pet travel ni to uk

Pet Travel Guidance

Animal Health, Welfare and Trade
Animal welfare

From 1 January 2021, there are new procedures to follow when travelling with your Pet from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI). GB has become a ‘Part II Listed’ Third Country for the purposes of pet travel and this will mean there will be additional documentary requirements, health preparations and checks for travelling with a pet from GB to NI. The term “pets”, for the scope of this guidance, comprises dogs (including assistance dogs), cats and ferrets.

There will be no routine checks on the non-commercial movement of pets from GB to NI until further notice . Officials will reserve the right to undertake checks should there be a suspicion of illegal activity or welfare concerns.

When travelling with your pet dog, cat or ferret, the rules you must follow depend on the country you are going to or coming from. There are 4 categories of countries. The category your country falls into will determine the preparations you need to make for your pet to travel.

Details for travelling from a Part 2 Listed Country (including GB) to an EU Member State (including NI) are listed here
Any person travelling from NI to GB with a pet and returning to NI , will be required to adhere to the EU requirements for travelling into the EU/NI from a Part II listed country.
If travelling from NI to GB and not returning to NI with your pet, there are no documentary or health preparations. However there is a legal requirement that dogs are microchipped at 8 weeks old . It is recommended that you check with your transport company before travelling as they may need a statement from a vet confirming your pet is fit to travel.
There is no change to the requirements for travelling from NI within the EU including the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Travel within the EU currently requires a pet passport and rabies vaccination.
If you are planning to move pets from NI to outside the EU, it is recommended that you contact the competent authority of the country of destination in advance of your journey, as there may be additional requirements that have to be met. If you need to apply for an Export Health Certificate instructions can be found here.

Before travelling with your pet from NI your pet may need some or all of the following:

A pet passport (if you live in NI you can obtain a pet passport directly from one of the veterinary practices participating in the pet travel scheme)
A microchip (or legible tattoo imprinted prior to 3 July 2011)
A valid rabies vaccination
21 day wait from the date of rabies vaccination before being eligible to travel to other EU countries
An animal health certificate (unless you have a pet passport issued in Northern Ireland)
Tapeworm treatment for dogs if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Republic of Ireland (ROI), NI, Norway or Malta
Check with your transport company as they may need a statement from a vet confirming your pet is fit to travel
Pet owners travelling to an event in NI from any country, including GB, should complete this declaration
Before moving dogs for commercial purposes from GB into NI, read the latest guidance here . You need to obtain an Export Health Certificate (EHC) and pre-notify, giving at least 24 hours advance notice of the arrival of the consignment in NI by creating a CHED-A on TRACES.NT, uploading scanned colour copies of the EHCs and any supporting documents. Where the document is too large to send as one file, it is acceptable to send it in two parts. Further guidance on pre-notification can be found here , with more detailed information on timescales for pre-notification here .

These requirements also apply to Recognised Assistance Dogs

The EU Pet Travel Regulation covers the movement of up to 5 pets with their owners.
Where more than 5 pets are travelling in a consignment (see exception for Travelling to Shows ) or in the case of commercial movement of pets, as well as the preparations needed for pet travel, the requirements for commercial trade laid down by the ‘Balai’ Directive must also be met. Commercial trade includes any transfer of ownership and also relates to dogs travelling for the purpose of re-homing.

On Arrival in Northern Ireland

Pet owners travelling to an event in NI from any country, including GB, should make this completed declaration available to a DAERA Portal Inspector upon arrival in NI
Pet owners returning to NI from an event in GB should also complete this declaration
On arrival in NI - if you do not have the correct documents or your pet has not been properly prepared, it may be licensed into quarantine until it fully meets the entry requirements or be sent back to the country it travelled from. You must pay the costs for this.

Further Information

Full guidance , including all Pet Travel Country Category Requirements can be found here .
The EU Pet Travel regulation Regulation (EU) 576/2013 details the documentary, health and compliance check requirements for the travel of pet dogs (including assistance dogs), cats and ferrets between and into Northern Ireland to avoid the quarantining of animals
How to Complete a Pet Passport
Pet Passport Scheme - NI Veterinary Practices listed here
The Guide Dogs Association has advice about taking assistance dogs abroad
Commercial Movement of Pets
A list of EU Member States can be found here
A list of Part 1 listed countries can be found here
A list of Part 2 listed countries can be found here
An Unlisted country is any country not included in the list of EU, Part 1 or Part 2 listed countries
For countries outside of the EU, authorised vets issue EU animal health certificates instead of pet passports. More information here
If you need an EHC and you cannot find the one you need, contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Contact Details: Tel: 0370 241 1710 Email: [email protected] (for those living in England, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands or Isle of Man)
Information on movements of other types of pet can be found here
Guidance on bringing a pet bird into Northern Ireland from another EU/EEA country can be found here
Further information is available from the DAERA website: Travelling with Pets or by telephone 0300 2007840
Specific queries should be forwarded to: [email protected]

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Travelling with your pets

When travelling with your pet dog, cat or ferret, the rules you must follow depend on the country you are going to or coming from.

Contact a vet

To make sure your pet is able to travel you should contact your vet before travelling to get the latest advice.

You can also get the latest information and check the rules for the country you’re travelling to or from at this link:

Travelling with pets

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Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain

You must get your pet microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination. If you do not, they’ll need to be vaccinated again.

Microchipping for pet travel can only be done by:

a vet nurse, student vet or student vet nurse (directed by a vet)
someone trained in microchipping before 29 December 2014, and with practical experience
someone who has been assessed on an approved training course - contact the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) if the course was in Northern Ireland

Make sure your vet puts the microchip number in your pet passport or health certificate . The date must be before your pet’s vaccinations.

Reading the microchip

If you travel by air, train or ferry on approved routes, staff will check your microchip if it meets International Organization for Standardization ( ISO ) standards ISO 11784 and ISO 11785.

If your pet’s microchip does not meet ISO standards, you may have to bring your own microchip reader when you travel. You should check with your travel company before you leave.

Your pet will be refused entry or put into quarantine if its microchip cannot be read when you enter or return to Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland).

If the microchip cannot be read

You’ll have to do all the preparation again if your vet cannot read the microchip. This means you’ll have to ask your vet to:

rechip your pet
revaccinate your pet
take new blood tests if you’re travelling from country that is not ‘listed’
issue a new pet passport or health certificate
record the old and new microchips in the ‘Marking of animals’ section of the new passport

You’ll have to wait the required time before you can travel if your pet is revaccinated or has new blood tests.

If the microchip can only sometimes be read

Your vet should try to read the microchip. If they get a reading, they can rechip your pet (the original chip is not removed).

This must be recorded in the current pet passport or a new passport with:

the number of the old and new chips
the date they were read
the date the new chip was inserted

The vet must sign and stamp the page in the pet passport.

Your vet should record in the ‘Others’ section of the pet passport that your pet has been rechipped.

You do not need to have your pet microchipped if it’s been tattooed with an identification number and all of the following are true:

your pet was tattooed on or before 3 July 2011
the tattoo is clearly legible
your pet was vaccinated against rabies after it was tattooed

Your vet must record the date of tattooing, the tattoo number and the date of the rabies vaccination in the pet passport or health certificate.

Part of Bring your pet to Great Britain: step by step

Step 1 : check if you can bring your pet.

Check if you can bring your pet
Find out how you're allowed to travel to Great Britain
Check different rules for guide and assistance dogs

Step 2 : Get your pet microchipped

Check the rules for microchips

Step 3 : Get your pet vaccinated against rabies

Check the rules about rabies vaccinations

You must wait for a set period of time after vaccination before you can travel.

