Ferries to Procida with pets: rules for traveling with dogs and cats

Procida is one of the most beloved islands in the Gulf of Naples, and the good news for those traveling with a four-legged friend is that pets are welcome on all ferries and hydrofoils to Procida connecting the island with Naples, Pozzuoli, and Ischia. However, a few precautions are required: proper documentation, mandatory accessories, and some planning before boarding. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to travel smoothly with your dog, cat, or small pet.

Basic boarding rules

All companies operating the route — Caremar, Medmar, SNAV, Alilauro, Alicost, Ippocampo, and Capitan Morgan — accept pets on both traditional ferries and fast hydrofoils. The general rules, valid across all operators, are three:

• Dogs must be on a leash and wear a muzzle. The leash must not exceed 1.5 meters, and the muzzle is required in enclosed or crowded areas. Small dogs are also subject to this rule unless traveling in a carrier.
• Cats and small animals must travel in a closed carrier. Rabbits, ferrets, birds, and rodents must remain inside their carrier for the entire crossing. Maximum dimensions may vary slightly between companies but are generally around 50 × 35 × 35 cm.
• Carry your pet’s health booklet. It is rarely checked at boarding, but essential in case of inspection or if veterinary assistance is needed on the island.

Pet areas on board depend on the vessel type: ferries usually offer outdoor spaces (and sometimes cages upon request), while hydrofoils allow pets to stay with their owner indoors, provided they are in a carrier or wearing a muzzle.

Documents: what you actually need

To travel within Italy with dogs, cats, and ferrets, the law requires:

• Microchip identification registered in the official pet registry.
• Health booklet with up-to-date vaccinations, especially rabies (mandatory for international travel, recommended domestically).
• EU pet passport, only required when traveling to or from another country — not necessary for routes like Naples–Procida or Pozzuoli–Procida.

Although checks at the port are usually minimal, always bring your pet’s documents. They may be required if you need veterinary assistance during your stay.

Prices: how much does it cost to bring a pet on board?

Pet tickets are generally inexpensive:

• Small dogs in carriers: often travel free or for a small fee of €1–3.
• Medium and large dogs: typically €2–5 per trip.
• Cats and small animals in carriers: usually free of charge.
• Guide dogs: always free of charge, no muzzle required when assisting.

Exact prices are shown during booking: make sure to select your pet when purchasing tickets online to avoid additional fees at the port.

Ferry vs hydrofoil: what’s best for your pet?

If you are traveling with a pet, choosing between a ferry and a hydrofoil is important. Check the latest ferry timetables to Procida to select the best option.

The traditional ferry (Caremar, Medmar) is the most comfortable option for medium and large dogs: it offers outdoor areas, more space, and a smoother ride. Travel time is about 60 minutes from Naples and around 40 minutes from Pozzuoli.

The hydrofoil (SNAV, Alilauro, fast Caremar services) is faster — about 25–40 minutes — but has smaller, more crowded indoor spaces. It may be less suitable for large or anxious animals, but it works well for cats and small pets in carriers, especially in warm weather when a shorter trip is preferable.