UK Government in negotiations over easing of pet travel restrictions

Since January 1, the UK has “part two listed status” under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, meaning that people travelling from Great Britain with their pets and assistance dogs need to follow new requirements in order to travel to the EU and Northern Ireland.

During environment questions, SDLP MP Claire Hanna said the current situation causes “challenges” for pet owners but more acutely for those requiring guide dogs, and she asked if any mitigations are going to be put in place.

Environment Secretary George Eustice replied: “The primary purpose of these pet travel regulations is to control the spread of rabies and both Ireland and Great Britain have a very similar and very high health status on rabies having not had it in dogs previous.

“We, therefore, do think that there should be easements on this particular provision, we have argued with the commission that we should be listed in part one but we are continuing to make those bilateral negotiations with Ireland a priority.”