dogs on the ferry

[Deleted member 71915]

we booked the ferry from Mallaig to South Uist, which is a 3,30 min sail they aren't using this route now until May so, they have rerouted us, now sailing from Oban which is a 5.30 min sail, do we A, leave the dogs in the camper as they will probably sleep, or B take them with us and use the provided areas??

 

[Wooie1958]

You know your dogs so surely only you can answer that question :rolleyes2:

 

[antiquesam]

I took my dog on deck when traveling from mallaig to the Isle of Skye, less than an hour, and it was a pain as I was alone and couldn't go into the cafe or other areas. Better to leave the dog in the van I think.

 

[mistericeman]

We always give ours a bloody good run on the beach before we sail,
then tuck them up in the van for the crossing with a bowl of water....
They see the van as their place so are happy to settle in there BUT as above everyone's dogs are different.

 

[davep10000]

We left ours in the van on this crossing a few months ago, glad we did as the facilities for dogs on deck are small, and very poor. (This ship is the old one that used to do the stornaway crossing)
You can always request to visit your van with a crew member.
Dave.

 

[campervanannie]

I took my dog on deck but she was not happy she could feel the vibration of the engine and it completely stressed her out panting and shaking throughout the journey in high insight she maybe would have been more relaxed in the van but by the time we were on the 3rd ferry she was getting used to it.

 

[fiona68]

Used to leave my dogs in van, but last year with 2 6 month old lab ×collie siblings decided to take them on deck. Was afraid the 12yr old Border Collie ate them if left in van lol. They were fine. Just booked for this year and will see how the 2 young dogs cope with travelling.......should be easier as more settled in van now
Fiona

 

[Deleted member 68397]

Dogs on the various ferries.

This is a difficult predicament, we have a 7 yr old Springer Spaniel and regularly travel on the various sized ferries to the Hebrides, Islay, Orkney and Mull. We find it better for the dog to be with us and as Littlepony and I travel as a couple, it is easier for visits to cafe, facilities etc. One thing we did find distressing for a lot of peoples dogs left in cars or vans was the continual sounding of the motion alarms on certain cars in the hold. On the more lively crossings on the smaller vessels it can be quite distressing even for dogs on deck.
We are very fortunate in our dog being particularly comfortable on the Hebridean ferries and there are dog friendly areas on some ferries which allow you to spend time with other dogs too.
Enjoy your crossings and you are the best ones to make considered decisions on your own dogs welfare.
Goodluck Growlie and Littlepony