Northern Ireland
Pet Travel Policy Information
Pet Travel Requirements for Northern Ireland
Pet Entry Requirements for Northern Ireland
Country Classifications
The European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland (NI) do not recognize any countries as rabies free. Dogs, cats and ferrets from all countries are subject to current rabies vaccination according to their regulations. The EU and NI classifies countries as either: EU Member States and Territoriespart 1 listed third countriespart 2 listed third countriesunlisted countries The requirements to import a dog, cat or ferret to Northern Ireland will depend on the classification of the origination country, and whether your pet has entered an unlisted country within the past four months. Click on the links above to find your country classification. Pet owners should identify the classification of their origination country before reviewing import regulations for Northern Ireland.
Type of Transport
The European Union classifies the movement of pets as non-commercial or commercial. These pet import requirements apply to both non-commercial and commercial transports. Review the conditions below to determine whether your pet’s transport will be classified as non-commercial or commercial as the requirements for each type of transport are different.
Pet Microchip
The second step to import a dog, cat or ferret to Northern Ireland is to have your pet identified with a 15-digitwhich meets ISO (International Standards Organization) Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785. If your pet’s microchip is not ISO compliant, you can either bring your own. Your veterinarian, a veterinary hospital or trained nurse should implant the microchip. You should receive documentation as to the manufacturer of the microchip and instructions on how to register your pet’s information in the manufacturer or government database in your country. A tattoo is an acceptable form of identification under the following conditions: It was applied prior to July 3, 2011, andThe tattoo is clearly visible, andYour pet was vaccinated for rabies after the tattoo was applied, andAll rabies vaccinations after the tattoo was applied were kept current. (No rabies vaccinations were allowed to expire before boosters were administered).
Vaccinations
All dogs, cats and ferrets over 12 weeks of age entering Northern Ireland must have proof of a current rabies vaccination administered at the same time or after a microchip was implanted. If entering Northern Ireland from another EU Member State, part 1 or Part 2 listed third country, pets must wait 21 days after primary rabies vaccination to travel. If entering Northern Ireland from an unlisted country, pets must wait for 30 days to have a licensed veterinarian administer a rabies titer test (next step). In either case, do not count the day of the veterinary visit in the wait time. Other Vaccinations:Pet owners should always consider healthy vaccinations against diseases such as: canine distemper (also for ferrets)canine hepatitiscanine leptospirosiscanine parvovirusfeline viral rhinotracheitisfeline panleukopeniafeline leukemia These other vaccinations are always recommended when traveling internationally; however, proof of these vaccinations is not required when entering Northern Ireland. Exception: Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper when being transported commercially.
Rabies Titer (Serology) Test
A rabies titer test, also known as a serology test measures the rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood. It is administered by a licensed veterinarian and the blood sample must be sent to an approved laboratory for processing. A rabies titer test must be administered to pets entering Northern Ireland from an unlisted third country no sooner than 30 days after the rabies vaccination is administered. Do not count the day of the veterinary visit. Samples must be processed at approved laboratories. Assuming test results within acceptable limits, your pet can enter Northern Irelandthree calendar monthsafter the date the blood was drawn for the test and avoid quarantine. Rabies titer test results will not be accepted as a substitute for proof of current rabies vaccination. It is worth noting that some EU Member States require that serology levels be confirmed prior to leaving their country. It is always wise to have this test done prior to travel if possible. The test is valid to enter any EU Member State for the life of your pet if boosters are administered prior to the expiration of the previous rabies vaccination.
Parasite Treatments
Before your dog can enter Northern Ireland, it must be treated against tapeworms by a licensed veterinarian between one and five days prior to entering the country unless your pet is entering directly from Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway. The treatment must be recorded on the health certificate (next step).
Health Certificate
Every country worldwide requires current health certificates in their pet import regulations, and Northern Ireland is no exception. The health certificate must clearly identify your pet, including its microchip number. Your veterinarian must state that your pet is fit to travel and is not originating from an area that is under restrictions for rabies. Additionally, your veterinarian should attest that your pet is displaying no symptoms of any contagious diseases. The type of health certificate required will depend on the type of transport the pet is traveling under – non-commercial or commercial.
Import Permit
An import permit is not required when importing a dog, cat, or ferret to Northern Ireland.
