Brittany Ferries Pets Surge 64% over last Four Years

As the season is about to begin for the Cork-Roscoff service, statistics show that more pets than ever are travelling from France to Ireland and vice-versa

It’s a little early to predict yet, but the numbers of people travelling to France from Ireland this summer could be one of the highest yet, in spite of security concerns.

All ferry companies are reporting significant increases in their passenger numbers. So far this year, Brittany Ferries has seen a 19% increase in advance bookings with much of the peak weeks being already booked up. For canines, however, the jump has been even more dramatic over the last 4-5 years, according to the ferry company’s statistics.

According to Brittany Ferries, the number of pets carried on its Cork-Roscoff route has increased by 64% in the last 4 years – from 772 in 2011 to 1,1815 in 2015. In the last year, the jump was by 19%.

Year        Pets carried

• 2011         722

• 2012         903

• 2013         904

• 2014         993

• 2015       1,185

For those who don’t want to leave their four-legged friend at home, Brittany Ferries takes the lead with a pet friendly property search option on its website which offers a range of pet friendly hotels, campsites, gîtes, cottages and villages. In addition, there is a dedicated section for pet owners giving hints and tips, information on the pet passport scheme and customers’ testimonials.

The Pont Aven boasts 42 small and 24 large kennels and an open-air exercise area to make travelling for your pet as comfortable as possible. The kennels are accessible at all times so you can freely check on your precious cargo. There is also the option to carry your pet in the comfort of your car.

Hugh Bruton, General Manager of Brittany Ferries in Ireland said, “Holidaying with pets is a fast growing trend in the travel industry. Aside from the expense of leaving your pet in kennels, there is the emotional cost of leaving a key member of the family behind. At Brittany Ferries we recognise the importance of providing a comfortable travel experience and a selection of amenities for both our customers and their furry friends!”

Not only is the trend evident in Ireland, but The UK also appears to be a nation of pet lovers with an astounding 67,462 pets travelling on Brittany Ferries in 2015, representing a 78% increase since 2008. Such is the demand that pet friendly cabins on Portsmouth to Le Havre, Bilbao and Santander are always the first cabins to sell out.

PETS Travel Scheme Compliance Checklist:

· The animal must be accompanied by an EU Pet Passport

The Flora Restaurant on the Pont Aven – French fine dining while you float

· The animal must be immunised against rabies and the voyage to Ireland must take place before the ‘valid until’ date of the last booster vaccination

· The pet must be identified with a microchip and the microchip number of the animal must be identical to the microchip number on the pet passport. The date of the microchipping must also be shown as being before the date of initial vaccination against rabies

· Dogs must receive tapeworn treatment 24-120 hours before arrival in Ireland

· For the most up-to-date requirements visit www.agriculture.gov.ie/pets

Brittany Ferries continues to offer the fastest direct ferry crossing from Ireland to France, taking just 14 hours and operating on a convenient weekend schedule. With state-of-the-art facilities, the luxurious Pont-Aven is the newest and most modern ship to be found on any direct crossing between Ireland and France.