In two weeks I'm going down to the Isle of Wright for a weekend and taking one of the dogs with us to show her the beach, (will also give us something to do - walk the dog!)

However does anyone have any advise on taking a dog on the ferry?  I've already checked with company, they are allowed either in the car or on certain areas on deck.  I have travelled with dogs once before on ferry where owner was happy to leave them in car however we are going over in a polo, so I'm not comfortable leaving her in the car, on her own, with no cage or secured boot!  It's also boyfriends car which is a company car, so don't want to risk anything and would rather have her with me.

Any advise greatly recieved.

Maybe you could stay in the car with her, it's only a short crossing.

I doubt very much you'd be allowed to stay in the car for safety reasons.  If dogs are allowed on deck and your dog is OK with other dogs just take it up there.  It's usually the seating area and outside they're allowed - not in cafes/shops etc.  I've seen loads of dogs on the ferries and not been any problems.  I always leave mine in the car as long as its a short journey and he's fine too (he's a small dog though).

CG

Cocopop.  You can't stay in the car, or in the area of the vechials.

CG, she is fine with other dogs and I'm fine with her only being allowed in one area.  There are two of us going over should we need to grab anything from a cafe.

If I was going over in Dad's car which is the estate with dog gaurds and tail gate etc I would leave her in the car, but in the polo we can't put up a cage big enough for a setter!

We go back 2 or 3 times a year and we leave the dogs in the car. You can get them out but then you have to walk up to the top deck which is rather steep and to be honest, the dogs don't like it and they sleep in the car quite happily. It depends on which crossing you take, but neither is that long, no more than 45 minutes and that's allowing for you to leave the car and for your return. There are crew on board the car decks that will look out for any distressed dog and I have never seen one anyway. Your dog won't get pinched I can promise you that, as passengers are not allowed on the car deck during the trip unless disabled and sitting in the vehicle.

I hope you have a lovely time on the IOW. There are 500 miles of footpaths for you to choose from, but try Seaview/Puckpool near Ryde, for big flat sands(tide out)and the park, that runs down to the beach. Also, compton beach in the West wight near Freshwater, as my dogs love that beech and the views from the coast road all the way along are fantastic.

we use the wight link ferry as go from lymington (only to pop over and see step son), you cant take dogs in the main area for passengers where the cafe is, but there is a small room for passengers with dogs.

you can only stay in your car if you're on the bottom deck, so could stay with your dog. Its only a 30 min crossing, not syre from southampton or portsmouth though.

thanks spiritulist :)

I'm not worried about her getting pinched! :)  I'm just worried about her not being secured in the car.  It's bad enough that she will be on the back seats of the journey.  I will also be taking her on her own from the other 5 and it's rare for her to go anywhere without at least one of the other girls!

I'm sure I will have a great time.  We are staying in ryde with boyfriends parents who have just moved down there. His Mum is already looking forward to going on lots of walks with the dog!

I also think my mum would worry if we left Bree in the car.  Steep steps arn't a problem, Bree doesn't mind steps or stairs. :)

The crossing we are taking takes 55 mins so the time I'm not too worried about, but it will give her a chance to stretch her legs.  I'm really not keen leaving her in a small car.  Knowing what she is like she would start trying to get in all sorts of positions and accidently hurt herself. (I worry too much!)

We go to the IOW quite often and take our dogs onto the top deck, some of the boats have a really good area for passengers with dogs, some just have a dedicated seating area, but dogs are always welcome on Wight Link ferries, not sure about the other one as never used that.

We just came back from a weekend on the IOW, we went Wightlink Portsmouth-Ryde. I wouldn't be happy leaving our dogs in the car in case of overheating etc. You just take them up to the top deck and there is inside and outside seating there. Ours got thoroughly fussed and stroked by all the other passengers up there! :-)

Thanks perry and lucydogs!  Can't wait to take her now!  She is very much a social girl with people and always gets people commenting how pretty she is!  It's also my chance to relax prior to my uni exams!

We are going southampton-cowes I think, although it's not yet booked so unsure.  Is wightlink normally the best/cheepest way to travel?

Southampton to Cowes (Red Funnel) is the longest journey (1 hour) Portsmouth to Ryde (Wightlink) is 40 minutes and the dog area is far more warm and comfortable than the Red funnel.  I live on the Island and am always going over to the mainland for shows etc.. If I go Red Funnel I usually take my boy upstairs on the ferry with me, sure he'd be fine in the car though. There are sheltered areas even on top deck, which can get a bit chilly! When its very cold I hide him under my coat and wait to get frogmarched to the top deck (naughty!)

Enjoy our lovely beachs with your dog! Word of caution though, please be careful if you decide to walk along Appley beach, just off of Ryde, its a stunning beach but can be deadly as the tides can change very quickly and people have been known to get cut off by the high tide. Have a feeling they've just banned dogs from Appley anyway, but thought i'd mention it.

Have a great time!

