Pet Travel Documentation (NI)
Currently, no documentation is required to travel from Northern Ireland to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).
For trips outside of GB, a Pet Passport, Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or Export Health Certificate (EHC) must be obtained. The type of documentation required will depend on the reason for travel and the country you are travelling to.
It is your responsibility to find out the requirements for the country you are travelling to, and ensure you have everything you need to be eligible for travel.
Who can issue pet export documents?
To be allowed to issue Pet Passports, AHCs and EHCs, vets must obtain Authorised Certifying Officer (Private Veterinary Practitioner) status, referred to as aPVPs. This is not compulsory, and not every practice will have a vet with aPVP status.
APVP status allows a vet to certify non-commercial exports of cats, dogs and ferrets, as well as some exotic species kept as pets. Different qualifications are required for export of large animals (such as farm animals or horses), zoo animals, laboratory animals and poultry.
Export of more than five animals, unless for the purpose of showing, competing or training, has different rules and additional documentation may be required. Please speak to your local aPVP if this applies.
What do I need to do?
Requirements to travel will depend on where you are travelling to, and with what type of pet. It is essential to plan well in advance for any trip and speak to your veterinary practice as soon as possible to ensure appointment availability.
Most simple export documentation (such as that required to travel from NI to Europe) can be issued in a single appointment. Usually, the owner of the pet will be required to sign something, so it is important you attend the appointment yourself. We may request some information about your travel plans in advance of your appointment, so the vet can start completing the paperwork. Please make sure this is returned promptly.
Please call the practice to discuss your needs with us, and we will be happy to advise you on the number, type and length of appointment/s required.
Disclaimer
Please note that the content made available on this webpage is for general information purposes only. Whilst we try to ensure that at the time of writing all material is up to date and reflects industry standards, we make no representation, warranties or guarantees that the information made available is up to date, accurate or complete. Any reliance placed by yourselves is done so at your own risk.
