Ireland with a dog

[ganesh]

We're thinking of having a holiday in Ireland with the dog. Has anyone been on the car ferry with one? I hear you have to keep dogs in the car while you are up in the main part of the ferry. Surely 2 hours is a long time to be in a car alone,isn't it hot down there?

[Buenchico]

Car decks on ferries aren't usually particularly hot. They sometimes smell of petrol fumes. A dog probably wouldn't enjoy the experience very much but I doubt that it would come to any harm.

Some dogs love the comfort and security of being in the family car. Others might be happier in a kennel on the car deck. (Irish Ferries & Stena Line offer this facility, free of charge. It's not available with P&O).

If you arrive close to the departure port early, and take the dog for a good long walk, it would probably welcome the chance of a few hour's sleep in the car.

The relevant links are these:
http://www.stenaline.co.uk/stena_line/stena_li ne_uk/gb/your_questions.html#pets

http://faqs.irishferries.com/scripts/inform/kb sites/0000/if/1370.asp?articleID=1370&articleN ame=Bringing+your+Pet&bFirstTime=1&fromSearchW indow=1

http://www.poirishsea.com/information/terms7.h tm

Chris

[annavc]

Our dog has been back and forth to France many times on the Portsmouth- Cherbourg route which is about 5 hours. He's always been absolutely fine and just sleeps. Both P&O and Brittany Ferries allow you to go down to the car deck to check on them a couple of times during the crossing (passengers aren't usually allowed down at all when the ferry sails). Other companies may have different rules but do as Chris says, take the dog for a really good walk just before you have to board and he'll be tired and will most likely sleep the whole way across (2 hours isn't really that long). Also make sure he has lots of water in the car with him and remember to leave the windows an inch or two.

[ganesh]

Thanks for the reassurance guys.

[matt66]

heard that ireland have strict rules about muzzling/on lead. I think there are separate rules for alsatians. Be prepared.

[ganesh]

Really? Anyone know any more about that? I want to be able to go for long country walks off lead,and I won't go there if this is the case. She's a retriever by the way.

[matt66]

You may have to ask a separate question if you dont get responses on this thread

[ganesh]

Thanks,yes I'll maybe put it on the pets section instead of travel.