pet travel ni to gb

Q&As for Pet Travel from 1 January 2021

Animal Health, Welfare and Trade
Identification, registration and movement

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 EU Member States (MS) including Northern Ireland (NI) to avoid the quarantining of animals.

Last updated on 03 October 2022

Under the Northern Ireland Protocol, from 1 January 2021, the EU Pet Travel Regulation continues to apply to travel into and between Northern Ireland, EU Member States and third countries. In other words, Northern Ireland remains part of the EU Pet Travel Scheme.

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 EU Member States (MS) including Northern Ireland to avoid the quarantining of animals.

View EU Regulation 576/2013

From 1 January 2021, Great Britain became a ‘Part II Listed’ country, for the purposes of pet travel and is therefore no longer a member of the EU Pet Travel Scheme.

This change in Great Britain country status means there are additional documentary requirements, health preparations and compliance checks for travelling with a pet from Great Britain or returning to Northern Ireland from Great Britain. This includes an EU pet passport for Northern Ireland travellers or an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for Great Britain travellers, as well as a rabies vaccination.

On 15 September 2021, DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA announced that checks on all pet dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from GB to NI would be suspended indefinitely while negotiations between the UK government and EU continue.

Please click here for more details.

This follows the UK Government announcement on 6 September 2021 that the grace period relating to routine checks on pet travel within the UK will be extended beyond 1 October 2021. There will be no routine checks until further notice.

Stakeholders and the public will be kept informed of any developments via the DAERA website

Travelling with pets

Officials reserve the right to undertake checks in the interim should there be a suspicion of illegal activity or welfare concerns.

Veterinarians

Briefing notes were issued to Northern Ireland’s authorised Private Veterinary Practitioners (PVP) on 15 and 18 December, covering the most up to date information, advice and guidance. Only Private Veterinary Practitioners authorised by the Department can issue EU pet passports and pet export health certificates.

Assistance Dogs

All travellers with pets (cats, dogs and ferrets) including those travelling with Recognised Assistance Dogs are subject to the requirements of Regulation (EU) 576/2013 and must follow the same rules if they wish to travel under the EU Pet Travel Scheme.

It is recommended that you contact the competent authority of the country of destination before travelling in case there are any additional requirements that need to be met.

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 Kingdom, particularly on travellers with assistance pets and guide dog trainers - what is being done to reduce the impact and remove these additional requirements?

The Minister is aware of the impact of these additional requirements and has written to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice MP and to the European Commission, highlighting the specific issues and officials continue to engage with counterparts in Defra to explore mitigations.
The Minister has requested that urgent consideration be given to the introduction of a ‘Common Travel Area’ for pets travelling between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and a joint UK/NI/ROI working group has been established to urgently consider where flexibilities can be achieved.
This matter has also now been escalated by the UK Government to the European Commission, seeking an urgent resolution. The Commission has responded and discussions are ongoing to find pragmatic solutions to the issues.

If I am travelling from Northern Ireland to Great Britain with my pet but I am not returning to Northern Ireland with my pet, what are the requirements?

If travelling from Northern Ireland to Great Britain and not returning to Northern Ireland 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.

If I am travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland with my pet, what are the requirements?

To travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland your pet needs:-

a microchip,
a rabies vaccination administered by an authorised vet. The animal must be microchipped beforehand and be at least 12 weeks old at the date the vaccine is administered,
to wait before travelling until the appropriate immunity has developed, as stated by the datasheet of the vaccination given, which must be at least 21 days after the primary vaccination is given. If the datasheet of the vaccination used says that immunity is not present until day 30 after vaccination, then you must wait 30 days before travel and your vet should record the same in the passport / animal health certificate. (This wait does not apply to an annual or 3 yearly booster vaccination, provided the booster is administered before the original vaccination expires.)
a valid EU pet passport, or EU animal health certificate confirming microchip and vaccinations (valid for 10 days from issue for entry to an EU Member State (including NI) and valid for 4 months onward travel within the EU),
tapeworm treatment (dogs only) administered between 1 and 5 days before entering NI,
entry to NI must be through a Travellers Point of Entry
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.

If I am travelling to Great Britain and planning to return to Northern Ireland, what documentation and health preparations do I need to make?

Pet owners returning to Northern Ireland from Great Britain will need to make the same preparations as set out in answer to the previous question.

If I am travelling from Northern Ireland to Great Britain with my pet, what are the requirements?

Whilst the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed there will be no checks or changes to the requirements for pets travelling from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, any person travelling from Northern Ireland to Great Britain with a pet and then returning to Northern Ireland, will be required to adhere to the EU requirements for travelling into the EU/Northern Ireland from a Part II listed country. However, Northern Ireland travellers will be able to obtain a valid EU pet passport in Northern Ireland to use as an alternative to an Animal Health Certificate.

If I am travelling from Northern Ireland to the EU including the Republic of Ireland, what are the requirements?

Current pet travel within the EU, including Republic of Ireland, requires a pet passport and rabies vaccination. There is no change to these requirements.

Will my current EU pet passport, issued in Northern Ireland, prior to 31 December 2020, still be valid for return travel into Northern Ireland from Great Britain, or do I apply for a new one?

From 1 January 2021 UK pet passports issued in both Northern Ireland and Great Britain up to 31 December 2020, are no longer valid for travel to the EU (including Northern Ireland). Interim measures have been put in place. If you are intending to travel you should contact your vet who will arrange to update your pet passport appropriately to allow travel. A new style UK (NI) branded EU Pet Passport will be distributed to every authorised Private Veterinary Practitioner in due course. A list of veterinary practice contacts can be accessed at the following link:-

List of veterinary practices

Will my pet be subject to checks if I am returning to Northern Ireland from Great Britain?

EU regulations require checks in respect of pet movements for pets entering the EU (including Northern Ireland) from third counties.

However the UK government have announced that there will be no routine on pet travel within the UK until further notice. Further updates can be found on the following links

Travelling with Pets | daera-ni.gov.uk
Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain | gov.uk

Officials will reserve the right to undertake checks should there be a suspicion of illegal activity or welfare concerns.

If there are no checks why do I require the documentation?

The European Union (EU) Pet Travel Regulation (Regulation (EU) 576/2013), which details the documentary, health and compliance check requirements for the travel of pets between or into EU Member States, continues to apply in Northern Ireland following the end of the transition phase.

Therefore there are now additional requirements for pet travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, including the need for appropriate documentation and rabies vaccination, as a direct result of Great Britain now being listed as a Part II country.

These continue to be legal requirements and are not affected by the recent decision to delay the introduction of routine compliance checks.

Will my documentation be checked if I adhere to the requirements and obtain documentation and adhere to the health requirements?

