Yes, dogs can travel on the Spirit of Tasmania, but how the crossing works depends on the vessel and the travel option you choose for your dog.
If you are taking a dog to Tasmania, Spirit of Tasmania IV and V introduce new pet-travel facilities, including dedicated pet-friendly cabins and updated kennel areas. These changes give owners more choice, but they also make it more important to think about which setup is likely to work for the dog you are travelling with.
This guide explains the different Spirit of Tasmania dog travel options, what to consider before booking, how to prepare your dog for the crossing, the entry requirements for Tasmania and what to expect after you arrive.
The aim is to help you make a more realistic decision based on your dog’s needs, not simply whether dogs are allowed onboard.
Can Dogs Travel on the Spirit of Tasmania?
Yes, dogs can travel on the Spirit of Tasmania. The available arrangements depend on the vessel, your booking and how you choose for your dog to travel.
Depending on the sailing, dogs may travel in a pet-friendly cabin, an onboard kennel or, in some circumstances, a vehicle or trailer. Spirit of Tasmania IV and V introduce new pet-friendly cabins and updated kennel facilities, so it is important to check which vessel is operating your crossing before you book.
Each option creates a different experience for your dog, particularly around separation, confinement and access during the voyage. You can compare the choices in the Spirit of Tasmania dog travel options section below.
Spirit of Tasmania IV and V: What Dog Owners Need to Know
Spirit of Tasmania IV and V introduce several new facilities for people travelling with dogs, including dedicated pet-friendly cabins, a separate climate-controlled kennel area and an outdoor pet area for animals staying in the pet-friendly cabins.
The new setup gives dog owners more choice, but each option creates a different experience for the dog. It is still worth thinking about separation, confinement, unfamiliar spaces and how well your dog settles before deciding which arrangement is likely to work best.
Pet-Friendly Cabins
Spirit of Tasmania IV and V each have 18 dedicated pet-friendly cabins where domestic dogs and cats can stay with their owners during the crossing.
A maximum of two pets can stay in each cabin. Breed restrictions apply, and Spirit of Tasmania says pets using these cabins should be calm, well-controlled and comfortable in new environments.
Pets are not permitted in general passenger areas or recliner lounges. They can remain in their pet-friendly cabin and use approved pet transit routes and designated pet areas.
A pet crate is provided in each cabin and is the recommended resting space during the voyage. Pets should not use the cabin berths. Owners remain responsible for their pet’s behaviour, and a disruptive pet may be moved to a kennel for the remainder of the crossing.
Climate-Controlled Pet Kennels
Each new ship has 45 secure kennels in a dedicated climate-controlled pet area separate from the vehicle decks.
The kennels are available in different sizes to accommodate pets of different breeds and sizes. The area includes CCTV monitoring and routine welfare checks by crew.
In most cases, one pet is permitted per kennel. Passengers can access their own pet’s kennel during boarding and departure, but they are not normally allowed into the kennel area while the ship is at sea.
If your dog will be travelling in a kennel, familiar bedding and comfort items may help make the space feel less unfamiliar.
Outdoor Pet Area
Dogs and cats travelling in pet-friendly cabins on Spirit of Tasmania IV and V have access to a designated outdoor pet toilet area near the cabins on Deck 9.
This area is for pets staying in the pet-friendly cabins. Animals travelling in the kennel area are required to remain in their kennel for the duration of the sailing.
Current Pet-Friendly Cabin Booking Status
Current booking status: Spirit of Tasmania is progressively releasing the new accommodation inventory for Spirit of Tasmania IV and V. Pet-friendly cabins are part of the later release, so availability may change as the booking system is updated.
If your trip depends on securing a pet-friendly cabin, check the live Spirit of Tasmania booking system for your sailing before making other non-refundable travel arrangements.
Last checked: 16 September 2026.
Is the Spirit of Tasmania Right for Your Dog?
The Spirit of Tasmania can work well for some dogs, but the important question is how your dog is likely to experience the whole travel day, not simply whether dogs are allowed onboard.
Think about the parts of the journey your dog will need to cope with. That may include time away from you, confinement in a kennel or crate, unfamiliar indoor spaces, ship movement, new noises and smells, nearby dogs, changes to routine and a long day of travel before the crossing even begins.
