Pet passports
Since 2013 a harmonised EU system of Passports for Pets allows cats, dogs and ferrets to travel between EU Member States has been in place.
The EU Pet Passport certifies that the pet has been identified by means of a microchip and vaccinated against rabies. The scheme avoided the need to quarantine animals as they travelled between Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Due to the UK’s exit from the EU Britain is no longer a member of the EU Pet Travel Scheme, however the scheme remains in place in Northern Ireland.
As a result there will be additional health requirements, documentation and checks for pets travelling from GB into Northern Ireland.
Routine checks have been delayed indefinitely while EU and UK negotiations continue, however, checks will be carried out on suspicion of illegal activity or on welfare concerns.
Pets travelling between the jurisdictions >>
- into Ireland – will need an EU Pet passport
- into Northern Ireland – will need an EU Pet Passport
- into GB – no additional checks or changes (as at 29/6/21)
Further information:
Page last checked December 2021
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