DOG OWNER OBLIGATIONS AND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Multiple pieces of legislation apply to dog owners in Northern Ireland. This guide will help you understand your responsibilities, but it is not to be considered legal advice. The information below applies to Northern Ireland only. The rules may be different in the Republic of Ireland, England, Wales, and Scotland.

Travelling with your dog between NI and GB

Since Great Britain has left the EU, it is no longer a part of the EU Pet Travel Scheme. As a result there are new rules for moving pets between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

At present, other than having a properly registered microchip, there are no other restrictions  on animals travelling between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. There will be no mandatory checks, nor any requirement to produce documents when making this journey with pets. Officials might still ask to check on your dog’s welfare while travelling.

However if a dog is travelling from Great Britain into Northern Ireland  and its final destination is the EU (including the Republic of Ireland) other formalities will be required. If a dog is travelling to Great Britain, but its final destination is another EU State, then you will need to comply with the formalities required by the EU.

Law:

Agreement on the Withdrawal of the UK from the EU 2019; Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.