Depending on the country you're travelling from, you might also need to get a blood test.

and Get tapeworm treatment

If you have a dog, you may also need to get tapeworm treatment before you travel.

Check the rules about tapeworm treatment

Step 4 : Get a pet travel document

Check which travel document you need

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Brexit: Checks on pets travelling from GB to NI delayed

Published 1 June 2021

Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has announced a delay to the introduction of Brexit checks on pets travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

They had been due to begin in July, but that has now been unilaterally extended until at least October.

Under the new rules, for travel across the Irish Sea, animals would have needed a microchip, a rabies vaccine, an EU pet passport or Animal Health Certificate, and a tapeworm treatment for dogs.

The changes were meant to take effect from January 2021.

They had been deferred until July to let pet owners prepare.

'Unnecessary' injections

Mr Poots has now announced a further extension as talks between the UK and EU across a range of Northern Ireland Protocol issues, including pet travel, continue.

"Pet owners have had little time to prepare to meet the new conditions for pet travel, which have come as a result of the agreement reached between the UK and EU," he said.

What will happen to pet passports after Brexit?

Guide dog charity asks for GB-NI vaccine exemption

Brexit causes ferry travel issue for guide dogs

"This delay will also allow time for my department to further scope the potential requirements for the introduction of checks and to educate the public further," he added.

Pet owners had complained that the requirement for vaccines meant them giving animals unnecessary injections against conditions which did not exist in either GB or Ireland.

Last case of rabies 1922

Mr Poots said his officials were now looking at ways to make pet travel between Britain and Northern Ireland easier.

"I have written to the EU on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland, highlighting that these requirements for pet travel are not necessary," he said.

"Given that the last case of rabies on these islands was in 1922, these are unnecessary medical interventions. This issue is yet another example of why the Northern Ireland Protocol is not fit for purpose."

Good News – pets can now travel freely between Northern Ireland and the mainland – no need for a passport!

Since the Northern Ireland Protocol came into effect when the UK left the EU’s regulatory framework, the law has been clear that to travel with a dog from the mainland UK to Northern Ireland, rabies vaccination and onerous paperwork were required. However, in the last few hours, the proposed Windsor protocol might change all that…

What is the Northern Ireland Protocol?

In order to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which it was feared might reignite the Troubles, the Northern Ireland Protocol was agreed by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Amongst its many terms and provisions, it meant that Northern Ireland had to be treated as an EU state for pets moving from Great Britain (the term used to collectively describe England, Scotland and Wales).

Unfortunately, that meant that for a dog, cat or ferret to travel from Great Britain (a rabies-free country) to Northern Ireland (another rabies-free territory), they had to be vaccinated against rabies. And although both territories are free of the dangerous tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis , additional tapeworm treatment was needed too. And the old-style Pet Passports were no longer valid, instead complex Animal Health Certificates were needed.

What has changed?

Well, in the last few hours, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, have come to an agreement that should alter the equation.

Under the new Windsor Framework, pet movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland will require only a new travel document detailing the pet’s microchip number, and a declaration that the dog will not be moving on to Eire or any other EU country.

If the owner wants to take their dog into the Republic of Ireland – or another EU country – then the rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatment and AHC requirements will remain. Meanwhile, for Northern Irish pet owners who want to travel to Southern Ireland or the wider EU, their current EU Pet Passports will still be valid.

So when does this change take effect?

We don’t know yet – it will depend on when (or maybe even if) the agreement is ratified and signed, and then when it comes into force.

However, so far, it looks optimistic for those with pets who need or want to visit friends and family, or holiday, in another part of the UK and cross the Irish Sea in the process.

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The Kennel Club statement: Travel arrangements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Those travelling from Great Britain with dogs need to follow new rules in order to travel to the EU and Northern Ireland. It is important to note that British pet passports are not valid for travel to these destinations and a new animal health certificate is instead required for each journey. For dog owners in Northern Ireland new rules apply to travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, while rules regarding travel between Northern Ireland and the EU remained unchanged and existing pet passports will need to be updated prior to travel.

Furthermore, it should be noted that dogs now need a rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatment and the correct documentation to travel with their owners to Northern Ireland from mainland Britain, for the first ever time. This is disappointing and will make travelling with dogs to Northern Ireland – or returning to Northern Ireland after coming to Great Britain – much more difficult for pet owners and those involved in canine activities. We are also concerned over the impact of these new rules on the ability for Northern Ireland residents to responsibly source puppies, as the new travel rules will make it illegal to transport a puppy from Great Britain to Northern Ireland until they’re at least 15 weeks old.

This is despite Government stating that there would be ‘no significant changes to travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland’ up until a few weeks ago. We will certainly be in contact with Government over the coming weeks to see what can be done to make the impact of these changes as minimal as possible for dog owners travelling throughout these islands.

Dog owners are advised to familiarise themselves with the new rules long before travel and there is further advice and clarification on our Brexit page .

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Home / Pets and the Northern Ireland Protocol

> Pets and the Northern Ireland Protocol

Pets and the Northern Ireland Protocol

6 July 2021 3 minute read

Background: worries about Brexit and pets

Before the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU, FactCheckNI published a fact check on the claim that pet owners travelling from Northern Ireland to Ireland already required “EU pet passports”. We found this claim to be accurate.

Now that the UK has withdrawn from the EU, the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (“the Northern Ireland Protocol”) is in operation. The Protocol affects the movement of goods and services between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This article sets out to explain the current understanding in regards to the transport of pets between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as between Northern Ireland and Ireland.

How has the Protocol impacted how Great Britain pets travel?

Non-EU member states fall into one of three categories: (1) Part 1 listed, (2) Part 2 listed, and (3) Unlisted. Which list your country is in affects the criteria that you need to satisfy in order to bring your pet into the EU.

The UK is a “Part 2 Country” . Pet owners in these countries cannot apply for an EU pet passport. Instead, an “ EU animal health certificate ” (AHC) is required. However, Northern Ireland is an exception, and pet owners will be able to obtain a valid EU pet passport (see below).

An animal health certificate documents the alpha-numeric code from a pet by its microchip or tattoo, along with details of its anti-rabies vaccination. The certificate must be completed and issued by an official veterinarian. The certificate is valid for ten days from its date of issue until the date of the compliance check in the entered EU country.

Additionally, pets from Part 2 countries must pass a documentary and identity check “through a traveller’s point of entry designated by Member States”.

These rules apply also to assistance dogs ; advice is available at the Guide Dogs Association .

The impact of the Protocol on travel with pets to Northern Ireland

As a result of the Protocol, Northern Ireland is being treated as a constituent part of the EU single market for goods and services, thus needing to comply with relevant regulations set down by the EU. So, when anyone arrives in Northern Ireland with a pet, the owner must produce an EU pet passport or an animal health certificate.

From 1 January 2021, UK-issued EU pet passports issued in Great Britain or Northern Ireland are no longer valid . However, Northern Ireland pet owners will be able to obtain a valid pet passport from a participating veterinary practice . An EU pet passport can be used instead of an animal health certificate.

Routine checks on the non-commercial movement of pets from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will be delayed until at least 1 October 2021 . Until then, as an interim measure, Northern Ireland pet owners can update their pet passport via their private vet.

Will you need to revalidate for every trip to Northern Ireland?

An animal health certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue. So if your subsequent visit or return to Northern Ireland is beyond this period, then yes, you’ll need a new AHC. Alternatively, Northern Ireland pet owners and others holding a EU pet passport will be able to use their valid pet passport to demonstrate compliance.

