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Pet rules, safety and behaviour

To keep everyone safe and comfortable, all passengers travelling with pets must follow these rules.

Our responsibility to you and your pet

We take the safety seriously. Our procedures and facilities are designed to support safe and responsible travel, and compliance with these requirements is essential throughout your journey. Refer to our Conditions of Carriage.

We expect pet-friendly cabins to be available to book by late 2026.

We recommend subscribing to our newsletter to be kept informed of updates.

Approved Pets

Which pets can travel

Pets include any domestic animal or pet owned or accompanied by you or in your possession, custody or control, but excluding livestock. The following pets may travel on board:

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Rabbits
  • Guinea pigs
  • Ferrets
  • Birds

Only dogs and cats are permitted in pet-friendly cabins. Other pets must travel in onboard kennels.

Restrictions

  • Restricted breed dogs and declared dangerous dogs (as defined under section 29A of the Dog Control Act 2000 (Tas)) are prohibited from travelling on the vessels.
  • We may also refuse to transport an animal if:
  • its carriage presents a safety risk to passengers or crew
  • you do not hold a valid ticket to travel on the same sailing as the animal.

Keeping Tasmania Safe

Biosecurity requirements

  • All animals that sail on Spirit of Tasmania are subject to Tasmanian biosecurity requirements.
  • All dogs entering Tasmania must be treated for hydatid tape worm within 14 days prior to entering Tasmania.
  • Documentary proof of treatment such as a receipt or vet’s subscription, must be presented during inspection.
  • You will also be required to complete a Dog Declaration Form at the terminal in Geelong, confirming your dog has been checked for ticks and treated prior to entry into Tasmania.

Refer to our Conditions of Carriage for more information.

Conditions of Carriage

Safety Comes First

Rules for travelling with pets

To ensure a safe and comfortable journey for all, the following rules apply:

  • Pets must be under close control at all times.
  • Pets must be on a lead or in a carrier in public areas.
  • Pets may only move through approved areas of the ship.
  • Owners are responsible for managing behaviour, including noise and interaction with other passengers and pets.
  • Pets and passengers interact at the owner’s risk.
  • Pet waste must be cleaned up immediately and disposed of appropriately.
  • Keep cabins and kennel areas clean and hygienic.
  • Rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets must be transported in their own cages.
  • Birds must be checked-in for transport via the baggage trolley or van.

Refer to our Conditions of Carriage for full terms relating to sailing with animals.

Conditions of Carriage

If expectations are not met

Travelling with pets requires responsible behaviour to protect the safety and comfort of all passengers, crew and other pets.

  • If your pet causes disturbance, damage, or is not kept under control, we may:
  • require your pet to be relocated (for example, from a cabin to a kennel)
  • charge for cleaning, repairs or associated costs by invoice
  • apply restrictions on future pet travel.

Serious or repeated issues may result in further action.

Safety Comes First

Emergency and animal welfare

  • In an emergency, the safety of people always comes first.
  • Evacuation procedures cannot be delayed to retrieve pets.
  • Pets are not permitted on lifeboats, slides or evacuation devices.
  • Depending on the situation, crew may provide the following instructions.
  • Bring your pet under close control, on a lead, or in a carrier, where it is safe to do so.
  • Leave your pet behind if evacuation cannot safely accommodate them.
  • Where conditions allow after an evacuation and it is safe to do so, crew may take reasonable steps to support animal welfare, including coordinating with authorities to recover pets onboard.
  • For pets in kennels, crew may release animals and transfer them to a safer location where practicable.
  • Authorised assistance animals may remain with their handler during evacuation where safe.

Where possible, crew will provide reasonable assistance to support the safe evacuation of passengers accompanied by assistance animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions on travelling with pets?

Find answers to your travelling with pets. We’re here to help make your journey a smooth and stress-free experience.

We expect pet cabins to be available to book by late 2026. We recommend subscribing to our newsletter to be kept informed of updates.
Yes. You may travel with multiple pets, however limits apply depending on how your pet is travelling. A maximum of two pets are permitted in a pet‑friendly cabin, and one pet per kennel.
Yes. Restricted breed dogs and declared dangerous dogs are not permitted to travel. You must declare this at the time of booking. Refer to 29A. Declaration of restricted breed dogs
Dogs and cats can travel in pet‑friendly cabins. Other domestic animals may travel in kennels or approved vehicles, subject to conditions.

Ship Status

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