live animalslive animals
Service with a conscience
Can we ship livestock on your vessels?
Yes, we can ship livestock on our Dover-Calais and Irish Sea routes, however animal welfare is an issue that concerns us. Therefore, in keeping with our animal welfare policy, we reserve the right to refuse any shipment of livestock if we deem the shipment to be in violation of animal rights.
We will not import/export any livestock intended for fattening or slaughter other than on our Larne/Cairnryan route where the livestock is to remain within the United Kingdom. If you wish to ship cattle, pigs or sheep, you must book via the relevant national associations. These livestock must be transported according to DEFRA requirements and accompanied by the correct DEFRA documentation, clearly showing the animals are being shipped for breeding purposes. A surcharge is applied to livestock movements.
Please note that the term ‘livestock’ also includes any animal that is shipped in large quantity as a commodity; this may include llamas, rabbits etc. Should you wish to ship any small livestock, you can book directly through P&O Ferries. We will also charge a 25% surcharge for carrying small livestock.
Please contact the relevant national association for pricing details as follows:
National Beef Association
Tel: +44 1434 601005
National Beef Association Website »
National Pig Association
Tel: +44 2476 858780
National Pig Association Website »
National Sheep Association
Tel: +44 1684 892661
National Sheep Association Website »
P&O Ferries Ltd will not carry live chicks unless the shipper is endorsed by, or a direct member of, either the British Poultry Council (BPC), or European Live Poultry and Hatching Egg Association (ELPHA).
P&O Ferries Ltd will not carry game birds, or rescue animals under any circumstances.
Live animals will only be carried if Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 on the Protection of Animals During Transport is strictly adhered to. We reserve the right to refuse any shipment that we deem to be in violation of any of the guidelines stated within these regulations.
Please note that the term ‘livestock’ is defined as any farmed animal that is shipped in large quantity, as a commodity; this may also include llamas, rabbits, goats etc. Should you wish to ship any livestock (not including cows, pigs or sheep), you can book directly through P&O Ferries. We may also charge 25% surcharge for carrying small livestock.
Can we ship horses on your vessels?
Yes, we can ship horses on all our routes (except Dublin - Liverpool, shipments from Tilbury and freight only shipments from Zeebrugge) under the following conditions:
We will only accept more than 6 horses in a vehicle if booked through a recognised Bloodstock agent, or if booked on a direct P&O Ferries account.
Horses travelling to France MUST be accompanied by either an Export Licence or an AHA certificate AND an equine passport. Ponies must also be accompanied by a fitness to travel certificate or Health Certificate. Horses and ponies travelling with a final destination to countries other than France MUST in addition be accompanied by a Health Certificate.
Horses or ponies travelling from France to the UK may travel on their equine passports only. Horses or ponies starting their journey in any country other than France MUST be accompanied in addition by a Health Certificate.
Health Certificates are ONLY valid for 10 days from the date of vets signature (and can only be signed within 48 hrs of departure). Horses and ponies may return to the originating country on the same health certificate providing it is within 10 days of the vet’s signature. (day 1 being the day it was signed)
The information detailed above is for guidance only – The responsibility lies with the owner or agent to comply with British and European statutory regulations.
Further information can be obtained by contacting DEFRA.
If you have any specific requirements to ship live animals, or would like further information, please contact us directly:
Freightsales.dover@poferries.com Tel: +44 1304 863875 (Mon – Fri 8.00am – 5.30pm GMT)
Freightops.dover@poferries.com Tel: +44 1304 8632539 (After hours)
Freightops.calais@poferries.com Tel: +33 321 461020 (After hours)