From the 26 July 2008 disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility can access a Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) approved route through Belfast International Airport to allow the direct import of assistance dogs into Northern Ireland. Assistance dogs are specialist trained pets which can help disabled persons manage their disability in everyday life.
In order to comply with the arrangements the following points must be adhered to:
- The assistance dog must be registered as a member of Assistance Dogs (UK).
- The assistance dog must qualify for the Pet Travel scheme.
- Each assistance dog must be accompanied by a valid DARD import licence.
- The importer must notify DARD Portal Staff prior to the import taking place.
- Both the air carrier and airport of entry must have a DARD approved Recommended Method of Operation (RMOP) in place.
Upon arrival in Northern Ireland the assistance dog will be checked by a DARD Portal Inspector to ensure it fully complies with the points above. Animals which fail the post import check will be moved directly to licensed quarantine facilities.
Application for import licences should be made to Veterinary Service Trade Section, DARD, Room 732, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 3SB, Tel 028 9052 4622. DARD Portal Staff can be contacted on 028 9445 2577.
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 its 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.
2. Belfast International Airport has a DARD approved RMOP. Continental Airlines is an approved air carrier.
3. These new arrangements have been introduced In accordance with Regulation (EC) 1107/2006, which concerns the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air.
4. Anyone requiring further information should contact DARD’s Veterinary Service Trade Section on 028 9052 4622 or alternatively speak to a DARD Portal Inspector at one of the main airports. They can be contacted on 028 9445 2577
5. All media enquiries to 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.