If your dog already struggles with car travel, motion sickness, separation or settling somewhere unfamiliar, those pressures may become more noticeable during a ferry trip. A pet-friendly cabin may reduce separation, but it still asks your dog to settle in a new environment with different sounds, movement and routines.
It can help to ask:
- How does my dog cope when I am not nearby?
- Can they settle calmly in a crate, kennel or unfamiliar room?
- How do they respond to noise, movement and other dogs?
- Do changes to routine make it harder for them to rest?
- How quickly do they recover after a demanding travel day?
Your answers do not need to be perfect. They simply help you identify which part of the crossing may need more preparation, a different travel arrangement or a slower plan once you arrive.
Not Sure What Your Dog Is Ready For?
If you are still working out how your dog handles car travel, settling, recovery and the wider trip, the free Dog Travel Readiness Check can help you see which part may need attention before you commit.
Your Options for Taking a Dog on the Spirit of Tasmania
There is no single travel arrangement that will suit every dog. The best option depends on the vessel, what is available for your sailing and how your dog handles separation, confinement, unfamiliar spaces and changes to routine.
Pet-Friendly Cabin
On Spirit of Tasmania IV and V, pet-friendly cabins allow dogs and cats to stay with their owners during the crossing.
For some dogs, staying close to their owner may make the journey easier, particularly if separation is one of the harder parts of travel. You will still need to follow the cabin rules, keep your pet within the approved pet areas and use the designated transit routes when moving around the ship.
A pet-friendly cabin does not automatically make the crossing low-stress. Your dog still needs to settle in an unfamiliar room, cope with the movement and sounds of the ship, and manage changes to their normal routine.
If your dog is comfortable staying close to you but finds kennels or long periods of separation difficult, a pet-friendly cabin may be worth considering once it is available for your sailing.
Onboard Kennel
The onboard kennels provide a dedicated space for pets during the crossing. Dogs travelling in the kennel area remain there for the voyage, and owners are not normally permitted to visit while the ship is at sea.
This means your dog needs to cope with both confinement and time away from you. A dog that already settles independently in a crate or enclosed resting space may experience this differently from a dog that becomes distressed when left alone.
Bring familiar bedding or comfort items if permitted, so the kennel does not feel completely unfamiliar. It is also worth practising independent settling before travel day rather than making the ferry crossing the first time your dog spends an extended period away from you.
Leaving Your Dog in a Vehicle or Trailer
Spirit of Tasmania currently strongly discourages leaving pets in vehicles or trailers during the crossing.
If an owner chooses this arrangement, they remain responsible for their pet’s welfare. Access to the vehicle decks is restricted during the voyage, so you should not plan on returning to check your dog once the ship is underway.
That means factors such as temperature, ventilation, water, movement, confinement and how your dog behaves when left alone all need careful consideration.
A familiar car, caravan or motorhome may feel comfortable to some dogs, but familiarity does not remove the welfare risks or the limits on access during the crossing. Check Spirit of Tasmania’s current conditions before considering this option.
Flying to Tasmania Instead
Flying may be another option if the ferry crossing does not feel like the right fit for your dog.
A flight is much shorter, but it can introduce different pressures, including crate confinement, airport handling, unfamiliar noise and separation. The better option depends on how your dog copes with each type of travel rather than travel time alone.
If you are considering flying with a small dog, read our guide to flying with small dogs in the cabin on Virgin Australia for current route and eligibility considerations.
Which Spirit of Tasmania Option Might Work for Your Dog?
The best Spirit of Tasmania option depends on how your dog usually handles travel, separation and unfamiliar environments. Rather than choosing the arrangement that sounds easiest for you, think about which setup asks the least of your dog.
These questions can help you compare the options more realistically:
- Does your dog settle better when you are nearby? A pet-friendly cabin may reduce the pressure of separation, but your dog still needs to settle in an unfamiliar room with different sounds, smells and movement.
- Can your dog relax away from you? A kennel involves spending the crossing without you nearby. Dogs that already settle independently may experience this very differently from dogs that become distressed when separated.
- How does your dog cope with confinement? Kennels and cabin crates both involve some level of confinement. If your dog struggles in enclosed spaces, this deserves attention before you book.
