There are two systems in place for the importation of pets. Firstly, there is the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) which allows pet animals from approved countries to enter the UK without the need for quarantine, provided they meet certain criteria. It also allows people to travel from the UK to these countries and back, without the need for quarantine if the conditions of the scheme are met.
Secondly, pets coming into Northern Ireland from countries not approved under PETS are subject to the conditions of a licence, which must be obtained before the journey commences. Such a licence will require the animal to be quarantined, but in some cases early release from quarantine may be granted if the relevant conditions are met. A copy of the licence must travel with the pet. An application for a licence should be made to Veterinary Service Trade Section, DARD, Room 732, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 3SB, tel: 028 9052 4622.
Notes to Editors:
1. The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) requires the following steps, and must be completed in this order:
- Have your pet micro-chipped – we recommend that the microchip meets ISO standard 11784
- Have your pet vaccinated against rabies – your pet must be at least 3 months old, and have been fitted with a microchip, before it is vaccinated.
- Have your pet blood tested – after the pet has been vaccinated, it must be tested (approximately 1 month after initial vaccination) to be sure the vaccine has given sufficient protection against rabies
- Have your pet treated against ticks and tapeworms – this must be done 24-48 hours before your pet is checked in with the approved Transport Company for it’s journey.
- Get pet’s documentation – for animals being prepared in an EU country (including Gibraltar and Switzerland), you should get an EU pet passport. If you are preparing an animal for a non-EU listed country you will need to obtain an official third country veterinary certificate. The passport allows free movement between EU countries and will contain detail of your pet’s microchip number, rabies vaccination details and blood test results.
- Please note your pet may not enter/re-enter the UK under PETS until six months have passed from the date that a blood sample, which led to a successful test result was taken. Pets that enter/re-enter the UK before six months have passed must do so under import licence and spend the remainder of the six months in quarantine.
2. All pets entering the UK under PETS must do so using approved carriers and routes (an up to date list of which can be found on the Defra Website
3. Anyone requiring further information should contact DARD’s Veterinary Service Trade Section on 02890 524622 or alternatively speak to a DARD Portal Inspector at one of the main airports. They can be contacted on 028944 52577.
4. All media enquiries to the DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
