Taking Your Pet Dog, Cat or Ferret Abroad
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You'll need a Northern Ireland pet travel document (PTD) to take your dog, cat or ferret to Northern Ireland. You can apply for this on the government website here. It is free to apply and will last as long as you own the pet.
When you travel
Your pet's microchip will be scanned at the port or airport. Officials will check that the microchip number matches the one on your pet's PTD.
- If you're travelling by ferry - your pet's microchip will be scanned at the port before leaving Great Britain
- If you're travelling by air - you must tell the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) at least 10 working days before you travel
A few things to note:
- These rules still apply for assistance dogs
- If you live in Northern Ireland, you don't need a PTD to travel to and from Great Britain
- If you're taking a pet abroad for commercial purposes (e.g. a change of ownership), there will be different regulations. For more information, visit the government website here
The information provided here is a brief overview of the regulations, for more details visit the government website here. If you have any questions we advise speaking to your local vets as they should be able to offer further guidance.
If you are taking your dog, cat or ferret to an EU country there are a few steps you need to take:
Microchip your pet
Your pet must be microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination
Get your pet vaccinated against rabies
Your pet will need to be at least 12 weeks old for this and the vaccination must be done at least 21 days before travel
Get a pet travel document issued by a vet
This will be valid for 10 days for entry into the EU, 4 months for onward travel within the EU and 4 months for return to Great Britain
Dogs must get a tapeworm treatment if travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway
The treatment must have been given no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days before you arrive.
A few things to note:
- These rules still apply for assistance dogs
- You will also need to check the requirements for the country you are travelling to as these can vary
- If you're taking a pet abroad for commercial purposes (e.g. a change of ownership), there will be different regulations. For more information, visit the government website here
The information provided here is a brief overview of the regulations, for more details visit the government website here. If you have any questions we advise speaking to your local vets as they should be able to offer further guidance.
If you're taking your dog, cat or ferret to a non-EU country, you'll need to get an export health certificate (EHC). If you're in England, Scotland or Wales you'll also need to complete an export application form.
The certificate and application form for each country and pet will tell you how to apply. You must nominate a vet who will be sent the EHC. They'll check your pet has met the correct requirements before you travel.
For more information on applying for an EHC, visit the government website here.
You will also need to check the rules of the country you're travelling to for any additional requirements.
If you have any questions about the process, we advise speaking to your local vets who should be able to offer further guidance.
