Northern Ireland Pet Travel Scheme – What You Need to Know

Ever since Great Britain seceded from the European Union (aka Brexit), there have been issues with the shared border of Northern Ireland (NI) (technically part of the United Kingdom) and Ireland (EU Member State). It was not feasible to install inspection posts along this border. The outcome was for Northern Ireland to remain under the legislation of the EU Pet Travel Scheme while the rest of the United Kingdom (Great Britain) was reclassified as a part 2 listed (rabies-controlled) country. This meant that pet owners wishing to travel with their pet to Northern Ireland from Great Britain had to visit an Official Veterinarian for an Animal Health Certificate for every trip they took unless their pet was a resident of Northern Ireland with a NI Pet Passport. As travels between these two countries is very popular, officials have finally finalized the Northern Ireland Pet Travel Scheme to address the inconsistencies inherent in importing and exporting pets between these two countries.

Importing a pet to Great Britain from Northern Ireland

Importing a pet to Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales) from Northern Ireland is a breeze as there is no required documentation. Pets must be microchipped and should always have proof of current rabies vaccination. Tapeworm treatment between one and five days of travel is not required. A Northern Ireland Pet Passport will ensure an easier export on the return trip.

Importing a pet to Northern Ireland from Great Britain

Currently, every dog, cat or ferret without a NI Pet Passport imported to Northern Ireland from Great Britain must be microchipped, then vaccinated for rabies and have an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) in Great Britain. Costs for this process can exceed £69 to over £300 in the UK, depending on factors like the number of pets traveling, OV charges, and whether additional services are required. The cost can be affected by vet fees, microchipping, rabies vaccination, and the certificate itself. The cost for the Animal Health Certificate will vary among different veterinarians, so it’s recommended to compare costs and services from multiple sources. 

Because a new AHC is required for each trip to Northern Ireland, the costs and inconvenience are noteworthy to pet owners.

​As of June 4, 2025, a new scheme will allow residents of Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) to travel with their pet dogs, cats, or ferrets to Northern Ireland using a simple, lifelong pet travel document. This document is free of charge and remains valid for the pet’s lifetime. To qualify,

• Pets must be microchipped before travel.
• Pets must be traveling with their owner or owner’s representative.
• The number of pets traveling with one owner must be less than five unless entered in a competition, exhibition or sporting event with proof of registration.
• There must be no sale, adoption or change of ownership involved in the transport.
• Pets must not cross the border and enter Ireland or any other EU Member State without meeting pet import regulations.

Registration for the Northern Ireland pet travel scheme document will begin in April 2025. (SEE UPDATE BELOW) Pet owners should apply with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the document will usually be issued within five working days. The document is free and is valid for the life of your pet if:

• Your pet’s microchip number and microchip registration information are current.
• A digital or printed copy of the document must be available when entering Northern Ireland.
• An attestation that there will be no further travel into Ireland must be signed.

To apply for the document, owners must:

• Pet owners must be aged 16 or over.
• Pet owners must be a resident of Great Britain (England, Wales, Scotland).
• The applicant must be the owner (or obtain written permission from the owner to travel with their pet). In most cases, the owner will be the registered keeper of the pet.
• The applicant must have or apply for a Government Gateway account, unless they are using the assisted digital services.
• Pet owners must make sure that their pet is microchipped and that the owner’s microchip information is up to date.
• Pet owners or their representatives must provide their pet’s microchip number and know the date when the microchip was fitted or last scanned. Pet owners can ask their veterinarian for this information if they do not know it.
• Pet owners must sign a declaration as part of the pet travel document confirming that they will not travel with the pet into Ireland or another EU Member State.

Additional assistance on applications will be provided in April 2025.

This new document will be a time- and money-saving document for residents of Great Britain wanting to travel with their pets according to the new Northern Ireland Pet Travel Scheme. Keep checking back for updates.

UPDATE: Resident pet owners can now apply for a Pet Travel Document.