Today, only one ocean liner provides regular voyages between the Unites States and England—Cunard's Queen Mary 2. For those individuals traveling by ocean liner, Cunard should be contacted for travel requirements and the amenities of their on-board kennels. Pet owners traveling on the Queen Mary 2 may take their dogs, cats, or birds with them in air-conditioned comfort. A valid health certificate from a veterinarian is required for the pet to be brought aboard. Dogs may be brought on board on a leash, but it is recommended that cats board in carriers or baskets. After embarkation, pets reside in kennels and are not permitted on any of the passenger decks, but owners may take their pets for walks on a designated area of the open deck. Interactions between owners and their pets are allowed daily. Owners should contact Cunard Lines for exact kennel dimensions; however, space limitations make it impossible to accommodate dogs larger than a German Shepherd. There are no staff veterinarians aboard the ship.

Pets are not allowed on most other cruise lines, with the exception of service animals. If you are planning to cruise with a service animal, contact the cruise line as far in advance as possible in order to make sure that no problems arise. Most lines require you to provide food for your animal while on board the ship. In addition, some ports of call may have strict regulations and may not allow your animal to leave the ship.

Last full review/revision July 2011 by Charles M. Hendrix, DVM, PhD