Great Britain to Northern Ireland Pet Travel Guidance

Northern Ireland Pet Travel Scheme

Important update – new rules from 4 June 2025

If you live in Northern Ireland, you do not need a Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document (PTD) when travelling with your dog, cat, ferret or assistance dog from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

You can continue to travel with your pet without any new paperwork – just make sure your pet is microchipped.

If you're coming into Northern Ireland from Great Britain

From 4 June 2025, residents of Great Britain will need a free Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document (PTD) to bring their dog, cat, ferret or assistance dog into Northern Ireland from Great Britain.

• You'll only need to apply once – the document lasts your pet's lifetime.
• You do not need to visit a vet to apply.
• You'll need to make sure your pet is microchipped.
• The PTD and your pet's microchip will be checked at the port or airport.

You only need an Animal Health Certificate if you're travelling onwards to Ireland or another EU country.

If you are planning to travel with your pet to Northern Ireland before 4 June 2025, you should follow the current EU regulatory requirements as set out at: daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/travelling-pets .

How to apply or ask a question

You can apply for a Northern Ireland pet travel document online.

If you need help applying for a PTD or have any questions about the new rules:

Contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) for more information about the Northern Ireland Pet Travel Scheme.

Pet Travel helpline
Telephone: 03000 200 301
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm
Closed on bank holidays
Visit: gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-northern-ireland.
You can also contact APHA by emailing: pettravel@apha.gov.uk.

Planning to travel by air from Great Britain to Northern Ireland?

If you're flying into Northern Ireland with your pet or assistance dog  from Great Britain, you must:

• Let DAERA know at least 10 working days before you fly by emailing: daeratradeimports@daera-ni.gov.uk.

If you’re coming into Northern Ireland from Great Britain with other animals

Further guidance in relation to other pet animal species movements can be found at: daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/other-animal-species-movements-great-britain-northern-ireland.

Summary for NI residents

• You're exempt from the new Northern Ireland Pet Travel Scheme rules.
• You can travel freely between Northern Ireland and Great Britain if your pet is microchipped.