Swedish ferry company, Stena Line has announced that it will introduce 70 new pet-friendly cabins across its Irish Sea routes this year.
A new pet lounge is also set to open next month onboard its Stena Superfast service operating from Belfast to Cairnryan, the ferry company said.
Pet cabins are now available to book on the Dublin-Holyhead, Rosslare-Fishguard and Belfast-Liverpool routes.
Similar cabins were recently announced for the Stena Vision, which is due to come into operation on the Rosslare-Cherbourg route this summer.
The pet-friendly facilities have been introduced after consulting with customers and pet experts, Stena Line Travel Commercial Manager Irish Sea Orla Noonan said.
"Requests for pet-friendly cabins and pet lounges are some of the most frequent we receive from our customers.
"We recognise pets are considered family members to many of our passengers and we wanted to really enhance our customer experience and become the best choice for pet travel.
"Our new policy has been carefully considered and we sought advice from experts in pet welfare, pet behaviour and pet health."
Research carried out in the UK by Stena Line showed 95% of 1,000 dog owners said their dog's needs are important to them when planning a holiday, with 17% saying they will not travel at all without their pet.
Almost three quarters (73%) admit to missing their canine companions while they are on holiday.
Broadcaster, columnist and author, Peter Wedderburn, also known as Pete the Vet, urged pet owners to ensure they obtain any travel documentation required.
"There are things to consider when bringing a pet on holiday and my top tip would be to ensure you check what documentation you might require for your pet and have this ready in advance of your trip.
"Also, when they are on the ferry or in the car they should have something to keep them entertained such as food-stuffed toys.