Travelling with your pet between Northern Ireland and Ireland?

The Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine ’s (DAFM) criteria for bringing a pet into Ireland from Northern Ireland includes the pet being microchipped, vaccinated for rabies, and accompanied by an EU pet passport or animal health certificate. Pets can travel into Ireland on a valid Northern Ireland pet passport.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) (Northern Ireland) states that a risk-based approach is taken with regards to the level of compliance checks on pets travelling between Northern Ireland and Ireland . DAERA and DAFM “reserve the right to carry out checks should there be a suspicion of illegal activity or welfare concerns”.

Conclusion

The UK withdrawal from the EU resulted in the UK being placed by the EU as a “Part 2 listed” country, which means that UK citizens must produce a valid animal health certificate in order to bring their pets into the EU. EU pet passports issued by Great Britain are no longer valid.

The Northern Ireland Protocol treats Northern Ireland as an integral part of the EU single market, whereby Northern Ireland must comply with relevant EU regulations. This includes the production of a valid EU pet passport or animal health certificate when bringing a pet into Northern Ireland.

As an alternative to an animal health certificate, Northern Ireland pet owners can have their existing EU pet passports updated by participating veterinary practices in Northern Ireland. These can also be used for travel into Ireland.

FactCheckNI is Northern Ireland’s first and only dedicated independent fact-checking service and a verified signatory to the International Fact-Checking Network’s Code of Principles . You can learn more about about FactCheckNI , our personnel , what our article verdicts mean, and how to submit a claim .

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Travelling to Northern Ireland with a Dog in 2024

Northern Ireland is a fabulous destination to visit with your dog, whether you’re visiting family or friends or touring the beautiful countryside.

However, due to being situated across the Irish Sea and being treated differently since the end of the Brexit transition, it’s potentially trickier to visit than the other countries of the United Kingdom .

Read on for answers to all the questions you may have about the latest logistics of taking a dog to Northern Ireland, from whether you need an animal health certificate to the dog-friendly ferries available.

Can I Take My Dog to Northern Ireland from Great Britain?

From 1st January 2021, once the Brexit transition ended, the rules to travel with your dog from England, Scotland or Wales to Northern Ireland changed. Previously, there was no need for a pet passport or any other special preparations, but this is technically no longer the case.

In 2021, Great Britain became a “Part 2 listed third country” for the purposes of pet transport to the European Union. This includes England, Scotland and Wales, along with the Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

However, there was no change in the status of Northern Ireland, which is effectively classified as still part of the European Union for the purposes of pet transport.

Current Requirements to take a Dog to Northern Ireland

This means that dogs travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland are meant to require preparation similar to visiting any other country in the EU.

Your dog technically requires a microchip, a valid rabies vaccine (at least 21 days before travel), worming treatment (done by a vet, between 24 hours and 5 days of travel) and an animal health certificate (within 10 days of travel).

Pet passports issued in EU countries can be used, in place of the animal health certificate. Pet passports issued in Great Britain cannot be used to travel to Northern Ireland, nor can old-style Northern Ireland pet passports, only the new-style Northern Ireland pet passports introduced in 2021.

Additionally, when travelling to Northern Ireland you’ll need to use a “travellers’ point of entry”. This includes Belfast Port, Larne Port, Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Airport and City of Derry Airport.

For more information see the DAERA website . However, read on…

But Is This Being Enforced?

The good news though, is that these new requirement are not being enforced .

After an extended period in early 2021, when there was a grace period before the checks started being enforced, in September 2021 it was announced that checks on all pet dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland would be suspended indefinitely .

As of December 2023, this is still the case. It has been announced this will continue until the Windsor Framework pet travel provisions are implemented (see below) – which currently seems likely in 2024.

This means that for now, you no longer technically need to visit the vet to pay for an expensive animal health certificate, or have a worming treatment done by a vet. There is also no enforcement of rabies vaccines for pets crossing to Northern Ireland.

Future Requirements to Travel to Northern Ireland

During February 2023, it was announced that the Windsor Framework had been agreed to by the UK Prime Minister and the European Commission President, replacing the old Northern Ireland Protocol.

The requirements for pets travelling from GB to Northern Ireland under this framework will be simplified, assuming that they are not travelling onwards to Ireland or other EU countries. Pets will no longer need a rabies vaccination or an expensive pet health certificate from their vet.

Instead, it is stated that pet owners within Great Britain with microchipped pets can either sign up for a lifetime travel document for their pet , available easily online, or there will be a process built into the booking steps for ferries and flights. Presumably, you will also need to declare that you pet will not be travelling onwards to the Republic of Ireland or any other EU country.

The implementation of this protocol will be phased in, will changes to pet travel initially expected by the end of 2023. However, there is no update to the situation, so this will more likely happen in 2024 .

Unfortunately, it does not seem likely that the UK will become a Part 1 listed country, similar to Switzerland, with its own pet passport and easier travel to all EU countries, not just Northern Ireland.

Returning to Great Britain with Your Dog

While there are numerous changes to travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland with a dog (not that they are currently being enforced), there are no changes travelling in the opposite direction.

Technically dogs travelling to Great Britain need to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, but there is no requirement for a pet passport or health certificate (that would prove this) for travel from Northern Ireland to Great Britain.

Dogs travelling from Northern Ireland to Great Britain are also not required to have a worming treatment, nor are they required to travel on an approved route. For more information, see the UK government website .

Dog-Friendly Ferries from Great Britain to Northern Ireland

The best way to travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland with your dog is on a dog-friendly ferry. As it’s not possible to fly with your dog in the cabin to Northern Ireland, with only a handful of UK airlines allowing pets to fly as checked baggage or more often cargo , I recommend taking a ferry rather than flying.

There are currently three ferries to choose from between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, operated by Stena Line and P&O Irish Seas. (Irish Ferries doesn’t operated any ferry routes to Northern Ireland.) These are the three routes, ranked in order of dog-friendliness…

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you make a purchase using the links.

Stena Line Ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast

After taking this ferry with my dog, I selected the Stena Line Ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast as the most dog-friendly ferry to Ireland (whether Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland).

As well as being a quick crossing (2 1/4 hours), with up to six services daily, small pets in a pet traveller case are allowed to travel on the passenger deck by your side, in a Pet Lounge on Deck 7 that opened in May 2023.

Note that the pet traveller case should be a maximum size of 91cm x 56cm and 62cm high, and must have a secure door, zip or lock mechanism, with your pet totally enclosed. Regular bags are not allowed. Plus naturally pets must remain in the carrier at all times, except dogs are allowed in the dedicated outdoor deck area.

In November 2022, it was announced that Stena Line would no longer permit small pets to travel in a carrier onboard this route, due to health, safety and hygiene reasons, but this decision was reversed, with just the new requirement to travel in the dedicated Pet Lounge, for a fee. (Thanks to everyone who helped signed the petition!)

In early 2023, pet-friendly cabins were announced on the majority of other ferries crossing the Irish Sea, but this won’t apply on this short crossing.

Larger pets can either be checked into a kennel or left in your car, both free of charge. All pets must be pre-booked, at the “Stena Plus & Onboard Extras” step of the booking process. Foot passenger are also allowed to transport pets.

Stena Line Ferry from Liverpool to Belfast

In early 2023, Stena Line announced that there would now be pet-friendly cabins available on a number of additional routes, including the Stena Line Ferry from Liverpool to Belfast. So, I’ve bumped up this ferry in terms of pet-friendliness out of the ferries between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Up to two pets are permitted in each vinyl-floored pet-friendly cabin, with water bottles and pee pads provided. Just bring your own bowls and beds. Make sure you book these cabins well in advance, with bookings available both online and through the call centre.