- Can your dog settle somewhere unfamiliar? Staying with you does not automatically make a new environment easy. Think about how your dog handles unfamiliar accommodation, new surfaces, different smells and changes to routine.
- Are nearby dogs likely to make settling harder? Dogs that become highly alert or reactive around other dogs may find busy pet areas or kennel environments more difficult.
- How does your dog respond to prolonged noise and movement? A dog that travels well by car may still react differently to ship movement, engine noise and several hours in one travel environment.
- How much recovery does your dog usually need? If demanding travel days leave your dog tired or unsettled, you may need to plan a quieter arrival day and a slower start to your Tasmania itinerary.
You do not need to find a perfect option. The aim is to identify which arrangement is most realistic for the dog you are travelling with, then prepare for the parts they are likely to find hardest.
If one part of the crossing stands out as a concern, that gives you something practical to work on before departure, whether that means practising independent settling, helping your dog get used to unfamiliar indoor spaces or adjusting the pace of the trip after you arrive.
What Dog Owners Often Underestimate Before Booking
Most owners research the crossing itself, but some of the harder parts can happen before boarding, while you are apart from your dog, or after you arrive. These are three parts of the travel day that are easy to underestimate.
1. Separation Can Be Harder Than Expected
For dogs travelling in an onboard kennel or vehicle, the crossing can mean several hours away from you. Dogs that already settle independently may handle this very differently from dogs that become distressed when left alone.
Pet-friendly cabins on Spirit of Tasmania IV and V change this for some travellers by allowing dogs and cats to stay with their owners. Even then, your dog still needs to settle in an unfamiliar environment with different sounds, movement and routines.
How much access you have to your dog depends on how they travel. Dogs in pet-friendly cabins remain with their owners in approved areas, while kennel access is normally restricted during the voyage. Access to vehicle decks is also restricted.
2. Stress Can Build Before the Ferry Leaves
The crossing is only one part of the day. Your dog may already have spent hours in the car before reaching Geelong, followed by traffic, waiting, unfamiliar surroundings, toilet timing, noise, other dogs and the boarding process.
None of those things needs to be a major problem on its own. The difficulty is that several smaller pressures can build across the day before your dog has even boarded.
If you are departing from Victoria, our Spirit of Tasmania Geelong departure-day guide explains what to expect at the terminal and how to prepare your dog before boarding.
A dog can also be quiet without being fully comfortable. Look at the wider picture: can they settle and rest, or are they unusually still, alert or withdrawn? Their behaviour before, during and after travel can tell you more than whether they simply got through the day without causing a problem.
3. Recovery After the Crossing Matters
Some dogs are ready to continue travelling soon after arrival. Others need time to sleep, eat, toilet normally and settle into the new environment.
Do not assume the ferry counts as rest. A long drive, busy sightseeing schedule or another unfamiliar environment immediately after disembarking may add more pressure to an already demanding travel day.
How your dog recovers also gives you useful information for future trips. If they are unusually tired, clingy or unsettled afterwards, you may need to slow the next day down or reconsider how much travel you ask of them next time.
How to Prepare Your Dog for the Spirit of Tasmania
Preparing your dog for the Spirit of Tasmania starts well before boarding day. The more familiar and predictable the important parts of the journey feel, the easier it is to see what your dog may cope with comfortably and what still needs work.
Prepare for the Drive to Geelong
The ferry crossing is only one part of the travel day. Depending on where you are coming from, your dog may already have spent several hours in the car before you reach the terminal.
Allow enough time for toilet stops, water and a calmer arrival rather than rushing straight from a long drive into boarding. Our Spirit of Tasmania Geelong: Departure Day Tips for Dog Owners guide covers the terminal, waiting period and boarding process in more detail.
If Your Dog Will Use a Kennel, Practise Settling Away From You
If your dog will travel in an onboard kennel, the crossing should not be their first experience of settling without you nearby.
Start with short, manageable periods where your dog rests calmly in a familiar crate, pen or resting area while you are out of sight. Build this gradually rather than expecting them to cope with a long separation for the first time on travel day.
The useful question is not simply whether your dog can stay alone. Look at whether they can settle, rest and return to their normal behaviour afterwards.
If You Plan to Use a Pet-Friendly Cabin, Practise Settling Somewhere New
Staying with you in a pet-friendly cabin may reduce separation, but your dog will still need to settle in an unfamiliar indoor space with different smells, sounds and movement.
