The Pets Passport Travel Scheme (PETS) allows certain animals to travel to and from the continent without quarantine restrictions, so pampered pooches can now sail in first-class supervised kennel accommodation on Queen of Scandinavia and Duke of Scandinavia.

Other animals such as cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rats, gerbils and chinchillas can remain in the car during the crossing.

Says DFDS Seaways UK managing director John Crummie:

"Passengers going on self-catering holidays often ask whether they can take their pets with them on our ships and until now we have had to abide by strict EU rules about the transport of animals in and out of the country.

"The PETS scheme is a great development which IÕm sure will prove extremely popular with our customers. It means they can enjoy our on-board facilities and entertainment safe in the knowledge that their pet is supervised and comfortable below deck."

While dogs can also be kept in the car, each DFDS Seaways ship now has five pre-bookable car deck kennels, which can hold breeds as large as Great Danes, Newfoundlands and Bull Mastiffs.

Owners are allowed restricted access to their pets during the cruise, but DFDS staff will perform regular checks to ensure the animals are comfortable.

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