There will be no routine checks carried out until 1 October 2021. However officials reserve the right to undertake checks in the interim should there be a suspicion of illegal activity or welfare concerns.

If I have no documentation will I be subject to checks?

Will i be checked by the ferry companies or defra before leaving great britain to travel to northern ireland.

Defra have confirmed that they will not be carrying out checks in respect of travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. However you may wish to contact your transport company to confirm any additional requirements that they may have.

If you require more information or have any issues you can email Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) at [email protected] or telephone: 0370 241 1710 or at the Defra website here .

Where can I get a pet passport and how much will it cost?

You can obtain a pet passport directly from one of the authorised Private Veterinary Practitioners participating in the pet travel scheme, (see link below for details). The price of consultation and advice, rabies testing, any necessary vaccinations and issuing documents, is set by each individual vet. Please speak to your vet about the cost if preparing to travel with your pet.

Will my pet require a rabies vaccination for travelling to Northern Ireland from Great Britain?

Yes, a rabies vaccination will be required and you need to make sure your pet is microchipped first, or the vaccination will not count. The pet must be at least 12 weeks old before vaccination. You must wait until the appropriate immunity has developed, as stated by the datasheet of the rabies vaccination given, which must be at least 21 days after the primary vaccination is given. If the datasheet of the vaccination used says that immunity is not present until day 30 after vaccination, then you must wait 30 days before travel and your vet should record the same in the passport / animal health certificate. (This wait does not apply to an annual or 3 yearly booster vaccination, provided the booster is administered before the original vaccination expires.)

I am concerned that the rabies vaccination will have a detrimental effect on the health of my pet?

There is already a requirement for such a vaccination for pets intending to travel to the EU, including the Republic of Ireland, from Northern Ireland. All vaccinations recommended for use in NI/EU have undergone rigorous testing to assess safety and ensure effectiveness. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate, an Executive Agency within DEFRA, regulate the safety and quality of veterinary medicines in the UK and you may wish to seek further advice from them regarding any vaccination concerns. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate can be contacted here .

How do I know if my pet’s rabies vaccination is up-to-date?

Your vet will be able to advise you when a rabies vaccination is due. They will also be able to advise whether other health and documentary checks are required for travel. We recommend that you contact your local vet before planning any travel with your pet.

How long does my pet’s rabies vaccination remain valid for?

The lifespan of the rabies vaccination depends on the brand of vaccination used and your vet will be able to advise you when rabies boosters will be required. In order for an EU pet passport to remain valid, rabies vaccinations and any future boosters must be administered by an authorised veterinarian within the EU. Details of the vaccination must be entered in the pet passport.

Does the rabies vaccination need to be given every time you intend to travel?

No. Provided the rabies vaccination is kept up to date, you should only need to get your pet vaccinated for the first trip.

How much will obtaining a pet passport and health preparations cost?

The price of consultation and advice, rabies testing, vaccinations and issuing documents (including a pet passport) is set by each individual vet.

Is an EU pet passport transferable between owners?

Yes. An EU pet passport is transferable and remains valid if you comply with the requirements of the EU Pet Travel regulations. However, within the passport there is only space for the details of 2 owners. Once both are used you will need to get a new passport to travel with the pet.

Will my pet require Tapeworm / Echinococcosis Multilocularis (EM) treatment every time I return to Northern Ireland from Great Britain?

Yes. EU regulations require that dogs comply with preventative health measures, and that tapeworm / EM treatment is administered within 24 to 120 hours (1 to 5 Days) of entry to the EU (including Northern Ireland). This treatment can be administered by a veterinarian in Northern Ireland or Great Britain. Depending on the duration of your trip, you may be able to have the treatment administered in Northern Ireland before you leave i.e. if you are returning to Northern Ireland within 5 days.

What countries require Tapeworm / Echinococcosis Multilocularis treatment to enter with a dog?

Tapeworm treatment is required for entry to Finland, Norway, Malta, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Please note you do not require tapeworm treatment if travelling to or from Northern Ireland to any of the countries listed above.

Can any vet sign the part about the Tapeworm treatment regardless if they are an authorised Private Veterinary Practitioner or not?

Yes. Any vet can administer tapeworm treatment as long as it is recorded and stamped in the passport.

Can an authorised Private Veterinary Practitioner certify and prepare their own pet for travel?

The RCVS Principles of Certification state that "Veterinarians should not issue a certificate which might raise questions of a possible conflict of interest e.g. in relation to their own animals". On the basis of this, it is advised that treatment/certification to meet PETS requirements should be carried out by a qualified veterinarian who is not the owner of the pet.

Will I need to enter Northern Ireland through a Travellers Point of Entry if travelling from Great Britain?

Yes. You will need to enter the EU, including Northern Ireland, via a Travellers Point of Entry when you are travelling from a third country such as Great Britain in order to facilitate compliance checks.

Where will the Travellers Points of Entry be located in Northern Ireland?

Travellers Points of Entry will be located at the following locations: Belfast Port, Larne Port, Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Airport and City of Derry Airport.

Is there any ‘grace period’ regarding pet travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland for these changes being introduced, in relation to the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol?

Yes the UK Government has confirmed that the grace period relating to routine checks on pet travel within the UK will be extended until further notice.

However, officials will reserve the right to undertake checks in the interim should there be a suspicion of illegal activity or welfare concerns.

Are there any other requirements for travelling with a pet other than those detailed above?

The requirement for the non-commercial movement of pets under the Pet Travel Scheme are set out in the paragraphs above, however it is recommended that you contact the competent authority of the country of destination before travelling in case there are any additional requirements that need to be met.

Commercial movement of pets

What are the requirements for the commercial movement of pets between great britain and northern ireland.

There is no change to the requirements for the commercial movement of pets from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, other than that they must be microchipped at 8 weeks old.

The EU Pet Travel Scheme covers the movements of pets with their owners. For commercial movements or travel with more than 5 pets, in addition to meeting the preparations needed for pet travel, the requirements for commercial trade laid down by the Animal Health Law, in force from 21 April 2021, must be met.

Details can be found here .

Further information on commercial movements to the EU can also be found at the following links:

https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/movement-pets/eu-legislation/entry-union_en
ttps://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/movement-pets/eu-legislation/movements-within-union_en

Before moving dogs for commercial purposes from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, you need to obtain an Export Health Certificate. The guidance in the link below will help you obtain an Export Health Certificate, pre notify in advance of the arrival of the consignment into Northern Ireland and advise on what you need to do on arrival at a Point of Entry.

Guidance on bringing commercial transports of dogs to NI from GB

Does the indefinite postponement for pet checks apply to the commercial movement of pets?

No. The grace period does not apply to the commercial movement of pets.

