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Ireland still easiest option taking pets abroad says Irish Ferries

British and Irish governments have agreed that no checks will be made on pets travelling between the two countries, making Ireland the easiest option for taking pets abroad, even taking into account new EU rules on pet travel.

The new EU rules state that pets visiting France (and all other EU destinations) should be micro-chipped, vaccinated against rabies and hold an Official Veterinary Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport.

However, DEFRA says: “As both the Republic of Ireland and the UK have had no indigenous rabies for many decades, compliance checks on pets travelling between the two countries will not be applied. Pet owners travelling with their pets should therefore not experience any change on the ground from the 1st January.”

Says Irish Ferries’ head of passenger sales Declan Mescall: “We carry tens of thousands of pets free of charge every year and that will not change. Ireland is still the easiest option for anyone who wants to take man’s best friend on holiday!”

Pets are carried free of charge, whether they occupy an on-board kennel (limited number, pre-booking essential) or remain in the car during the voyage. 

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