If you have moved or are considering moving across the border, this fact sheet explains the regulations for importing pets into Northern Ireland.
Animals travelling between the UK and Ireland
If you are travelling with pets between the UK (This includes the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands) and Ireland they are not subject to quarantine or passport requirements. There is a common travel zone between the UK and Ireland; therefore animals can travel freely within this zone provided they do not travel outside of it en-route.
EU Pet Passport Regulations
Introduction
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is a scheme which allows pet dogs and cats to enter the UK without undergoing quarantine as long as they meet certain conditions. Under the scheme pets entering or returning to the UK must be accompanied by either an EU Pet Passport (for pets in an EU listed country) or a third country official veterinary certificate (for pets in other non-EU listed countries). Pets arriving in Northern Ireland must also be accompanied by an Import Licence. These documents provide evidence that an animal complies with the necessary requirements.
EU Pet Passport
Dogs and cats meeting the necessary requirements may move between EU Member States if they are accompanied by an EU pet passport. Under the system it is possible to bring accompanied pet dogs and cats into the UK without the need for quarantine from a range of countries deemed low risk for rabies provided that certain conditions are met. Pet dogs and cats may travel directly into the UK provided that;
1. The animal is travelling directly from a qualifying country. A list of these countries is available from the Department of Agriculture and Rural development
2. The animal has been micro-chipped
3. The animal has been vaccinated against rabies
4. The animal has been successfully blood tested. Blood testing must be carried out in an approved laboratory. Your vet will advise you in this matter
5. The animal has been treated for tick and tapeworm
Additionally, pets travelling to Northern Ireland must also have an import licence. Pet owners must apply to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
How to get an EU Pet Passport
In Great Britain, the passport is issued by a government authorised vet known as a local Veterinary Inspector (LVI). For animals in other EU countries, a vet in that country will issue the passport. For further information contact your local veterinary practice
Qualifying countries outside the EU
Pets travelling from countries outside the European Union which are also deemed low risk are permitted to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they are accompanied by a Third country official veterinary certificate. Pets will only be issued with the certificate if they have been micro-chipped, vaccinated against rabies, blood tested and treated for ticks and tapeworm. Pets may not enter the UK under PETS until six calendar months have passed from the date that your vet took the blood sample which led to a satisfactory test result. Animals are only permitted to enter the UK using an approved transport company and route. At present there are no direct flights into Northern Ireland on approved routes. Pets qualifying will therefore either have to land in the UK or Republic Of Ireland before travelling to Northern Ireland. Further details are available on the DEFRA website.
Non-Qualifying Countries
All pets travelling from a non-qualifying country are subject to six months quarantine upon arrival to the UK. The animal owner is responsible for all costs of transporting and quarantining and it is important to remember that all arrangements must be in place before an import licence is granted. Further information is available from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
© Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NIACAB) 2008