Complete all 8 steps to enter Northern Ireland with your pet
Requirements may change. Always verify with official sources before travel.
Is Quarantine Required for Pets in Northern Ireland?
There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet when entering Northern Ireland if the following import regulations are met. If your pet does not conform to the regulations as stated below, it will be subject to quarantine if facilities are available, returned to the origination country or euthanized. All costs will be borne by the importer.
What Additional Information Do I Need for Northern Ireland?
- Comments:
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- Pet Passport:
Your pet’s passport to enter Northern Ireland will include proof of microchip, current rabies vaccination, rabies titer test (some countries), and either: An EU Health Certificate (non-EU-resident pets)An official EU Pet Passport (resident-EU pets)An Animal Health Certificate (pets entering Northern Ireland from England, Scotland or Wales prior to June 2025)A pet travel document issued in Great Britain for resident pets (travel after June 2025)
- Other Information:
Not specified
- Current Information:
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on wagsandwanders.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given country may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to: Make arrangements to put your pet into quarantine at your expense orReturn your pet to the country of origin at your expense orEuthanize your pet. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following Northern Ireland pet import requirements.
- EU Pet Travel Scheme:
Note: Although a member of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland remains under the legislation of the EU Pet Travel Scheme. All pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering Northern Ireland must conform to EU legislation. Exception:Currently, there are no regulations or requirements for pets traveling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland if Northern Ireland is their final destination. Pets cannot enter Ireland from Northern Ireland without meeting requirements as stated here. Additionally, there are no requirements for pets traveling from Northern Ireland to Great Britain aside from microchipping if the pet is at least 8 weeks of age according to theWindsor Agreementbetween Great Britain and the EU.
- Exporting Resident Pets:
All dogs, cats and ferrets leaving Northern Ireland for another EU Member State or part 1 or 2 listed third country must be microchipped, vaccinated for rabies (in that order) and wait for 21 days before leaving Ireland after primary vaccination. Resident pets must travel to another EU Member State with an official Northern Ireland Pet Passport. If your pet will visit or enter an unlisted country, a veterinarian in Northern Ireland should administer a rabies titer test before leaving the country if your pet will be returning. Even if your pet is not entering an unlisted country, traveling internationally with the results of this test will ensure a smoother customs clearance in your destination country. Non-accompanied transports may require export permits. All animals leaving Northern Ireland for non-EU countries that do not have specific health certificates must obtain an export health certificate in accordance with their destination country requirements prior to the issuance of an export permit. The origin province responsible for the issuance of export permits will issue the necessary documentation.
- What is a Pet Passport?:
A pet passport is a collection of documents that are required for dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Northern Ireland from non-EU countries.This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for resident pets (pets that have resided in the EU for four months or those with a permanent EU address). All Northern Ireland pet import requirements are explained in the steps below.
- Leave a Reply Cancel reply:
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- Find a Licensed Veterinarian:
Before beginning any pet export procedure, make sure your veterinarian is approved by the governing veterinarian authority in your pet’s country of origin. Your veterinarian should work for or is licensed by the agency of the government that handles the movement of live animals.
- Entering Northern Ireland with a Pet:
All live animals entering Northern Ireland from part 2 listed or unlisted countries must do so at an approved Traveler’s Point of Entry at Belfast Airport, Belfast Port or Larne Harbor. If flying, pets can arrive in the cabin, as checked baggage or as air cargo. In all cases, pets must travel in a crate or carrier in accordance with the International Air Transport Association. Related:Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant? Pets whose final destination is Northern Ireland must file an import application with the Department of Agriculture,Environment and Rural Affairs at least 28 days prior to entry.
- Northern Ireland Pet Import Requirements:
All steps required to conform to regulations to import a dog, cat or ferret to Northern Ireland must be completed in the origination country. Complete steps 1-8 in the order given.
- Breeds Banned for Import to Northern Ireland:
The following breeds are not permitted to enter Northern Ireland: Brazilian Fila orDogo Argentino orJapanese Tosa Inu orAmerican Staffordshire Pit Bull Terrier. If you have a wolf hybrid or Savannah cat, then you must seek advice from the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency before you travel.
