.
Fly-cruise holidays and sections of the World Cruise
We can’t accept assistance dogs on any fly-cruise or any section of the World Cruise.
United States of America requirements
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 CDC regulations.
Life on board
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 Assistance dogs page to learn more.
We don’t have vets on board
To ensure your dog is fit to travel, please consult your vet for advice before sailing.
Still need help?
Still have questions? Our friendly Customer Contact Centre is always happy to help! Contact us today on 0344 338 8003.
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