Manx residents travelling to Northern Ireland with their pets are being urged to familiarise themselves with new rules coming into effect next month.
Pet owners travelling from the Isle of Man to Northern Ireland must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from a vet for each journey.
From June 4, routine checks on arrival will now be introduced at ports such as Belfast and Larne, aligning the Isle of Man with other jurisdictions.
Pet Travel
The changes are part of the UK’s implementation of the Windsor Framework, which aims to streamline post-Brexit trade and movement of goods and animals.
Checks will also take place at airports, and pet owners must pre-notify the airport if they are arriving with an animal.
While scheduled commercial flights from the Isle of Man do not currently allow pets, those travelling by private aircraft must comply with the same rules.
By contrast, a new lifelong Pet Travel Document is being introduced for pet owners in England, Scotland and Wales under the Northern Ireland Pet Travel Scheme.
However, this does not currently apply to Isle of Man residents, who must continue to follow EU pet travel rules.
Rules
To travel from the Isle of Man to Northern Ireland, pets must:
- Be microchipped
- Be vaccinated against rabies
- Have a valid Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport
- Be treated for tapeworm (dogs only)
- Enter via a recognised Travellers’ Point of Entry
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, which operates ferry services to Belfast, is working closely with the Isle of Man Government to ensure people are made aware of the changes.
Pet owners travelling by ferry must report for checks at Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Inspection Facilities in Belfast upon arrival.
Temporary facilities are currently in place in Belfast at Duncrue Street, with permanent inspection sites expected to open in July.
Further details and guidance can be found on Gov.im.
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