Before the trip, give your dog some experience resting somewhere other than home. That might be a dog-friendly accommodation stay, a friend’s house or another calm indoor environment.
Use familiar items such as a travel mat, crate or bedding so your dog has something recognisable to settle on. The cabin should not be the first time they are asked to relax in a completely new indoor space.
Make Bedding and Rest Spaces Familiar
Whatever travel option you choose, familiar bedding can give your dog one predictable part of an otherwise unfamiliar day.
Use the same mat, blanket, crate or bed during shorter trips before departure so your dog already associates it with resting. Avoid introducing a completely new sleep setup for the first time on ferry day.
Familiar bedding will not remove every source of stress, but it may make the travel space feel less unfamiliar.
Plan Food, Water and Toileting Before Boarding
Think about your dog’s usual routine before deciding when to feed, offer water and provide their last toilet opportunity.
Avoid making sudden changes to food or introducing unfamiliar treats immediately before travel. Keep water accessible during the drive and allow enough time for your dog to toilet before entering the busiest part of the boarding process.
Some dogs become too distracted or unsettled to toilet once they reach a busy terminal, so leaving this until the last minute can make the day harder than it needs to be.
Get Veterinary Advice if Your Dog Has Travel or Health Concerns
If your dog has a medical condition, significant travel anxiety, motion sickness or another issue that may affect the crossing, speak with your veterinarian before the trip.
Your vet can help you think through your dog’s individual needs and whether any additional preparation or support may be appropriate. If medication or another management strategy is recommended, follow your veterinarian’s advice rather than introducing something new on departure day.
Spirit of Tasmania may also have specific requirements for pets needing additional medical or welfare support during the voyage, so check the current operator guidance well before you travel.
The aim is not to make ferry travel feel completely normal. It is to reduce the number of unfamiliar demands your dog has to deal with all at once.
What to Pack for the Spirit of Tasmania With a Dog
Packing for the Spirit of Tasmania is less about bringing every dog item you own and more about making sure the things your dog may need before boarding, during the crossing and immediately after arrival are easy to access.
Keep the ferry-specific essentials separate from the rest of your luggage so you are not searching through bags at the terminal.
Travel Documents
Keep your booking details, identification and any paperwork required for your dog together and easy to reach.
Dogs entering Tasmania need to meet current biosecurity requirements, which can include evidence of hydatid tapeworm treatment, a recent tick check and a completed dog-entry declaration. Requirements can change, so check the official Biosecurity Tasmania dog-entry requirements before travelling.
For a step-by-step explanation of the paperwork, treatment evidence and checks to organise before your trip, see our Bringing a Dog to Tasmania: Biosecurity Requirements guide.
Lead and Harness
Keep your dog’s usual lead and harness accessible rather than packed away with your main luggage.
You may need them for toilet stops before boarding, moving through approved pet areas and taking your dog out soon after disembarking.
Familiar Bedding
Bring bedding, a mat or another rest item your dog already knows.
Familiar smells and textures can make a kennel or pet-friendly cabin feel less unfamiliar. Avoid saving a brand-new bed, blanket or crate setup for ferry day.
Water Setup
Bring a practical water setup suited to the way your dog will travel.
This may include a secure bowl, water bottle and anything you normally use to reduce spills. Test the setup before the trip so you know it works in your dog’s travel space.
Medication
Pack any regular medication your dog needs and keep it somewhere easy to access before and after the crossing.
If your veterinarian has recommended medication or another management plan for travel, follow their instructions carefully and make sure you understand when and how it should be given before departure.
Cleaning Supplies
Pack a small, easy-to-reach cleanup kit for accidents, spills or travel sickness.
Useful items might include poo bags, wipes, paper towel, a spare towel and a few disposable bags. You do not need a large kit, just enough to deal with the most likely problems without unpacking the car.
Comfort Items
A familiar toy, blanket or other safe comfort item may help some dogs settle more easily in an unfamiliar environment.
Choose items your dog already uses and avoid packing anything that could become unsafe if left unsupervised.
This list covers the ferry-specific essentials. For the rest of your trip, including food, car gear, safety items and everyday travel supplies, see our Dog Packing List Australia.