When walking to your pet-friendly cabin, carry your pet in a carrier or walk them on a leash, with muzzles also recommended. There’s also a dedicated outdoor area on the ferries on this route, where your pup can get some fresh air and have a toilet break.

The alternative options for transporting your pet are in your own car (if you are travelling with one), at no cost, or in a kennel in the “Dog Lodge” on the promenade deck, for an additional £15.

Pets travelling in the Stena Line Dog Lodge can be accessed and exercised during your crossing. Even free dog food is available. Just note that the kennel size may be a little too small for larger dogs, at 100 x 82.5 x 75cm.

No matter which option you choose for transporting your pet, you need to specify you’ll be travelling with pets at the “Stena Plus & Onboard Extras” step in the booking process, and select the relevant option. The crossing is 8 hours, with both a day-time and overnight option available.

P&O Ferry from Cairnryan to Larne

The final pet-friendly ferry crossing from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is travelling on the P&O Ferry from Cairnryan to Larne.

Out of all the crossings, this is the shortest, a quick 2hr trip. However, pets are only allowed inside vehicles (at no additional charge), with no kennels on offer. For this reason, foot passengers are not allowed to transport pets on this ferry.

As there are up to 7 daily crossings, both during the day and night, I would recommend selecting a cooler time of day for a crossing with your dog during summer. Add up to four pets to your booking when selecting the number of passengers.

Previously, it was possible to ask a staff member to visit your pet during the crossing, if you were concerned. However, I can no longer see that this option is available – double check if it’s important to you.

Click here for more information

Taking Your Dog from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland

Prior to Brexit, it was easy to take your dog in a car across the border from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland, and vice versa, with generally no checks performed.

This continues to be the case. The DAERA website clearly states that there is no change to the requirements for pets travelling in between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, due to Northern Ireland still being part of the European Union for pet travel.

You are technically required to have a pet passport for your dog, including microchip and valid rabies vaccination, as for crossing any country border within the EU. However, DAERA state that a “risk-based approach is taken with regards to the level of compliance checks on pets”, with checks rarely occurring.

There is no need to worm your dog travelling between Northern Ireland and Ireland, in either direction, so proof of this is not required.

Travelling Directly to Northern Ireland with a Dog

Prior to the end of the Brexit transition, if you were planning on travelling directly to Northern Ireland from outside of the UK and the Republic of Ireland with a dog, you needed to apply for Import Authorisation for your dog.

An Import Authorisation was required to be obtained at least 10 days in advance. You were also required to engage and pay for the services of an approved quarantine establishment to check your pet’s paperwork on arrival.

This was because this was not an approved route under the Pet Travel Scheme. The approved routes were for pets to firstly enter Great Britain or enter the Republic of Ireland , then travel onwards to Northern Ireland.

However, it is not clear if this requirement still applies following the Brexit transition. The DAERA website simply states that if you are transporting pets directly to Northern Ireland via air, you should email [email protected] .

About the Author

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

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61 thoughts on “Travelling to Northern Ireland with a Dog in 2024”

Hi, I am travelling in August with my puppy on the Cairnryan to Belfast route. I am very confused as there is no clear information online regarding travel of pets between England/Scotland and Northern Ireland. I understand there is no requirement for a passport, although this may change in January 2021 due to ‘Brexit’. What i do not understand is if my puppy requires additional vaccinations. She is up to date on her vaccines but does not have Rabbies, she also got a flee and worming treatment a few months ago but does she need this done again? My Vet does not seem to understand that Northern Ireland is part of Britian and i do not want to give my pet anymore injections than is required. Please help! Thanks in advance!

Hi Jenny, There is no requirement for additional vaccinations or flea or worming treatments to take your dog to Northern Ireland. Here is the Northern Ireland government page about travelling with pets: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/travelling-pets . While it doesn’t state outright on the page nothing is required, if anything was required it would be covered here. When I travelled on the Cairnryan to Belfast route, I didn’t require anything. If you are in doubt, I recommend ringing up Stenaline to double check. Enjoy your trip to Northern Ireland! Shandos

You will be OK Jenny, the rules will not be enforced for domestic pets until after October.

Hello, I have a puppy with full vaccinations and an older dog with none since being a pup however neither have pet passports and we are looking to travel in November 2020 – What is the liklihood that we would be turned away at the port of dublin due to not having the right documentation as we would be looking to do this crossing as cheaper? Just worried we would make a

I recommend getting a pet passport for both your dogs. There’s plenty of time to do so. I think many years ago pet passports weren’t often checked, but have been increasingly checked in recent years, especially with the end of the Brexit transition coming up at the end of the year.

I travel back and forward between Scotland and Northern Ireland as I have family and grandchildren in NI. I part own a house in Scotland and part own a house in Northern Ireland. What requirements do I need ensure my dogs are not put into quarantine. I travel at least three times a year. I have 3 dogs born in Scotland and have never required any passport or rabies vaccinations as Scotland and NI have no rabies. What do I require for them to travel back and forward several times a year. I also have a 6 month old pup who has her own Latvian passport. What do I require for her to travel back and forward. Does this passport cover her for 3 years to travel to NI. Does she have to get any checks when returning from the NI to Scotland. Do I have to get Rabies vaccinations every 3 years for every one of my dogs. Do I have to get vet checks prior to my returning from the NI. Is there a difference in the rules whether I stay in NI for 3 / 4 weeks or 4/5 months. Please clarify. Can you please contact me via my email.

Hi Marigold – sorry about the delay replying, I’ve had a short vacation over Christmas.

Unfortunately, the situation is changing from 1st January. For your dogs travelling to Northern Ireland from Scotland, they will now required a microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days in advance), worming treatment (between 1 to 5 days before travelling) and health certificate (within 10 days of travel). And yes your dogs will require a rabies booster every 3 years.

To travel back to Scotland, none of this is required, if you stay for under 4 months. The pet health certificate issued to travel to NI can be used to return to Scotland, but is only valid for 4 months. If you stay longer, you need to visit a vet to get a GB pet health certificate, unless you pet has an EU pet passport.

For the dog with the Latvian passport, you can use this in place of the pet health certificate. This passport will remain valid while the rabies vaccine is valid or longer if her rabies boosters are done in the EU (presumably including Northern Ireland). There may also be the option of getting your other dogs a Northern Ireland issued EU pet passport, which would replace the health certificate, but considering you also need the worming treatment each visit to go to NI you still need to visit the vet.

The UK government does note: “The UK government recognises that pet owners and assistance dog users will need time to adjust to these changes. It’s working with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on an enforcement approach that takes these challenges into account.”

For more information and any further clarifications, see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-from-1-january-2021 and https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/travelling-pets .

Enforcement of the rules for domestic pets has been put back to October 2021. Perhaps there will be some compromise works out by then.

This information is dated , best to follow .gov .uk travelling with my pet, don’t leave it to chance..x

Aileen – I have recently updated this post with the latest government news.

From DAERA website Pet Checks Routine checks on the non-commercial movement of pets from GB to NI will be delayed until at least 1 October 2021

I live in Southern Ireland and have reserved a pedigree puppy in Northern Ireland which will be ready for collection at the beginning of Feb. I am confused reading the varios information and wonder if you can kindly let me know if there is anything I need to be aware of or to ensure is in place/done before bringing the puppy to southern ireland? Many Thanks

Normally, your dog would need a microchip and rabies vaccine at least 21 days before movement, but there are exceptions in place for puppies, that are too young for the rabies vaccine. These are the EU rules: https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/pet-movement/eu-legislation/young-animals_en . However, I don’t think Ireland allows the exception, looking at this. I’m not fully across this, as I’m more familiar with the rules for older dogs being taken on vacation. Also, I’m not sure whether the transport is commercial or non-commercial, I think it depends on whether you go and pick up your puppy.