What if I am travelling to Northern Ireland with more than 5 pets to attend a show, competition or training for an event?

Pet owners travelling to an event in Northern Ireland from any country, including Great Britain, should complete the Declaration using the link below and make the completed Declaration available to a DAERA Portal Inspector upon arrival in Northern Ireland.

This Declaration should also be completed by those returning to Northern Ireland from an event.

Pets Declaration for Events in NI

Where can I get further information regarding pet travel?

Information regarding travelling with pets will continue to be updated on the DAERA website as information becomes available and can be found here .

If you cannot find an answer for your query please contact the following Tel-No is 0300 200 7840 or email [email protected] .

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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.

Pet owners are being encouraged to check the latest government advice about travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland or the European Union with their pets at the end of the transition period.

The government has worked alongside the European Commission to ensure pet travel can continue between Great Britain and the EU and Northern Ireland at the end of the transition period.

From 1 January 2021 onwards, the UK will have Part 2 listed status under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, meaning that people travelling from GB with their pets and assistance dogs will need to follow new requirements in order to travel to the EU and Northern Ireland.

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. The only new requirement for travel to the EU is the use of a certificate, rather than a pet passport:

Ensure their dog, cat or ferret is microchipped.
Ensure that their dog, cat or ferret is vaccinated against rabies – pets must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated.
Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel
Dogs must be treated against tapeworm 24-120 hours before landing, if they are travelling to a tapeworm free country.
Visit their vet to get an animal health certificate (AHC) for their pet, no more than 10 days before travel to the EU.

Pets and assistance dogs will also need to enter the EU through a travellers’ point of entry (TPE) , which includes all the major French ports such as Calais, Caen and Dunkirk.

All of these requirements will also apply for movements of pets and assistance dogs from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. However recognising that these changes will take time to adjust to, the UK Government is working with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland on an enforcement approach that takes this challenge into account. This approach will be implemented in a way which supports pet owners and assistance dog users while the Government pursues a permanent solution.

There will be no change to the current health preparations or documents for pets entering Great Britain from the EU or Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021.

Christine Middlemiss, UK Chief Veterinary Officer, said:

We have been granted ‘Part 2’ listed third country status by the EU which will ensure that travelling with your pet continues from 1 January onwards. Your vet will be able to advise what you need to do in order to obtain the correct documentation to travel and you can find the latest pet travel advice on gov.uk or by searching ‘pet travel’.

Updated guidance on pet travel has been available since November 2018, ensuring that owners will be ready for any future scenario, so many pet owners will already be familiar with that they need to do.

The UK government is continuing to press the European Commission to secure Part 1 listed status. The UK has one of the most rigorous pet checking regimes in Europe and currently meets all the requirements for Part 1 listed status under the EU Pet Travel Scheme.

The latest advice for pet owners seeking to travel to the EU after 1 January 2021 can be found here .

Further information

Passengers should always check the rules of the country they are travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before they travel.
For information on commercial imports and exports of dogs, cats and ferrets to the EU – please refer to the Border Operating Model
There will be no changes or new requirements on movements from Northern Ireland to Great Britain.
There will be no changes to the current health preparations or documents for pets entering Great Britain from the EU in the immediate term, as the disease risks remains unchanged.
There are no restrictions on bringing pet rodents, rabbits, birds, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles to the UK from EU countries.
Contact the Centre for International Trade (Carlisle) for more information on the rules for travelling with other species of pet.

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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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Animal imports and exports: guidance

This guidance applies only to import and export of farm animals and domesticated animals.

The Pet Travel Scheme

The Pet Travel Scheme allows pet cats, dogs and ferrets from certain countries to enter the Great Britain (GB) without quarantine provided they meet certain rules. The rules are in place to help keep GB free from rabies and certain other diseases.

Pets travelling to GB from Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man are exempt from these rules. Special temporary measures have also been put in place for people bringing their pets to Great Britain from Ukraine.

You can enter or return to GB with your pet cat, dog or ferret if it:

has been microchipped
has a pet passport or third country veterinary health certificate
has been vaccinated against rabies – it will also need a blood test if you’re travelling from an unlisted country
dogs are required to have a tapeworm treatment unless they are travelling to GB directly from Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway

If you intend to bring your pet to GB, it’s important to remember:

the Pet Travel Scheme rules apply to all cats, dogs and ferrets travelling with their owners (including assistance and guide dogs). Your pet can travel with someone else if you’ve authorised it in writing. Your pet must arrive in GB within five days of you (or another person who has written authorisation from you)
if you are rehoming a pet cat, dog or ferret (i.e. from a pet rescue charity) or purchasing a puppy or kitten from outwith GB - these movements are considered to be commercial and you will have to follow additional rules for commercial movements
under the Pet Travel Scheme you cannot bring more than five pets to GB unless the pets are travelling to attend a show or a competition and are aged over six months old. It is necessary to complete a written declaration and present written evidence that the pets travelling are registered to attend such an event. If you are travelling with more than five pets and you are not attending a show or competition then you will have to follow additional rules for commercial movements
the rules for bringing your pet cat, dog or ferret into GB will be different depending on the country the pet is travelling from . Pet owners are responsible for ensuring their pet meets all the rules for entering GB and that its documentation (i.e. pet passport or animal health certificate) is correctly completed. Pets that do not meet the rules may not be allowed to enter the country or may have to be quarantined on arrival at their owners expense.

The current, full pet travel rules are detailed on the UK government website and should be consulted in advance of making travel arrangements.

Ukraine pet travel

The UK Government has put in place a new process for people bringing their pets to Great Britain from Ukraine. The Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) will provide quick approvals and quarantine arrangements.

People displaced from Ukraine wishing to travel with pets should contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency at [email protected] or call +44 3000 200 301 and select option 2 before they travel.

More information on travelling with pets is available via the UK Government .

Relevant legislation

The rules for non-commercial pet travel to GB are set out in The Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals Order 2011

The rules for commercial movements are set out in The Trade in Animals and Related Products (Scotland) Regulations 2012 .

The rules for testing animals for rabies are set out in The Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022.

Trade in illegally imported cats and dogs

We know that some people are buying and selling dogs and cats that have been imported illegally from abroad. This trade puts the health of the animals, and the general public, at serious risk from diseases including rabies.

The UK has been free from rabies for many years. However rabies is still present in many countries across the world. This is why the UK has importation controls for pet animals. These controls are designed to stop rabies and other exotic diseases from being introduced into the UK.

All dogs and cats must first be microchipped and then vaccinated against rabies before entering the UK. Rabies vaccines are not effective in very young animals and this is why, with effect from the 29 December 2014, the European Commission have introduced a 12 week minimum age for rabies vaccination in pet animals. In addition, all dogs must be treated for the tapeworm (echinococcus multilocularis).

