Frequently Asked Questions
Pets travelling
Ireland to France & France to Ireland routes only
Irish Ferries participate in the Pet Travel Scheme. This is a Government controlled system that allows movement of dogs, cats and ferrets within EU member states without quarantine restrictions. Motorists and foot -passengers may bring their pet with them.
All Dogs, Cats and Ferrets travelling under this scheme need a Pet Passport. It is your responsibility to ensure that all the entry conditions are met otherwise your pet will not be allowed to travel.
Government Regulations for Pets travelling to Ireland
Dogs, cats and ferrets must have an official recognised EU Pet Passport with veterinary endorsements certifying compliance with tests, treatments and vaccinations. The endorsements must be dated (including expiry dates), stamped and signed by an authorised Vet.
Regulations :
- Microchip- The microchip number on the animal must correspond with the number on the passport presented. The microchip should comply with ISO standards 11784 & 11785. Clearly legible tattoos are also accepted – the tattoo must have been applied before 3rd July 2011
- Rabies- All dogs and cats should be vaccinated against rabies. The primary vaccination ( first vaccination following the microchip) must be administered at least 21 days prior to the arrival of the animal into Ireland. Thereafter the rabies vaccinations must be kept up to date and the 21 day period does not apply. However if there is a break in the vaccination record the relevant booster vaccination is considered the primary vaccination and the 21 days will apply before travel. The certificate confirming that the dog is rabies free must be inserted in the passport.
- Tapeworm – this regulation applies to dogs only. Treatment against tapeworm must be administered not more than 120hrs (5 days) and not less than 24hrs (1 day) prior to arrival into Ireland. Treatment against ticks is no longer a compulsory requirement but dog owners are strongly advised on animal health grounds to avail of tick treatment for their dogs when getting the tapeworm treatment.
All other animal types must have an Import licence to travel to Ireland. These licences are issued by the Irish Government. To obtain a licence please check the Irish Government website www.agriculture.gov.ie
Government regulations for pets travelling one way to France only
The Irish Government has no pet passport requirements for dogs, cats or ferrets leaving Ireland on a one way trip to Europe. It is only the requirement of the destination country that the customer has to comply with. The minimum requirement for dogs, cats and ferrets crossing any EU border is
- Microchip
- EU Pet Passport with veterinary endorsements certifying compliance with tests, treatments and vaccinations.
All other animal types travelling to Europe need a Certificate of Good Health signed by a vet and are also subject to Import licence legislation. Please check the French Government website www.agriculture.gouv.fr.
Irish Ferries regulations for pets travelling on our ships
- Check-in time for passengers travelling with animals is at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of the ferry - otherwise you and your pet will be refused travel.
- Irish Ferries charge an administrative fee of € 45 / € 70 / €100 per animal per journey for travel. This fee includes the use of a kennel/cat box on board and each animal must occupy a separate unit. Pets are not allowed to remain in your car or travel on the passenger decks during the voyage (guide dogs excluded) .
- The kennels/cat boxes are situated in a separate room on the car deck and the dimensions are:
Cat box = 55cm high, 45 wide, 70cm deep – cost €45
Small kennel = 45 cm high, 55cm wide and 80cm deep - cost €45.
Large kennel = 72 cm high, 60 cm wide and 110cm deep - cost €70.
Extra large kennel = 113cm high, 100cm wide and 158cm deep = cost €100
- Please ensure that you book a kennel size appropriate for your pet. If you reserve a kennel that is too small for your pet, we reserve the right to refuse travel. Irish Ferries also reserve the right to optimise the usage of the kennels onboard based on demand and on the size of the pet. Where Irish Ferries judge it appropriate to move a pet to a smaller kennel, no refund will be paid. You will be assigned a kennel number and your pet must remain in that kennel for the duration of the voyage. When you add a kennel to your booking you will have to confirm that you are aware of and will adhere to the special terms and conditions of the Pets travel scheme
- Early pre-booking of pets is essential and is subject to space, availability and terms & conditions of the Pet Travel Scheme. There are only a limited number of kennels available on each sailing (12) and our reservations system is programmed to accept two kennels per booking. If you wish to bring a third pet please contact us at info@irishferries.com and we will let you know if a suitable kennel is available on your chosen travel dates.
- If your pet is travelling both ways you must make a return booking and reserve a kennel on each journey. If your pet is not returning with you please contact us before travel commences at info@irishferries.com so that we can note your booking accordingly. If you are using our Landbridge services to or from Europe (travelling via the UK) please ensure that you are compliant with our partner carriers' regulations regarding the transport of pets
- You will be allowed to visit your pet during the crossing and bring him/her for a short walk to answer calls of nature. A crew member will accompany you to the kennels. Visiting times are displayed at the reception desk on deck 5.
- Where specified by Irish or French legislation, if your pet is required to be muzzled and is not, you will be refused travel.
Dangerous Dogs:
Check to see if your dog is considered a dangerous breed. The importation and transit to and around France of dangerous dogs Category 1; such as Staffordshire terrier, American Staffordshire terrier (Pit bulls) , Mastiff (Boer bulls) or any dog of the type known as the Tosa without a pedigree is not permitted. All dogs in category 1 type should be properly muzzled or they will be refused travel.
For further details regarding dangerous dogs please see www.ambafrance-uk.org/Importation-of-animals-into-France www.agriculture.gouv.fr/transport
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.
