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Where your dog travels
| Stena Line | Irish Ferries | |
|---|---|---|
| In your car | Free. The dog stays in the car for the whole crossing; car decks are closed at sea. | Yes. The dog stays in the car or a kennel for the whole voyage. |
| Kennel | Free on this route. You can visit the kennel during the crossing only on the Stena Estrid. | Free, on the car deck. Ulysses kennels take crates up to 96 × 96 × 85 cm. |
| Pet cabin | Pre-bookable, up to 2 pets per cabin | James Joyce only |
| Pet lounge | Not on Holyhead–Dublin | Pet Den, if available when you book |
| Booking | Every pet must be pre-booked | Declare pets when booking, max. 5 per booking |
Assistance dogs certified by an ADI or IGDF member organisation travel with their owner on the passenger decks with both companies.
Sources: Stena Line: pets on the Irish Sea · Stena Line: pet cabins · Irish Ferries: pet travel Ireland–Britain
Documents for Ireland
- Microchip first, before or together with the rabies vaccination.
- Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before arrival.
- EU pet passport or GB animal health certificate. A new certificate is needed for every trip.
- Tapeworm treatment (dogs only) by a vet, 24 to 120 hours before you arrive in Ireland, recorded in the passport or certificate.
Stena Line also asks you to complete Ireland's advance notice form before arrival and may refuse carriage if the papers are not in order. Check the official rules before you go.
Sources: Ireland.com: bringing your pet · GOV.UK: taking your pet abroad
Tips for the crossing
- The crossing takes about 3½ hours. Walk your dog at the port before check-in.
- In the car: water, a blanket and a slightly open window, as Irish Ferries recommends.
- For the kennel: bring bedding and a water bowl. Use a collar and a non-retractable lead of no more than 1.2 m when moving through the ship (Stena Line).
- Night sailings: a pet cabin lets you and your dog sleep together. Book early, there are only a few.
Sailings today
Lowest fare our check found for each sailing (checked on Thu 15 Oct). Final price on the booking page. Local time – the same in Wales and Ireland.
Lowest fare our check found for each sailing (checked on Fri 16 Oct). Final price on the booking page. Local time – the same in Wales and Ireland.
Lowest fare our check found for each sailing (checked on Sat 17 Oct). Final price on the booking page. Local time – the same in Wales and Ireland.
Lowest fare our check found for each sailing (checked on Wed 14 Oct). Final price on the booking page. Local time – the same in Wales and Ireland.
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Questions about dogs on the ferry
Can I take my dog on the Holyhead–Dublin ferry?
Yes. Stena Line and Irish Ferries both carry dogs and cats on this route. You have to add the pet when you book. Pets travel in your car, in a kennel or in a pet cabin; they are not allowed in the general passenger areas.
How much does it cost to take a dog to Ireland by ferry?
Stena Line states that pets in the car and in kennels travel free on Holyhead–Dublin. Irish Ferries kennels are also free. A pet cabin is charged like a normal cabin.
Can my dog stay with me during the crossing?
Only in a pet cabin (Stena Line; on Irish Ferries only on the James Joyce) or in the Irish Ferries Pet Den when it is available at the time of booking. Stena Line has no pet lounge on this route. Car decks are closed while the ship is at sea.
What documents does my dog need from Britain to Ireland?
A microchip, a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel, an EU pet passport or a GB animal health certificate (a new one for each trip) and, for dogs, a tapeworm treatment by a vet 24 to 120 hours before arriving in Ireland.
Which dogs are not allowed?
Stena Line does not carry banned breeds such as XL Bullies and Pit Bull Terriers. Bandogs and Boerboels must stay in the vehicle the whole time. Irish Ferries refuses banned breeds and requires a muzzle for dogs that must be muzzled.
Can foot passengers bring a dog?
Ask the ferry company before you book. Stena Line requires every pet to be pre-booked, by car or on foot. Irish Ferries pets travel in a vehicle or in an onboard kennel, so a foot passenger needs a suitable crate.