Traveling between the Uk & Ireland with family pet

[user1488826574]

Is it just me or do you find it unbelievable that you cannot fly with your pet- in my case our puppy to Ireland for less than £3000!!!

So I decided to do research into traveling to Ireland with our new puppy , when he's old enough, obs Ryanair was a no no, so was delighted to see Aer Lingus did. Turns out they don't really , unless you live in Bristol & then can put up with a 24 hours notice whether the airline can accommodate your dog or not, so not really an option.
Does anyone have any other suggestions apart from the dreaded ferry ????

I don't know about going to Ireland but I brought my dog to UK from Greece and we had similar restrictions and huge expense - only one BA flight a day would take animals and they would only take one animal per flight and only one particular flight from one particular airport in Greece per day. Had to check her in as cargo and be charged per Kg including box/kennel - terrible performance and cost me 800 euros for her flight 10 years ago so not surprised about the £3000. I'd have thought the ferry was much nicer for your dog but I'm not sure what's involved with that so I'm probably not an authority.

Thanks for sharing your experience.
Your right the Ferry would be nicer for the puppy , it's just such an epic journey compared to flying.
It's hard to believe in the 21st Century
That it's almost impossible to fly with a dog🤔

I've taken lots and dogs to and from the continent (and Ireland) on ferries with no issue at all, although I do have to say never in high summer. My preference is always to leave them in my own car, where I know they feel at home, rather than in any ferry kennels that may be available.

Make sure they are fed and walked, have plenty of water - lots of newspaper if a puppy. My car is caged out for dogs, so I know they're OK, but if your car isn't then make sure there's nowhere they can get paws caught etc. Leave windows open a bit, but not too much.

(Take it you know you need a pet passport?)

Hi ,

Thanks for your advise on traveling on the Ferry with pets.
Your right, it is probably a lot nicer for the animal to travel by Ferry than plane but the ferry is just not convenient or easy for us .

Anyone used Borrow my Doggie Service?

I have a very gorgeous but energetic Cocker Spaniel & I'm interested in using Borrow my Doggie service.

Has anyone ever used it in the last 2 years?

Have taken adult dog on ferry within UK. It was ok though not sure dog loved it. I was worried about it but better than leaving her behind for a week. Would do again. Obviously, had car. Dog in soft crate so wouldn't hurt herself.