Hi Shandos,

I’m travelling from Northern Ireland to Liverpool next month. I’m confused if there is any requirement for my dog travelling to the UK from Northern Ireland?

It sure is a lot more confusing today! If you’re only travelling to GB and not returning to NI, there are no passport or vaccine requirements, other than the standard requirement for dogs to microchipped. This is covered half-way down this page: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/travelling-pets . However, the extra steps apply if you return to NI.

Thanks you so much for your reply. That’t really helpful 🙂

Hi Shandos I am moving to the Republic of Ireland later this year. I would like to travel from Scotland via ferry with my dog to Northern Ireland and then by car to the Republic of Ireland. Is this feasible considering Brexit? the Irish border? She has a pet passport. Appreciate your advice.

Nan – I haven’t been keeping up to date with changes for the movement of people (as I’m currently in Australia), but for pets, the new key border crossing is when you cross to Northern Ireland. As well as requiring a microchip and valid rabies vaccine at least 21 days before entry, your dog will also require a worming treatment at a vet and health certificate. The pet passports issued before 2021 are no longer valid for crossing the border. I recommend visiting a vet well before your travel.

Once in Northern Ireland, I expect you will not need to show anything when driving across into the Republic of Ireland (as occurred when I visited previously), but it is expected that your dog is vaccinated for rabies and you have a health certificate or passport.

Enjoy your trip!

I live in Northern Ireland, I have a Minature Schnauzer which is fully vaccinated and micro chipped, I and travelling to Scotland for a wedding in July 2021, do I need a pet passport to take her and bring her back. If I do how do I go about it and what is the cost.

You don’t need anything extra to take your dog to Scotland, but you’ll need extra steps to return to Northern Ireland with your dog. Your dog will require a worming treatment done by a vet between 24 hours and 5 days of returning to Northern Ireland. This should also be able to be done in Northern Ireland before leaving, if your trip is short. You’ll also need either an animal health certificate or one of the new style NI pet passports. I recommend speaking to your pet before your trip. Unfortunately, I don’t know the current cost.

From Daera website Pet Checks Routine checks on the non-commercial movement of pets from GB to NI will be delayed until at least 1 October 2021

Enjoy the wedding

I’m moving to NI from England in June. I have 3 small dogs and a house cat. I contacted DEFRA and they informed me checks won’t be enforced until july 1st. 2 of my dogs have heart conditions and have previously had adverse reactions to vaccines. I was advised that there were no exceptions in the legislation but I will unlikely be checked. I am a single parent of two young children, if they refuse us entry or insist on quarantine we will end up homeless or without our beloved animals and in debt from quarantine costs. I’m terrified. Do you have any advice?

Based on DEFRA’s advice, I’d probably take advantage of the period prior to 1st July to move. I had heard they weren’t doing checks early in the year, but this is even later than previously mentioned, probably due to Covid. As an emergency backup, find out the details of a kennel or vet near your departure point, and arrive extra early, in case something does come up.

The checks are on the NI side not GB side. They’ve now delayed the checks till 1st October. Hopefully they will be scrapped all together.

The new entry rules to NI from the UK regarding pet passports are not currently being enforced by NI. This is clearly stated on the NI gov website and in recent news media. You do need a pet passport however to cross into the Republic. So your above advice about requiring rabies and a health certificate etc is not correct yet. A good opportunity to get your pup into NI to get an NI issued EU pet passport!

That’s great to read, earlier in the year they were planning to enforce a lot earlier.

Hi We are travelling from cainryan to Belfast for 2 weeks in august with our dog. Can anyone confirm if we need to get the animal health certificate and worming to get into Northern Ireland? I can see that checks are delayed until 2021 but didn’t want to get caught out Thanks

I recommend doing it still, just for your peace of mind, although the reports are that it isn’t being enforced yet. But it might start being enforced!

Help!!! I am so confused. I am moving to Belfast after FINALLY getting my US passport renewed (nightmare!!! *covid*)

Do I still need to get my dog and cat pet passports for entry if traveling after Oct 1 of this year?

Thank you Andrea

If you’re coming from the US, you’ll need to get UK pet health certificates completed and certified by USDA APHIS. The EU and other pet passports are only relevant once living in the jurisdiction.

Planning to travel to NI in July 2022. Are the checks on pets entering NI still suspended, have they been scrapped ? If reinstated are they likely to be enforceable immediately ?

The checks are still suspended. It hasn’t been announced that they are being scrapped, but I believe the government is hoping GB will move to the same category as Switzerland, where they won’t bd required. I recommend checking this page for the latest: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/travelling-pets

Thank you – very helpful

Since the UK left the EU and the transition period ended, according to DAERA, a worming treatment has technically been required to enter NI from GB. However, checks are not currently being made, so this is not being enforced. Hopefully the situation with pet travel to and from GB changes again, back to being more similar when UK was part of the EU.

Hi, I am travelling from Northern Ireland to England next week with a puppy of 10 weeks old. We are travelling overnight from Belfast to Liverpool and after researching the dog lodges on Stenaline, I would not be happy to leave such a young puppy on their own surrounded by other dogs. We would like to leave the pup in the car but unsure if we can visit it at anytime as I have heard that once the boat set sail that you are not allowed in that area. What would you advised as I am concerned for the pup because of them spending first night away from litter and long journey.

That’s a tough situation. It’d be better if you could take the ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan, as small dogs can travel in a carrier bag onboard and it’s a quick trip. However, I understand that ferry to Liverpool is probably better suited for you. I haven’t heard that you can visit dogs in the car after departing, can you call up the customer centre and ask? They might make an exception in certain cases, too. Otherwise, it’s probably best to put the pup in the dog lodge so that you can regular walk him/her.

Hi, I’m travelling from Sri Lanka to Northern Ireland. I want to know if there’s any possibility of taking my dog as excess baggage to the UK, or do they have to travel as manifest cargo? Any help you can give me regarding this would be appreciated.

Unfortunately dogs travelling to the UK need to travel as manifest cargo, not excess baggage. The alternative is to fly into the continent, such as Paris or Amsterdam, then travel via ferry/car/train to Northern Ireland.

Hi, I am currently living in Northern Ireland and my cat is living in Germany. I want to go back to Germany and bring my cat back to NI, is it possible I take the flight from Germany to Dublin with my cat and then take the bus to Belfast? I want my cat to stay with me in the cabin, do you know any airlines allow me to do that? Thanks a lot for you help in advance.

Wang – It should be possible to fly your cat in the cabin to Dublin. Although most airlines don’t allow this, some airlines do, although I’ve heard from other travellers that airline staff say different things at different times – see the comments on my post about travelling to Ireland, https://www.travelnuity.com/taking-a-dog-to-ireland/ . Two possible options are Vueling and Iberia Express. It’s probably not possible to take your cat on the bus, but cats are allowed to sit on your lap in a secure carrier on the train from Dublin to Belfast. Hope this helps!

Hi,I would like to visit my relatives in NI. I have have an assistance dog with ID passbook, and have a record of all his vacations, flea and tick, and worm treatment from berth, which is four and a half years worth. 1. Does he have to have a rabies jab. 2. I presume I can take him with on any crossing.

