Booking a holiday is great. Securing someone to mind your pet while you’re away, not so great. And the Spirit of Tasmania hears you. That’s why the ferry service that runs between mainland Australia and Tasmania has announced that its two new ferries launching in 2025 will offer pet-friendly facilities so you can bring your pet on the ferry and have them by your side for the entire journey across the Bass Strait. 

Pet owners and travellers will have the option to have their cat or dog stay in a pet-friendly cabin with them or have their four-legged companion stay in a climate-controlled kennel. Passengers that prefer to have their pet stay with them will have to bring their pet’s own bedding. 

Historically, pets have been able to travel with Spirit of Tasmania on existing ships, but only kennels that pet owners are not permitted to visit during the voyage for safety reasons. The new ship’s kennels will be located in a restricted area that is only accessible by crew and pet owners to ensure that your beloved cat or dog is safe. The area will have CCTV video surveillance, will be separate from vehicle decks, and most importantly, be available for passengers to visit their pets during the voyage. 

An outdoor area onboard will be where pets can  be taken on a leash for some fresh air, to stretch their legs and, of course, for toileting needs. Pets will not be allowed off lead unless in the cabin and general passenger areas are off limits to cats and dogs throughout the 12-hour crossing.

Ferry operator TT-Line chief executive Bernard Dwyer said the ships’ pet-friendly facilities come after listening to passenger feedback.

“We know that pets are cherished members of the family,” he said. “We have listened to the feedback from pet owners who want to travel with us and their pets to make sure our new ships cater for all types of pets and provide more options for owners.”

So if you are planning a trip to the Apple Isle, let us help you curate the perfect itinerary. We’ve found 8 of the best Tasmanian wineries to visit this upcoming summer and 9 best boutique hotels in Tasmania because you deserve to treat yourself. Plus, if you’re only in town for a day or two here’s how to spend the perfect 24 hours in Hobart. 

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