Ireland/Britain Route

Ireland and Britain are free of rabies. All pet dogs and cats may travel between the two countries without a Pet Passport.

Ireland/France Route

Irish Ferries participate in the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). This is a Government controlled system that allows movement of dogs, cats and ferrets within the EU member states without quarantine restrictions. All animals 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.

Other animal types may need a Government import licence and/or advance authorisation to travel.

Government Regulations

Under these regulations all pets should:

• Have an official recognized EU pet passport.
• Be micro-chipped ( ISO standard 11784 or Annex A standard 11785). The microchip number should correspond with the number on the passport presented.
• Be vaccinated against Rabies - the vaccination record should be valid and continuous. Vaccinations and micro-chipping may be done on the same day.
• Animal must be blood tested at least six months before travel (dogs less than 6 months old are not allowed to travel).
• Treated by a vet against tick and tapeworm within 24 –48hrs prior to departure time.
• All relevant tests, treatments, vaccinations and changes to these must be dated (including expiry dates), stamped and signed by an authorised Vet and entered in the pet passport.

Irish Ferries Regulations

• It is the pet owners’ responsibility to comply with the Government regulations. A declaration form accepting the regulations must be signed at the port of departure.
• Pre-booking 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.
• To have your pet included on your booking please:

On-line bookings
Send a request to info@irishferries.com with the following information - microchip number, pet owner’s full name, vehicle registration, make and model and colour of the vehicle. You will receive an e-mail confirmation of the status of your request.  

Telephone bookings
The following information will be required at the time of booking – microchip number, pet owner’s full name, vehicle registration, make and model and colour of the vehicle. Your booking will be noted accordingly.

• Irish Ferries charge an administrative fee of € 35 per animal per journey for travel. This fee includes the use of a kennel on board. The dimensions of the kennels are: Small kennels D 80cm, W 45cm, H 50cm. Large kennels D 110cm, W 70cm, H 70cm.
• All pets must remain in the custom-built kennels located in a designated area on the car deck. Controlled visits may be arranged during the voyage subject to weather conditions.
• Please note that pets can only travel from France to Ireland via Cherbourg. However, we can transport pets from Ireland to France via both Cherbourg and Roscoff. 
• Only passengers travelling in a private motorised vehicle may bring their pets.
• Foot or coach passengers cannot bring their pet – guide dogs are naturally excluded.
• Check-in time for passengers travelling with animals is 2 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
• Only 2 pets per booking are permitted.

Related Links

Family Pets

Special Dogs