Rabies vaccines are still not being enforced on dogs travelling from GB to NI, and there are no requirements for the return journey. Assistance dogs should be accepted by any ferry crossing, although I’m not across documentation requirements.

Hi, I am hoping to travel from the US to Ireland with my Dachshund. I got her a France Pet Passport in 2021. Do you know if this will be enough? Of course, she has a Microchip and is up to date with her shots. I am looking to do a road trip through Europe with her.

That should be fine, as long as her latest rabies shot is in the pet passport, not on a separate certificate. Some airlines also require a health certificate from your vet – but just a simple letter, not a complicated form that needs to be certified. Additionally, Ireland also requires an inspection on arrival for dogs flying into the country from outside of the EU – see my separate post on Travelling to the Republic of Ireland (I assume you mean the Republic of Ireland, not Northern Ireland).

I’m hoping to travel by ferry in July with my dog from cairnryan to Belfast. Are checks on dogs still suspended?

The checks are still suspended.

Hi, I am wondering if you have any more updates 6 months on about the need for a AHC travelling from Scotland to Northern Ireland (& on to Ireland) and back again during August 2023? Prices are high for both the rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatment at a vets as well. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you. Sue

There has been no change as of yet, with paperwork still not being checked. I expect there will be a change in the future, but there should be advance warning.

Hi, I’m travelling from Holyhead GB to Dublin on StenaLine on route to Northern Ireland (by car) on the 27th of August. Are checks on dogs still suspended?

While checks going into Northern Ireland are suspended, I haven’t heard of checks going to Dublin being suspended. I would make sure you’re ready with an EU pet health certificate and worming complete.

Thank you. I will take the trip from Liverpool to Belfast rather.

Travelling from Cairnryan to Larne in October with dog. Question re worming. He has eu pet passport but I recall a lot of chat about not letting UK vet write in it. Was that just for rabies vax? Should I do the working treatment 120 hours before travel and let UK vet confirm in dog passport?

At the moment, the checks including the worming treatment aren’t being enforced, so it’s up to you whether you do it. I’m pretty certain that non-EU vets can write in the worming treatment section, just not the rabies section.

Hi Shandos how do I keep uptodate with the suspended checks ? I’m possibly travelling in November.

Check out the DAERA website for any updates: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/travelling-pets

Hi Shandos, Thank you for your informative articles, however my head is spinning trying to work out my unique circumstance and wonder if you are able to help… We will be travelling by ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland, drive down into Rep Ireland and catch the ferry from the south of Ireland to Spain early November. We are originally from Australia and have been travelling. Our dog initially got a AHC to come to the UK and then one to travel Europe before coming back into UK. Whilst we were in Europe we got the dog a EU Pet passport as it lasts more than 4 months and is cheaper than all the AHC…..Anyway… My question…Am I able to use the EU Pet Passport from Scotland to NI (and do I need a vet health check or a tapeworm?)…drive down into RI ok and exit Ireland for Spain with no other paperwork than my initial EU Pet passport; or will I need another tapeworm treatment. Sorry for the long and complex post but I’m going round in circles here!! Thank you

Rachel – Thanks for reaching out to me. Yes, your EU pet passport will be fine to enter NI, Republic of Ireland and Spain. As long as there is an up-to-date rabies vaccine recorded on it.

With the worming treatment, this is technically required, but is not being checked entering NI. I doubt it would be checked crossing the land border into RoI. (When I crossed the border pre-Brexit, there were no checks, and I believe this is still the case.) Prior to Brexit, there was no need for a worming treatment on this route, and you likely could get away without it.

But if you’re worried, perhaps get it done by the vet. It’s generally cheap (a lot cheaper than the full AHC). Vets outside the EU can enter worming treatments on the page in the EU pet passport (just not enter rabies vaccines) or have the vet write it on their letterhead. I hope this is clearer now!

Thank you so much for your super helpful article. I just wondered if you were aware of any formal confirmation / introductions to the Windsor Framework policy for GB to NI travel please?

I recently checked for updates, and I can’t see any progress yet.

Thank you Shandos for this excellent post. I wish I had found it before travelling to Ireland in 2022. Now have a query for you. This summer we are taking our dog from Cairnryan to Belfast (I know the rules — currently don’t need a pet passport or certificate); then driving from NI to Eire (no checks, all fine); then at the end of the holiday would like to return to the Dublin-Holyhead route. I’ve checked this UK government website ( https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain/pet-passport ) which says that a UK pet passport dating from before 2021 is sufficient for entering the UK from Ireland. We happen to have one of those so would technically be fine. BUT…. would we get challenged at Dubline port on how come we got our dog INTO Eire in the first place without an Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport? Thank you!

I doubt that you will be questioned over that, as long as your old UK pet passport is fine (with a recent rabies vaccine). I haven’t heard reports from other people who have been the same, but it seems unlikely. After all, it’s also entirely plausible that you may have “lost” the pet health certificate to enter Ireland, once you no longer needed it.

No pet passports to be needed for travel between Northern Ireland and Great Britain

All grace periods and easements relating to the Northern Ireland Protocol are to be 'extended indefinitely'

11:22, 8 SEP 2021

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UK pets will be able to travel freely and without passports ‘indefinitely’ into and out of Northern Ireland after the government agreed the threatened rules on transporting animals will now not be enforced.

It means pets can travel between Northern Ireland and between England, Scotland, Wales with owners for pleasure, shows and competitions, if they are microchipped.

All grace periods and easements relating to the Northern Ireland Protocol are to be extended indefinitely and that includes people travelling with their pet dogs, cats and ferrets.

And it means there will be no enforcement of the threatened requirement for pet passports, rabies jabs, repeated worming or animal health certificates.

However, travellers from any part of the UK into the Republic of Ireland will continue to need a pet passport, vaccines and paperwork, a rule which has been in place since 2014.

The news brings a ‘standstill’ to all current easements and grace periods, including those on pets, have been included in the government’s command paper, has been welcomed by many.

UUP leader Doug Beattie, whose party called for a change to demands for pet passports, said what may be a minor isue for some, was extremely important to many.

Mr Beattie, said: "It is fair to say that animal lovers and pet owners in Northern Ireland were genuinely concerned about the effects of the Protocol on pet travel.

" The news that dogs, cats and ferrets can now travel with their owners to England, Scotland and Wales without a pet passport or health certificates will be a huge relief.

"This is due to the governments announcement of the unilateral extension, indefinitely, of the grace period.

"Some will view this as a minor issue but for many pet owners it is extremely important and this is a common sense outcome which I welcome."

A spokesperson for PetLoversNI, said: “The brilliant news is that grace periods and easements relating to the Northern Ireland Protocol are to be extended indefinitely. That means no enforcement of the requirement for pet passports or animal health certificates from GB to Northern Ireland.”

However others were more cautious.

David Duncan from Agility NI, which is hosting a competition in Belfast on October 1, said he had spoken to DAERA to confirm the situation around the implementation of routine compliance checks on dogs entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain.

He said: “The Government has announced that the grace period for the non-implementation of compliance checks on certain food products - the so-called ‘sausage war’ - has been extended indefinitely.

“I checked with DAERA to see if this extension happens to include pet travel but apparently not.

“So for the moment there is still uncertainty for GB competitors planning to travel to the Castlereagh Champ Show on October 1, 2021.

“There are no plans to introduce any special requirements for taking dogs from Northern Ireland to Great Britain other than that they must be microchipped.”

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Bringing your pet to Ireland

The importation of pets into Ireland is strictly controlled to ensure diseases such as rabies are kept off of the island

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Bringing your pet on holiday with you is fun – they’re part of the family after all. Selected hotels, guest houses and B&Bs happily accommodate pets: the five-star Cliff House Hotel in County Waterford even offers a luxury package specially designed for your pooch. B&B Ireland has lots of members who accept pets into their homes and many self-catering properties are now pet-friendly.

