This page explains the structure and intent of the Windsor Framework as it applies to pet travel.
For current UK pet travel rules and eligibility requirements, see the UK Pet Travel Rules reference guide.
1. What the Windsor Framework Is.
The Windsor Framework is the legal framework governing the movement of dogs and cats between:
Great Britain (GB)
Northern Ireland (NI)
The Republic of Ireland (ROI)
The European Union (EU)
It establishes how animal health, welfare, and import controls apply following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.
For pet travel, the Framework introduces a residency-based system, under which documentation and compliance requirements are determined by the pet’s normal place of residence rather than the physical route taken on a specific journey.
The Framework applies to both commercial and non-commercial movements and operates alongside existing UK and EU animal welfare legislation.
2. Core Principle: Residency Determines the Rules
Under the Windsor Framework, pet travel requirements are determined by where the pet is normally resident.
Residency is not determined by:
the pet’s current location
temporary travel
holidays
short-term work stays
transit through another jurisdiction
Residency is linked to:
the owner’s normal place of residence
where the pet is ordinarily kept
Documentation and compliance requirements are applied according to this residency classification. Temporary movement does not alter a pet’s residency status
How residency affects eligibility and age restrictions is explained in the UK Pet Travel Rules reference guide
3. Residency Categories
Under the Windsor Framework, pets fall into one of the following residency categories. Each category determines which regulatory system applies.
3.1 Great Britain (GB) Resident Pets
A pet is considered GB-resident if it is normally kept in Great Britain.
For GB-resident pets:
Travel from GB to NI operates under the Northern Ireland Pet Travel Scheme
Return travel from NI to GB is treated as internal UK movement
Additional requirements may apply for travel beyond NI into the EU.
3.2 Northern Ireland (NI) Resident Pets
A pet is considered NI-resident if it is normally kept in Northern Ireland.
For NI-resident pets:
Travel between NI and GB is treated as internal UK movement
Travel from NI to ROI or the EU follows EU-aligned animal health rules
NI-resident pets remain aligned with EU pet travel requirements for EU and ROI travel.
3.3 EU / Republic of Ireland (EU/ROI) Resident Pets
A pet is considered EU or ROI resident if it is normally kept within an EU Member State or the Republic of Ireland.
For EU/ROI-resident pets:
Residency does not change during temporary stays in the UK
EU rules continue to apply for EU travel
UK import rules apply when entering the UK
3.4 Temporary Visitors
Temporary visitors include owners and pets staying in a region for a limited period, such as holidays, short-term work, or visits.
For temporary visitors:
Residency classification does not change
Documentation requirements follow the owner’s normal country of residence
Temporary presence does not create a new residency status
4. How the Windsor Framework Shapes Movement Routes
The Windsor Framework determines which regulatory system applies to a journey. It does not remove UK entry requirements.
Common routes include:
GB ↔ NI (internal UK movement for resident pets)
NI ↔ EU / ROI (EU-aligned movement)
EU / ROI → UK (UK import rules apply)
Specific eligibility rules, including age and vaccination requirements, are set out in the UK Pet Travel Rules guide.
5. Legislative Changes Introduced Alongside the Framework
The Windsor Framework operates alongside UK animal welfare legislation, including the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025.
This legislation introduces additional welfare protections that affect eligibility for UK entry.
Details of minimum age requirements and enforcement are explained in the UK Pet Travel Rules reference guide.
6. Special Movements and Classification
Some movements interact with the Windsor Framework differently due to their classification, including:
breeder movements
rescue and rehoming
commercial transport
large numbers of animals
Classification affects documentation and inspection requirements.
Classification rules are covered in the UK Pet Travel Rules guide.
7. What the Windsor Framework Did Not Change
The Windsor Framework clarified regulatory alignment. It did not replace existing welfare or transport obligations.
The following continue to apply:
microchipping requirements
route-specific health treatments
DEFRA transporter licensing
fitness-to-travel welfare standards
carrier-specific conditions
Compliance requires meeting both legal and operator requirements.
References
Windsor Framework Command Paper (2023)
Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025