Pet owners invited to discover benefits of ferry travel

Animal lovers have been encouraged to take the opportunity provided by National Ferry Fortnight to take their furry friends on a sea journey.

Transporting animals is becoming increasingly common on ferries, according to the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA).

This year alone, operators have carried a range of pets, as well as alpacas, lions, giraffes, pigs, frogs and even a snow leopard.

In a statement on its Discover Ferries website, the PSA said: "Travelling onboard with a pet couldn't be easier and with National Ferry Fortnight providing a range of great travel incentives, now is the time to book."

The recent relaxation of quarantine laws and the new Pet Travel Scheme allows owners of dogs, cats and ferrets to travel with their pet between the UK and Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Spain without quarantine.

Owners are required to obtain a pet passport from a government-authorised vet after having their animal microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and blood-tested.

Due to run from May 14th to 28th, National Ferry Fortnight is a celebration of sea travel that will include a range of special offers and initiatives from companies including P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries and Stena Line, among others.

Posted by Andrew Smith