Frequently Asked Questions
Pets travelling
Ireland/Britain Routes only
EU pet passport rules apply through the European Union from 1st January 2012. However as both Ireland and the UK have not experienced indigenous rabies for many decades compliance checks on pets travelling between these two countries only will not be applied. Pets may travel with car and foot-passengers on these routes. Family pets are not allowed on the passenger decks at any time.
Pets with car passengers
- Your pet must be taken on board the ship in your car and must remain either in your car or in the kennels provided by Irish Ferries for the duration of the voyage.
- The kennels can be booked in advance and are free of charge.
- If your pet is staying in your car for the duration of the voyage there is no need to declare him or her before travel.
Pets with foot-passengers
- Pets (small dogs and cats) must be transported to and from the ferry in a secure, rigid and appropriate pet cage or box (please bring your own)
- The animal must be able to stand or lie down in comfort.
- The owner of the animal must be able to carry the cage or box from the terminal to the ship.
- All animals must travel on the car deck in their cages or boxes.
- If you turn up at the port without an appropriate pet cage or box you will not be allowed to bring your pet on board. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Kennel facilities on board
Every ship has kennel facilities which are situated on the car deck. The kennel sizes are as follows:
Isle of Inishmore ( Rosslare/Pembroke route)
100cm high, 80cm wide, 85cm deep
Dublin Swift ( Dublin/Holyhead route)
72cm high, 45cm wide, 57cm deep
Ulysses (Dublin / Holyhead route)
Medium - 96cm high, 64cm wide and 85cm deep
Large - 96cm high, 96cm wide and 85cm deep.
Guide Dogs:
Irish Ferries are delighted to welcome specially trained "Sight", "Hearing" and "Feeling" dogs on board. All Guide dogs travelling on the Ireland/France routes must be pet passport compliant.
Guide dogs are allowed to remain with their owner on the passenger decks for the duration of the voyage. The dog must wear the special guide dog harness at all times. Please contact us a few days before you travel so that staff on-board can be notified and will be ready to assist.
Guide dogs with car passengers - your guide dog must be taken on board the ship in your car and then brought up to the passenger decks.
Guide dogs with foot passengers - you are permitted to walk your guide dog through the terminal building and onto the ship.
There are restrictions in place curtailing the free movement of birds due to the risk of bird flu. www.agriculture.gov.ie and www.defra.gov.uk.