For the enthusiastic dog owner, the possibilities for walks are endless on the island – although remember to keep your dog on a leash at all times as sheep can pop up out of the most unlikely places! During the summer months, country fairs and festivals hold all sorts of dog shows, cat shows and pet races; so if you’re particularly proud of your pooch why not see if they can bring home the gold?

Murlough Bay

County Antrim

For the enthusiastic dog owner, the possibilities for walks are endless on the island

Bringing pets into the Republic of Ireland

Entry requirements depend on where your pet is travelling from .

Travelling from the EU

If you are bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret into the Republic of Ireland from another EU country or from Andorra; Gibraltar; Greenland and the Faroe Islands; Iceland; Liechtenstein; Monaco, Norway; San Marino; Switzerland or the Vatican City State, your pet must:

• Be microchipped (this must be done before anything else)

• Have a valid rabies vaccination

• Have an EU Pet Passport or Health Certificate

• Be treated for tapeworm (dogs only) before each visit, unless you’re travelling from Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway)

Travelling from Great Britain

If you are bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret into the Republic of Ireland from Great Britain, your pet must:

• Have an Animal Health Certificate

• Be treated for tapeworm (dogs only)

Allow plenty of time to arrange the relevant vaccinations and requirements with your vet before you travel – and don’t forget your pet will need a new AHC and tapeworm treatment for each trip. Find out more at Gov.uk: Taking your pet abroad and Gov.ie: Pet Travel Portal .

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Dogwalking at Portumna Castle, County Galway

Travelling from outside the EU and Great Britain

Entry requirements depend on your country of origin. You can find details of the requirements for each country on the Irish Government's Pet Travel Portal .

At a minimum, your pet must:

Be microchipped (this must be done before anything else)
Have a valid rabies vaccination
Have an EU Health Certificate
Be treated for tapeworm (dogs only) before each visit
Enter the Republic of Ireland only through Cork Airport, Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Shannon Airport, the Port of Cork at Ringaskiddy or Rosslare Europort and must undergo compliance checks on arrival.

Pets coming from certain countries may also need to have a blood test after the rabies vaccination at least three months before entry.

Advance notice: If you're entering Ireland from a non-EU country you must arrange in advance to have a compliance check carried out on your arrival. You can find contact details to make these arrangements on the Pet Travel Portal .

Castlewellan Forest Park, County Down

Bringing pets into Northern Ireland

Dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries or territories can enter Northern Ireland without quarantine provided they meet certain criteria.

Northern Ireland is part of the EU Pet Travel Scheme so you can use a pet passport issued in an EU country, including the Republic of Ireland, to bring your pet into Northern Ireland. Your pet will need to:

Have an EU Pet Passport or Health Certificate
Be treated for tapeworm (dogs only) before every visit

Great Britain is outside the EU Pet Travel Scheme so there are different rules around bringing your pet to Northern Ireland from Great Britain. Before you travel, you should check the Northern Ireland Government website or Gov.uk: Taking your pet abroad to make sure you adhere to the latest requirements.

Entry requirements depend on your country of origin. You can find details of the requirements for each country on the Northern Ireland Government's website .

Have an EU Health Certificate confirming microchip and vaccinations
Enter Northern Ireland only through Belfast Port, Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Airport, City of Derry Airport or Larne Port and may be required to undergo compliance checks on arrival.

Travelling within the island of Ireland

Pets travelling from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland or vice versa should be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and meet any additional requirements. They must also be accompanied by either a valid Animal Health Certificate (Great Britain residents) or an EU pet passport.

Getting here: transport and your pet

It's up to each individual airline to decide whether to carry your pet in the cabin or as excess baggage and each ferry operator has differing rules on travelling with animals. Always check with your transport company before you travel to confirm their requirements for transporting your pet.

Politics latest: MSP who could decide Humza Yousaf's fate appears to reveal price for her support

Scotland's first minister says he will fight a vote in his leadership and is "very confident" of winning. Listen to this week's episode of the Electoral Dysfunction podcast while you scroll through the latest updates.

Friday 26 April 2024 18:00, UK

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Yousaf tells Sky News he'll 'fight' vote of no-confidence and is optimistic of winning
MSP who could decide his fate seems to have named price for her support
Connor Gillies: First minister must reset relations with very people he's burned bridges with
Explained: How did we get here - and what happens next?
Coming up on Sunday: PM sits down with Trevor Phillips
Latest Electoral Dysfunction podcast explores what next week's local elections will bring
Sam Coates explains why they matter
Live reporting by Charlotte Chelsom-Pill

Rishi Sunak sits down this Sunday with Trevor Phillips for a wide-ranging interview ahead of the local elections.

With the Rwanda bill becoming law this week and the PM announcing a commitment to increase defence spending, there's been plenty to talk about.

You can watch it in full from 8.30am on Sunday .

Trevor will also be joined by Labour's shadow health secretary Wes Streeting .

Embattled Humza Yousaf has told Sky News he will not resign as Scotland's first minister.

Pressure has been building on the SNP leader after he tore up the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens - prompting a no-confidence motion in his leadership and a threatened knife-edge vote.

However, Mr Yousaf, on a visit to Dundee that was arranged at short notice after he pulled out of a speech in Glasgow, insisted he was getting on with the job and accused the opposition of "playing games".

He said he would be writing to the leaders of all Scottish political parties to seek talks on making a minority government work.

He told Sky's Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies : "I intend absolutely to fight that vote of no confidence, I've got every intention of winning that vote of no confidence.

"And let me say to the opposition for minority government to work in the interest of the people of Scotland also requires the opposition to act in good faith."

Humza Yousaf's future as first minister is hanging in the balance ahead of a motion of no confidence next week.

Now, as leader of a minority government, his fate may be hanging on just one vote - that of a former SNP leadership rival.

We take a look at how:

The numbers

In the Scottish parliament, the SNP has 63 seats out of 129 , two short of an outright majority;

The Conservatives have 31;

Labour has 22;

The Greens have seven;

The Liberal Democrats have four;

The Alba Party has one ;

There is also one presiding officer Alison Johnstone, who is both an MSP and Scotland's equivalent of the Commons speaker.

How the numbers are expected to fall

The motion of no confidence was brought by the Scottish Conservatives.

The Greens, Labour and the Lib Dems have all said they are backing the motion.

That would translate into 64 votes against the first minister versus 63 SNP votes.

So the one Alba vote is expected to be key.

How it may all come down to one ... Ash Regan

Once an SNP leadership rival to Mr Yousaf, Ash Regan defected to Alex Salmond's Alba Party last October.

If she backs Mr Yousaf then that would mean both sides have 64 votes.

Ms Johnstone would then be expected to vote in favour of the status quo, so the first minister would survive.

But if Ms Regan votes against Mr Yousaf, then the opposition parties will have 65 votes against the SNP's 63, and the first minister would lose.

He wouldn't be compelled to resign in this situation, but he'd be under huge pressure to step aside.

More to come

And remember, Scottish Labour have lodged a separate motion of no confidence in the Scottish government.

Alba have said it won't back that motion.

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf is battling to save his job as he faces a knife-edge no-confidence vote.

The SNP leader triggered a crisis at Holyrood after he dramatically brought the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens to an end.

The backlash has plunged Mr Yousaf's future into doubt, although party colleagues insist he will not resign.

How did we get here?

