Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad

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Travelling to Northern Ireland

You’ll need a Northern Ireland pet travel document (PTD) to take your dog, cat or ferret from Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales) to Northern Ireland.

Your pet must be microchipped. They do not need rabies vaccinations or tapeworm treatment if you have a PTD.

These rules also apply to assistance dogs.

If you live in Northern Ireland, you do not need a PTD for travel to and from Great Britain. Your pet must be microchipped.

If you’re exporting dogs, cats, or ferrets for commercial purposes, such as a change of ownership, check the rules for commercial pet travel.

Apply for a PTD

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

It’s free to apply and will last for as long as you own the pet.

When you travel

From 4 June 2025, 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.

There are no checks if you are travelling from Northern Ireland to Great Britain.

If you’re travelling by ferry

You must scan your pet’s microchip at the port before leaving Great Britain using a scanner provided. 

If there’s an issue with the microchip, you must go to the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Inspection Facility at Belfast or Larne when you arrive in Northern Ireland.

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. Send an email to daeratradeimports@daera-ni.gov.uk.

Officials will scan your pet’s microchip when you arrive in Northern Ireland to check that the microchip number matches the number on your pet’s PTD.

If you’re travelling with a guide or assistance dog, check your airline’s policy and tell them if needed.

Find out about travelling abroad with your guide or assistance dog.

Travelling onward

The rules are different depending on where you’re going. Check what you need to do if you’re continuing your journey to an EU country or a non-EU country.

If you’re travelling with more than 5 pets

You cannot take more than 5 pets to Northern Ireland unless you’re: 

Attending or training for an event

You’ll need written evidence of registration if you travel for an event, including:

  • competitions

  • shows

  • sporting events

All of your pets must meet any other requirements for pet travel to that country.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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