Travelling with a Dog from Italy to Croatia by Ferry

Croatia is a stunning country located in southeastern Europe and bordered by the Adriatic Sea. If you are already visiting Italy and wish to continue your travels, we suggest visiting Croatia with your dog. Taking the ferry from Italy to Croatia is an excellent transportation option, and there are plenty of dog-friendly ferry lines and routes to choose from.
Croatia

Dog-Friendly Ferries Travelling from Italy to Croatia

There are ferries to Croatia departing from six Italian ports: Trieste, Venice, Cesenatico, Pesaro, Ancona, and Bari. You can then travel to the Croatian towns of Pula, Porec, Rovinj, Umag, Lošinj, Novalja, Split, Zadar, and Dubrovnik.

Ferry Companies Servicing Italy to Croatia

Adriatic Lines by Kompas

Adriatic Lines is a ferry line connecting Istria (Croatia) and Venice. This is a foot-passenger only ferry, cars are not permitted on board the ferry. Pets are allowed, but dogs cannot be larger than 60 cm in length and 50 cm in height (from head down). All dogs must be in possession of a leash and a mouth muzzle. Pets are subject to an additional cost of €10.00 per pet.

Adriatic Lines by Kompas Ferry Routes

Gomo Viaggi

Gomo Viaggi is a foot-passenger only ferry, cars are not permitted on board the ferry. Pets are allowed, but only small ones which have to be carried in a cage or pet carrier of max weight 5kg. Note you’ll have to pay an extra fee of 20€ per way.

Gomo Viaggi Ferry Routes

SNAV

SNAV is a ferry company and has ferries for both cars and passenger ferries only. Pets are allowed on the cruise ferries (e.g., cats, dogs, etc.). In order to be allowed on-board, in general all pets shall hold a ticket, veterinary certification stating they are in good health and they must have undergone the prophylaxis for external parasites. Pets shall travel in the kennel or specific pet-friendly cabins with their owners. An external area is available to walk dogs, which must be kept on the leash and with muzzle.

SNAV Ferry Routes

Jadrolinija

Jadrolinija is Croatia’s largest ferry company and has ferries for both cars and passenger ferries only. The transport of vehicles is possible on ferry service lines only, while ship and high-speed service lines are for foot passengers only.

Dogs on the ship have to wear a muzzle (with the exception of assistance dogs) and be kept on a leash. Small pets may be transported in lounges on fast routes, specifically in transport bags for pets of the maximum dimensions of 45 x 35 x 25 cm and a waterproof bottom. The total weight of such bags, including the pet, should not exceed 8 kg. The transport of pets on ferry service lines is free of charge. Pets are not allowed to enter the indoor spaces for passengers and should stay on the deck.

Jadrolinija Ferry Routes

Liberty Lines

Liberty Lines is a foot-passenger only ferry, cars are not permitted on board the ferry. Dogs are allowed. Small animals must be kept in special carriers for the entire journey. Medium or large dogs must be on a leash, have health certification which the company reserves the right to request, and must wear a muzzle.

Liberty Lines Ferry Routes

Best Time of Year to Visit Croatia with Your Dog

As Croatia is a very dog-friendly destination, it is an excellent place to visit throughout the year. Many restaurants and cafes allow dogs both indoors and outdoors. However, it is essential to plan ahead as some areas of Croatia may have more restrictive rules. Winters in the coastal region are generally mild, with average high temperatures around 50°F (10°C), which is perfect for walking and exploring with your dog. In our opinion, the best times to visit are from April to June and September to November. During the peak summer season (July-August), Croatia becomes extremely hot and overcrowded. Therefore, we strongly discourage travelling with your dog during this time.

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4 Responses

  1. Thanks for the great info. I am planning a trip from Croatia to Italy in January with my 2 Old English Sheepdogs. It looks like SNAV is the only one with pet cabins. Appreciate all the info!

    1. My pleasure! I would try to book as far in advance as possible to ensure a pet cabin. The ferries will also have different schedules in the winter months and some routes are only available during the summer! Safe travels.

  2. Curious what happens when you get to croatia? Is there anyone checking your dog for certain documents?

    My dog is a boxer but is mistaken for a pitbull. I have read pitbulls are not allowed in croatia so curious if anyone checks when getting off the ferry?

    1. It depends on where you are travelling from? Do you live in the EU? Does your dog have an EU pet passport that indicates their breed and a microchip? If you have all the correct documentation then I am sure you will be fine.

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PEDRO THE WESTIE

I am originally from Calgary, Canada, but now I am living my best life exploring the world with my hoomans, Natascha and Josef. I am not a guide or a service dog, and when I travel, all rules apply. Hopefully, I can inspire other hoomans to travel and explore with their dogs.

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