Pet owners urged to be aware of travel checks

People planning to take their pets to Northern Ireland are being urged to be aware of new rules set to come into effect.

From 4 June, routine checks on animal health certificates (AHC), which are issued by vets for each journey, will be carried out at ports in Belfast and Larne.

The Isle of Man government said the changes were part of the implementation of the Brexit deal, which sets trading rules between the UK and the country.

Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture Clare Barber urged pet owners to "plan ahead to avoid disruption or distress" as the shift represented a "significant change for pet owners" .

"Please speak to your vet in good time, and check official guidance before you travel," she said.

The requirement for the certificate remains unchanged, but the inspections are set to be introduced to align the island with other jurisdictions.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, which operates ferry services to Belfast, is working with the Manx government to make people aware of the changes.

Pet owners travelling by ferry must report for the checks at a facility in Belfast upon arrival.

To travel from the Isle of Man to Northern Ireland pets must be microchipped and be vaccinated against rabies.

They are required to enter via a recognised point of entry, and dogs must be treated for tapeworm.

All pet owners must also be able to provide a valid AHC or EU Pet Passport.

Scheduled commercial flights from the Isle of Man do not currently allow pets, but those travelling by private aircraft must follow the same rules.

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