Help to fight the illegal trade in pet animals

The trade in illegally imported pets is driven by consumer demand; you can play a part in fighting this illegal trade in pet animals by following some simple guidelines.

If you are planning to buy a cat/dog or puppy/kitten, we recommend that you seek out as much information as possible about your new pet.

It is equally important whether you are buying a pedigree or a cross bred animal that as a minimum you:

view the animal and its documentation before you buy - if it was born outside the UK it must have either a pet passport or a third country health certificate
its documentation needs to confirm the microchip number, that it was vaccinated against rabies at no less than 12 weeks of age and for third country imports, had a subsequent blood test 30 days after vaccination. For dogs, it should also show that it has been treated for tapeworm
check the animal's history by speaking to a previous owner - if you are buying a puppy or kitten, you should always ask to see it with its mother and the rest of the litter
never buy a puppy younger than 8 weeks old

In addition you should:

buy your animal from a reputable supplier - advice on buying a dog or cat is available from a range of organisations, such as the Dog Advisory Council, Scottish Kennel Club, the Dogs Trust and the SSPCA. If you have doubts about an animal speak to your vet before agreeing to buy it

If your new pet is found to be illegally imported and non-compliant with disease control rules, then you may find yourself having to pay for costly quarantine and veterinary bills. If you are unable to meet these costs, this may leave the local authority with no option other than to euthanase (put down) the animal.

Additional advice on buying a puppy is available.

Tel: 0300 244 9874 Address: Animal Health and Welfare, P Spur Saughton House, Broomhouse Drive, Edinburgh EH11 3XD

Updated Pets.

Added information note to page to indicate it is currently under review and may not reflect the latest position.

Advice on pet travel scheme updated.

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

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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Post-Brexit Pet Travel Guide for Owners

Jan 27, 2021 | Cats , Dogs , Notices , Rabbits , Small Furries

Parkside Veterinary Group - Post-Brexit Pet Travel Guide

This guidance applies to people travelling to and from Great Britain (Scotland, England and Wales) with their pet cats, ferrets or dogs, including assistance dogs. This guidance is only for travel of less than 5 pets and for non-commercial reasons.

You need to follow these guidelines to travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland , as well as between Great Britain and the EU . Travel to other non-EU countries is not covered in these guidelines.

Travelling into an EU country or Northern Ireland from Great Britain

You can no longer use a pet passport issued in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) for travel to an EU country or Northern Ireland. You can still use a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland (for Northern Ireland see additional guidance below).

When travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, your pet needs:

a microchip placed or read before any rabies vaccination
a valid rabies vaccination at least 21 days before certification and when the pet was at least 12 weeks of age
an animal health certificate unless you have a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland to be obtained no more than 10 days before travel
tapeworm treatment for dogs if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, or Malta

You will need to go through a travellers’ point of entry when you arrive in an EU country or Northern Ireland. A list of these can be found here: https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/pet-movement/eu-legislation/non-commercial-non-eu/tpe_en

Always check the rules of the country you are travelling to or through for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel – it is your responsibility to check the current rules for travel and arrange the appropriate documents.

Repeat trips to an EU country or Northern Ireland

Your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland.

Your pet will not need a repeat rabies vaccination so long as their rabies vaccinations are up to date.

Getting an Animal Health Certificate

You must book an appointment with one of our Official Veterinarian’s to get an animal health certificate. The certificate will be specific to the country you are entering the EU through but can then be used for onwards travel through other EU countries. You need the certificate no more than 10 days before you travel. Please give us as much notice as possible when booking the appointment. We cannot guarantee a last minute appointment for an Animal Health Certificate, this is due to the time required, and only Official Veterinarians can do these appointments.

We will request you to send us information about your pet and the travel in advance of your appointment. When booking the appointment, please tell us the country of entry to the EU you will be using.

When you come to your appointment for the Animal Health Certificate, you must bring proof of your pet’s:

microchipping date
rabies vaccination history

Your pet’s animal health certificate will be valid after the date of issue for:

10 days for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland
4 months for onward travel within the EU
4 months for re-entry to Great Britain

Your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland from Great Britain.

Travelling into Great Britain with your pet

An EU pet passport issued in a member state is still valid to enter GB.

Before they enter GB, all pets must be:

microchipped
vaccinated against rabies (must be at least 12 weeks old before vaccinated)

Travellers from the EU need to wait 21 days after the first vaccination before travel into GB (not for boosters as long as done before the due date)

Travel from countries not free from tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis)

Unless entering GB directly from Finland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, or Malta, you’ll need to take your dog to a vet for an approved tapeworm treatment. You must do this no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before entering GB.

Pet travel documents

Your pet must have one of the following documents when entering or returning to GB:

an EU pet passport issued in the EU (or in GB if issued before 1 January 2021), or a pet passport from another Part 1 listed third country
the animal health certificate (AHC) issued in GB used to travel to the EU – which you can use to re-enter GB for up to 4 months after it was issued
a GB pet health certificate (for travel into GB only)

Check routes and travel companies

Check the routes before you travel . You must travel using approved routes. Your pet’s documents and microchip will be checked when entering GB.

Owners of assistance dogs returning to GB do not have to travel on approved routes. You must notify the point of entry in advance that you’re travelling with an assistance dog to ensure the appropriate checks are done.

EU residents travelling to and from the UK

If your pet has an EU passport and their rabies booster is due close to the period of travel, please have the rabies vaccination done in your EU country of residence before travel. UK vets are no longer authorised to complete rabies vaccination details in an EU passport.

Additional guidance for people travelling to and from Northern Ireland with their pet cats, ferrets or dogs, including assistance dogs.

Parkside Veterinary Group - Post-Brexit Pet Travel Guide additional information

On 1 January 2021 it is expected that a number of pet owners will be unable to comply with the EU Pet Travel Regulation, for movement of pets between GB and NI. For example, pet owners who have already travelled from NI to GB and intend to return following the Christmas period. Pets travelling from GB to NI will therefore not be subject to routine compliance checks until 1 February 2021.

**Current EU pet passports issued in NI and GB up to 31 December 2020, will not be valid for travel to the EU (including NI) after the 31 December 2020. Interim measures have been put in place. If you are travelling in early 2021, you should contact your vet in Northern Ireland who will arrange to update your pet passport appropriately to allow travel. A new style UK (NI) branded EU Pet Passport will be available shortly and these will be distributed to veterinary practices in Northern Ireland in due course.

Help and support

You can contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) if you’ve got questions or need more information.

If you’re travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland

Contact the Pet Travel Scheme helpline if you need more information about pet travel.

