TRAVELLING WITH A PET

TRAVELLING TO NORTHERN IRELAND

From 4 June, you’ll need a Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document (PTD) to take your dog (including assistance dog), cat or ferret from Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales) to Northern Ireland. A Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document is free of charge and will last for as long as you own the pet.

HOW TO APPLY

You can apply for a PTD online. You’ll need your Government Gateway user ID and password and your pet must be microchipped. Your pet will not need rabies vaccinations or tapeworm treatment to travel if you have a PTD.

NORTHERN IRELAND RESIDENTS 

If you live in Northern Ireland, you do not need a PTD for travel to and from Great Britain. However, your pet must be microchipped.

ON THE DAY OF TRAVEL

Your pet’s microchip will be scanned at the port before leaving Great Britain. Officials will check that the microchip number matches the one on your pet’s PTD.

If there’s an issue with the microchip, you will be directed to the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Inspection Facility at Belfast or Larne when you arrive in Northern Ireland.

No checks are required when travelling from Northern Ireland to Great Britain.

Please ensure you are fully up to date and understand the new rules by visiting the gov.uk website.

Check-In

Passengers with pets need to check in at least 45 minutes before departure. This will make getting on your ferry to Northern Ireland much easier and stress-free for all, including your furry friends. To understand check-in times better when travelling with a pet on our Irish Sea route don't forget to look at Cairnryan to Larne timetable so you can select a crossing that will benefit everybody you are travelling with even your pets. 

Travel Tips

It is the passenger’s responsibility to clean up after their pet.

All pets must stay in your car during the journey. Our policy meets EU rules on pet travel.

Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.

Dogs, cats or ferrets are allowed on our ships, as long as they meet all the EU entry requirements and have a valid AHC or EU Pet Passport. For more details visit the gov.uk site. 

As all pets must stay inside the vehicle during the trip, unless you have upgraded to the Pet Lounge, we’ve put together a few tips above on how to make the journey as comfortable and hassle-free as possible when you are travelling with dogs on a ferry to France.

If you intend to travel with any exotic pets (for example parrots, tortoise etc.) you must ensure you have the correct import / export documentation required by law. You may need a CITES permit to travel. CITES permits can take up to 30 days to be processed, and must be obtained before the animal is transported. Find out more by visiting the gov.uk website. You can also call our contact centre for further information and guidance.

Make sure to feed your pet at least a few hours before boarding the ship – if you do it later then they may get travel sick.

You should also leave some water in the car in a non-spill bowl for them, so that they can stay hydrated.

Always allow time for your pet to go to the toilet before boarding.

Give your pet plenty of exercise before they travel – that way, they’re likely to be less restless on the car journey.

It’s also a good idea to give them some toys to amuse them during the voyage.

Leave your pet’s bedding in the car with them so they feel cosy and at home – we wouldn’t want them to get nervous or scared!

Make sure your car is as cool as possible when you leave them, particularly in the summer months, and always leave a window or two cracked open for them.

If your pet isn’t used to going on long journeys, taking them in the car a few times before the crossing is a good way to get them comfortable with travelling. This will make the journey enjoyable for all your passengers, not just your pet!

If your pet is poorly on the way to the ferry, you’ll find the nearest vet information for Cairnryan and Larne ports below.

As your pet stays in your vehicle during the voyage, it’s important to make sure they’re fully fit and well before boarding the ship.

Academy Veterinary Centre
6 Academy St, Stranraer, Wigtownshire, DG9 7DR
Monday to Friday: 8:30am - 6pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 12noon
Tel: 01776 703131 
Web: www.academyvets.co.uk