Heimtierpass - Irische See
We know staying behind whilst the rest of the family goes on holiday can be a lonely time for your pet. That's why we are doing our very best to help you bring them along on your travels.
Your pet be it dog, cat or ferret has the option of either staying in the comfort of your car for the duration of the voyage, or being housed in our onboard kennels. It's up to you to decide which option is the most comfortable for your pet. If you do choose to use a kennel it must be booked in advance.
When travelling with your pet / assistance animal, you must advise us at time of booking.
Below are the links to all the information you will need to help you travel with your pet.
Pet Passport requirements and Government regulations
Kennel facilities onboard our ships
Pet Passport & Government regulations
EU pet passport rules apply throughout the European Union. All Dogs, Cats and Ferrets travelling between member states need 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. It is your responsibility to ensure that all of the entry conditions are met.
Brexit:After 31st December 2020, you will still be able to travel with your pet (dog, cat or ferret) to and from the UK whether a deal is reached or not.
However, in a no-deal scenario, you may need to take some additional steps depending on how the UK is categorised from 31st December 2020. Importantly, you should visit a vet 4 months in advance of travel, for certification and relevant vaccines. More information can be found on the Governments’ pages about Pet travel to/from Britain after Brexit.
Ireland: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/pets/
Information for vets: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/pets/informationforvets/
UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit
Government regulations for pets - Ireland /Britain/Ireland routes only
- 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, cats, and ferrets must have a current Rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days prior to entry into Ireland). The Rabies vaccination must be administered by a registered Veterinary Practitioner and entered into the E.U. Pet Passport (Section IV. Vaccination Against Rabies), signed, dated and stamped.
- Tapeworm – this treatment is not required for entry into Ireland from Britain, Finland, Norway or Malta or for entry into Britain from Ireland, Finland, Norway or Malta
Latest government regulations for travelling with a pet from Britain to any EU country after October 2019.
The rules for pet travel from Britain to the EU will change when Britain leaves the EU. Pet owners should contact a vet at least 4 months before travelling to get the latest advice.
Advice from DEFRA
Procedures when travelling with pets
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.
- Family pets are not allowed on the passenger decks at any time.
Foot-passengers
- Pets (all dogs and cats) must be transported to and from the ferry in a secure, rigid and appropriate pet carrier/cage or crate (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 carrier/cage or crate from the terminal to the ship.
- The carrier/ cage or crate will be accommodated in the kennel area on the car deck.
- If you turn up at the port without an appropriate pet carrier/cage or crate you will not be allowed to bring your pet on board. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Kennel facilities on board
Each ship has kennel facilities which are situated on the car deck. Please note that you may not be parked beside the kennels. The kennel sizes are :
Isle of Inishmore ( Rosslare/Pembroke route)
A mix of small, medium and large kennels up to 100cm high, 80cm wide, 85cm deep
Dublin Swift( Dublin/Holyhead route)
A mix of small, medium and large kennels up to 84cm high x 120cm wide x 88cm deep
Ulysses (Dublin / Holyhead route)
A mix of small, medium and large kennels up to 96cm high, 96cm wide and 85cm deep.
Oscar Wilde
Medium kennel (89 cm high, 70 cm wide and 95cm deep)
W.B. Yeats (Dublin/Holyhead route)
A mix of small, medium and large kennels up to 100cm high, 75cm wide and 95cm deep
Guide, Hearing and Assistance dogs
- Irish Ferries welcome Guide, Hearing and Autism Assistance dogs onboard our ships.
- All guide, hearing and autism assistance dogs must have the necessary paperwork when checking in at the Port and must wear the correct harness and jacket at all times when travelling.
- They are allowed to remain with their owner on the passenger decks for the duration of the voyage if they are an officially registered guide, hearing or autism assistance dog.
- Please contact us in advance of travel so that our Teams on-board can be notified and will be ready to offer special assistance if required.
- Foot passengers - you are permitted to walk your guide, hearing or autism assistance dog through the terminal building and onto the ship.
Advice:
Ireland: https://www.ispca.ie/
Movement Restrictions
Movement Restriction on the Number of Pets.
- From the 29th December 2014, the maximum number of pets that can travel with one owner or authorised person under the pet travel scheme will be five. Anyone wishing to travel with more than 5 pets will therefore need to comply with the commercial movement rules (see below).
- An exemption from this requirement will be introduced where more than five pets, aged over six months, are travelling with their owner, or an authorised person, to attend a show, competition or sporting event (or training for such an event). Written evidence of attendance/registration will need to be provided. In all cases the transport vehicle must be fit for purpose, for example, in relation to size, type and ventilation. Kennels are available on board and can be booked with Irish Ferries.
Commercial Movement of Animals.
- Any other shipment of animals that exceeds five, (not including those attending shows or sporting events) or any movement of animals for commercial purposes (for sale, for breeding or commercial gain), cannot be booked on Irish Ferries Passenger services. A booking will need to be made with Irish Ferries Freight Services (contact +353 (0) 818221560.
- Customers should also note that there are separate requirements for commercial shipments of animals, including additional approval documentation, for the animals, the vehicle type and in some cases, for the driver of the vehicle. Further information can be obtained from the office of your nearest Animal Health Veterinary Inspector.
There are restrictions in place curtailing the free movement of birds due to the risk of bird flu.
Further information on the restrictions applying when travelling with animals is available on
www.gov.uk/bringing-food-animals-plants-into-uk
If your question has not been fully answered in this FAQ please contact us and let us know customersupport@irishferries.com
