Irish Ferries has significantly upgraded pet travel with the launch of its brand-new "Pet Den" lounges, offering unparalleled comfort and style for dogs, cats, and even ferrets. These dedicated, spacious lounges allow pets to travel alongside their owners completely free of charge, ensuring a "com-fur-table" crossing. Irish Ferries is the only ferry company to offer such a facility on both UK-France and UK-Ireland crossings.
The "Pet Den" provides ample indoor lounge space with light, airy interiors, great sea views, comfortable seating with leash hooks, and access to snacks, beverages, and water dispensers. Complementing these indoor facilities are dedicated outdoor deck walk-way areas featuring artificial grass, posts, and plenty of fresh air, allowing pets and owners to stretch their legs.
Nora Costello, Consumer Marketing & Sales Director at Irish Ferries, emphasized the company's commitment to pet-friendly travel, stating, "The introduction of complimentary pet dens on the majority of our crossings is great news for people who want to travel with their pets. It’s just one of the many advantages of travelling with Irish Ferries." She highlighted that this initiative addresses the common issue of pets being left behind due to cost or separation anxiety, setting new standards for pet travel.
Veterinarian Dr. Bobby Ortiz (@dogtor_bob) lauded the new facilities, calling them the best he has ever seen for ensuring comfortable and enjoyable pet travel. He also provided expert advice for pet owners, recommending travel during cooler parts of the day, ensuring a "fit for travel" health check, providing adequate ventilation if pets remain in vehicles, and making onboard kennels comfortable with familiar items.
The "Pet Den" lounges are available on select routes, including Dover – Calais, Holyhead – Dublin (from June 21 and July 1 respectively), and Pembroke – Rosslare. Passengers are advised to add their pets at the time of booking and to familiarize themselves with all pet passport and government regulations.
