I looked up the Ferry sites with horror to find that dogs must be kept in cars or in cages on the car deck and not allowed in passenger areas. How does a foot passenger take a dog from N Ireland to Scotland? Dog in question will be a 16 week old deerhound puppy. Guess that will be about the size of a Spaniel by that time! So the term puppy makes one think of something small and cute, this will be big and cute.Stena HSS who travel between Belfast and Stranraer are willing to accept dogs with foot passengers however the dog must be in a suitable carrier and remain on ther car deck for the duration of the voyage. Journey time is around 110 minutes. The other ferry operater between Belfast and Scotland is the Seacat
which goes Belfast - Troon. They informed me that usually they do not accept pets with foot passengers but if the puppy can be put in a carrier they may be able to place it in a special area on the car deck for the duration of the voyage (2hrs 45 mins). Anyone done this?
I am looking at the alternative of air transport but Easyjet seem not to allow the carriage of animals at all. The only other operator is, I think BA. Can dog carriers be hired? It may be the quicker and best option for a young dog, but I know how "fragile" the temperament of a young deerhound can be. I would hate to scar it for life.

Any help from people "in the know" appreciated. Otherwise I may have to try and thumb a lift at the Ferryport from a dog lover and their car.

Brian

I have travelled to Belfast quiet a few times and each time I have alwasy left my dogs in the car. It's quieter and less stressful for them that way. I know that Seacat does not allow dogs on the deck, I think this is for a health and safety reasons. The boat I call the slow boat, it's the one that takes the longest time to get here does allow dogs to go with their owners up into the lounge. I do think going over by car is less stressful for your young puppy as opposed to flying. Good luck with what ever you opt for.

Margaret

The whole point Margaret is that I will be a foot passenger... don't have a car.

Brian

A good few years ago several of us went Holyhead to Dublin(can't spell Dun L??) by foot with a Boxer, a BC a Beardie and a BSD. The ferry we used had airline type crates on the car deck. The dogs were fine and as far as I remember we were allowed to go and check them also stay with them until sailing and go down before car engines were started.
These were dogs used to going to shows etc but people do bring pups in and send them abroad and don't suppose this is really much different
Anne