Stena Line has enhanced its already strong pet-friendly credentials by announced Kea – a labrador from Bristol, who frequently travels between Cairnryan and Belfast – as the Stena Line Ferry Pawmother.
Four-year-old Kea, who donates both her blood — to help critically ill canines, and her time — to help train the next generation of aspiring vets, saw off competition from over 4,000 pets to be crowned Stena Line’s pet representative for 2024.
Stena Line carried nearly 100,000 pets and their owners across the Irish Sea last year. Stena released the figures to coincide with National Love Your Pet Day, which was on Tuesday of this week.
The figures, and a video showcasing some of the adventures that await pets and their owners, have been released to coincide with National Love Your Pet Day (February 20), an annual day of celebration for all of life’s little companions.
The Swedish-owned ferry company’s options for pet travel when travelling to Britain, Ireland and France include pet cabins, a Pet Lounge onboard Stena Superfast when travelling on the Cairnryan – Belfast route, along with the option to leave your pet in the car, in kennels or dog lodges during the journey.
Already in 2024 more pets are travelling with Stena Line than ever before with the number of pet passengers up 5.6% in comparison with the same period in 2023.
Stena Line’s pet cabins — available on the Liverpool – Belfast, Holyhead – Dublin, Fishguard – Rosslare and Rosslare – Cherbourg routes — are also going down a treat with pets.
During the peak summer months of June, July and August, Stena Line’s pet cabins were nearly sold out. Across 2023, the most popular crossing for pet cabins was Liverpool to Belfast.
Stena Line Travel Commercial Manager Irish Sea, Orla Noonan said Stena Line’s pet-friendly facilities have proved a hit with the whole family: “We are a nation of pet lovers and Stena Line knows just how important our pets are to our passengers.
“The needs of our pets are a priority when planning a holiday. We are incredibly pleased to be able to offer a dedicated and pre-bookable space for entire families to travel together. No longer will you have to worry about kennel fees or how your best friend is being cared for.
“Stena Line is the best choice for pet travel on the Irish Sea and our pet offering is proving to be a resounding success.
“National Love Your Pet Day is the perfect opportunity to book your next break with your pet onboard Stena Line and make some amazing memories.”