The Bute House Agreement - signed back in 2021 and named after the first minister's official residence in Edinburgh - brought the Green Party into government for the first time anywhere in the UK.

It gave the SNP a majority at Holyrood when the votes of its MSPs were combined with those of the seven Green members, and also made Green co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater junior ministers.

Without it, the SNP would need to have operated as a minority administration at Holyrood.

What caused the relationship to sour?

There had been mounting tensions between the largest party at Holyrood and their junior partners in government.

The Greens were angered at the SNP-led administration's recent decision to ditch a key climate change target.

That, combined with the decision to pause the prescription of new puberty blockers to under-18s at at Scotland's only gender clinic, resulted in the Greens announcing they would have a vote on the future of the power-sharing deal.

IMAGES

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New Rules For Pet Travel In Europe- Post Brexit
New rules for pet travel from 1 January 2021
Which Airlines Allow Pets In Cabin To Uk
Travelling from the UK to Europe & Back with Dogs
Dog travel: what to pack when travelling with dogs in the UK or overseas

COMMENTS

Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain
Bringing pets into Great Britain: pet passports, Great Britain pet health certificates, microchipping, rabies vaccinations, travelling with assistance dogs.
Travelling with Pets
PETS allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets to travel between and into EU Member States (including NI) without quarantine, as long as they meet the conditions of the scheme. The EU Pet Travel Regulation covers the movement of up to 5 pets with their owners. Where more than 5 pets are travelling in a consignment (see exception for travelling to shows ...
Q&As for Pet Travel from 1 January 2021
The following Q&A provides clarification for pet travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021. For the purposes of pet travel, Great Britain includes England, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man. The additional requirements will impact significantly on those travelling with pets within the United ...
Pet Travel Guidance
Tel: 0370 241 1710. Email: [email protected] (for those living in England, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands or Isle of Man) Information on movements of other types of pet can be found here. Guidance on bringing a pet bird into Northern Ireland from another EU/EEA country can be found here.
New rules for pet travel from 1 January 2021
Pet owners will need to follow new requirements before taking their pet to the European Union or Northern Ireland at the end of the transition period. New rules for pet travel from 1 January 2021 ...
Travelling with your pets
Contact a vet. To make sure your pet is able to travel you should contact your vet before travelling to get the latest advice. You can also get the latest information and check the rules for the country you're travelling to or from at this link: When travelling with your pet dog, cat or ferret, the rules you must follow depend on the country ...
PDF NI Pet Travel
NI DEPOT NI DESTINATION Pet owners will either use a lifelong travel document or tick a box at the point of booking their travel to NI (typically with the ferry operator) to indicate they wish to travel with their pet Owner downloads the pet travel document via an app to their smartphone and completes prior to their first trip (can then be
Pet travel from the United States to the United Kingdom/Great Britain
The UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) allows the tapeworm treatment to occur before or after APHIS endorsement of the health certificate. ... For pet travel requirements not listed, APHIS has not been officially informed by the foreign country about the requirements for your pet's travel. We recommend that you contact a ...
Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain
Reading the microchip. If you travel by air, train or ferry on approved routes, staff will check your microchip if it meets International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards ISO 11784 ...
Brexit: Checks on pets travelling from GB to NI delayed
By Conor Macauley. BBC NI Agriculture & Environment Correspondent. Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has announced a delay to the introduction of Brexit checks on pets travelling from Great Britain ...
Good News
Since the Northern Ireland Protocol came into effect when the UK left the EU's regulatory framework, the law has been clear that to travel with a dog from the mainland UK to Northern Ireland, rabies vaccination and onerous paperwork were required. However, in the last few hours, the proposed Windsor protocol might change all that…
Travel arrangements between GB and NI
The Kennel Club statement: Travel arrangements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 6 January 2021 at 4:55pm. Those travelling from Great Britain with dogs need to follow new rules in order to travel to the EU and Northern Ireland. It is important to note that British pet passports are not valid for travel to these destinations and a new ...
gov
Pet Travel from Ireland to the UK (excl. NI) Pet travel includes the movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets accompanied by their owner, or a person authorised by the owner, as long as the owner is also travelling within five days, and the movement is not for the purpose of sale, change or ownership or re-homing.
Bringing Pets To Ireland & UK
EU pet passports issued by Northern Ireland will remain valid for EU travel. Before taking their dog, cat or ferret to the EU for the first time after 1 January 2021, pet owners must complete the following steps: Ensure their dog, cat or ferret is microchipped. Have a valid EU pet passport OR an animal health certificate issued by a UK official ...
Travelling with a pet
Islandview Veterinary Clinic. 1b Glynn Road, Larne, BT40 3AY. Call for opening times. Tel: 028 2827 2199. Web: www.glenovets.com. View our Frequently Asked Questions before travelling with P&O Ferries. Everything you need to know if you are travelling with a pet from Cairnryan.
Taking your dog, cat or ferret from Great Britain to Northern Ireland
Taking a pet from Great Britain to Northern Ireland Beta This is a new service - your feedback ... Lifelong pet travel documents This is for testing use only Enter the password that we emailed you to enter the move pets from Great Britain to Northern Ireland Scheme service. Password ...
PDF Post-Brexit pet travel guide to the EU and Northern Ireland for clients
For the purposes of pet travel, Northern Ireland is now treated in a similar fashion to the EU. An Animal Health Certificate is required for each trip to the EU/NI, unless your pet already has a valid EU passport, issued in an EU country (or in Northern Ireland after 31 December 2020). Travel from Great Britain to the EU or Northern Ireland
Pets and the Northern Ireland Protocol
The impact of the Protocol on travel with pets to Northern Ireland. As a result of the Protocol, Northern Ireland is being treated as a constituent part of the EU single market for goods and services, thus needing to comply with relevant regulations set down by the EU. ... UK-issued EU pet passports issued in Great Britain or Northern Ireland ...
Taking pets abroad after Brexit
Taking pets abroad after Brexit. Travelling abroad to EU countries and Northern Ireland (NI) with your pet cat, ferret or dog changed on 1 January 2021. Any pet passports issued in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), including the Channel Islands and Isle of Man, are now invalid for travel to an EU country or Northern Ireland. You can ...
Travelling to Northern Ireland with a Dog in 2024
From 1st January 2021, once the Brexit transition ended, the rules to travel with your dog from England, Scotland or Wales to Northern Ireland changed. Previously, there was no need for a pet passport or any other special preparations, but this is technically no longer the case. In 2021, Great Britain became a "Part 2 listed third country ...
No pet passports to be needed for travel between Northern Ireland and
UUP demands pet dogs are allowed to travel freely in the UK. However, travellers from any part of the UK into the Republic of Ireland will continue to need a pet passport, vaccines and paperwork ...
Bringing your pet to Ireland
Northern Ireland is part of the EU Pet Travel Scheme so you can use a pet passport issued in an EU country, including the Republic of Ireland, to bring your pet into Northern Ireland. Your pet will need to: Be microchipped (this must be done before anything else) Have an EU Pet Passport or Health Certificate. Have a valid rabies vaccination.
£137k spent on bringing Ukrainian pets to NI
More than 200,000 Ukrainian refugees have come to the UK since the outbreak of war, with Northern Ireland welcoming more than 3,000 people. Figures released to the Belfast Telegraph show that just under £137,000 has also been spent bringing Ukrainian pets to NI — almost £4,000 per pet.
Politics latest: MSP who could decide Humza Yousaf's fate appears to
The Bute House Agreement - signed back in 2021 and named after the first minister's official residence in Edinburgh - brought the Green Party into government for the first time anywhere in the UK.