- Animals Eligible for These Import Regulations:
These rules apply to the transport of domestic dogs, cats and ferrets including assistance and service animals. Wolf hybrids, Savannah and Bengal cats, unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree, cannot be imported under these regulations. Owners of other types of pets (amphibia, reptiles, birds, rabbits, rodents) covered by these regulations should refer to IMPORTING OTHER PET ANIMALS TO NORTHERN IRELAND below.
- Quarantine for Pets Entering Northern Ireland:
There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet when entering Northern Ireland if the following import regulations are met. If your pet does not conform to the regulations as stated below, it will be subject to quarantine if facilities are available, returned to the origination country or euthanized. All costs will be borne by the importer.
- Importing Other Pet Animals to Northern Ireland:
There are no requirements for pet rodents, rabbits, birds, ornamental fish, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles entering Northern Ireland from an EU Member State under non-commercial regulations. When importing a pet rodent or rabbit from Great Britain under non-commercial regulations, the following will apply: They must be healthy.They must number less than five.They must be accompanied by their owner.They must be accompanied by an original National Health Certificate.They must enter Northern Ireland at an approved Traveler’s Point of Entry.
- Importing Puppies and Kittens to Northern Ireland:
Puppies and kittens should not be vaccinated for rabies until reaching 12 weeks of age. Unvaccinated puppies and kittens are not permitted to enter Northern Ireland until they are vaccinated for rabies. Wait times will depend on whether the country classification of the origination country. Related: More information ontransporting a puppy.
- Have Questions About Importing Your Pet to Northern Ireland?:
Have a question about importing a pet to Northern Ireland? Post it below and we will respond promptly. You can also reach out by posting to ourBlog,[X (Twitter)](https://twitter.com/Wags and Wanderscom/),[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Wags and Wanders/), orEmailor follow our activities on[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/Wags and Wanderstransport/profilecard/)andTikTok. Please note that the accuracy of comments made below by users other than Pet Travel have not been verified. We do not endorse any person or company that may offer transport services through posts to this webpage.
- Need More Pet Import Requirements and Forms for Northern Ireland?:
Visit Wags and WandersStore.com for step-by-step detailed instructions on regulations, permits, layovers, costs, tests and pet import regulations for Northern Ireland at minimal cost.Our information is current, verified and tailored to your pet’s itinerary.
- Here’s what is included in the Northern Ireland pet passport package::
Detailed instructions on importing your dog, cat or ferret to Northern Ireland from any country available in six languagesRequired Vaccinations and IntervalsISO-Compliant Microchip InformationTiter Test Instructions and Overview (required when entering from an unlisted country)Approved EU laboratories for the titer testParasite TreatmentsBorder Inspection PostsIATA Carrier and Crate RequirementsLayover Considerations & Requirements for Airline Pet TravelResponsibilities of a Pet TransporterFREE unlimited email supportboth for you and your veterinarian, should either of you have any questions Also included at no additional cost: Non-Commercial or Commercial EU Health Certificate for Northern IrelandSample Completed Health Certificate for your VeterinarianMicrochip CertificateAirline Health Certificate
- Importing Dogs and Cats to Northern Ireland from Malaysia and Australia:
If your pet is entering Northern Ireland from peninsular Malaysia, the following additional conditions must be met: Your pet has had no contact with pigs during at least the past 60 days prior to export.Your pet has not lived in a place where cases of Nipah disease have been confirmed during the past 60 days.Your pet has been tested with negative a result to an IgG capture ELISA test carried out in a laboratory approved for testing for Nipah disease viruses within ten days of export. Cats may only enter Northern Ireland from Australia under the condition that they have not lived in areas where cases of Hendra disease have been confirmed during the past 60 days.
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):
Importers should verify that their pet is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This is important if your pet is not a dog or cat and very important if it is a turtle or parrot. You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. Over 180 countries participate and enforce CITES regulations. Related:Search the CITES databaseorSearch the Species+ database Related:Learn more about CITES
Related Resources
Traveler Tips & Experiences
Emily Parker
February 12, 2025
I visited Northern Ireland last year with my French Bulldog and found the process straightforward and well-documented.
Michael Chen
January 3, 2025
Air travel to Northern Ireland was a breeze and my cat had no issues. Highly recommend booking early!