Domestic Animals: Transport

(asked on 22nd April 2025) - View Source

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what changes are to be introduced from June in relation to the unrestricted transportation or accompaniment of domestic animals within the Common Travel Area; and what further requirements or registration procedures will be imposed from this summer.


Answered by
Baroness Hayman of Ullock Portrait
Baroness Hayman of Ullock
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
This question was answered on 1st May 2025

The Northern Ireland Pet Travel Scheme will launch on 4 June. This allows for the smooth and straightforward movement of pet dogs (including assistance dogs), cats and ferrets from Great Britain to Northern Ireland while ensuring that any pet movements into EU Member States, including Ireland, remain subject to relevant EU law requirements. The Scheme removes the need for costly health treatments and single use certificates. Instead, pet owners from Great Britain can register for a single, lifelong pet travel document, which confirms that the pet is microchipped and will not move into the European Union. Further information can be found here - Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad: Travelling to Northern Ireland - GOV.UK.

Pet owners in Northern Ireland will not face any requirements beyond the need for their pet to be microchipped.

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