Pet Travel Scheme helpline [email protected] Telephone: 0370 241 1710 Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm (closed on bank holidays) Find out about call charges

If you’re travelling to a non-EU country Contact APHA if you need more information about pet travel to a non-EU country.

Animal and Plant Health Agency [email protected] Telephone: 03000 200 301 Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm Find out about call charges

If you have questions specific to Northern Ireland Trade Section Veterinary Service Animal Health Group 1st Floor Ballykelly House 111 Ballykelly Road Ballykelly Limavady BT49 9HP

Tel: 028 77 442141 E-mail: [email protected]

Post-Brexit pet travel guide summary

Please read our full guidance before arranging travel with your pet. Further guidance is available from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-and-from-great-britain

The main change for pet travel out of GB is that UK pet passports are no longer valid for travel into the EU. An Animal Health Certificate is now required for each trip to the EU, unless your animal already has a valid non-UK EU passport, issued in an EU country.

Summary of requirements for travel from GB to the EU or NI :

Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel/certification, and when the pet was at least 12 weeks of age)
AHC (Animal Health Certificate) no more than 10 days before travel
Or a valid non-UK EU passport
Tapeworm treatment if travelling to Finland, Northern Ireland, Ireland or Malta (to be given and certified by a veterinarian 24-120 hours before entry to EU/NI)
Entry must be through a Traveller’s Point of Entry

Travelling back to GB

AHC that was used to exit GB can be used to come back within 4 months
Or UK passport supplied before 31/12/2020
Or EU passport issued in the EU
Tapeworm treatment unless travelling from Finland, Northern Ireland, Ireland or Malta (to be given and certified in the original AHC or the valid passport by a veterinarian 24-120 hours before entry to GB)
You must enter GB via an Approved Route (except for assistance dogs)

Please remember, it is the responsibility of the owner (or persons transporting the pets) to know the requirements of travel for all countries travelled to and through, not your veterinary practice. We can provide guidance where appropriate, and complete the appointments for rabies vaccinations, certification, tapeworm treatments and any other necessary health checks you require. You must bring all supporting documents and information we request in order to complete these appointments correctly, otherwise we may not be able to provide you with certification.

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General Pet Travel Requirements

1. The Pet Travel requirements allow pet dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries to enter Great Britain (GB) without quarantine as long as they meet the conditions of the scheme.

2. It also means that people in GB can take their dogs, cats and ferrets to European Union (EU) countries, and bring them back to GB without the need for the animals to enter quarantine.

3. These rules are in place to keep GB free from rabies and certain other diseases.

4. General scheme requirements for exports from GB to EU countries are:

Microchip or legible tattoo imprinted prior to 3 July 2011
Rabies vaccination
21 day wait before being eligible to travel to other EU countries
Animal Health Certificates (AHCs)

5. Pet passports issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland can still be used for exports from GB to the EU, as long as the rabies vaccination is still valid.

6. GB OVs cannot enter rabies vaccination details in EU issued pet passports. The only sections of an EU passport which may be completed by GB OVs are the tapeworm and clinical examination sections.

7. If a rabies vaccination in an EU issued pet passport has expired whilst the pet has been in GB, an Animal Health Certificate must be issued.

Administering the Pet Travel Requirements

1. The Pet Travel requirements are administered in GB by OVs on behalf of Defra and the devolved administrations for Scotland and Wales.

2. OVs, who hold an Official Controls Qualification (Veterinary) (OCQ(V)) for Companion Animals (CA) or Small Animal Exports (SX), are permitted to hold microchips and rabies vaccinations in order to administer the Pet Travel requirements.

Further Pet Travel Guidance

1. Extensive guidance is available from:

GOV.UK - taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad
GOV.UK - bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to the UK
Pet Travel Scheme Helpline 0370 241 1710 (available Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm UK time (closed Bank Holidays)).
External OV Instructions/Export Instructions/Certification_Procedures/Small_Animal_Exports/index.htm

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Lifelong pet travel documents

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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.

Post-Brexit pet travel guide for owners

This guidance applies to people travelling to and from Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) with their pet cats, ferrets or dogs, including assistance dogs. This guidance is only for travel of less than 5 pets and for non-commercial reasons.

Travelling into an EU country or Northern Ireland from Great Britain

When travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, your pet needs:

a microchip placed or read before any rabies vaccination
a valid rabies vaccination at least 21 days before certification and when the pet was at least 12 weeks of age (the day of the rabies vaccination being day zero)
an animal health certificate unless you have a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland to be obtained no more than 10 days before travel
tapeworm treatment for dogs if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, or Malta. When a dog requires tapeworm treatment to enter the specified countries, this is done at the issue certificate appointment and must be timed accordingly. Please allow a margin of flexibility in case travel is delayed for any reason.

You will need to go through a travellers’ point of entry when you arrive in an EU country or Northern Ireland. A list of these can be found here:

https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/pet-movement/eu-legislation/non-commercial-non-eu/tpe_en

Repeat trips to an EU country or Northern Ireland

Your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland.

Your pet will not need a repeat rabies vaccination so long as their rabies vaccinations are up to date.

Getting an Animal Health Certificate

We cannot give last minute appointments or appointments at weekends and on bank holidays for travel certificates. Please ensure that when you book your appointment you let our reception team know that you need an appointment for an Animal Health Certificate so that we can ensure an (Official Veterinarian) OV is present and available for the date & time of your appointment, only Official Veterinarians can do these appointments.

We will request you to send us information about your pet and the travel in advance of your appointment. When booking the appointment, please tell us the country of entry to the EU you will be using.

When you come to your appointment for the Animal Health Certificate, you must bring proof of your pet’s:

microchipping date. You will need to supply paperwork confirming that your pet is microchipped and registered with you as the owner, these details need to match the information supplied on the form that you submit to us. Please bring this paperwork to your appointment
rabies vaccination history
And Complete the Advance Information Form (located at the bottom of this page) – once you have booked your appointment

Your pet’s animal health certificate will be valid after the date of issue for:

10 days for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland
4 months for onward travel within the EU
4 months for re-entry to Great Britain

Your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland from Great Britain.

**Reminders for rabies vaccinations will not be issued & the relevant period may vary according to the country to which the owner is travelling (this is outside EU) and responsibility for ensuring booster vaccinations takes place on time falls to the owner not the veterinary practice.

Travelling into Great Britain with your pet

An EU pet passport issued in a member state is still valid to enter GB.