I got my puppy from the IOW a few months ago and took my other 2 with me to collect. I was very nervous of taking them on the ferry but decided to leave them in the car as this is what they are used to at shows and they were fine, just slept.
When we went back to see te breeder at the weekend I went on the Wight Link ferry and the man showing us in asked me if I wanted to be on the bottom deck so that I could stay with the dogs. I actually took my little dog up onto the top deck and he loved it everyone made a fuss of him.

Thanks for that tip! :) If wightlink is a nicer journey over will mention that to my boyfriend :)  The total journey time however doesn't change that much going on either ferry!

I'm not worried about the cold!  She's a gundog, she can deal with it!  (Though might take her coat with us just to keep her protected, boyfriend has a soft spot for Bree, which is why shes coming over, I don't think he will want her to get cold!)

Thanks for the information on Appley beach :)  This sort of information is good. :)  Thank you

You can use certain parts of Appley at certain times of the year, as with a lot of beaches. There are some steps by the castle thing below the park, just check out the signs as to where you can go and when.

When we went there last summer a lady had her two GSDs up on the top deck with her. It also has an under cover bit on that level too that dogs are allowed in. The crossing takes about half an hour.

Have fun on your hols! :-)

Well Bree now has her car harness and took her first trip in it in boyfriends car with my brother sitting in the back with her, she didn't want to settle and kept getting her leg caught.  Hopeffully she will get used to it after afew test runs, if not I think I'm spending 3 hours in the back of the car!!!!!  Could be fun!

Got a tight schedule though due to the time I'm getting down to home, to get to the ferry in time to let Bree toilet and then get onto the ferry. 

All this and friday morning I now have a job interview for a placement next year!

Just a tip, but they are happier and quieter sitting on the front seat if that helps. And one of ours even prefered to drive himself ;)

Would rather her not in the front (She loves my boyfriend and would want to be on his lap!

She would be happier in the boot but there's not enough space in a polo!!! LOL

If your dog won't settle with a harness do you know anyone with a pet tube that you could borrow? We have one and if I have to take any of the dogs out in my car which doesn't have dog guards then I use the pet tube, my GSD fits comfortably in it. It's great because you can stretch it right accross the back seats, it keeps all the dirt and hair contained too which is a bonus!

I usually sit in the car on Wightlink journies because you are told on the PA " You are advised to vacate your car" not required to... I seldom do. My main reason for not leaving my dogs in the car is the hideous racket caused by all the prats putting their car alarms on and then not realising that the rocking motion will set them all off. At least you can reasure the poor dogs that it's not the end of the world.

Whether you chose Wightlink or Red Funnel would depend on which part of the Island you want to go to and where you are coming from. It could save you a lot of driving if you chose the right route.

Thanks for your advise.  We are gong to Ryde, and from where my parents live (where we are setting off from) theres less then 10 mins journey time between choosing out of the two, so we have gone with the cheepest!  Not sure which one that is, I was told but I wasn't paying much attention!

Also at the end of the day I'm not driving, boyfriend will be doing that so it's his choice the route we take (aswell as the music we play....!) :D

Looking forward to it now, it's my get away before my exams!

I've been told never to put a dog on the front seat, if the airbag should go off it can be dangerous and even kill a small dog. :-(

guess you will be going portsmouth to fishbourne route then, thats wightlink, we either go to the dog deck (it is inside) the new ferry has a special dog room which is good but it depends on which ferry you get, we don't use the lift they hate that lol, but the stairs are fine, we also have stayed in the car with the dogs or walked them round the car deck on occasions ( you can tell we live on the island lol lots of ferry trips) we have never had a problem and have been over with puppies sick dogs etc.  Just enjoy and have fun

Thanks Justi!  I still don't know which route we are taking, I'm just the passenger! :D

Any more suggestions on where to go?  Any nice pubs (dog friendly of course!) in the Ryde area?

some dog friendly pubs on the island

ARRETON The White Lion

If you want a warm welcome from friendly publicans, then try this pub on the Isle of Wight. Serving traditional foods both indoors and in the garden, you and your dog can relax here after a nice walk. Oh, and it's curry night on Wednesdays for those who like their food hot!
The White Lion, Main Road, Arreton, Isle of Wight PO30 3AA
Pub Website
Telephone: 01983 528479

BEMBRIDGE The Crab & Lobster Inn

The Crab & Lobster has a wonderful location and you'll always find great food here. Dogs are welcome in the bar and in eating areas.
32 Forelands, Field Road, Bembridge, Isle of Wight
Pub Website
Telephone: 01983 872244

CHALE The Wight Mouse Inn

Terrific pub with wonderful views over The Needles. Dogs restricted to outside tables, but plenty of them and a huge garden. Water bowls at the ready. Good food and an excellent range of ales. Some bed and breakfast rooms dog friendly too at no extra cost.
Newport Road, Chale, Isle of Wight, PO38 2HA
Telephone: 01983 730431

