UK to Northern Ireland with my dog

[weemidden]

Normally travel by ferry to N Ireland 3-4 times a year to see family. Not even crossed my mind this year due to covid, so a bit slow realising that taking the family pet is not going to be straightforward because of Brexit rules?

Unfortunately, you are correct . These are the new rules:

A pet needs

a microchip
a rabies vaccination administered by an authorised vet and must be in date at the time of travel - the animal must be microchipped beforehand and be at least 12 weeks old at the date the vaccine is administered
tapeworm treatment (dogs only)
an EU animal health certificate confirming microchip and vaccinations (valid for 10 days from issue to entry of an EU Member State (including NI) and for 4 months onward travel within the EU
to enter EU (including NI) through a Travellers’ Point of Entry
to wait 21 days from the date of the rabies vaccination before travelling
Check with your transport company as they may need a statement from a vet confirming your pet is fit to travel

EU Animal Health Certs will cost around £100 for each trip. Basically, with the cost and 21 days wait etc, it is going to be an absolute pain