Pet Travel Guides
London to Ireland With a Pet and No Car: A Practical Guide
By Lorna Mullins, Founder of Fetch Travels
Published 20 September 2026
Last fact-checked 20 September 2026
One of the questions I find most interesting isn't simply “can I take my dog to Ireland?” It's “how do I actually get from a London flat to the ferry with a pet, a suitcase and no car?” That's a different planning exercise, the paperwork can be perfect and the journey can still fall apart if the train arrives after check-in closes, the chosen sailing has no suitable pet space, or the final taxi won't carry animals. This is the bit I actually like working out.
The main routes to consider
- London to Holyhead, then ferry to Dublin, often the first route London travellers investigate.
- London to Fishguard, then ferry to Rosslare, useful for southern Ireland, with the exact train and sailing connection checked carefully.
- London to Pembroke Dock, then ferry to Rosslare, allow for the last-mile movement between railway and terminal.
- London to Liverpool or Birkenhead, then ferry to Belfast, a longer crossing, but a pet-friendly cabin may suit some animals.
- For Scotland and Northern Ireland, Cairnryan to Belfast or Larne may be relevant, but the transfer to Cairnryan needs particular attention.
There is no universally best route. Start with the animal's needs, not simply the cheapest passenger fare.
Book in the right order
- Check the legal requirements for your precise destination.
- Find a ferry sailing with an available pet option suitable for your animal.
- Check the pet check-in time, not only the departure time.
- Build the rail journey around a generous arrival buffer.
- Check the last mile at both ports and onward transport in Ireland.
- Only then commit to non-refundable rail tickets and accommodation.
Taking a pet on the train
National Rail currently allows up to two pets per passenger free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead or in a carrier. Cats and other small animals must travel in a rigid, closed carrier in which they can stand and lie down comfortably. Animals are not allowed on seats.
Think beyond the written policy: floor space for a large dog, a carrier you can lift safely, busy interchange stations and last-minute platform changes.
The connection is the fragile part
Do not build a pet journey around the tightest possible connection. Ferry check-in closes before departure and document checks take time. I would rather build in an early arrival, a calm toilet break and time to solve a problem than sprint through a port with a worried dog and a folder of paperwork.
What to pack where you can reach it
- Original pet-travel document and vaccination evidence
- Ferry booking showing the pet and reserved facility
- Lead, harness and secure carrier where appropriate
- Water, collapsible bowl and familiar food
- Waste bags, absorbent pads, wipes and a towel
- Medication in original packaging and veterinary instructions
- A labelled blanket or familiar item
- A recent photograph and current contact details on the carrier
Keep reading
Related pet travel guides
Decided your pet might be happier at home?
Not every journey is right for every pet. Fetch Travels can care for your dog or cat in the comfort of their own home, with familiar routines and regular updates while you're away.
Sources
Check the current guidance
- GOV.UK, Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad
- National Rail, Train travel with pets
- Stena Line, Travelling with pets on the Irish Sea
- Irish Ferries, Pet Travel FAQ
This guide is provided for general information and reflects rules and prices we understood to be accurate on the “last fact-checked” date shown above. Pet-travel rules, ferry and transport-provider policies, and veterinary costs can all change, and some, including Irish public transport’s pet policy, are under active review as we publish this. Always confirm current requirements with the official sources linked in this article, and with your vet, before booking or travelling. Fetch Travels provides in-home pet sitting in London; we do not currently offer pet-travel planning, veterinary coordination, or relocation services.