Pet owners heading to EU or Northern Ireland warned of passport changes

Animal Health Certificates are issued by vet practices

European Union (EU) issued pet passports are no longer valid for pets owned by Isle of Man residents.

It means if you're set to travel to the EU or Northern Ireland - for instance, on a Steam Packet Company ferry to Larne - you'll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) instead.

This applies to animals such as dogs, cats and ferrets, and you can add up to five pets per certificate.

They are issued by your vet practice within 10 days of travel, and a new one must be issued for each trip.

The changes also impact owners in Great Britain and the Channel Islands, as EU pet passports are now exclusively for individuals whose main residence is within the EU.

Commenting on the change, Dr Amy Beckett, Isle of Man Chief Veterinary Officer, said: "To ensure smooth travel to the EU or Northern Ireland with your pet, please contact your vet to obtain an AHC in good time."

Valid EU pet passports remain accepted for travel back to Great Britain and the Isle of Man.

The UK Government's Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) say anyone planning to travel to the EU with their pet should check guidance on GOV.UK, and the entry rules for their destination.

The Isle of Man Government's advice on travelling with pets is available HERE.

It's worth noting, there is free movement of most dogs, cats and ferrets between Great Britain and the Isle of Man, meaning that you can travel between the two locations freely without any animal health requirements.