Service and assistance dogs

Cunard accepts registered service and assistance dogs on board for the benefit of our guests, subject to compliance with international travel regulations.

Cunard accepts registered service and assistance dogs on board as long as they have been specifically trained to assist a disabled person either by carrying out tasks on behalf of the owner or performing functions that address the needs of a disabled person arising out of their disability. This definition accords with the definition of a service and assistance dog set out in the Equality Act. 

Please note that we can only accept service and assistance dogs on Southampton to Southampton cruises, or on Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossings between Southampton and New York, as well as New York to Southampton. 

The dog must be certified by an organisation that is a full member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), the accrediting bodies for service and assistance dog organisations worldwide or, in the case that the dog is owner-trained, they have received accreditation from the Assistance Dogs Assessment Association (ADAA) and have the necessary documentation to verify this accreditation. This is in line with our license issued by DEFRA.

All service and assistance dogs are carried free of charge. You can notify us that you will be bringing a service and assistance dog in the on board needs questionnaire, available on My Cunard for you to complete before you sail.

Service and assistance dogs may not be permitted ashore in certain ports of call, in line with current Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) regulations which apply in the UK. If you indicate within your questionnaire that you will be taking a service and assistance dog on board, we will forward the relevant paperwork for you to complete and return to us with any supplementary information that is required. Please refer to the DEFRA website for the most up-to-date information.

We would advise all owners to carry their dog's identification card, or similar, with them at all times in case local authorities require proof. Guests with a service and assistance dog are not required to travel with a companion provided they are able to undertake day-to-day tasks independently.

Accessibility with Cunard

Before you board

Find out more about what information we require before you step on board, to make your holiday as smooth as possible.

Find out more

Impairments and conditions

Check our list of provisions for guests with specific impairments, health conditions and dietary requirements, to see what we can do for you.

Find out more

Medical and mobility equipment

Check our information on medical and mobility equipment on board, including our wheelchair and scooter policy.

Find out more

Accessibility on board

Further information around our on board capabilities, including accessible staterooms, children's facilities and emergency protocols.

Find out more

Accessibility on shore

Details on accessible Shore Experiences, transfers, embarkation and disembarkation.

Find out more