Pet Policy: Irish Ferries

For forms, instructions and information for taking a pet aboard a Irish Ferries, CLICK HERE.

ROUTES:
Holyhead, England to Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland to Holyhead, England
Cherbourg, France to Rosslare, Ireland
Rosslare, Ireland to Cherbourg, France
Roscoff, France to Rosslare, Ireland
Rosslare, Ireland to Roscoff, France
Pembroke, England to Rosslare, Ireland
Rosslare, Ireland to Pembroke, England

Irish Ferries accepts the carriage of pet animals, at no charge.

Car Passengers - Ireland/Britain routes only: Pets are allowed to accompany passengers travelling with a car. Your pet must be taken on board the ship in your car and must remain either in your vehicle or in the kennels provided by Irish Ferries for the duration of the voyage. Your pet is not allowed on the passenger decks at any time. The kennels are situated on the car deck, can be booked in advance and are free of charge. If your pet is staying in your car for the duration of the journey there is no need to declare him/her before travel.

There are restrictions in place curtailing the free movement of birds due to the risk of bird flu.

Foot Passengers - Ireland /Britain routes only: For hygiene and safety reasons we do not allow dogs to travel with foot passengers. An exception will be made for registered "guide dogs". Cats may travel if they are contained in a purpose built enclosed cat box. The cat must travel on the car deck in their own personal cat box.

GUIDE DOGS: Irish Ferries are delighted to welcome on board specially trained "Sight", "Hearing" and "Feeling" dogs. These dogs can travel on all ships within the Irish Ferries fleet. Please note that all dogs travelling on the Ireland to France Route the guide dog will need a pet passport. Passengers: Your guide dog must be taken on board the ship in your car. The dog can then be brought up to the passenger decks and will be allowed to remain there for the duration of the voyage. The dog must be on a special guide dog harness at all times. Foot Passengers: Foot passengers are permitted to walk their guide dogs through the terminal buildings onto the ship. The dog must be on a special guide dog harness and will be allowed to remain on the passenger decks throughout the voyage. Please note that animals cannot travel unaccompanied.

HELPFUL TIPS - TRAVELING WITH A PET ON A CRUISE SHIP OR A FERRY
HEALTH CERTIFICATE
A certificate of good health is required indicating that the pet is healthy enough for travel, is free of diseases communicable to humans and has been properly vaccinated.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
In mmany cases, your destination will be another country on the ferry or cruise line, and it will be necessary that you have the proper documents to enter that country with your pet. Most countries have their own version of a veterinary certificate, sometimes called a Zoo Sanitary Certificate. In addition, some countries require an import permit. These forms are available here: http://www.pettravelstore.com/store-pet-immigration-forms1.html.

COLD WEATHER RESTRICTIONS
When the weather is very cold the Ferry Line may not be able to accommodate your pet in one of the pet crates located on the deck of the ship.

TRANSPORTING YOUR PET ABOARD SHIP
Each cruise and ferry line has different rules regarding the method of transporting pets aboard the ship.

PET CRATES
If the ferry line allows you to transport the pet in your own automobile or in your own pet crate, you will need to have a suitable pet crate. The pet crate must meet certain standards of quality and construction in order to be taken aboard ship.

To learn more about compliant pet crates, visit this page: http://www.pettravel.com/passports_container_requirements.cfm.

To find the best size crate for your pet, go to http://www.pettravelstore.com/store-pet-airline-cargo-crates.html.

MORE TIPS FOR PET CRUISE SHIP AND FERRY TRAVEL
1. Never give your pet a medical (prescription) sedative prior to traveling on a ferry or cruise ship. If you have a hyper or nervous pet, then give it a natural relaxing agent such as HAPPY TRAVELER.
2. Always purchase your pet carrier well in advance of your trip so that the pet can get used to it.
3. Be sure to tell the cruise or ferry line you will be traveling with a pet as they impose restrictions on the number of pets on a specific sailing.
4. Even though sea travel may be stressful both you and your pet, both of you will be happier if your pet gets to travel with you on your trip.

For forms, instructions and information for taking a pet aboard a Irish Ferries, CLICK HERE.

QUESTIONS If you have questions about traveling with your pet send your question to info@PetTravel.com or post them to our blog.