GODSHILL Cask & Taverners

Terrific food. Dogs allowed inside as well as at tables outside. Doggy watering station. Free kids meals Monday-Friday!
High Street, Godshill, Isle of Wight,
Telephone: 01983 840707

GODSHILL Willow Tree Tea Gardens and Restaurant

Relax in an award winning (White and Bloom) renaissance garden full of nooks, crannies, trees, shrubs and stone work, designed and built by Ian himself. A family run business offering beautifully presented food including local seafood, home made cakes as well as light meals. It's the perfect place for afternoon tea or a spot of lunch. Set in the historic picturesque village of Godshill the area is perfect for walking or cycling. Dogs are warmly welcomed in the garden where water is always provided.
High Street, Godshill, Isle of Wight.
Telephone: 01983 840633

NEWCHURCH The Pointer Inn

Built in the 1600s, this traditional pub and terrific restaurant allow dogs in the bar. You'll get a very warm welcome and you can enjoy good food in the bar and restaurant. There are water bowls everywhere and your doggie is likely to get some biscuits from the locals. There is a lovely nature trail behind the pub. Featured in the Good Beer Guide 2005 and recipient of CAMRA 2005.
High Street, Newchurch, Isle of Wight,
Telephone: 01983 865202

NEWPORT The Bargemans Rest

We had no problem at all going in with our dog and finding a table. All dogs must be kept on a lead. Pub also has a house cat which we only saw once and it didn't bat an eyelid to our dog.
Little London Quay, Newport, Isle of Wight.
Pub Website
Telephone: 01983 525828

NEWPORT The Blacksmiths Arms

Described as a 'very doggy pub', you and your canine chum can admire stunning panoramic views here, after a walk along the Tennison Trial. The 3-star menu includes lots of fish, a big specials board and steak night Thursdays. The owners and their golden retriever, Elsa, always offer a warm welcome.
Calbourne Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5SS
Telephone: 01983 529263

NEWPORT The New Inn

Traditional pub with stone floor and open fireplace in the bar. Good, imaginative food. Full menu available in bar and restaurant. Dogs welcome in bar.
Main Road, Shafleet, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 4NS
Telephone: 01983 531314

NINGWOOD The Horse and Groom

Situated on the main road into Yarmouth in a rural setting surrounded by plenty of walks a number of which are listed on their website. Geared towards families there's a fantastic children's play area at the back. Well behaved dogs are welcome onto the stone and wooden floored bar area and water bowls are provided outside and in. They offer a varied pub menu and specials board with a dozen items including a vegetarian selection.
Yarmouth Road, Ningwood, Newport, Isle of Wight
Pub Website
Telephone: 01983 760672

NITON Buddle Inn

A spacious pub, very happy to welcome dogs throughout. Lots favour the smooth flagstone area but you can let your dog choose his seat as you decide which of the ales or beers to have, and select from the great value and varied menu. He may even choose the garden, from where you have views of the Channel. Traditional music such as folk and piano is often played live.
St Catherine's Road, Niton, Isle of Wight, PO38 2NE
Telephone: 01983 730243

RYDE King Lud

You'll find nice bar meals at reasonable prices at this small bar. Dogs are most welcome but children are not allowed.
2, Esplanade, Ryde, Isle of Wight,
Telephone: 01983 562 942

RYDE The Solent Inn

Our supporter tells us that this is a dog friendly pub.
Monkton Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight.
Telephone: 01983 563546

SEAVIEW Seaview Hotel

On High Street, Reports needed. Pets can, apparently, stay in guests' rooms (not in beds)
High Street, Seaview , Isle of Wight.
Pub Website
Telephone: 01983 612711

VENTNOR The Spyglass

You can't get much closer to the sea than at this dog friendly pub on the seafront. Enjoy beautiful views after taking a walk with your dog, or admire the enormous collection of seafaring memorabilia. Great pub food and specials are served inside or on the decked area out front. Accommodation is also available but unfortunately dogs are not allowed in rooms. The pub was awarded a Wight Link Best Pub award.
Esplanade, Ventnor, Isle of Wight,
Pub Website
Telephone: 01983 855338

YARMOUTH The Bugle

Situated in the small town of Yarmouth in the oldest town and port in the Isle of Wight. There is no shortage of history here. The Bugle offers 7 rooms for B&B style accommodation and dogs are welcome as long as well behaved and on a lead. The owners have thought of every comfort, and if you like your seafood an amazing selection of freshly trawled local fish always features on the menu!
The Square Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
Pub Website

I can recommend the food at the Crab & Lobster too, that's one of the places we ate at! :-)

Well thanks again everyone.  We had a great time away with lots to do and see and poor Bree was shatterd.  She slept all the way home.  Got sunburnt on Saturday.  Really must not go in the sun for a day with people who have spent 10 years in thailand.  They didn't burn or Tan, just a nice colour, i however went lobster red!!!!

Bree was fine on the Ferry aswell.  Although got very upset when people walked passed and didn't say hello!

I'm glad it all went so well!