Quick Spirit of Tasmania Dog Packing List
- Travel documents including booking details and required dog-entry paperwork
- Lead and harness kept somewhere easy to reach
- Familiar bedding or travel mat
- Secure water bowl and water
- Regular medication and anything advised by your veterinarian
- Poo bags and basic cleaning supplies
- Spare towel for spills, rain or travel sickness
- Safe comfort item your dog already knows
Before you leave: Check that your dog’s ferry setup, paperwork and Tasmania entry requirements are ready rather than trying to organise them at the terminal.
Dog Entry Requirements for Tasmania
Dogs entering Tasmania need to meet current biosecurity requirements before arrival. These rules are separate from Spirit of Tasmania’s own pet-travel conditions, so it is worth checking both before you leave.
The main requirements relate to hydatid tapeworm treatment, tick checks and the paperwork you carry with you. Because biosecurity conditions can change, always confirm the latest information with Biosecurity Tasmania before travelling.
Hydatid Tapeworm Requirements
Dogs entering Tasmania generally need to be treated for hydatid tapeworm with a product containing praziquantel within 14 days before entry.
You also need evidence that the treatment was given. Biosecurity Tasmania currently accepts certain forms of proof, including a veterinary certificate, a statutory declaration or other evidence of treatment such as the product packaging and proof of purchase.
Some exemptions apply in specific circumstances, so do not assume the standard treatment requirement applies in exactly the same way to every dog. Check the current official guidance for your situation.
Tick Checks
Dogs entering Tasmania must also be declared free from ticks. Biosecurity Tasmania’s current guidance says dogs should be checked within the required timeframe before arrival, and there are no general exemptions from the tick-check requirement.
If a dog arrives with an obvious tick infestation, Biosecurity Tasmania may require treatment at the owner’s expense.
Declaration and Proof of Treatment
Owners need to complete the current Biosecurity Tasmania dog-entry requirements and carry the required declaration and treatment evidence when travelling.
Keep these documents somewhere easy to access rather than packed away with your luggage. You may need them during the arrival or inspection process.
For a fuller step-by-step explanation of the treatment evidence, tick checks, exemptions and paperwork, see our Bringing a Dog to Tasmania: Biosecurity Requirements guide.
Check Biosecurity Tasmania Before Travelling
Biosecurity requirements can change, and the exact conditions may depend on your dog’s circumstances. Check the current Biosecurity Tasmania information before departure rather than relying on an older article, forum post or previous trip.
The official dog-entry page also links to the current declaration form and Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual, which should take priority if anything you have read elsewhere conflicts with the latest requirements.
What to Do With Your Dog After Arriving in Tasmania
After the crossing, it can be tempting to treat arrival as the start of the holiday and keep moving. For some dogs, though, the ferry may already have been a demanding part of the day.
Give your dog a chance to toilet, drink, move around and settle before deciding how much more travel or activity to add.
Start With a Toilet and Water Break
As soon as practical after disembarking, give your dog an opportunity to toilet, stretch their legs and have a drink.
Even dogs that usually travel well may need a little time to reset after being confined, separated from you or settled in an unfamiliar cabin or kennel environment.
Keep the First Day Realistic
Try not to pack the first day with too much driving, sightseeing or too many new environments.
A quieter start can give your dog time to settle into Tasmania, return to their normal routine and recover from the travel day before you ask more of them.
Avoid Adding Another Long Drive if Your Dog Needs Recovery
Do not assume the ferry crossing counts as rest. Some dogs may sleep for much of the voyage and still arrive mentally or physically tired.
If your dog usually needs time to recover after a demanding travel day, consider a shorter drive after disembarking rather than immediately adding several more hours in the car.
Watch How Your Dog Settles Afterwards
How your dog behaves after arrival can tell you a lot about how they experienced the crossing.
Watch for changes in settling, appetite, sleep, restlessness or how closely they want to stay near you. One unusual behaviour on its own does not necessarily mean the trip went badly, but a clear change from your dog’s normal pattern may be useful information when planning the next travel day.
If your dog needs more recovery than expected, adjust the itinerary rather than trying to catch up with the original plan.
Once your dog has had time to settle, our Dog-Friendly Tasmania Road Trip guide can help you plan the rest of the trip around realistic drive days, recovery time and dog-friendly stops.