Before they enter GB, all pets must be:

microchipped
vaccinated against rabies (must be at least 12 weeks old before vaccinated)

Travellers from the EU need to wait 21 days ( the day of rabies vaccination being given is day zero) after the first vaccination before travel into GB (not for boosters as long as done before the due date)

Travel from countries not free from tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis)

Pet travel documents

Your pet must have one of the following documents when entering or returning to GB:

an EU pet passport issued in the EU (or in GB if issued before 1 January 2021), or a pet passport from another Part 1 listed third country
the animal health certificate (AHC) issued in GB used to travel to the EU – which you can use to re-enter GB for up to 4 months after it was issued
a GB pet health certificate (for travel into GB only)

Check routes and travel companies

Check the routes before you travel . You must travel using approved routes. Your pet’s documents and microchip will be checked when entering GB.

EU residents travelling to and from the UK

Additional guidance for people travelling to and from Northern Ireland with their pet cats, ferrets or dogs, including assistance dogs.

Between northern ireland and the eu.

From 1 January 2021, EU pet travel rules will continue to apply to Northern Ireland. This includes the need to have a pet passport** and a rabies vaccination. There will be no change to the requirements governing pet travel between NI and the EU including the Republic of Ireland (ROI).

From Great Britain to Northern Ireland

It has been confirmed that from 1 January 2021, Great Britain (GB) will be treated as a Part II listed country. This means that pet travel from GB to NI, including where a traveller is returning to NI from GB, will require:

an EU pet passport** or an Animal Health Certificate
rabies vaccination with a 21 day wait from the successful rabies vaccination
tapeworm treatment
entry to NI via a Travellers Point of Entry (TPE) at Belfast Port; Larne Port, Belfast International, Belfast City or City of Derry Airports.

Help and support

You can contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) if you’ve got questions or need more information.

If you’re travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland

Contact the Pet Travel Scheme helpline if you need more information about pet travel.

Pet Travel Scheme helpline [email protected] Telephone: 0370 241 1710 Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm (closed on bank holidays) Find out about call charges

If you’re travelling to a non-EU country

Contact APHA if you need more information about pet travel to a non-EU country.

Animal and Plant Health Agency [email protected] Telephone: 03000 200 301 Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm Find out about call charges

If you have questions specific to Northern Ireland

Trade Section Veterinary Service Animal Health Group 1st Floor Ballykelly House 111 Ballykelly Road Ballykelly Limavady BT49 9HP

Tel: 028 77 442141 E-mail: [email protected]

Please read our full guidance before arranging travel with your pet. Further guidance is available from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-and-from-great-britain

Summary of requirements for travel from GB to the EU or NI :

Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel/certification, and when the pet was at least 12 weeks of age) – the day the vaccine is given is day zero
AHC (Animal Health Certificate) no more than 10 days before travel
Or a valid non-UK EU passport
Tapeworm treatment if travelling to Finland, Norway, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland or Malta (to be given and certified by a veterinarian 24-120 hours before entry to EU/NI)
Entry must be through a Traveller’s Point of Entry

Travelling back to GB

Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel/certification, and when the pet was at least 12 weeks of age)
AHC that was used to exit GB can be used to come back within 4 months
Or UK passport supplied before 31/12/2020
Or EU passport issued in the EU
Tapeworm treatment unless travelling from Finland, Norway, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland or Malta (to be given and certified in the original AHC or the valid passport by a veterinarian 24-120 hours before entry to GB)
You must enter GB via an Approved Route (except for assistance dogs)

Please remember, it is the responsibility of the owner (or person(s) transporting the pets) to know the requirements of travel for all countries travelled to and through, not your veterinary practice. We can provide guidance where appropriate, and complete the appointments for rabies vaccinations, certification, tapeworm treatments and any other necessary health checks you require. You must bring all supporting documents and information we request in order to complete these appointments correctly, otherwise we may not be able to provide you with certification.

** The travel scheme solely refers to the legal requirements to get your pet into another country and back and is designed to protect animals and people in the UK. It does not involve any healthcare needs to keep your pet safe and protected against disease itself while travelling, and pets travelling to the southern Mediterranean in particular face significant risk of potentially fatal diseases such as leishmania and heartworm, which can pose a risk to you as well in some cases. Prevention for several of these diseases needs to be started some time before travel and may need to be planned and ordered e.g., leishmania vaccines. Please ensure that you plan enough time to seek advice well in advance of planned trips regarding preventative health measures for you & your pet’s safety which are a separate issue to the travel scheme regulations.

Advance Information Form

Only complete this form once you have made an appointment the named owner or person travelling with the animal must be present at the ahc appointment to sign the declaration. name (required) dr miss mr mrs ms prof. rev. title first name last name email (required) phone (required) address (required) street address address line 2 town county postal code for each pet you are travelling with, please provide the following details: (required) animal's name species: eg. dog/cat male/female neutered colour breed microchip number date of birth add remove click on the right hand + to add more animals point of entry into the eu * which eu member state are you entering into first (eg, if going by channel tunnel it will be france). (required) date of travel (please give exact date if possible) (required) dd slash mm slash yyyy who will be travelling with the pet (please select one, and provide further details if appropriate): (required) owner person who has authorisation in writing from the owner to travel with the pet (name, address, phone number) designated carrier contracted by the owner to travel with the pet (name, address, phone number) the named owner or person travelling with the animal must be present at the ahc appointment to sign the declaration. please note, you need to bring written authorisation or designated carrier paperwork to any appointment.

Going abroad with your pet

If you decide to go abroad with your pet this year there are a number of considerations you must take into account to ensure your holiday goes smoothly. All pet owners should be aware of the new rules concerning pet travel between Great Britain (GB), Northern Ireland (NI), and the European Union (EU) that came into effect in January 2021.

When travelling to NI or the EU, you must ensure that your pet is microchipped . You will need to get your pet microchipped before or on the same day as they have their rabies vaccination, otherwise they will need to be vaccinated again.

Make sure your vet records your pet’s microchip number in your animal health certificate – the time recorded must precede your pet’s vaccinations.

It is a legal requirement for dogs to be microchipped before they are eight weeks old.

If you are unsure which database you are with, use our microchip look up to check .

We are the only member of Europetnet based in the United Kingdom. Europetnet is a network of thirty five databases from across Europe that work to reunite thousands of lost animals with their owners throughout the continent. This means that if your pet goes missing when you are on holiday, you will have a greater chance of being reunited.

When your pet is found, their microchip can be scanned and microchip number inputted into Europetnet’s search facility . We will then be contacted and can quickly notify you to reunite you with your pet.

If you are travelling from GB to NI or the EU with a dog, cat or ferret, your pet will need:

A microchip
A valid rabies vaccination
An animal health certificate (unless you have a valid pet passport issued in an EU member state or NI). Animal health certificates are valid for ten days after the date of issue for entry into the EU. They are valid for four months from the date of issue for onward travel within the EU and re-entry into GB
Tapeworm treatment for dogs if you’re travelling directly to NI, Republic of Ireland, Finland, Norway or Malta.

