Irish Sea border: New rules for cats and dogs

For some, the plans are a relaxation of draconian measures planned under the original protocol – where all pet movements into NI from the rest of the UK would face a full EU border.

It won’t make it any easier for anyone trying to buy – or rescue – a pet from Great Britain, the Newsletter reports. They will be treated as if they are entering the EU and face “full EU third country requirements”.

For other pet owners, the new regulations will mean pets from the mainland which don’t have the appropriate “pet travel document” will have to take their animal to an inspection facility – and face potential “suspension from the scheme”.

Owners in Northern Ireland will be required to microchip their pets in line with EU rules.

Pet owners living in Northern Ireland, will need their pets to be microchipped to take to Great Britain. People living in England, Scotland or Wales will need a pet travel document to bring your animal into Northern Ireland.

Under the new rules it will only be possible for UK citizens to travel from GB to NI with pets if they have:

– fitted their pet with a transponder (microchip) that complies with EU Reg 576/2013;

– Applied to and joined NI Pet Travel Scheme and have secured a Pet Travel document (a pet passport) – the definition and details of which rests not with UK but with EU;

– On travelling pets must be submitted to both documentary and full identity checks when joining and leaving the boat.

If any lack of compliance is found, then, they will be sent to an SPS facility.

GB pet owners will need to apply for a pet travel document which is valid for the lifetime of their pet. They will also have to sign a declaration that the pet animal will not subsequently be moved into the EU.

No requirements, beyond the need for a microchip, will be placed on NI pet owners, who will be able to travel to and from GB without the need for a pet travel document.

Under the original NI Protocol – all movement of pets from GB to NI would have been subject to full EU third country requirements.