Why I’m a fan of Brittany Ferries’ great pet project

OUR first-born was a great little traveller. Planes, trains, automobiles. I dare say he’d have lapped up a ferry crossing too. Don’t tell anyone, but Celtic, our beloved cat, would even sit purring on your lap as you were driving.

It was a huge wrench then when we had to leave him in the cattery when we went on holiday... he’d skip with joy when we got back. These days we’d just take him on Brittany Ferries like the rest of you – there has been a 65% rise (2011-2016) – from 772 to 1,188.

Brittany offers kennels from Cork to Roscoff and a wide range of petfriendly accommodation in France including hotels, campsites, gites, cottages and villas. There is even a dedicated section for pet owners on the website (www.brittanyferries.ie) 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 openair exercise area for your pet on the 14-hour crossing. It also has pool and bar areas, two cinemas, malls, spa treatments and a range of restaurants as well as complimentary Wi-Fi. And humans can join in too!

So how does it work? •The animal must be accompanied by an EU Pet Passport •The pet must be immunised against rabies and the trip to Ireland must be before the ‘valid until’ date of last booster vaccination •They must be identified with a microchip and the microchip number must be identical to the microchip number on the pet passport. The date of the microchipping must be before the date of initial vaccination against rabies •Dogs must receive tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before arrival in Ireland. Visit www.agriculture.gov.ie/ pets.

Visit www.brittanyferries.ie/ holidays/ france/ pet-friendly-holidays or call (021) 427 7801.

Stena Line (www.stenaline.ie/ shine) has 20% off Dublin-Holyhead and Rosslare-Fishguard when you book by April 25!