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PET travel is here to stay as one of tourism’s biggest trends, with huge numbers of owners opting to take their four-legged friend on holiday instead of experiencing the heartbreak of separation.
Tripadvisor has reported a sharp rise in bookings for dog friendly activities, with demand soaring by more than 260% year-on‑year for 2026 – moving pet travel from the niche to the expected.
In a clear sign that pet travel is here to stay, a survey carried out on behalf of Stena Line at Crufts 2026 has shown that 67% of respondents have already travelled with their pet. In 2025 alone the ferry company carried over 72,000 pets across the Irish Sea.
Most respondents said they choose to bring their pets on trips because they consider them part of the family, with many also saying they simply can’t bear to leave their pets behind.
The survey also indicates overwhelming enthusiasm for pet travel, with 94% saying they would like to bring their pets on trips in the future. Of those who have already travelled with their pet, some 57% of trips were by car while ferry travel was the second most popular response with 22%.
More than a quarter of respondents said concerns about their pet’s comfort and welfare were barriers to bringing their furry companion on holiday, with additional worries including cost (12%), pet stress (9%) and the lack of pet-friendly accommodation (9%).
To alleviate those concerns, the Swedish owned ferry company has launched its Happy Pet Panel, a working group, comprised of pet experts, frequent pet travellers and Stena Line staff, designed to ensure that Stena Line is constantly evaluating and improving its pet facilities on board.
The news has been given the ‘paws up’ by pet lovers at Crufts, with 97% of those surveyed saying that it gave them confidence to know that Stena Line worked with pet experts whilst continuously developing their pet travel strategy.
Orla Noonan, Travel Commercial Manager for the Irish Sea, “We had a great time at Crufts, meeting our four-legged friends and hearing what their owners think about travelling with their pets.
“Through our Happy Pet Panel, we’re always looking at ways to make every journey a happy one and to ensure travelling with pets across the Irish Sea is as easy and comfortable as possible.
“Our pet-friendly cabins and lounges are designed so pets can stay close to their owners, giving everyone the space to relax and enjoy the crossing. Travelling with your pet on Stena Line is simple, practical and stress-free.”
Stena Line offers pet-friendly cabins on its Liverpool–Belfast, Holyhead–Dublin and Fishguard–Rosslare routes, which is welcome news for pet lovers, as the majority of those surveyed said these cabins were the most appealing option.
Meanwhile, onboard Stena Superfast vessels between Belfast and Cairnryan there is a dedicated Pet Lounge which has capacity for 30 guests and 10 pets travelling in carrier cases. To book your next trip with your pet visit stenaline.co.uk.
The 'Travel' Life of Brian 