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Northern Ireland

Source: April 23, 2026

Dogs, Cats & Ferrets Regulations

Select the animal regulations you want to view:
Vaccinations
Description:

DAERA indicates that dogs, cats and ferrets must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies for non‑commercial entry to Northern Ireland.

  • The rabies vaccination must be administered after microchip implantation.
  • After a primary rabies vaccination, wait at least 21 days before travel.
Certifications
Description:

Documentation depends on origin and route. Pets must arrive via a Designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (TPE), where checks may occur.

  • From Great Britain to Northern Ireland: From 4 June 2025, a Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document (PTD) is required and pets are subject to checks at a TPE. If arriving by air, pre-notify DAERA before arrival.
  • From the EU or other countries: Travel with a valid EU Pet Passport or an EU Animal Health Certificate issued by an official veterinarian.
  • For pets originating in the United States: the health certificate must be endorsed by USDA APHIS.
Microchip

Microchip identification is required. The rabies vaccination must be given after the microchip is implanted.

Origin Requirements

No origin-specific requirements for this pet.

More Info
Movement conditions and entry points

DAERA applies non‑commercial movement rules: up to five pets, travelling with the owner or an authorised person, and entry via a Designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (TPE).

  • Use a Designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (TPE) in Northern Ireland and follow any on-arrival checks.
  • If travelling onward into the EU, additional requirements may apply; consult DAERA.
Banned breeds and legal restrictions (dogs)

Some dog breeds/types are banned or restricted in Northern Ireland, regardless of travel compliance.

  • Check the official list of banned/restricted breeds before travel.
Import-Specific Links
DAERA – Travelling with Pets (non-commercial dogs, cats, ferrets; microchip, rabies, tapeworm, TPEs) DAERA – Great Britain to Northern Ireland Pet Travel Guidance (PTD requirement, checks from 4 June 2025; pre-notify air arrivals) NI Executive – Designated Travellers’ Points of Entry (TPEs) Travellers’ Points of Entry (TPE) Listings — Updated November 2025 (PDF) nidirect – Banned breeds of dogs in Northern Ireland
Official Source(s)
DAERA – Travelling with Pets (non-commercial dogs, cats, ferrets; TPEs; tapeworm rule; max 5 pets; microchip/rabies; endorsement for onward EU travel) DAERA – Great Britain to Northern Ireland Pet Travel Guidance (NIPTS; PTD requirement and checks from 4 June 2025; pre-notify air arrivals) Northern Ireland Executive – Travelling to Northern Ireland with pets for non-commercial purposes: Designated Points of Entry (TPEs) DAERA – Other Animal Species Movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland (defines non-commercial pet animals; pet bird notes) DAERA – Movement of pet rabbits and rodents from third countries (model certificate; third-country rules) DAERA – Form of Advance Notification of Importation of Pet Birds nidirect – Travelling with your pets USDA APHIS – Pet travel to Ireland (including Northern Ireland): dogs/cats/ferrets and pet birds (USA origin) nidirect – Banned breeds of dogs in Northern Ireland