We can help to you to obtain these documents by providing a printable PDF with all the details of your pet’s microchip registration. Complete our online form to request these.

You will need to travel through a travellers’ point of entry when you arrive in an EU country or NI, and you may need to show your pet’s animal health certificate along with proof of their microchip, rabies vaccination, and tapeworm treatment (if required).

You will need to obtain a new animal health certificate for each trip to NI or the EU and, if you are a dog owner, your dog will need tapeworm treatment for each trip if you are travelling directly to the countries listed above. Your pet will not need a repeat rabies vaccination, as long as you ensure that their vaccinations are up-to-date.

NI-based pet owners can continue to use a valid EU pet passport to travel to EU countries. If your pet passport was issued prior to 1 January 2021, you will need to take this to a veterinarian participating in the Pet Passport Scheme to be updated. When obtaining a pet passport , you will need to take your pet, your pet’s identity and vaccination records, and rabies blood test results (if your pet needs them).

For NI-based pet owners travelling to GB, you will not need any documentation or health preparations. However, a valid pet passport will be required to re-enter NI. Dog owners will also need to make sure that their dog has met the tapeworm treatment requirements when returning to NI.

As well as following the steps outlined above, you will need to make sure that your contact details are updated on your pet’s microchip by contacting your microchipping database. You will also need to update the microchip to include your holiday details, such as the address of where you will be staying, whilst overseas. If your pet goes missing, this will enable authorities to reunite you and your pet more quickly.

For those registered with us, Petlog Premium offers you the ability to update your pets details an unlimited amount of times. You can find out more about upgrading on our Petlog Premium page .

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 .

Can both UK and Irish citizens cross the border without showing ID?

9 February 2024

CLAIM: Citizens of both the UK and of Ireland are not required to carry or produce ID when moving between the two territories, thanks to the legal provisions of the Common Travel Area.

ACCURATE WITH CONSIDERATION

The Adventures of Django and Arya

Northern ireland (ni).

Pet Travel >> Rules >> Pet Rules by Country >> Northern Ireland (NI)

Last Updated January 22, 2024

Pet travel to Northern Ireland (NI) is subject to the rules of the European Union Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) , making travelling with a pet dog or cat to Northern Ireland from another European Union (EU) country very simple. Following Brexit on 1 January 2021, the United Kingdom (UK) is no longer part of the European Union (EU). This resulted in separate rules for the countries that form Great Britain (Scotland, England & Wales) and Northern Ireland (NI). Pet travel regulations were differentiated between Scotland , England & Wales and the EU and Northern Ireland in order to avoid a ‘hard’ border post-Brexit between Northern Ireland and Ireland. The good news is, that if you’re travelling between Northern Ireland, and countries in the EU, pet travel rules remain unchanged. However, there are now different regulations for taking a cat, dog or ferret to GB from NI. For pet travel purposes, be aware that NI remains a member of the EU Pet Travel Scheme despite no longer being an EU member state.

If you reside in a non-EU country, the requirements for entering NI with a pet dog, cat or ferret are clearly stipulated for countries outside the European Union too. Be aware that you cannot fly a dog, cat or any other animal into Northern Ireland in the cabin of a plane, pets can only arrive in the hold.

If you’re taking your dog on an Irish adventure soon, or relocating to Northern Ireland with your cat, here’s the information you need for importing a pet to NI.

Pet travel to northern ireland from another eu country, pet travel to ni from a non-eu country, travelling to northern ireland with more than 5 pets, pet-friendly travel options to ni by plane, train & ferry, travelling from the great britain to ni with a pet, importing a pet to ni from scotland, england or wales, pets travelling without their owner, related pages.

In order to travel from another EU member state to Northern Ireland, your cat, dog or ferret must have:

A working Microchip (in line with the technical requirements of Annex II of the EU Regulation on the movement of pets), or has a clearly readable tattoo if applied before 3 July 2011
been vaccinated against Rabies
a valid EU issued Pet Passport

With a few exceptions, your pet dog or cat can travel with you to NI from a non-EU country if they have:

Animal Health Certificate, or a Pet Passport that was issued by an EU member state

You can also use a Pet Passport issued in one of the following countries to travel to NI:

Switzerland
Faroe Islands
Liechtenstein
Vatican City State

Under the rules of the EU Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) , you can enter NI with up to 5 pets as long as each pet meets the stated requirements for travel. If you are travelling to NI with more than five pets (dogs, cats or ferrets) you must provide proof that:

they are participating in a competition, exhibition or sporting event (by providing for example a registration document) and
they are more than 6 months old

Available options for travel to Northern Ireland with a cat, dog or ferret depend on your country of origin. However, you’ll be pleased to know that pet transport methods to NI are widely available, including airlines , ferry companies and train services .

As the United Kingdom (UK) is no longer part of the European Union (EU) following Brexit, the regulations for taking a cat, dog or ferret from the UK (Scotland, England, Wales & Northern Ireland) to NI changed. This resulted in separate rules for the countries that form Great Britain ( Scotland , England & Wales ) and Northern Ireland (NI). Pet travel regulations were differentiated between Scotland, England & Wales and the EU and Northern Ireland in order to avoid a ‘hard’ border post-Brexit between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Some of the airlines, ferry companies and trains offering pet friendly routes from NI and the UK to continental Europe are:

Brittany Ferries
Condor Ferries
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle
You must have your dog, cat or ferret microchipped .
Vaccinate your dog, cat or ferret against rabies – your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated.
Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel.
Visit your vet to get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for your pet, no more than 10 days before travel to the EU.
Remember that if you’re taking your dog to NI, on your return to the UK your pooch will need a Tapeworm Treatment 1 to 5 days before arriving on UK soil. Your vet must enter full details on the AHC following treatment.

As a rule, pets imported to Northern Ireland must travel with their owner. However, the owner may give written permission to another person to accompany their cat, dog or ferret on their behalf. In this case, the owner must be reunited with their pet within 5 days of the cat or dog’s relocation.

Remember to leave a review if you’ve travelled to NI with your pet cat or dog!

Check out pet friendly attractions, hotels, beaches and parks in NI.

