New regulations for pet passports affecting dogs, cats, and ferrets traveling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland have sparked strong criticism in Westminster.

The introduction of pet passport requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets traveling between different parts of the UK has been labeled an “outrage” in Westminster. The criticism emerged during a debate in the House of Lords, where members discussed new regulations that would mandate pet owners in Great Britain to obtain proper documentation when traveling to Northern Ireland.

Critics argue that the new pet passport requirement underscores Northern Ireland’s continued adherence to EU regulations after Brexit, creating a sense of disparity with the rest of the UK—a point of significant frustration for the unionist community. The necessary documentation, which will be free to obtain, includes a statement from the pet owner confirming that they do not intend to travel to Ireland or any other EU nation with their pet or assistance dog.

What are the updated regulations for pet travel?

Under the new pet travel regulations, animals will be required to have a microchip and an individual pet travel document that will remain valid for the animal’s lifetime. This new scheme, part of the Windsor Framework—an updated agreement addressing Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit trading arrangements—seeks to resolve challenges arising from the previous protocol. The regulations specifically apply to animals traveling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, ensuring that all pets meet certain standards for travel documentation.

However, residents of Northern Ireland returning with their pet or assistance dog from Great Britain will be exempt from needing this travel document. This exception has been included to simplify the process for local pet owners and ease the travel burden on those returning home with their animals. The introduction of these new rules comes as part of efforts to manage the complexities introduced by Brexit and its impact on the movement of goods and animals between the UK and Northern Ireland.