Written question asked by Lord Donoughue (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Conservative) on Monday, 21 November 2011.

Travel: Pet Travel Scheme

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether changes to the Pet Travel Scheme that come into effect on 1 January 2012 will require pets entering the United Kingdom from the Republic of Ireland to have additional rabies vaccinations.

Answer: As announced in the other place on 30 June, the UK will be harmonising with the EU Pet Travel Rules from 1 January 2012. EU Regulation 998/2003 requires all pet dogs, cats and ferrets moving between member states to meet the same animal health rules, in relation to rabies vaccination and tick treatment. Defra is considering how these rules will be administered in Great Britain with respect to the Republic of Ireland, which we consider to be rabies-free. Discussions with the Republic, and Northern Ireland, are ongoing. We do not expect there to be any changes on the ground from the 1 January 2012—travellers' experience should remain the same. Northern Ireland will be bringing in separate legislation to enforce the EU obligations. It is currently considering their position.

Secondary information