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COMMENTS

Travelling with Pets
From 1 January 2021, Great Britain (GB) has become a 'Part II Listed' Third Country, for the purposes of pet travel and is therefore no longer a member of the EU Pet Travel Scheme. This change in GB country status means there are additional documentary requirements, health preparations and checks for travelling with a pet from GB to NI ...
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.
Pet travel: apply for a Great Britain pet health certificate
a valid pet passport issued in the EU, Northern Ireland or a Part 1 listed country a pet passport issued in Great Britain before 1 January 2021 an Animal Health Certificate issued in Great Britain
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 ...
PDF NI Pet Travel
• Replaced all cumbersome, costly requirements for pets moving from GB to Northern Ireland with a smooth, free and virtually invisible experience for microchipped pets; ... Microchipped pets can travel with a life-long pet travel document , issued for free by the Department for Environment Food and Rural A airs and available in hard copy and on a
New rules for pet travel from 1 January 2021
The only new requirement for travel to the EU is the use of a certificate, rather than a pet passport: Ensure their dog, cat or ferret is microchipped. Ensure that their dog, cat or ferret is ...
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 ...
Brexit: Checks on pets travelling from GB to NI delayed
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.
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 ...
Pets
The Pet Travel Scheme allows pet cats, dogs and ferrets from certain countries to enter the Great Britain (GB) without quarantine provided they meet certain rules. The rules are in place to help keep GB free from rabies and certain other diseases. Pets travelling to GB from Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man are exempt ...
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…
PDF The EU Pet Travel Scheme: How to Complete Pet Passports
Following the UK's exit from the EU, it is necessary to differentiate between NI and GB issued Pet Passports and ensure that NI pet owners can continue to travel within the EU (or return to Northern Ireland from GB) ; a relabelling to UK(NI) is required as provided for in Article 7 of the Northern Ireland Protocol.
gov
Pet Travel from Ireland to the UK (excl. NI) From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Published on 29 November 2021. Last updated on 16 August 2022. 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 ...
Guide Dogs: Charity calls for NI exemption on new post-Brexit rules
An EU pet passport issued in a member state is still valid to enter GB from NI. Pets travelling from GB to NI will not be subject to routine compliance checks until 1 February 2021.
Post-Brexit Pet Travel Guide for Owners
If you're travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland. Contact the Pet Travel Scheme helpline if you need more information about pet travel. Pet Travel Scheme helpline [email protected] Telephone: 0370 241 1710 Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm (closed on bank holidays) Find out about call charges. If you're travelling to a non-EU country
General Pet Travel Requirements
General Pet Travel Requirements. 1. The Pet Travel requirements allow pet dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries to enter Great Britain (GB) without quarantine as long as they meet the conditions of the scheme. ... Pet passports issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland can still be used for exports from GB to the EU, as long as the ...
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 (opens in a new tab) will help us to improve ... 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 ...
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 ...
Pet Travel Information
From Great Britain to Northern Ireland. It has been confirmed that from 1 January 2021, Great Britain (GB) will be treated as a Part II listed country. This means that pet travel from GB to NI, including where a traveller is returning to NI from GB, will require: an EU pet passport** or an Animal Health Certificate
Going abroad with your pet
New pet travel rules for GB-based owners travelling from GB to NI/EU. If you are travelling from GB to NI or the EU with a dog, cat or ferret, your pet will need: A microchip. A valid rabies vaccination. An animal health certificate (unless you have a valid pet passport issued in an EU member state or NI). Animal health certificates are valid ...
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. So, when anyone arrives in Northern Ireland with a pet, the owner must ...
Pet Travel
Find out if your pet qualifies to travel. Your animal doesn't qualify for pet travel and is subject to different import regulations and export regulations if you: Don't see your pet listed below. Are exporting semen or embryos from any animal. Have a pet that's considered livestock or poultry, like pigs or chickens.
Travelling to Northern Ireland with a pet cat or dog
Northern Ireland (NI) Pet travel to Northern Ireland (NI) is subject to the rules of the European Union Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), making travelling with a pet dog or cat to Northern Ireland from another European Union (EU) country very simple. Following Brexit on 1 January 2021, the United Kingdom (UK) is no longer part of the European Union (EU).

Q&As for Pet Travel from 1 January 2021

Veterinarians

Assistance Dogs

If I am travelling from Northern Ireland to Great Britain with my pet but I am not returning to Northern Ireland with my pet, what are the requirements?

If I am travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland with my pet, what are the requirements?

If I am travelling to Great Britain and planning to return to Northern Ireland, what documentation and health preparations do I need to make?

If I am travelling from Northern Ireland to Great Britain with my pet, what are the requirements?

If I am travelling from Northern Ireland to the EU including the Republic of Ireland, what are the requirements?

Will my current EU pet passport, issued in Northern Ireland, prior to 31 December 2020, still be valid for return travel into Northern Ireland from Great Britain, or do I apply for a new one?

Will my pet be subject to checks if I am returning to Northern Ireland from Great Britain?

If there are no checks why do I require the documentation?

Will my documentation be checked if I adhere to the requirements and obtain documentation and adhere to the health requirements?

If I have no documentation will I be subject to checks?

Where can I get a pet passport and how much will it cost?

Will my pet require a rabies vaccination for travelling to Northern Ireland from Great Britain?

I am concerned that the rabies vaccination will have a detrimental effect on the health of my pet?

How do I know if my pet’s rabies vaccination is up-to-date?

How long does my pet’s rabies vaccination remain valid for?

Does the rabies vaccination need to be given every time you intend to travel?

How much will obtaining a pet passport and health preparations cost?

Is an EU pet passport transferable between owners?

Will my pet require Tapeworm / Echinococcosis Multilocularis (EM) treatment every time I return to Northern Ireland from Great Britain?

What countries require Tapeworm / Echinococcosis Multilocularis treatment to enter with a dog?

Can any vet sign the part about the Tapeworm treatment regardless if they are an authorised Private Veterinary Practitioner or not?

Can an authorised Private Veterinary Practitioner certify and prepare their own pet for travel?

Will I need to enter Northern Ireland through a Travellers Point of Entry if travelling from Great Britain?

Where will the Travellers Points of Entry be located in Northern Ireland?

Is there any ‘grace period’ regarding pet travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland for these changes being introduced, in relation to the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol?

Are there any other requirements for travelling with a pet other than those detailed above?

Commercial movement of pets

Does the indefinite postponement for pet checks apply to the commercial movement of pets?

What if I am travelling to Northern Ireland with more than 5 pets to attend a show, competition or training for an event?

Where can I get further information regarding pet travel?

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

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Post-Brexit Pet Travel Guide for Owners

Travelling into an EU country or Northern Ireland from Great Britain

Repeat trips to an EU country or Northern Ireland

Getting an Animal Health Certificate

Travelling into Great Britain with your pet

Travel from countries not free from tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis)

Pet travel documents

Check routes and travel companies

EU residents travelling to and from the UK

Additional guidance for people travelling to and from Northern Ireland with their pet cats, ferrets or dogs, including assistance dogs.

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Post-Brexit pet travel guide summary

Summary of requirements for travel from GB to the EU or NI :

Travelling back to GB

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