Following the end of the Brexit transition period on 1 January 2021, new rules regarding pet travel between GB, NI and the EU were introduced. These rules have a profound effect on those who travel between these nations/countries to breed, sell, or show their dogs.
GB, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man have been granted part 2 listed status with regards to EU pet travel. However, the Government has insisted it will continue to push for this to be updated to part 1 listed.
We are disappointed that, despite assurances from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pet owners will now have to comply with a number of significant changes when travelling abroad with their pet.
Update - June 2025
Following the announcement of the post-Brexit travel rules, The Kennel Club has continued to push for changes to ease the legitimate movement of dogs between GB and NI and between GB and the EU. We are pleased that positive changes have been both announced and implemented on these fronts.
However, and notwithstanding these positive changes, the new rules remain complex and dog owners are urged to carefully check the rules in force before travelling with their dogs. The new rules are summarised as follows:
New rules for travel between GB and NI
Non-commercial travel
As of 4 June 2025, those who live in Great Britain require a Northern Ireland pet travel document (also referred to as a PTD) to travel from Great Britain into Northern Ireland with their dog, including assistance dogs.
The Northern Ireland pet travel document is free and lasts as long as you retain ownership of your dog, with the only requirement that your dog is microchipped. There is also no requirement for rabies vaccination or tapeworm treatment to travel from GB to NI with a Northern Ireland pet travel document.
There are no paperwork or health preparation requirements to travel from Northern Ireland to Great Britain with your dog.
If you live in Northern Ireland, the only requirement to travel between NI and GB is to ensure your dog is microchipped. There is no requirement for those who live in Northern Ireland to obtain a Northern Ireland pet travel document to travel in either direction between GB and NI.
As we understand, there is no legal provision for a dog which is not microchipped to travel from GB to NI.
Commercial travel
If the movement is commercial different rules apply. Commercial movement rules apply when the movement has an aim of either the sale or the transfer of ownership of a pet animal. They also apply if you travel with more than five pets, unless you’re attending or training for a competition, show or sporting event.
New rules for travel between GB and EU
May 2025 pet passport update -
In May 2025, the UK Government and the EU announced an agreement for the return of pet passports for GB dog, cat and ferret owners wishing to travel to the EU. However, no date has been provided for when pet passports will be available for GB residents again. The existing Animal Health Certificate regime continues to be in force, we will update this page once further details become available regarding new GB pet passports.
Animal Health Certificate
GB-based dog owners seeking to travel from GB to EU countries – will now be required to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an Official Veterinarian for their dogs before every journey into NI or the EU. In order to obtain an AHC, you will need to comply with these requirements:
Dog must be microchipped
Dog must be vaccinated against rabies – puppies must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated
Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel
Visit your vet to get an AHC for your pet no more than 10 days before travelling to the EU
Animal Health Certificates are valid for:
10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU
A single trip for entry to the EU – a new certificate must be obtained for each entry
Onward travel within the EU for four months after the date of issue
Re-entry to GB for four months after the date of issue
Entry to the EU must be via a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry
Tapeworm treatment may also be required, depending on which countries you travel to.
New requirements for NI-based dog owners travelling from NI to GB or EU
NI-based dog owners will continue to require an EU pet passport to travel to EU countries with their dog. Pet passports issued to NI residents prior to 1 January 2021 will need to be taken to a veterinarian to be updated.
Further information can be found on the UK Government website - Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad and the NI Government website - Travelling with Pets
The Kennel Club’s actions
We are very aware of the impact the post-Brexit pet travel rules have had on pet owners. We have heard from many who are extremely concerned about both the financial burden and the inconvenience of complying with these rules. We have repeatedly raised our concerns with ministers and government officials and have sought clarification regarding the new rules.
We have engaged with Members of Parliament, Northern Irish officials and members of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee to outline the impact that these rules will have on dog owners, exhibitors and breeders.