Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to requirements for travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1 January 20201, whether his Department has made an assessment of other countries that have introduced an internal passport for assistance dog owners travelling within their own country.

We are not aware of any countries which have introduced an internal passport for assistance dogs. Under the legal framework of the EU Pet Travel Regulations, there are no derogations for assistance dogs. These regulations will apply in Northern Ireland by virtue of the Northern Ireland Protocol. Introducing an internal passport for pet travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is not possible within the terms of the EU Pet Travel Regulations. Assistance dog owners should prepare their animal for travel to Northern Ireland as per the requirements laid out on GOV.UK.

Recognising that these changes will take time to adjust to, the UK Government is working with the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on an appropriate approach towards enforcement that takes this into account.

We are proactively engaging with the assistance dog community and relevant stakeholders on the impacts on dog movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. We will continue to work closely with assistance dog organisations to share the latest advice and guidance (in accessible formats) with their members on pet travel requirements.

There will be no changes to the entrance requirements for pets or assistance dogs entering Great Britain from Northern Ireland. Assistance dogs or pets travelling via this route do not need any documentation or health preparation to enter Great Britain.