DFDS reassures pet owners as Jersey heatwave sparks concerns over ferry crossings - Jersey Evening Post
by Daisy Morel · Jersey Evening PostPosted inNews
DFDS reassures pet owners as Jersey heatwave sparks concerns over ferry crossings
by Daisy Morel 26 June 202625 June 2026
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DFDS has sought to reassure passengers travelling with pets during Jersey’s record-breaking heatwave, saying animal welfare remains its “top priority” and that additional measures are in place to keep pets safe on board.
The reassurance comes after some pet owners raised concerns on social media about temperatures on vehicle decks, where animals often have to remain during sailings.
The Danish ferry operator said it had introduced extra precautions for those travelling with pets in hot weather, including shaded waiting areas before boarding, fresh water at the port, additional water supplies on board and “pet packages”.
Passengers are also advised to leave at least two car windows partially open to allow airflow and to ensure their pets have plenty of food and water for the journey.
DFDS said crew members carry out regular patrols of the vehicle deck throughout crossings, while owners are also permitted to check on their animals during the voyage.
Steve Garner, DFDS head of customer experience for Jersey routes, said temperatures on board had been closely monitored during this week’s exceptionally hot weather.
“On Monday, temperatures on the vehicle deck of Levante Jet were monitored regularly using thermal imaging equipment,” he explained.
“Due to high temperatures during boarding in Poole, the vessel’s Master decided to permit pets onto the outside deck. Once the vessel was underway, temperatures on the vehicle deck fell and remained at an acceptable level.
“Due to the recent warm weather, the Master of Tarifa Jet also permitted passengers to have their pets on the outside deck, an option that some chose to take advantage of.”
The company said it would continue to assess conditions on a sailing-by-sailing basis and encouraged customers with concerns about travelling with pets to contact DFDS before their journey so that alternative travel arrangements could be discussed where appropriate.
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