It’s a dilemma many pet owners face – what to do with their beloved furry friend while they head off on holiday.

What should be a relaxing time away often becomes a guilt trip with the anxiety of leaving pets behind – not to mention the cost.

There has been a surge in pet travel in recent years as more and more owners simply don’t want to be away from their four-legged friends.

Ferry company, Stena Line has partnered with TV vet and wildlife broadcaster, Steve Leonard to ensure everyone travelling with a pet adopts a plan so they can have the best time together.

Stena Line's pet-friendly facilities has removed the practical barriers that put many owners off travelling with their pet.

placeholder image — Stena Line's pet-friendly facilities has removed the practical barriers that put many owners off travelling with their pet.

Steve said: “For millions of families, their dog isn’t just a pet, it can be the central part of what holds the household together. So, when it comes to planning a holiday, a lot of owners are left with real guilt and stress about leaving them behind.

"It’s natural to feel that way - dogs are social, routine-led animals, and separation-related distress is genuinely common, even when a dog doesn’t show any obvious signs of it.”

The guilt is real, but so is the responsibility that comes with bringing a dog along, particularly with summer heat. With temperatures touching 30°C across parts of the UK and Ireland in recent days, Steve is clear that the decision isn’t simply yes or no, it’s about planning properly.

He said: “There’s a balance to strike between wanting your dog with you and travelling safely. That means thinking about cooler journey times, building in breaks, and always packing water.

Steve Leonard, TV vet and wildlife broadcaster. Picture: supplied by Stena Line

"It’s not about whether you love your dog enough to bring them, it’s about whether you’ve planned well enough to bring them comfortably.”

To help Northern Ireland pet owners make the call, Steve has put together a simple five-point checklist:

The Suitcase Test - Does your dog get clingy, unsettled, or withdrawn when packing starts? Dogs are routine-led and socially bonded, and some cope badly with sudden separation.

The Family Test - Is your dog genuinely part of the family rhythm? If they sleep near you, walk with you, join days out and settle well in new places, being left behind may be more disruptive than bringing them along. With Stena Line’s pet cabins and lounges, you never need to be apart from them.

The Holiday Personality Test - Some dogs love the beach, the ferry and new smells. Others struggle with crowds or heat. Know which one yours is before you decide.

The Money Test - The emotional cost of leaving your pet behind is heavy, but pet owners know that boarding costs can be a significant additional holiday cost. With various options onboard Stena Line, and more and more pet- friendly accommodation, travelling with your pet not only is the emotional choice for a family, it’s often the best financial choice too.

The Paperwork Test - Depending on your destination, there may be different vaccination or documentation requirements. Check https://www.stenaline.ie/customer-service/pre-travel/can-i-bring-my-pet to make sure you have what you need.

Stena Line has worked to remove the practical barriers that put many owners off travelling with their pet in the first place.

Orla Noonan, Travel Commercial Manager (Irish Sea), said the Swedish-owned ferry company’s pet-friendly facilities are designed with exactly this concern in mind.

"We know that for a lot of our guests, their dog isn’t an afterthought, they’re one of the family, and leaving them behind can take a real emotional toll on both the owner and the pet.

"Our goal has always been to make travelling with a pet as easy and stress-free as possible, so that owners don’t have to choose between holiday and their dog’s wellbeing.

"When you compare the cost of bringing your pet with you against boarding kennels, which can cost around £200 a week before extras like peak pricing or medication fees, travelling together often makes more sense in every way, emotionally and financially.”

Guests can travel in luxury with a private pet cabin, offering comfort and companionship on Stena Line’s Belfast-Liverpool, Dublin-Holyhead and Fishguard-Rosslare routes. These feature a water bowl and pee pads with direct access outside onto the deck.

There is also a dedicated Pet Lounge on the Belfast – Cairnryan route where guests can enjoy complimentary tea and coffee facilities as well as water for their beloved pets too.

Pets are warmly welcomed onboard with Stena Line, with flexible options including prebooked kennels, staying with you under certain guidelines, or remaining in your car on selected routes.

For more information on travelling with pets on Stena Line, visit www.stenaline.ie/pets.