Dog on ferries to Ireland

[Cameron Carter]

Hello, we were just about to book our ferry to Dublin with our whippet and we assumed that he would stay in the motorhome and we would stay with him. But apparently we are not allowed to stay in the motorhome at all. He has extreme separation anxiety and would never cope being left alone for 4+hours. I don't think the kennels would work either. We are flexible about which route to take and have found out that the Liverpool to Belfast ferry allows you to stay with your dog on the passenger deck while they are in the kennels, which might be a possibility. Any ideas or past experiences would be very welcome. Thank you x

 

[canopus]

@Theonlysue has done Eire a few times but her dog is only like a mouse with a fur coat on so she might have put it in her pocket.

 

[Speve]

Holyhead to Dublin is 3hrs 15 mins but still surprisingly long to leave your doggy on it’s own

 

[Speve]

Taken from Stena line website might be of help.
PETS TRAVELLING ON HOLYHEAD - DUBLIN


By car

Kennels can be pre-booked at no extra charge or if you prefer, your pet can remain in the vehicle for the duration of the crossing. You can pre-book a kennel on the "Stena Plus & Onboard Extras" step of the booking process. Small pets are permitted onboard if they are secured for the duration of the crossing in a pet traveller case (max. size: 80cm x 52cm x 52cm) but must be pre-booked prior to travelling as a limited number of carrier cases are allowed onboard each sailing. Passengers may be required to place the pet traveller case on the car deck in the dedicated kennel area if the animals are not secured in the case at all times during the crossing.

 

[irnbru]

I used to go from Stranraer to Larne often and as far as I can remember I took the dog on deck with me. It's quite a few years ago but I know the dog never went into a kennel.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Cameron Carter]

Thank you for your advice. We think we might try and squeeze him into a carrier and take him on to the deck!!! Fingers crossed it will be OK. Will sleep on it and decide in the morning!!!

 

[Gellyneck]

I used to go from Stranraer to Larne often and as far as I can remember I took the dog on deck with me. It's quite a few years ago but I know the dog never went into a kennel.

Both P&O and Stena now require pets in kennels, left in car or small carry case on Cairnryan - Larne \ Belfast routes.

 

[Theonlysue]

I leave my dog in the mh. She's done the crossing a few times now. I walk her before I board and also as soon as I get out of the port on arrival.
I dont like the kennels, but there is a walk area where the kennels are so you could stay there with your pooch.

 

[Cameron Carter]

Thank you, we're going for the purpose-made pet carrier option, from Holyhead to Dublin. Matey at the Caravan & Motorhome Club and a Stena bod both advised us we could do this if the carrier/holder was no bigger than 80 cms long x 52 x 52. The whippet will just have to squeeze in a bit...