Planning More Than the Ferry Crossing?
Choosing how your dog will travel on the Spirit of Tasmania is only one part of the trip. You still need to work out whether the drive days, stops, accommodation, conditions and pace will work for the dog you are travelling with.
The Dog-First Travel Planning System helps you identify what deserves attention before you commit to the route and build the rest of the trip around how your dog actually travels.
Plan Around Your Dog, Not Just the Map
Tell Pawtal about your dog and the trip you are planning. Your personalised Dog-First Road Trip Brief shows you what matters first, what to check next and what can wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can dogs travel on the Spirit of Tasmania?
Yes. Dogs can travel on the Spirit of Tasmania, but the available arrangements depend on the vessel, your booking and how your dog will travel. Options may include a pet-friendly cabin, an onboard kennel or, in some circumstances, travelling in a vehicle or trailer.
Q2. Can dogs stay in cabins on Spirit of Tasmania?
Yes. Spirit of Tasmania IV and V include dedicated pet-friendly cabins where dogs and cats can stay with their owners during the crossing. Pets must remain within the approved cabin and pet areas and cannot access general passenger areas.
Q3. Are Spirit of Tasmania pet-friendly cabins available to book?
Pet-friendly cabin inventory is being released progressively. Check the live Spirit of Tasmania booking system for your sailing and the latest availability before planning your trip around this option.
Q4. How many dogs can stay in a pet-friendly cabin?
A maximum of two pets can stay in a pet-friendly cabin on Spirit of Tasmania IV and V. Check the current booking conditions before travelling, as pet and cabin requirements may change.
Q5. What are the dog kennels like on Spirit of Tasmania IV and V?
Spirit of Tasmania IV and V have dedicated climate-controlled kennel areas separate from the vehicle decks, with different kennel sizes, CCTV monitoring and routine welfare checks by crew.
Q6. Can I visit my dog during the crossing?
It depends on how your dog is travelling. Dogs staying in pet-friendly cabins remain with their owners in approved areas. Dogs travelling in the kennel area must remain there during the voyage, and passengers are not normally able to visit while the ship is at sea. Access to vehicle decks is also restricted during the crossing.
Q7. Can my dog stay in my car or caravan?
Spirit of Tasmania currently strongly discourages leaving pets in vehicles or trailers during the crossing. Owners who choose this arrangement remain responsible for their pet’s welfare, and access to the vehicle decks is restricted during the voyage. Check the current operator conditions before considering this option.
Q8. How long is the Spirit of Tasmania crossing with a dog?
The crossing time varies by sailing and conditions, so check the current timetable for your booking. When planning for your dog, consider the entire travel day rather than the sailing time alone, including the drive to Geelong, waiting, boarding and recovery after arrival.
Q9. What does my dog need before entering Tasmania?
Dogs entering Tasmania need to meet current Biosecurity Tasmania requirements. These can include hydatid tapeworm treatment, tick checks, a completed declaration and acceptable evidence of treatment. Always check the current official requirements before travelling.
Q10. Is the Spirit of Tasmania suitable for an anxious dog?
That depends on the individual dog and the travel arrangement. Consider how your dog handles separation, confinement, unfamiliar environments, noise, movement and changes to routine. A pet-friendly cabin may reduce separation for some dogs, but it does not remove the other demands of the crossing. If your dog has significant travel anxiety or motion sickness, speak with your veterinarian before booking.
Conclusion
The new pet-friendly cabins and updated kennel facilities give dog owners more choice on the Spirit of Tasmania, but more choice does not automatically make every option right for every dog.
The better decision is the one that fits how your dog actually travels. Think about separation, confinement, unfamiliar environments, noise, recovery and how much the rest of the travel day is likely to ask of them.
If you are still planning the Tasmania leg of the trip, our Dog-Friendly Tasmania Road Trip guide can help you build a more realistic itinerary around drive days, recovery time and dog-friendly stops.
If you have not travelled yet, start with our Spirit of Tasmania Geelong: Departure Day Tips for Dog Owners guide for what to expect before boarding and how to make the departure day easier for your dog.
Plan around your dog, not just the map.
Use the Priority Planner to see what deserves attention first, then go to the recommended tool and Guide sections to work through what matters before you leave.
