Pet Travel Rules
Pet Travel Documents Explained
Nov 29, 2025
Pet Travel Documents Explained
A simple guide for UK pet owners
When you move a dog, cat or ferret between Great Britain (GB), Northern Ireland (NI) or the EU, you need the correct paperwork. The rules often feel confusing because requirements change depending on:
where you normally live
where you are travelling
whether the journey is commercial or non-commercial
how many pets are travelling
how old the animal is
This guide explains, in plain English, which document applies, what each document does, and—just as importantly—what documents do not do.
1. The Three Main Pet Travel Documents
A. GB Pet Travel Document (GB PTD)
The GB Pet Travel Document is used by Great Britain residents when travelling within the UK, including journeys between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
A PTD is an internal UK travel document.
It does not replace an EU Pet Passport and cannot be used to enter the EU.
When you use a PTD
GB → NI
NI → GB (if the pet is GB-resident)
GB → Isle of Man / Channel Islands
What it covers
Microchip details
Health declaration
Travel history
Basic disease-control assurances
What it does not cover
Rabies vaccination
Entry into EU countries
Commercial export requirements
B. EU Pet Passport
An EU Pet Passport is a standardised document recognised across all EU Member States, including the Republic of Ireland.
Pets normally resident in Northern Ireland may continue to use EU Pet Passports because NI remains aligned with EU pet travel rules for movements into the EU.
When you use an EU Pet Passport
NI → ROI
NI → EU
ROI → NI
EU travel with return journeys
What it covers
Microchip
Rabies vaccination history
Tapeworm treatment (where required)
Official veterinary certification
Important for GB residents
You cannot obtain an EU Pet Passport in Great Britain.
GB residents must use an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for EU travel.
C. Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
An Animal Health Certificate is used by GB residents travelling to the EU or ROI. It is issued by an Official Veterinarian shortly before travel.
Validity
Entry into the EU: 10 days
Onward EU travel: up to 4 months
Re-entry into GB (subject to UK rules)
When you use an AHC
GB → ROI
GB → EU
GB → NI if continuing onward into ROI or the EU
What it covers
Microchip
Rabies vaccination
Tapeworm treatment (where required)
Fitness-to-travel confirmation
Document Capability Rules
Capability / Rule | GB Pet Travel Document (GB PTD) | EU Pet Passport | Animal Health Certificate (AHC) |
|---|---|---|---|
Determines legal eligibility | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Confirms compliance only | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Based on pet residency | ✅ Yes (GB only) | ✅ Yes (EU / NI) | ✅ Yes (GB exports) |
Valid for GB ↔ NI travel | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ NI residents only | ❌ No |
Valid for EU / ROI travel | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Valid for return to GB | ⚠️ Limited (NI only) | ⚠️ Subject to UK rules | ⚠️ Subject to UK rules |
Overrides minimum age rules | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Overrides welfare restrictions | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Allows commercial movement | ❌ No | ⚠️ Sometimes | ⚠️ Sometimes |
Single-use document | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Long-term / repeat travel | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Proof of rabies vaccination | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Proof of tapeworm treatment | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (dogs) | ✅ Yes (dogs) |
Pet travel documents do not grant permission to travel. They record compliance after eligibility has already been met. Minimum age rules, welfare restrictions, residency status, and commercial classification are assessed first. Documentation is checked second.
2. Non-Commercial vs Commercial Travel
This is one of the most misunderstood parts of pet travel.
Non-commercial travel
You qualify as non-commercial when:
the pet is travelling with you or
is travelling within 5 days of your own movement
you are not selling or transferring ownership
This is the category most pet owners fall into.
Commercial travel
A journey becomes commercial when:
you are selling or transferring ownership
a rescue or charity is involved
the pet is travelling more than 5 days apart from the owner
you are transporting more than 5 pets (except for shows or competitions)
Commercial movements require different paperwork and must be recorded on systems such as TRACES or IPAFFS.
Commercial vs Non-commercial
Criteria | Non-Commercial Movement | Commercial Movement |
|---|---|---|
Owner travelling with pet | Yes | Not required |
Change of ownership | No | Yes (sale, rehoming, transfer) |
Number of pets | Up to and including 5 | More than 5 (unless show exemption applies) |
Purpose of travel | Personal travel, relocation, holiday | Sale, rescue, rehoming, transport service |
Transporter involved | Optional | Often required |
Documentation required | Standard pet travel documents | Commercial certificates + declarations |
Welfare checks | Standard | Enhanced |
Inspection likelihood | Lower | Higher |
Important notes:
Travelling with more than five pets is normally classed as commercial
An exception may apply for recognised shows, competitions, or sporting events, provided:
No change of ownership
Documentary proof of attendance is available
Travelling with five or fewer pets may still be commercial depending on purpose
Classification is based on intent and circumstances, not just numbers.
3. Tapeworm Treatment Rules (Dogs Only)
Tapeworm treatment (Echinococcus) is required in specific routes to prevent disease entering tapeworm-free regions.
Tapeworm Treatment Requirements
Travel Route | Tapeworm Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
GB → NI | No | NI does not require tapeworm treatment for arrival from GB. |
NI → GB | No | GB does not require tapeworm treatment from NI. |
GB → ROI / EU | Yes | Must be given 24–120 hours before arrival. |
ROI / EU → GB | Yes | Treatment must be recorded in passport or AHC. |
NI → ROI | Yes | Required because Ireland is a protected tapeworm-free region. |
ROI → NI | No | NI does not require tapeworm treatment for return travel. |
4. Minimum Age Rules (IMPORTANT 2025 UPDATE)
As of 2025, any dog or cat entering GB from outside the UK must be at least 6 months old, even if fully vaccinated.
This applies to:
EU imports
non-EU imports
rescues
commercial movements
The rule does not apply to movement within the UK (GB ↔ NI).
This is aimed at reducing illegal puppy imports and improving welfare standards.
Return Eligibility (Read Before You Travel)
Return eligibility is assessed at the point of re-entry, not at the point of departure.
A pet must meet all current UK entry requirements on the day it returns, regardless of whether it left the UK legally, remained with the same owner, or holds otherwise valid documentation.
If a pet becomes ineligible while abroad—due to age restrictions, welfare rules, or regulatory changes—it may be refused entry on return. Documentation does not override eligibility. Owners must therefore consider both outbound and return rules before travelling, particularly where young animals, temporary stays, or regulatory changes are involved.
5. Quick Reference Table: Which Document Do I Need?
Residency | Destination | Document Needed | Rabies? | Tapeworm? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GB resident | NI | PTD | No | No | |
GB resident | ROI / EU | AHC | Yes | Yes | |
NI resident | GB | PTD or Passport | No | No | |
NI resident | ROI | EU Pet Passport | Yes | Yes | |
ROI resident | NI | EU Pet Passport | Yes | No | |
EU resident | GB | AHC / Passport | Yes | Yes |
Summary
Understanding which pet travel document you need depends mainly on:
where you live
where you are going
whether you are travelling with your pet
whether the movement is commercial
whether rabies or tapeworm treatment is required
This guide gives you the core details you need to make the right decision.
Your vet, transporter, or official guidance can help confirm tricky edge cases — but most journeys fit the rules above.