Top 5 Safety Tips when travelling with your dog by ferry to the Isle of Harris
Paul Honeywell
Published 10 January 2023
Top tips for bringing your dog to the Isle of Harris
A trip to the Isle of Harris with your furry best friend can be a great way to explore this beautiful island and create lasting memories with your dog. We welcome well-behaved dogs at Òran na Mara, and they even get their goodies to enjoy as it is their holiday too!
Can you take your dog on a ferry?
Here’s your guide to travelling to the Isle of Harris by road and ferry with your dog.
Travelling with a dog to the Isle of Harris can be a rewarding and memorable experience for you and your furry companion. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can both enjoy all that the island has to offer.
Plan your route
You can reach the Isle of Harris, located off the west coast of Scotland, by road and ferry. The main ferry terminal is in Uig, situated on the Isle of Skye.
You can catch a ferry from Uig to Tarbert on the Isle of Harris. It’s a good idea to plan your route and book your ferry tickets ahead of time, and let Caledonian MacBrayne know that you are bringing your dog.
There are certain areas on the ferry that dogs can’t access, including the restaurant. If you are booking accommodation en route, check that dogs are allowed to stay with you in the property.
Prepare your dog for travel
Make sure your dog is ready before embarking on your trip. Get your dog up to date on any vaccinations and ensure they have a collar with a current ID tag.
It’s also a good idea to bring their medical records in an emergency.
Pack your dog's essentials
Remember to pack your dog’s requirements, including food, water, lead, and any necessary medications. It’s also a good idea to bring along a crate or carrier for your dog, especially if you’ll be staying in a hotel en route and for when they arrive. Their own transport box will give your dog a safe and secure place to rest during your trip.
Travel safely with your dog
Travel safely: When travelling with your dog, it’s important to prioritise their safety.
Please keep your dog secured in a crate or with a seatbelt harness while in the car, and make frequent stops to allow them to stretch their legs while you enjoy the scenery.
Check your ferry provider website
Calmac provides the ferry service to the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. They have provided a very detailed page when travelling with your dog on a ferry.
You can either keep your dog in the car, or you can book the pet lounge.
You will find a lot of information when travelling with your dog by ferry on the Calmac website.
Enjoy the Isle of Harris with your dog
Once you arrive on the Isle of Harris, there are plenty of dog-friendly activities. The island is home to stunning beaches, walking opportunities, and scenic drives, perfect for exploring with your four-legged friend.
Follow any local dog lead requests, as there are many sheep and seabirds. Of course, always clean up after your dog.
More information when travelling with your dog to the Isle of Harris
Dog-friendly Accommodation Isle of Harris
Dog friendly holidays mean that you can enjoy your time together with man’s best friend. It’s only natural you want to bring your dog on holiday with you! However, it can be hard to find dog-friendly accommodation anywhere! The luxury beach cottage Oran Na Mara offers dog-friendly accommodation on the Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides.