The pet passport scheme is changing, whether its deal or no deal pre and post Brexit. If you are thinking about travelling with you pet in 2020/2021, please contact us for the latest information or click here for the official government websites with the latest information.
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.
Getting a pet passport if you live in Northern Ireland:
From Monday 7th January 2019 you can obtain a pet passport directly from one of the veterinary practices participating in the scheme. Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic are one of the practices continuing to participate in the scheme. Please contact us on 02890 705777 if you require a passport for your pet.
The passport stays valid as long as you continue to meet the entry requirements.
If I am travelling from GB to NI with my pet, what are the requirements?
To travel from GB to NI your pet needs:
- a microchip
- a valid EU pet passport, or EU animal health certificate confirming microchip and vaccinations
- a rabies vaccination
- tapeworm treatment (dogs only) administered between 1 and 5 days before entering NI
- entry to NI must be through a Travellers Point of Entry
Will my current EU pet passport, issued in NI, prior to 31 December 2020, still be valid for return travel into NI from GB, or do I apply for a new one?
No, current EU pet passports issued in both 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 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 due course.
Will my pet be subject to checks if I am returning to NI from GB?
Yes. EU regulations require checks in respect of pet movements for pets entering the EU (including NI) from third counties.
You can enter or return to the UK with your pet cat, dog or ferret if it:
- has been microchipped
- has a pet passport or third-country official veterinary certificate
- has been vaccinated against rabies – it will also need a blood test if you’re travelling from an “unlisted country”
- dogs must also usually have a tapeworm treatment.
Third country official veterinary certificate
Outside of the EU authorised vets issue official veterinary certificates instead of pet passports. This certificate allows your pet to enter the UK (or another country in the EU). You’ll need other supporting documents too. Check your certificate for full details.
You must arrive in an EU country within 10 days of the date the certificate was issued. You can then use it for up to 4 months for travel within the EU.
Other documents
Your transport company may need a statement from your vet confirming that your pet is fit to travel. Check with the country you’re travelling to for information about any extra documents you’ll need to enter with your pet.
For further details please see Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain on UK.gov.