Brexit negotiations lead to new EU pet passports

Pets travelling between Northern Ireland (NI) and Great Britain (GB) now require either a newly issued EU passport or an EU animal health certificate following the end of the Brexit transition period.

While there were previously “no requirements” for pets travelling across the border, the result of Brexit negotiations on the Irish border has meant additional regulations have now been put in place.

While the transition period formally ended on 1 January, a government statement has acknowledged that “a number of pet owners will be unable to comply” due to the short period of notice.

The notice added: “Pets travelling from GB to NI will therefore not be subject to routine compliance checks until 1 February 2021. However, officials will reserve the right to undertake checks should there be a suspicion of illegal activity or welfare concerns.”

A further limit on pet travel includes a maximum of five pets allowed to travel between GB and both NI and the EU, unless the reason of travel is for a show, competition, or sporting event.

As for the movement of pets between NI and the EU, there will be no change to the requirements to travel.