Travemünde–Helsinki ferry with a dog
With a dog or cat to Finland: what Finnlines requires, what the crossing costs and which treatment Finland requires before entry.
What Finnlines requires
Pet cabin is mandatory
On Travemünde–Helsinki your pet travels in a pet cabin, for example the Junior Pet Suite or a LUX cabin with pet. Maximum two pets per cabin.
Declare when booking
Every pet must be declared when you book. According to Finnlines it costs €70 one way Travemünde–Helsinki.
Not in the car
Pets may not stay in the vehicle during the crossing. Dogs must be on a lead outside the cabin.
Relief areas on deck 7
Pet relief areas are on both outer decks of deck 7. The pet lift also takes you to decks 11 and 12 – but there are no relief areas there.
Tapeworm treatment for dogs
Dogs entering Finland need a treatment against Echinococcus multilocularis with a praziquantel product. A vet outside Finland gives it and records it in the EU pet passport.
The treatment must be given 24 to 120 hours before arrival in Finland. With a crossing of about 31 hours this means: at the earliest about 3½ days before departure from Travemünde and at the latest the day before. Only dogs coming directly from Malta, Ireland or Norway are exempt.
Frequent travellers can use a 28-day rule with regular treatments. Details and exceptions are published by the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) – sort it out with your vet in good time. Information without guarantee.
Making the crossing work with a dog
Pack for two nights
Food, bowl, blanket and bags go into the cabin – you can’t reach the car during the crossing.
Book early
There are only a few pet cabins. Reserve early for holiday periods.
Use quiet times
Plan walks on deck 7 at quieter moments, for example early in the morning.
Sources: finnlines.com – pets · Ruokavirasto – Echinococcus · Last checked 23.10.2026